Halloween is nearly upon us. You know what that means: Visiting spooky spots in the city to get in the spirit. From buildings brimming with paranormal activity to murder sites, here is a map sure to frighten—or at least entertain.
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D.C.’s 15 most haunted locations, mapped
Spooky!

Rock Creek Park
Woodland spirits and creepy-crawlies are said to haunt this 1,754-acre park in the middle of D.C. Who really wants to stay long enough after dark to find out?
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3206 Q Street NW
The fact that this Victorian home in Georgetown was the site of a depressing murder did not stop the place from selling in 2013 and going under contract in 2019.
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Walsh Mansion
Currently housing the Indonesian Embassy, this is one of Dupont Circle's most haunted properties. The ghost-in-residence: eponymous former owner Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was one of the last owners of the Hope Diamond. “My precious!”
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Old Stone House
Multiple ghosts have allegedly been spotted at this Georgetown home, the oldest structure in D.C. on its original foundation. It just may be the only location in the nation’s capital where a ghoul called “George” has reportedly choked visitors. No thanks.
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The Exorcist Steps
Georgetown’s creepiest filming location has been terrifying since Linda Blair played a possessed teen in the 1973 “Exorcist” flick. The steps were recognized as a local historic landmark in 2019.
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The Hay-Adams
This historic hotel is apparently haunted by Marian Hooper Adams, otherwise known as “Clover” and the wife of writer Henry Adams. Marian died in the building and is said to be especially active around the anniversary of her death in early December.
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Cutts-Madison House
The ghost of former First Lady Dolley Madison supposedly haunts this historic house. It was where she spent the last few years of her life and she's reportedly often seen on the porch.
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Decatur House
This historic house museum near the White House is said to be the haunt of the ghost of naval officer Stephen Decatur. Decatur died in the house after losing in a duel.
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Mary Surratt House
The one-time boarding house of Mary Surratt, a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is located in Chinatown. Surratt, who was hanged for conspiracy, allegedly haunts the place. The ground floor now houses a Chinese restaurant.
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Lafayette Square Park
“Star-Spangled Banner” author Francis Scott Key's son Philip Barton Key II was killed in this park by his friend, who was angry that the younger Key was sleeping with the friend’s wife. He’s not the only specter in the park: It’s said that former President Andrew Jackson creeps around here.
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The White House
America's most famous address is also one of its most haunted. Dolley Madison is supposedly a regular 170 years after her death. The most famous spirit rattling about the house, though, is probably Abraham Lincoln.
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The Octagon House
There have been reports of girls screaming, specters climbing the stairs, bells ringing, and even former First Lady Dolley Madison wandering the premises of this historic house museum in downtown D.C.
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U.S. Capitol
The ghosts of several congressional representatives who died either within the Capitol's walls or during their time in the legislature haunt the famed complex—John Quincy Adams, most prominently. Apparently, there's also a demon black cat on the grounds.
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Smithsonian Castle
For years, there have been tales of ghosts walking the halls of the Smithsonian Castle, including that of founder James Smithson, who is entombed in the castle.
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Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial
When the fog comes out, the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial can look like the creepiest part of the District. Don’t fall in: You may not make it back out.
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