Historic Maryland Inns Offering Haunted Vibes This Autumn

Maryland’s historic inns carry more than just colonial charm, many harbor spirits from centuries past. As autumn leaves fall and darkness comes earlier, these storied establishments offer the perfect backdrop for ghostly encounters.

Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply seeking a thrill with your getaway, these haunted Maryland inns promise history with a supernatural twist.

1. Admiral Fell Inn: Seven Ghosts And A Floating Sailor

Once a boarding house for sailors and shipbuilders in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point, this 1800s inn has accumulated quite the spectral crew. During a power outage caused by Hurricane Isabel, guests called the front desk complaining about a wild party on the 4th floor, although the floor had been evacuated.

Mysterious knocks echo through empty hallways while the ghost of a floating sailor appears to lost guests. The inn embraces its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours for brave visitors.

If you hear footsteps following you down the corridor but see nobody there, you’re experiencing one of Admiral Fell’s most common supernatural phenomena.

2. Lord Baltimore Hotel: The Dancing Child Of The 19th Floor

This grand Art Deco landmark opened in 1928, just before the Great Depression hit Baltimore. When financial ruin struck, a family reportedly jumped to their death from the 19th floor, and never truly left.

Guests and staff regularly spot a young girl in a white dress playing with a red ball in the hallways. She vanishes when approached. The hotel’s elevator mysteriously stops at the 19th floor without buttons being pressed.

Phantom big band music sometimes drifts from the empty ballroom, while the ghost of a woman in a cream-colored dress appears briefly in the lobby mirrors before fading away.

3. Wayside Inn: Ellicott City’s Haunted Hideaway

Built in 1780 as a private residence, this charming stone structure became an inn for travelers along the National Road. Guests staying in Room 4 report the strongest paranormal activity, especially female visitors who feel someone stroking their hair while they sleep!

The current owners have documented numerous unexplained events, from doors opening by themselves to items mysteriously relocating overnight. Many believe the spirit is a protective female entity who takes special interest in women and children.

I’ve heard the rocking chair in the common room sometimes moves on its own, especially during thunderstorms.

4. The Tidewater Inn: Easton’s Elegant Haunt

Since 1949, this refined Eastern Shore landmark has hosted countless weddings, political gatherings, and apparently, a few ghosts. Though more subtle than other haunted inns, staff whisper about “Arthur”, believed to be a former maintenance man who still keeps an eye on things.

Guests have awakened to see a shadowy figure standing at the foot of their beds. When they turn on the lights, nobody’s there. The hotel’s Crystal Room features inexplicable cold spots, even during summer heatwaves.

Your room key might go missing only to reappear in a completely different location. Arthur’s favorite prank, according to longtime employees.

5. The Dunes Manor: Ocean City’s Whistling Widow

Though newer than most haunted inns (built in 1987), The Dunes Manor carries the spirit of its determined founder, Thelma Conner. After her husband died before their dream hotel could be completed, Thelma finished the project herself but passed away shortly after opening day.

Guests and staff report hearing a woman whistling through the corridors, Thelma’s signature habit during life. The elevator sometimes travels to random floors without passengers, while rocking chairs on the veranda move in unison without wind.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Thelma herself, checking on her beloved hotel in a blue dress.

6. Kent Manor Inn: Stevensville’s Phantom Hostess

Tucked away on Kent Island stands this 1820 farmhouse-turned-inn, home to the restless spirit of a former owner. Legend says she still keeps watch over the property from the cupola atop the main building, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The most common experience? Guests feel someone sitting on their bed in the middle of the night. When they open their eyes, they catch a glimpse of a woman in period clothing who slowly fades away.

The kitchen staff reports pots and pans rearranging overnight and occasionally hearing a woman humming old folk songs when nobody else is around.

7. River House Inn: Snow Hill’s Spectral Innkeeper

Along the banks of the Pocomoke River sits this 1860s mansion, where Captain John Whittington reportedly never left his beloved home. Guests staying in the Captain’s Room have felt someone tucking them in at night, only to find themselves alone.

Staff members avoid certain areas after dark, particularly the basement, where footsteps follow them despite no one being there. The inn’s antique grandfather clock occasionally chimes at 3:13 AM, supposedly the time of the Captain’s death.

Many visitors have captured orbs and strange mists in photographs taken on the property, especially near the river-facing windows.

8. Robert Morris Inn: Oxford’s Colonial Apparitions

As Maryland’s oldest inn (circa 1710), this historic establishment has accumulated more than its share of ghostly residents. The founder of American cuisine, James Michener, wrote parts of his Chesapeake novel here, and some say his spirit still lingers.

Guests report hearing children’s laughter from empty rooms and witnessing silverware move during dinner. The most famous phenomenon involves the tavern’s fireplace, which sometimes appears to be blazing with flames even when unlit.

If staying overnight, don’t be surprised if your room’s door opens and closes on its own. Apparently, the spirits like to check on their visitors!

9. The Rising Sun Inn: Revolutionary Spirits Near Annapolis

This unassuming farmhouse-turned-tavern from 1753 served as a meeting place for Revolutionary War soldiers and now hosts some of Maryland’s most active spirits. Operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution, even these history-minded caretakers admit strange things happen regularly.

Visitors report seeing a man in Continental Army uniform walking through closed doors. Electronic equipment malfunctions for no reason, while phantom tobacco smoke wafts through rooms despite the no-smoking policy.

Most chilling are the disembodied whispers that seem to discuss military strategies. Possibly echoes from Revolutionary War meetings held here almost 250 years ago.

10. The Maryland Inn: Annapolis’ Spectral Gathering Place

Did you know this Revolutionary-era establishment has hosted George Washington and Thomas Jefferson? Built in 1772, the Maryland Inn sits in the heart of historic Annapolis with an impressive guest list, including those who never checked out.

Visitors report seeing a bride in Victorian dress wandering the halls, supposedly searching for her sailor fiancé, who never returned from sea. Staff members have witnessed glasses moving on their own in the Drummer’s Lot Pub.

The most active ghost might be the mysterious “man in white” who appears near the stairs before vanishing into thin air.