What is Providence Known For? Spooky Sites and Haunted Houses

Providence, Rhode Island, is brimming with history and just as much mystery. On one hand, the small state capital is home to an active artistic community that pushes creativity forward. On the other hand, if you asked a local storyteller, ‘What is Providence is known for?’ you’d probably hear about tall tales and haunted Providence hotels. What else could we expect from H. P. Lovecraft’s hometown? According to folklore, old farmers walk the halls, vampire rumors run rampant, and you can still see the signs of Prohibition.

Curious? Book your flight to Providence and check out these four haunted places to visit in Rhode Island to see what The Renaissance City’s haunted history is all about.

1. Graduate Providence

11 Dorrance St
Providence, RI 02903

We’re not sure what it takes to be considered the most haunted hotel in Rhode Island, but according to journalists and paranormal tourists, The Graduate Providence—formerly The Biltmore Hotel—has that title in the bag. The beautiful exterior makes it hard to believe that guests have reported several strange incidents—like slamming doors and ghost sightings—in this former Prohibition hot spot.

2. Providence Ghost Walk

251 Benefit St
Providence, RI 02903

Take a stroll through the historic streets of Providence, past eerie homes and cemetery plots, led by self-identified mentalist and mindbender Rory Raven. Stops along the way include the real-life inspiration for H. P. Lovecraft’s “The Shunned House,” a novelette in his Weird Tales collection. When you reach 135 Benefit Street, don’t mess with any barrels, OK? This is a bespoke experience, so you may need to schedule a private tour if you’re visiting in the off season.

3. The “Conjuring” House

1677 Round Top Rd
Harrisville, RI 02830

In the nearby community of Harrisville, filmmakers found the spooky inspiration for “The Conjuring,” a horror movie that has made us all fear music boxes since 2013. The current owners, Cory and Jennifer Heinzen, are paranormal activity investigators who plan to renovate the 18th-century farmhouse and open it for tours by the end of 2019, so stay tuned. You don’t want to miss this or any of the spooky Rhode Island attractions that are making a stir.

4. Providence Ghost Tour

Congdon St
Providence, RI 02906

Providence may be small in square footage, but it has no shortage of local ghost tours. Meet on Congdon Street to explore the strange sights and stories in the neighborhood where students lose sleep over more than midterm exams. Themed tours are available throughout the year, and the Ghosts and Grub tour is a favorite. Get your socks scared off, then enjoy the comfort of local food trucks and restaurants in Providence—win-win?

We don’t mean to scare you. In fact, many visitors travel from all over the country with hopes of glimpsing a ghost. Book one of the un-haunted hotels in Rhode Island—or a haunted one, if you’re feeling brave—and see the spooky side of Providence.