News Summary
Providence, Rhode Island, has recently been recognized for its exceptional ghost tours, ranking No. 2 for the Providence Ghost Tour and No. 6 for Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. As part of the broader Halloween awards, these tours highlight the state’s rich history and supernatural tales, attracting enthusiasts. The Providence Ghost Tour explores the historic East Side, while Seaside Shadows offers unique experiences in Westerly and Mystic. Additionally, the infamous ‘Conjuring’ house is set for auction, drawing further interest from potential buyers.
Providence, Rhode Island has recently gained national recognition as home to two of the top ghost tours in the United States, as highlighted in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025. The Providence Ghost Tour was ranked No. 2, while Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours secured the No. 6 spot among the best ghost tours across the country.
The rankings are part of the broader 2025 Halloween awards presented by USA TODAY, which feature categories ranging from travel and food to lifestyle choices, showcasing popular experiences in various industries. Rhode Island’s recognition boosts the state’s appeal as a hub for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike, drawing attention to its rich supernatural narratives.
Providence Ghost Tour
The Providence Ghost Tour offers a compelling experience that traverses the historic East Side of Providence. The tour reveals tales of local spirits, including whispers of famous authors and tales of devoted servants. Founded in 2006, this tour continually updates its content to reflect the city’s evolving ghost lore, ensuring visitors enjoy the latest stories and legends.
Tickets for the Providence Ghost Tour are priced at $27 for adults, $15 for children aged 13 and under, and $25 for seniors and military personnel. The tour runs daily at 7 p.m., with additional scheduled slots around Halloween. Participants gather at 60 Congdon St., the starting point for an evening filled with eerie stories and historical intrigue.
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours operate in both Westerly, Rhode Island, and Mystic, Connecticut, each with its own unique ghost stories and historical context. The Westerly ghost tour combines ghostly tales of shipwrecks and spirits from the industrial era, weaving narratives along the picturesque Pawcatuck River.
This tour costs $30 per person, with prices rising to $35 in October. Tours are held every Friday through Sunday at 7 p.m., starting from Wilcox Park located at 44 Broad St., Westerly. Meanwhile, the Mystic tour explores stories dating back to the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution, offering visitors additional options for spirit-themed pub crawls and graveyard tours.
RI Riddle Room and The “Conjuring” House
In addition to the ghost tours, the RI Riddle Room, based in Warwick, ranked No. 8 as one of the best escape rooms in the same USA TODAY awards. The escape room features four distinct games, providing a thrilling activity for those seeking a fun and interactive supernatural experience.
The “Conjuring” house, located in Burrillville, Rhode Island, has drawn attention due to its infamous paranormal history. Known for its connection to the Perron family’s haunting, which was investigated by noted paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren, the house is set to be auctioned on Halloween 2025, following a foreclosure prompted by the owner’s default on the mortgage and revocation of its business license by the town.
Initially sold for approximately $1.5 million in 2022, the auction is expected to draw significant interest from potential buyers drawn by the property’s notoriety. Boston developer Jacqueline Nuñez, who had turned the house into a paranormal attraction, is unable to continue operations due to unresolved disputes with local authorities regarding noise and visitor safety.
Despite its potential to boost tourism revenue, local officials remain cautious about reinstating overnight operations at the site. The impending auction heightens speculation about the future of the “Conjuring” house, with notable figures such as comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee expressing interest in preserving its historical significance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence: A Year-Round Destination for Culture and Cuisine
Providence Hosts Downtown Celebrates Summer Festival
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Ghost tour
- Norwich Bulletin
- Google Search: Rhode Island ghost stories
- MassLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Haunting
- Only In Your State
- Google News: Rhode Island ghost tour
- Cape Cod Times
- Matador Network
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
