Written By: Alex DeLuca
Tuscaloosa has a long, rich history filled with stories of war, peace, protests, progress, — and hauntings? From the University of Alabama campus to historic downtown mansions, the city is home to some of Alabama’s most notorious haunted locations. Whether you’re a history buff, ghost hunter, or just looking for spooky activities this fall, these five haunted places in Tuscaloosa are must-visit destinations that blend Southern history with supernatural intrigue.
1. The Gorgas House Museum: University of Alabama’s Most Haunted Building
One of the most recognizable buildings on The University of Alabama’s campus, Gorgas Library, with giant concrete pillars looking over the Quad. This sprawling seven-story building houses tens of thousands of books and is a student favorite for studying and research. It is named after Amelia Gayle Gorgas, previous university librarian and wife of 8th UA president Josiah Gorgas. Library staff have reported hauntings like the elevator moving of its own accord to the fourth floor, where Mrs. Gorgas’ desk was located. Next to the library stands Gorgas House Museum, the oldest building on UA’s campus- and possibly the most haunted at the University of Alabama. In fact, Crash Media Paranormal recently conducted an investigation here and documented some chilling footage. Students and visitors have reported unexplained footsteps, doors opening on their own, and the feeling of being watched throughout the historic building.
Location: 810 Capstone Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
2. The Historic Drish House: Tuscaloosa’s Most Famous Haunted Mansion
This distinctive Drish House mansion was built in 1837 on the plantation of Dr. John R. Drish. Over the years, it changed hands many times — converted into the Jemison School in 1906, later used as a warehouse by a wrecking company, and eventually purchased by the Southside Baptist Church, which occupied it until the late 1990s. After falling into disrepair, the house was bought again in 2012 and restored in 2016 as an elegant event venue. With its long and varied history, the Drish House in Tuscaloosa is also known as one of the most haunted places in Alabama.
In 1867, Dr. John Drish tragically fell down the stairs while drunk in the house. His wife, Sarah, held a wake for him in the tower that still stands today. A year later, overwhelmed with grief, she jumped from that same tower. It’s said she wished for candles, like those at John’s wake, to be lit at her funeral, but that never happened. Many believe her spirit haunts the tower, still searching for peace.
Visitors have reported seeing a woman in white wandering the halls or looking out the windows, thought to be Sarah Drish, forever linked to her past. Current owner Nikka McCool describes often hearing “the front door open and close, sometimes a distinctive whistling, and two little girls laughing,” and smelling “fresh roses, even when there are no flowers in the house.” “I think the ghosts that are here are doing their own thing, I don’t think they’re malicious,” McCool said. “Mrs. Drish lived here a long time and she just didn’t move out.”
Location: 2300 17th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 354017
Schedule an appointment or tour to experience both historical beauty and enduring local supernatural lore.
3. Bryce Hospital & Randall Welcome Center: From Asylum to Museum
Opened in 1861, Bryce Hospital was once the oldest and largest mental institution in Alabama. It was world-renowned for progressive methods and innovative scientific treatments. However, as the decades passed, the institution became overcrowded and understaffed, leading to abysmal living conditions. The hospital was eventually sold to The University of Alabama in 2010, later undergoing an extensive remodeling process to transform it into the Randall Welcome Center that opened in 2024. During its years of operation, staff and visitors reported hearing disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps in empty corridors, and sudden temperature drops throughout the facilities. Some claimed to see shadowy figures moving through the wards late at night. Today, Bryce Hospital haunted history attracts paranormal enthusiasts from across Alabama.
Location: 200 Bryce Lawn Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
4. Smith Hall & Alabama Museum of Natural History: Where Dr. Smith Still Lectures
Located in the heart of The University of Alabama’s campus is Smith Hall, home to the Alabama Museum of Natural History at 427 6th Ave. Named after state geologist Dr. Eugene Allen Smith, it contains thousands of different specimens and artifacts displayed within a beautiful classical revival- style interior. But there might be more than just “natural” phenomena in this 100+year-old museum. Students and staff working late have described hearing voices and footsteps when there is no one else to be found. Some even claim the hauntings of Dr. Smith can still be heard giving lectures to empty classrooms at night. Whether you’re in it for the history or the thrills, Smith Hall is a must-see destination at the University of Alabama campus.
Location: 427 6th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
5. Evergreen Cemetery: Haunted Grounds Behind Bryant-Denny Stadium
In the shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium lies Evergreen Cemetery, established in the mid-1800s and the resting place of some of Tuscaloosa’s most prominent early figures, including three former University of Alabama presidents and graves dating back to the Civil War. The grounds have long rumored have hauntings— from reports of ghostly apparitions to strange glowing lights.
Visitors walking through the Evergreen Cemetery in Tuscaloosa at dusk have reported seeing shadowy figures moving between headstones and hearing unexplained sounds. The cemetery’s proximity to the stadium creates an eerie juxtaposition between game day celebrations and centuries-old graves.
Give this mysterious site a closer look next gameday; or for the braver souls, maybe even a spooky nighttime stroll.
Whether you’re a history buff, ghost hunter, supernatural thrill seeker, or just looking for places to add to your fall bucket list, Tuscaloosa has something to offer you. These five spooky spots are the perfect way to spice up your fall!
Location: 1027 12th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Tuscaloosa Ghost Tours and Self-Guided Adventures
If you’re looking to experience the eerie side of the city, exploring haunted places in Tuscaloosa is a unique way to dive into local history, whether through guided tours or your own adventure across haunted Alabama landmarks. For a more immersive experience, Southern Ghost Girls offers hands-on paranormal investigations at the Drish House, giving serious ghost hunters access to one of the city’s most active haunted places. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, self-guided options include the Gorgas House Museum and Smith Hall, both offering public tours, as well as Evergreen Cemetery for respectful daytime visits. Many visitors also start on The University of Alabama campus, where stories of haunted buildings add to the experience. Whether you choose a guided tour or create your own route, book early during peak season or visit during the day for a more family-friendly experience.
Explore More in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s haunted locations are deeply tied to the city’s rich past, making them the perfect starting point for exploring its broader history and attractions, from historic homes to vibrant downtown streets. While exploring haunted spots on campus, visitors can stop by the iconic Denny Chimes, take a scenic stroll along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, or head into downtown Tuscaloosa to explore its unique shops and local restaurants. Blending paranormal exploration with these local experiences offers a fuller, more memorable way to discover everything Tuscaloosa has to offer.
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