Place: Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Location: Louisville, Kentucky, 4400 Paralee Drive
Phone: 502-690-7880
Hours: Varies by tour and event; typically, tours are available by reservation.
Admission: Fees vary depending on the type of tour or event.
Website: https://thewaverlyhillssanatorium.com
History:
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was originally opened in 1910 as a two-story wooden facility designed to accommodate 40 to 50 tuberculosis patients. Due to the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the area, the facility was expanded, and in 1926, a five-story brick and concrete structure was completed, increasing its capacity to over 400 patients.
The sanatorium operated until 1961, when the development of the antibiotic streptomycin led to a decline in tuberculosis cases. The building later served as the Woodhaven Geriatric Center from 1962 until its closure in 1982.
Hauntings:
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in the United States. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported numerous unexplained phenomena, including:
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Apparitions: Shadowy figures and full-bodied apparitions have been observed throughout the building, particularly in the hallways and patient rooms.
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Room 502: This room is infamous due to legends of two nurses who allegedly died there—one by suicide in 1928 and another under unclear circumstances. Visitors have reported feelings of unease, shadowy figures, and disembodied voices near this area.
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The “Body Chute”: A tunnel used to discreetly transport deceased patients out of the hospital has been a focal point for paranormal activity, with reports of mysterious noises and shadowy figures.
Personal Experiences:
Numerous visitors have reported personal encounters with the paranormal at Waverly Hills. These experiences include hearing unexplained footsteps, voices, and seeing shadowy figures. Some guests have also reported sudden drops in temperature and feelings of being watched. For instance, during guided tours, participants have recounted hearing children’s laughter and spotting fleeting apparitions.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Very High (Constant paranormal activity)
Waverly Hills Sanatorium continues to be a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and researchers, offering tours and investigations for those interested in its haunted history.
For a visual perspective, here’s a video exploring the infamous “Body Chute” at Waverly Hills Sanatorium: