2 Truly Spooky Experiences for Families to Try in Brown County, Indiana

Brown County is teeming with spooky history. Are you and your (older) kids brave enough to try these scary but fun destinations?

Brown County, Indiana is known for its scenic beauty and artistic charm. But it also has a darker side that attracts thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Who doesn’t love to visit a historic location and feel a little bit scared by the possibility that the place is haunted?

From eerie mountain trails to historic inns, here’s a guide to some of the most haunted spots in the area and the ghostly experiences reported by visitors. Take your older kids and teens and see what they make of these two Brown County spooky haunts.

(Looking for more info about how to enjoy Brown County as a family? Read our full City Guide to learn where to stay and what to eat, really fun biking trails and unique family art experiences.)

Spooky fun in Brown County, Indiana

1. Browning Mountain: a hauntingly beautiful destination

A few years ago, I went on a backpacking trip to Browning Mountain. I didn’t know before heading up that mountain (which is really more of a hill) that it is more than just a picturesque natural landmark. It’s also known for its ghostly encounters.

The next day, in the foggy morning around a campfire, my friends and I talked about the night. How did we sleep, and did we have to head out to use the bathroom (the side of a tree) in the woods? 

And the loud drumming that only half of us heard throughout the night.

The mountain is said to be haunted by the spirits of Native Americans who once roamed the area. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained noises, such as footsteps and whispers, especially in the early morning or late evening hours.

Reported experiences at Browning Mountain

  • Unexplained sounds: Hikers have recounted hearing distant drum beats and voices echoing through the trees, even when no one else is around.
  • Mysterious shadows: Some visitors have seen shadowy figures darting among the trees, particularly as dusk falls.

For those seeking a spine-chilling adventure, visit Browning Mountain during the twilight hours. 

The best times for such experiences are early in the morning or late in the evening, when the natural sounds of the forest blend with the eerie silence of the mountain.

2. Story Inn: a historic haunted retreat

Once you see this place, it won’t surprise you at all that it is notoriously haunted. In fact, it is considered to be the most haunted spot in Indiana.

The Story Inn, an abandoned 1800s-era ghost town turned resort, is one of Brown County’s most famous haunted locations. 

The inn, which has been a hub for travelers for over a century, is reputed to be haunted by several spirits, including former guests and residents.

Reported experiences at Story Inn

  • Disembodied voices: Guests have reported hearing voices and conversations in empty rooms, especially in the oldest sections of the inn.
  • Ghostly apparitions: Some visitors have seen apparitions of former guests, often dressed in period clothing, wandering the halls, or sitting in the common areas.
  • Unexpected cold spots: Guests have experienced sudden drops in temperature in certain areas of the inn. These are often accompanied by a feeling of being watched.

An overnight stay can also offer a firsthand experience of the inn’s ghostly occurrences, with the best times for encounters reported to be during the night and early morning hours.

Tips for exploring haunted spots in Brown County

Ready to head out to the best haunted spots in Indiana? Here are our top tips for your encounters.

  1. Bring a camera: Many paranormal enthusiasts find that capturing photographs can sometimes reveal unexplainable phenomena. Give your kids some disposable cameras that use film and show them how to use them. This in itself will be fun — and educational.
  2. Go in groups: Visiting haunted locations with others can make the experience more enjoyable and provide additional perspectives on any unusual occurrences.
  3. Research before visiting: Understanding the history and reported hauntings of a location can enhance the experience and provide context for any paranormal activity.
  4. Journal it all: After your visits, ask your kids to write down or draw what they saw and how they felt during your haunted encounters. This will be a fun experience for them, and help them give context to the history of the places you visit. 

Brown County spooky experiences are not for everyone! 

Brown County’s haunted spots are not for the faint of heart or the very young, but they can be super fun in the autumn months with older children and teens. Whether hiking the eerie trails of Browning Mountain, staying overnight at the historic Story Inn or visiting other haunted locales, there are plenty of ways to experience the mysteries of this beautiful place.

Looking for more fun family things to do on a road trip to Brown County? Be sure to check out our full City Guide to Brown County to find:

Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide. 

Steffy McCourt
Steffy McCourt
Steffy McCourt brings over 15 years of experience in education, parenting, and travel writing for esteemed publications like We Are Teachers and LA Family Travel. Recognized for her commitment to advancing literacy and writing skills, Steffy is honored to be a Fellow of the National Writing Project. She collaborates with educators nationwide to enhance teaching practices and empower student writers.

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