What is it about haunted and abandoned places in Mississippi that's so downright fascinating? Perhaps it's the ability to use our imaginations and visualize what these stately, historic, and undeniably eerie places might once have been. No matter the reason, there's no doubt about it: these weird places in Mississippi continue to draw us in.

Several months ago, Clarion Ledger released a list of the 5 most haunted sites in Mississippi. We were inspired by learning about these likely haunted places in Mississippi and we turned them into a horrifying road trip. Take a look -- if you dare!

The route spans nearly 250 miles and is just over four hours. Of course, that doesn’t include the time you’ll spend at each site.

Can’t commit to the whole road trip? No problem; simply click the link below the map to alter the route.

1. King’s Tavern

Editor's note: Unfortunately, King's Tavern has permanently closed.  

Start your road trip off with a visit to King’s Tavern, a popular restaurant and one of Natchez’s most notorious haunts. Dating back to the 1760s, the building has a ton of history – and that includes the supernatural kind. Madeline, the mistress of the original owner, has been spotted quite often by both visitors and staff. According to workers, she likes to walk across freshly mopped floors, leaving behind footprints that usually lead to the person holding the mop. She's also a bit mischievous and known to do things like knock jars off shelves and turn lights and faucets on and off.

In addition to Madeline, there’s another entity that’s commonly seen and photographed at King’s Tavern. Described as a "tall man wearing a black jacket and top hat," the ghostly figure has a reputation for being sinister and angry. He’s also known for showing up in photos taken by the fireplace. Those who’ve seen the tall man said they felt tightness in their chests and throats.

2. Windsor Ruins

Twenty-three columns are all that remain of Windsor – the largest Greek revival mansion ever built in Mississippi. The home met its demise in 1890, when a party guest dropped a lit cigarette, causing a fire. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction…with a haunting past.

According to local lore, the ghost of a Union soldier, who died at Windsor during the Civil War, haunts the property. Others say Windsor's original owner, Smith Coffee Daniell II haunts the area. Those visiting the ruins have reported seeing Daniell's ghost along with hearing phantom sounds of party-goers. Do you dare visit Windsor Ruins today?

3. McRaven

No haunted road trip would be complete without a visit to McRaven - the most haunted house in Mississippi and the third-most haunted in the country. With the home’s history, its penchant for supernatural activity should come as no surprise - several of McRaven’s past residents died in the home, one owner was actually murdered on the property, and during the Civil War, the mansion served as a Confederate hospital. If touring this haunted home isn’t scary enough for you, there’s also the option of taking part in a paranormal investigation.

4. Vicksburg National Military Park

Over the years, there have been several reports of bizarre occurrences at this popular park. One such instance involves the Pennsylvania Monument. According to several reports, the faces on the monument appear to cry tears of blood at times. The battlefield is also teeming with supernatural activity. Apparitions of soldiers, phantom smells of gunpowder and smoke, and phantom sounds of battle, including cannons, gunfire, and shouted orders, have all been reported. Learn more about the fascinating and haunting Vicksburg National Military Park.

5. Rowan Oak

Finish off your road trip to the most haunted and abandoned places in Mississippi with a visit to Rowan Oak. Though it's most known as the former residence of William Faulkner, the home's history goes back a little further. Col. Robert Sheegog was Rowan Oak's original owner. It’s said that the colonel’s daughter, Judith Sheegog, committed suicide by throwing herself off the bedroom balcony. She was subsequently buried under a magnolia tree on the property.

According to some, it’s the famous author who haunts the property. Over the years, Faulkner’s ghost has been seen on the property as well as in his office.

So, do you think you'll attempt this scary route? Have you ever visited any of these spooky sites? If so, did you experience anything strange? Have a haunt to add? Tell us in the comments section.

These aren’t the only abandoned places in Mississippi! You can read about another here.