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If the “luck of the Irish” wasn’t yours this year, perhaps it’s time to step up your superstition game. Below you’ll find a variety of local lore—beliefs, legends, and locations that keep the city spooked.

Seelbach Hotel Ghost 500 S. 4th St The Lady in Blue, who is said to have jumped to her death in the elevator shaft, may put a hand on your shoulder when the elevator doors close. Flickr – Eric Allix Rogers
Horseshoes Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave Those at Churchill Downs argue over the luckiest way to hang the shoe (but agree that the luckiest shoe comes from the gray mare’s hind foot!) Unsplash – Meg MacDonald
Gray Horses Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave “Always bet the gray!” My grandfather instilled this advice in me young. Try it out at the track! Getty Images – Unsplash
Cardinal Bird – UofL University of Louisville, 2100 S Floyd St Students and alumni avoid back luck by walking around the painted card birds. @universityoflouisville Instagram
Chicken Steps 189 Vernon Ave These stairs by an old Civil War fort in Clifton earned their name because people were “too chicken” to climb the steps at night. Yelp – Chicken Steps
Waverly Hills Sanatorium 4301 E. Pages Lane Visitors have snapped photos that end up full of little white orbs! Flickr – Laura Smith
The Witches Tree Northwest Corner of Park Ave and 6th St. (across from Central Park) Leave offerings behind to ensure good fortune! You don’t want to mess with the curses these witches have been known to cast. Witches Tree Facebook Page
“Dogman” Bullitt County Said to have the head of a German Shepherd and body of a fit man, Bullitt County residents have reported that this seven foot, smelly, dark-furred beast watches you with a growl that’s unidentifiable. Eyewitness sketch from 2005 encounter – Lindagodfrey’s Blog
Demon Leaper 1143 S. 3rd St A living gargoyle who often perches on the Walnut Street Baptist Church gothic spires has been detected on various rooftops in Old Louisville. Kentucky Unknown Facebook Page
Pope Lick Monster or “Goatman” Pope Lick Park, 4002 S. Pope Lick Road An evil half-man, half goat who is believed to live beneath a railroad trestle at Pope Lick Park. Legend at Pope Lick Facebook Page

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Kelsey Knott is a freelance writer, former educator, and published poet who has called Louisville home for the last 12 years. When she's not reading or playing Animal Crossing, you'll find her cozied up...