How to Go on an "Exorcist" Tour

"The Exorcist" has been around for many years, but it's still creeping people out just as much as it did when it was first released in 1973. What "Exorcist" fans may not know, however, is that this movie was based on a true story, one that took place back in the 1940s and involved a family in the Washington, DC area. In-the-know area residents will proudly point out their favorite "Exorcist" sites.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the "Exorcist Steps" in Georgetown, the District of Columbia's oldest neighborhood. These 97 steep steps, located at 6th Street NW between Prospect and M Streets NW, were used as the scene of not one, but two, violent deaths in the movie.

2. Check out the Georgetown house used in filming "The Exorcist." It is located at 3600 Prospect Street NW, about a block away from the steps (not right next door, as was shown in the movie).

3. Head up to Mt. Rainier, Maryland (right on the DC border) to visit St. James Church at 3628 Rhode Island Avenue. The priest who performed the original exorcism lived at this rectory at the time.

4. Visit the fake Exorcist house at 3210 Bunker Hill Road in Mt. Rainier. Rumor had it that this address was home to the family of the possessed boy, and the fact that the house burned to the ground many years ago and was never rebuilt just added to the legend. Further research proved that the people who lived in this house at the time the Exorcist story took place never had any children, possessed or otherwise.

5. Check out the demonic formstone siding of the original Exorcist house, located at 3807 40th Avenue, Cottage City. Then go have an evil burger and fries at the McDonalds just up the road (4101 Bladensburg Road).

Tips & Warnings

• The Metro (subway) does not have stops in Georgetown, Mt. Rainier or Cottage City, so you will either need to drive or take a bus.
• Parking is often hard to find and always metered, so take plenty of quarters unless you plan a drive-by tour.
• The house at 3807 40th Avenue is occupied, and they probably won't appreciate you knocking on the door asking for a tour.
• Bring along any good luck charms you feel you need to keep you safe from demonic possession (crucifix, vial of holy water, etc.).