Haunted Hotels in Cripple Creek, Colorado You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Cripple Creek with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
3 Haunted Hotels Found in Cripple Creek
The Hotel St. Nicholas
123 N 3rd St, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA
Built originally as the Sisters of Mercy hospital in 1898, The Hotel St. Nicholas has strong associations with life and death. One prominent spirit is believed to be 'Stinky,' possibly a former hospital orderly or miner, identifiable by an occasional phantom odor. Another presence is described as a 'shadow man' or 'tall man' often seen in hallways or peering into rooms. Given its hospital origins, feelings of being watched, unexplained drafts, and disembodied voices are common paranormal claims, suggesting former patients may also linger.
Last Dollar Inn
206 E Masonic Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA
The Last Dollar Inn, though less documented than some larger Cripple Creek establishments, shares in the town's general haunted reputation stemming from its gold rush era. Stories are more general and less specific, involving feelings of being watched, doors closing unexpectedly, or faint noises attributed to past residents or events in the historically volatile mining town. Proximity to other known haunted locations like the Colorado Grande contributes to speculation about lingering spirits throughout the district.
Colorado Grande Hotel & Casino
300 Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA
The Colorado Grande Hotel & Casino is known for its resident ghost, 'Maggie,' believed to have been an Irish woman from the early 1900s. She is often seen or sensed in period clothing, particularly near the slot machines area and sometimes in hotel rooms. Maggie is described as mostly benevolent but sometimes playful, associated with the scent of roses or floral perfume, moving objects slightly, or making her presence felt. Some say she enjoys watching people play slots, possibly recalling a past enjoyment or connection.
Haunted History of Cripple Creek, Colorado
Welcome to "The World's Greatest Gold Camp," a town whose very existence is a testament to the wild and chaotic spirit of the American West. In the late 1800s, the discovery of massive gold deposits turned Cripple Creek into a bustling boomtown, drawing thousands of miners, gamblers, and gunslingers seeking their fortune. This history of immense wealth, danger, and frequent tragedy has left the town densely populated with ghosts who have never cashed in their chips.
The town's paranormal energy was forged in fire and conflict. Devastating fires in 1896 twice leveled the all-wood town, and violent labor wars pitted miners against powerful mine owners. The spirits of those who died in the mines, the fires, or the shootouts are said to still linger in the historic brick buildings that rose from the ashes. Today, the entire town is a National Historic Landmark, and nearly every building has a story to tell and a ghost to tell it.
Other Haunted Attractions in Cripple Creek, Colorado
- The Old Homestead House Museum: This was once Cripple Creek's most elegant and exclusive brothel, catering to the wealthiest men of the gold rush. Now a museum, it is famously haunted by several of its former "working girls," especially the original madam, Pearl DeVere. Visitors and tour guides report hearing ghostly laughter, smelling phantom perfume, and seeing the apparition of a woman in a window. Official Website
- Mt. Pisgah Cemetery: Sitting on a hill overlooking the town, this historic cemetery is the final resting place for many of the town's original miners, pioneers, and children who fell victim to disease and the harsh frontier life. It's a known hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors reporting seeing shadowy figures moving among the tombstones and feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow, particularly in the children's section.
- The Butte Theater: A cornerstone of Cripple Creek entertainment for over a century, this historic opera house was rebuilt after the great fires of 1896. It is said to be haunted by the friendly ghost of a former projectionist or stagehand who still likes to watch the shows from the lighting booth. Actors and staff have also reported props being moved, unexplained noises, and eerie cold spots backstage. Official Website
- Cripple Creek Ghost Tours: Since the entire town is considered a single, massive haunt, a guided tour is the best way to experience its spooky side. Companies like the official Cripple Creek Ghost Tour lead visitors through the historic streets, sharing chilling tales of the town's most notorious ghosts and even leading investigations in some of the most active buildings.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Cripple Creek, Colorado
- Take a Guided Ghost Tour: The town's gold rush history is rich, concentrated, and best experienced with a guide. A walking ghost tour is the absolute best way to hear the stories of the miners, madams, and gunslingers who still haunt the historic buildings.
- Mind the High Altitude: Cripple Creek sits at over 9,400 feet above sea level. Drink plenty of water and take it easy as you acclimate, so you don't mistake a dizzy spell for a paranormal encounter.
- Gamble with Ghosts: Many of the town's most historic and haunted buildings are now active casinos. It's a unique experience to play slots or poker in a room where the spirits of 19th-century gamblers might be looking over your shoulder.
- Bring a Jacket, Even in Summer: The high mountain air gets chilly the moment the sun goes down. The cold, thin air provides the perfect, spooky setting for a ghost hunt in a historic gold mining town.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Cripple Creek, Colorado
Are haunted hotels in Cripple Creek, Colorado safe to stay in? Yes, of course! They are historic and charming hotels, many of which now operate as casinos, and they all meet modern safety standards. The ghosts are part of the town's authentic Old West charm.
What is the most haunted hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado? The entire town is a National Historic Landmark renowned for its hauntings, and nearly every historic hotel has a well-documented ghost story. From the famous spirits of the Colorado Grande to other historic inns, you're likely to find a ghost wherever you decide to stay.
Do haunted hotels in Cripple Creek offer ghost tours? The town's haunted hotels are the main attractions on the local ghost tours. While the hotels don't run the tours themselves, dedicated local companies will take you to the most paranormally active hotels and share their chilling histories.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Cripple Creek, Colorado? While many hotels are part of casino properties (which are 21+), some have separate hotel areas that are family-friendly. The Old West stories can be a fun adventure for teens, but parents should be aware of the casino environment before booking.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Cripple Creek, Colorado? Autumn is a fantastic time to visit. The stunning golden colors of the aspen trees in the surrounding mountains, combined with the crisp air and local Halloween events, create an unbeatable spooky atmosphere.