Haunted Hotels in Idaho You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Idaho with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Idaho with haunted hotels
10 Haunted Hotels Found in Idaho
Albion Campus Retreat (at Haunted Mansions of Albion)
437 E North St, Albion, ID 83311, United States
The Albion Campus Retreat is located on the grounds of the former Albion State Normal School, which operated from 1893 to 1951. The campus has a long-standing and widely documented reputation for being extremely haunted, now famously marketed as 'The Haunted Mansions of Albion.' Multiple buildings across the campus are claimed to house spirits. Stories abound regarding former students, strict matrons, and faculty members whose energies remain. Paranormal groups and visitors report extensive activity: shadow figures in classroom windows (especially in Comish Hall), disembodied voices echoing in empty halls, doors slamming shut, unexplained lights, and feelings of being touched or followed. Specific buildings like Miller Hall and the Women's Residence (Axline Hall) are noted hotspots. The sheer volume of paranormal claims over decades has made it a premier haunted destination in Idaho.
Gooding University Inn
301 University Dr, Gooding, ID 83330, United States
Originally built in 1917-1920 as Gooding College, the structure later served as an advanced State Tuberculosis Hospital from the 1940s until the 1970s. Many believe numerous patients died within its walls during this period. After being closed and reopened as the Gooding University Inn, it quickly gained notoriety as a haunted location. Visitors and paranormal investigators report experiences attributed to multiple spirits, likely those of former hospital patients or children associated with the property's complex history. The building's past as a sanatorium contributes significantly to its haunted reputation, making it a popular spot for ghost tours and investigations looking into claims of apparitions, EVPs, and unexplained activity.
Idaho Hotel
220 Montgomery St, Silver City, ID 83650, United States
The Idaho Hotel, located in the preserved mining ghost town of Silver City, is steeped in history dating back to the 1860s and is considered highly haunted. With much of the town preserved as it was, many believe spirits from its bustling past never left. Visitors often report encountering full-bodied apparitions dressed in period clothing, particularly of rugged miners or women in Victorian attire. Room 27 is often cited as a hotspot for activity. Common paranormal claims include hearing phantom piano music, voices and laughter from empty rooms, footsteps on wooden floors when no one is present, and objects moving. Given Silver City's violent and dramatic gold rush past, including shootouts and harsh conditions, many believe these strong energies are imprinted on the hotel. Some guests feel 'watched' or experience sudden temperature drops, contributing to its reputation as one of Idaho's most haunted locations.
Enders Hotel & Museum
88 S Main St, Soda Springs, ID 83276, United States
The Enders Hotel & Museum in Soda Springs, built in 1917, has a reputation confirmed by sources like HauntedRooms.com. It's believed to be haunted by several spirits, most notably a male apparition sighted in hallways and the bar area. Legend suggests this could be a man murdered in a violent altercation within the bar during the hotel's early, rougher days. Guests and staff report feeling uneasy in the upper floor museum area, experiencing strange light anomalies, and encountering items seemingly moved or rearranged. The presence feels most active around the areas associated with historical artifacts and the preserved bar, suggesting entities connected to the building's rich and sometimes turbulent past.
Historic Jameson (formerly Jameson Hotel/Saloon and Inn)
304 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, United States
The Historic Jameson in Wallace, originally a hotel and saloon, is reputed to be quite haunted, tied to its colorful past in the silver mining boomtown. While currently operating primarily as a restaurant, stories of hauntings from its days as an inn persist. A well-known spirit is 'Maggie,' possibly a former lady of the evening or worker from the hotel's past. She is said to frequent the upper floors where rooms used to be, sometimes appearing or making her presence known through sounds or moving objects. Other phenomena include disembodied voices, cold spots, and the occasional unexplained scent of perfume. The historic nature of the building and Wallace's lively past contribute to the many ghostly tales surrounding the Jameson, making it a point of interest for local ghost lore.
Helgeson Hotel & Suites
208 Johnston Ave, Orofino, ID 83544, United States
The Helgeson Hotel, built in the early 20th century, carries whispers of hauntings associated with its long history. While specific documented ghost stories are less widely publicized compared to other Idaho hotels, local anecdotes suggest paranormal activity centered around former long-term residents and past events within the building. Some staff and guests have reported uneasy feelings in certain rooms, unexplained noises like soft voices or footsteps in empty hallways, particularly late at night. The building's age and role as a community fixture for decades lend themselves to tales of lingering spirits. While not aggressively haunted, it's considered by some locals to retain echoes of its past inhabitants, contributing a subtle layer of unexplained phenomena.
Lava Hot Springs Inn
94 Portneuf St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, United States
The Lava Hot Springs Inn carries a weighty history, contributing to its haunted reputation. Before becoming an inn, parts of the building served as a hospital or sanatorium (specifically, the Lava Hot Springs Sanitarium & Hospital). Echoes from this period are believed to remain. Staff and guests have reported encounters ranging from disembodied voices and moans, possibly linked to former patients, to apparitions seen in hallways or specific rooms. Some feel sudden drops in temperature or an unexplained sense of sadness or being watched, particularly in areas that would have housed critical patients. The building's age and former use as a place of suffering and healing make it a focal point for paranormal activity claims within the town, with stories passed down through generations of locals and visitors.
Pioneer Inn (formerly Cedar Inn)
123 S Main St, Pierce, ID 83546, United States
The Pioneer Inn, known in paranormal circles as its former name 'Cedar Inn', dates back to 1927 and was originally built as lodging for railroad workers. Its reputation for being incredibly haunted is well-established. Phenomena reported widely include strange and disembodied voices, loud banging noises coming from empty rooms, and unexplained activity that suggests poltergeist-like behavior. Many guests over the years have reported such disturbances that they requested to switch rooms or even checked out prematurely. The source of the haunting is often attributed to the spirits of old railroad workers or figures connected to Pierce's early, sometimes harsh, history. The activity seems pervasive throughout the building rather than confined to one specific area.
Nezperce Hotel (formerly Clover Club Hotel)
502 Maple St, Nezperce, ID 83543, United States
Formerly known as the Clover Club Hotel, the Nezperce Hotel holds local legends of being haunted. Information suggests figures from its past, possibly previous owners or long-term patrons associated with its bar/saloon, might still linger. Common reports include objects moving on their own, unexplained shadows glimpsed peripherally, and feelings of being watched, especially in the older sections of the building or near the bar area after hours. Stories passed down by residents speak of a strong presence felt by staff and occasionally guests, tied to dramatic events or strong personalities from the hotel's history. While details are scarce, the sense of a lingering presence contributes to its reputation within the small community of Nezperce.
White Horse Hotel, Saloon & Cafe
6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID 83869, United States
The White Horse Saloon & Cafe in Spirit Lake, established around 1907, is considered one of Idaho's most haunted locations. A prominent spirit, affectionately nicknamed "Big Girl" or "Mama Jo," is believed to haunt the premises, especially the second floor near Room 2. According to local legend, she may have been a cleaner whose child died tragically near the hotel. Staff and guests have reported numerous paranormal experiences, including hearing unexplained footsteps on creaky floorboards, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling inexplicable cold breezes or even a sensation of being pushed. Doors are known to close by themselves, objects move inexplicably, and some have reported seeing apparitions in early 1900s attire, adding to the lore of this historic establishment.
Haunted History of Idaho
Idaho's haunted history is as rugged and untamed as its vast wilderness. The state's paranormal lore is carved from the hardships of the Oregon Trail, the violent boom-and-bust cycles of its silver and gold rushes, and the profound isolation of its remote mountain landscapes. The ghosts of Idaho are often those of determined pioneers who perished on their westward journey, unlucky miners who met their end in a collapsed tunnel, and the desperate souls who were locked away in one of the West's most notorious prisons.
The dark legacy of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise looms large over the state's haunted history, a place where over a century of violence and despair has left an indelible spiritual stain. Beyond the prison walls, the historic mining towns of the Silver Valley are filled with the spectral echoes of labor disputes, saloon brawls, and tragic accidents. From the legendary Bear Lake Monster in the south to the lonely ghosts of the northern panhandle, Idaho is a state where the past is never far from the surface, and its stories are still told by the spirits who never left.
Other Haunted Attractions in Idaho
- Old Idaho State Penitentiary: This former prison in Boise is a world-renowned paranormal hotspot. For 101 years, it housed some of the West's most desperate criminals, and the suffering that occurred within its sandstone walls has never faded. Visitors on tours with the Idaho State Historical Society report hearing cell doors slam, seeing shadowy figures in solitary confinement, and feeling the heavy presence of inmates like Raymond Snowden, the "Idaho Jack the Ripper."
- The Egyptian Theatre: A stunningly restored 1920s theater in the heart of downtown Boise, this landmark is said to be haunted by a former projectionist named Joe. Staff and patrons at The Egyptian Theatre have reported lights flickering on their own, strange noises from the empty projection booth, and the eerie feeling of a friendly but mischievous presence watching from the shadows.
- The Brig at Farragut State Park: During World War II, Farragut was a massive naval training station. The old brig, or military jail, is still standing and is considered one of the most haunted places in North Idaho. Visitors on ghost tours of the Farragut State Park brig report hearing phantom footsteps, cell doors clanging shut, and seeing the apparitions of sailors who were once confined there.
- Shoshone Ice Caves: This natural marvel, a lava tube filled with ice, has a chilling legend attached. The caves are said to be haunted by the spirit of a Shoshone princess who was supposedly buried within the ice. Visitors to the Shoshone Ice Caves have reported hearing strange whispers and feeling an unexplainable presence in the cold, dark depths of the cave.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Idaho
- Tour the Old Pen: A visit to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary is a must for any paranormal enthusiast. They offer historical tours, and for the truly brave, seasonal paranormal investigations.
- Explore the Silver Valley: Take a road trip to North Idaho and explore historic mining towns like Wallace. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its old buildings are filled with ghost stories from the mining boom.
- Be Prepared for the Wilderness: Idaho is a rugged state with vast, remote areas. If you're heading out to explore a ghost town or remote haunt, make sure you have a reliable vehicle, check road conditions, and always let someone know your itinerary.
- Enjoy the Scenic Byways: Idaho's natural beauty is breathtaking. A drive along a route like the Sawtooth Scenic Byway or the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway in the fall offers stunning views and an eerie, isolated atmosphere perfect for a haunted adventure.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Idaho
Are haunted hotels in Idaho safe to stay in? Absolutely. All hotels, whether they are historic inns from the mining era or modern city establishments, are required to meet strict safety and health standards.
What is the most haunted hotel in Idaho? The historic hotels in Boise, like the Idanha, have some of the most famous and long-standing ghost stories, dating back to the city's early days. The old inns in the Silver Valley are also known for their paranormal residents. Browse our listings to find your perfect haunt.
Do haunted hotels in Idaho offer ghost tours? Some historic hotels are proud of their spectral guests and are often featured on local ghost tours, especially in Boise. The staff are often the best source for personal, spooky experiences.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most hotels are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that the history behind Idaho's most famous hauntings, particularly the Old Idaho Penitentiary, is very mature and deals with violence and crime not suitable for children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Idaho? Autumn is the ideal season. The crisp weather is perfect for exploring, the fall colors in the mountains are spectacular, and the spooky atmosphere leading up to Halloween makes it the best time for a paranormal road trip.