Haunted Hotels in Kansas You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Kansas with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Kansas with haunted hotels
13 Haunted Hotels Found in Kansas
The Historic Wolf Hotel
104 N Main St, Ellinwood, KS 67526
The Historic Wolf Hotel boasts a rich history connected to Ellinwood's underground tunnels used during prohibition and earlier. Numerous paranormal reports surround the hotel, including disembodied voices, shadow figures, and physical interactions attributed to various spirits - possibly former owners, workers, or patrons of its past ventures (including a bank and saloon). The tunnels beneath add to the mystery, with claims of eerie feelings and activity linked to illicit activities and possible deaths.
Weaver Hotel
126 S. Kansas St., Waterville, KS 66548
This hotel dates back to 1905 and once operated as a railroad accommodation. The site is believed to be haunted by at least two ghosts, including the former owner's wife, and a workman who threw himself to his death. Guests have reported using Ouija boards and experiencing planchette movement, phones being thrown, feeling physical contact (slap), keys flying off tables, seeing dark figures, and capturing figures peeking from doors on video. Other experiences include unexplained noises and issues with water fixtures.
AD Boarding House
106 N Main St, Ellinwood, KS 67526
As part of the same complex as The Historic Wolf Hotel, the A.D. Boarding House shares in its haunted lore. Connected to the infamous underground tunnels of Ellinwood, guests report similar paranormal activity: feelings of being watched, unexplained sounds like footsteps and whispers possibly emanating from the tunnel connections or within the house itself, associated with past residents or activities linked to the town's colorful history.
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview
400 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202
The building, formerly the Broadview Hotel before becoming a Drury Plaza, has a history of paranormal claims. Legends suggest sightings of a former manager named 'Clarence,' believed to have died on the premises, often seen as a full-bodied apparition. Reports also include encounters with phantom bellhops still attempting to carry luggage, unexplained noises, objects moving, and cold spots, particularly noted in areas like Room 320 and the historic Grand Ballroom.
1889 McInteer Villa
1301 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS 66002
The McInteer Villa, built by John McInteer, has reports of paranormal activity since becoming vacant after his wife's death and later occupants. People claim to see figures in windows, hear footsteps and voices when empty, and feel unexplained cold spots. A rocking chair reportedly moves on its own, attributed to 'Goldie,' a previous resident. The spirit of John McInteer himself is also believed to roam his former home, ensuring its upkeep.
Midland Railroad Hotel
414 26th St, Wilson, KS 67490
This historic hotel dates back to the turn of the 20th Century and was the site of a fire in 1902 that gutted the building. A number of guests were said to die in the fire, which may be why the place is now haunted. Those that have stayed on the third floor have reported smelling smoke and spotting eerie fires that disappear and reappear suddenly. Others have also claimed to see a number of apparitions dressed in period clothing wandering around the hallways.
Beaumont Hotel
11651 SE Main St, Beaumont, KS 67012
The Beaumont Hotel, operational since the late 19th century, harbors stories of enduring spirits. The most well-known is 'Major,' a cowboy figure who reportedly met his end within the hotel. Guests claim to see his apparition, experience cold spots, hear phantom footsteps, and witness lights flickering. Particularly noted is Room 6, where Major is said to prefer making his presence known.
The Eldridge Hotel
701 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
The Eldridge Hotel is famously believed to be haunted by the spirit of its former owner, Colonel Shalor Eldridge. After enduring destruction during Quantrill's Raid in 1863, Eldridge rebuilt it, vowing his spirit would protect it. Guests and staff report encounters, particularly in Room 506, which is thought to contain the original building's cornerstone. Mysterious events in the elevator are also commonly cited, contributing to its haunted reputation.
The Cottage House Hotel and Motel
25 N Neosho St, Council Grove, KS 66846
The Cottage House, with roots back to 1867 along the Santa Fe Trail, is said to have accumulated spiritual residents over its many years. Staff and guests report strange occurrences, primarily auditory phenomena like disembodied voices and phantom parties heard late at night. Some claim to feel unseen presences, particularly in older sections of the hotel, possibly linked to its long history serving travelers and residents of Council Grove.
1858 Garnett House Hotel
100 W 4th Ave, Garnett, KS 66032
The 1858 Garnett House Hotel has a long history, surviving through turbulent times in Kansas, including use as a stopping point related to Civil War activities. Locals and guests report unexplained noises, such as footsteps on vacant floors and faint conversations. There are also stories of items being moved and doors opening or closing suddenly. Some believe spirits tied to its early days, possibly soldiers or early settlers, remain within its walls.
Sallie House
508 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002
The Sallie House is one of America's most infamous haunted locations. The haunting centers around 'Sallie,' believed to be the spirit of a young girl who died during a botched appendectomy in the house. Reports are extreme, ranging from violent physical attacks (scratches, burns), moving objects, disembodied voices, full-bodied apparitions, and extreme temperature drops. Activity often seems directed at men. Numerous paranormal teams have investigated, documenting extensive evidence supporting its intensely haunted reputation.
The Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast
420 N Depot St, Cherryvale, KS 67335
Originally known as the Leatherock Hotel, built in 1912, the building has local tales associated with its long history. Visitors and those interested in paranormal investigation claim experiences such as hearing disembodied voices, witnessing objects move inexplicably, and doors opening or closing by themselves. Some have also reported seeing shadow figures within the premises, contributing to its reputation as a potentially haunted location in Kansas.
Lebold Mansion
106 N Vine St, Abilene, KS 67410
The Lebold Mansion, built in 1880, carries tales of paranormal activity linked to its original owner, C.H. Lebold, and subsequent families. Visitors report eerie feelings, particularly in the basement and servants' quarters. Phenomena include cold spots, items mysteriously falling off shelves, disembodied voices, and fleeting apparitions, possibly members of the Lebold family or past inhabitants unwilling to leave.
Haunted History of Kansas
Kansas's haunted history is written in blood. The state earned the grim nickname "Bleeding Kansas" during the 1850s, a period of intense and violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces that was a brutal prelude to the Civil War. The raw, violent energy of these massacres and skirmishes has seeped into the very soil, leaving behind countless battle-scarred spirits that are said to still roam the eastern part of the state, particularly in towns like Lawrence and Atchison.
Beyond that turbulent era, the Wild West left its own ghostly brand on Kansas. Legendary cow towns like Dodge City and Wichita were filled with saloons, brothels, and dusty streets where justice was often delivered from the barrel of a gun. The spirits of lawmen, outlaws, and cowboys who met their end in a flurry of gunfire are said to still frequent their old haunts. This combination of wartime tragedy and frontier justice makes Kansas a state where the past is not just remembered—it's actively felt.
Other Haunted Attractions in Kansas
- Sallie House: Located in Atchison, the "most haunted town in Kansas," the Sallie House is infamous in the paranormal community. It's haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Sallie who died during a painful appendectomy in the home. It is known for its aggressive paranormal activity, including mysterious fires, moving objects, and even physical attacks on male visitors.
- Stull Cemetery: Shrouded in dark folklore, Stull Cemetery is legendary as one of the "seven gateways to Hell." For decades, stories have circulated that the Devil himself appears here on Halloween, and the ruins of a haunted church on the grounds were said to be a focal point of evil before being demolished. While heavily patrolled and on private property, its terrifying reputation is a cornerstone of Kansas lore.
- Molly's Hollow: Also in Atchison, this secluded, wooded ravine is home to a tragic legend. It's said that a local woman named Molly was lynched here by a vigilante mob. Her mournful spirit is now said to haunt the hollow, with locals and ghost hunters reporting blood-curdling screams, shadowy figures, and the terrifying sight of her apparition hanging from a tree.
- Fort Leavenworth: As one of the oldest active military posts west of the Mississippi River, Fort Leavenworth is rich with history and ghosts. The National Cemetery is a hotspot, haunted by the spirit of "Catherine," a pioneer woman who wanders the graves searching for her children. Other spirits, including ghostly soldiers and Native American figures, are also said to haunt the historic fort.
- The Sauer Castle: This magnificent, decaying Gothic mansion in Kansas City is the subject of grim local legends. The original owner, Anton Sauer, and his family suffered numerous tragedies within its walls. Though it is private property and not open for tours, stories of apparitions in the windows, strange lights, and disembodied screams make it one of the most famously haunted—and inaccessible—locations in the state.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Kansas
- Visit Atchison: If you're serious about ghosts, make the pilgrimage to Atchison. The town leans into its reputation as the most haunted in Kansas, offering numerous haunted tours and paranormal events, especially in the fall.
- Explore "Bleeding Kansas" History: To understand the source of many hauntings, visit historic sites in Lawrence and Osawatomie. Learning about the violent conflicts of the 1850s will give you a deeper appreciation for the spirits that may linger.
- Respect Private Property: Some of Kansas's most famous haunts, like Stull Cemetery and the Sauer Castle, are private property. Obey all "No Trespassing" signs and view them safely and legally from public roads.
- Be Prepared for the Prairie: Kansas is a land of vast, open spaces. When road-tripping between haunted locations, make sure you have a reliable vehicle, a full tank of gas, and an appreciation for the eerie silence of the prairie at night.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Kansas
Are haunted hotels in Kansas safe to stay in? Yes, of course. All hotels, no matter their age or ghostly reputation, must follow state and federal safety regulations. The spooky stories are part of their rich history, not a threat to guests.
What is the most haunted hotel in Kansas? Many of the state's oldest hotels, particularly those that served as saloons or frontier lodgings during the Wild West era, have strong paranormal claims. Atchison and other historic towns are hotspots. We recommend browsing our listings to see which one's history calls to you.
Do haunted hotels in Kansas offer ghost tours? Some do, and many are featured prominently on local ghost tours. In a town like Atchison, a hotel's haunted reputation is a key attraction, and they are often happy to share their stories with curious guests.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most hotels are family-friendly. However, the history behind many Kansas hauntings involves intense violence from the Bleeding Kansas and Wild West periods, which might be too grim for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Kansas? Fall is the perfect season. The weather is pleasant for exploring historic towns and cemeteries, and the harvest season on the plains creates a classic, spooky Midwestern atmosphere that is perfect for a ghost hunt.