Haunted Hotels in Minnesota You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Minnesota with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Minnesota with haunted hotels
10 Haunted Hotels Found in Minnesota
Old Jail Bed & Breakfast
109 5th St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
The Old Jail Bed & Breakfast in Taylors Falls carries the weight of its history. Built in 1869 and serving as a jail until 1912, it's believed to be haunted by former inmates. One notable spirit is 'Big Wally', reportedly a large man and former inmate seen in the jail cell room. Guests have reported hearing disembodied voices, cell doors creaking or slamming shut unexpectedly, and feelings of being watched, particularly within the old cell block area which is now a guest room. The heavy atmosphere and residual energies of its past use contribute to its eerie reputation.
Hotel Lanesboro
101 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN 55949, United States
Hotel Lanesboro is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Missy, who tragically died within the hotel premises, possibly from pneumonia or a similar illness in the late 19th or early 20th century. Guests and staff have reported hearing a child's laughter or crying, objects moving on their own (especially toys or small items), and sometimes fleeting glimpses of a small figure, particularly near room 8 or hallways on the upper floors. There are also claims of cold spots and feelings of sadness or playfulness attributed to her presence.
Palmer House Hotel
500 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378, United States
The Palmer House Hotel stands on grounds where a previous hotel burned down, reportedly claiming lives, contributing to its haunted reputation rooted in the basement. It's known for 'Raymond's Room,' linked to a spirit believed to have run a brothel there, and ghostly children heard playing in hallways. Guests and staff report phenomena like phantom knocks, voices, poltergeist activity in the bar, and feelings of terror in the basement. Sinclair Lewis, who once worked as a clerk, is also rumored to be among the spirits.
St. James Hotel
406 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, United States
Established in 1875, the St. James Hotel in Red Wing is rumored to house several spirits. Local legends and paranormal researchers mention tales of ghostly construction workers from its build period still lingering. Additionally, playful spirits, sometimes described as figures in Victorian dresses, are reported, contributing to its haunted reputation. The basement is also noted by some as an area with potential paranormal activity, possibly including a more 'hostile' entity according to some accounts.
Water Street Inn
101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082, United States
The Water Street Inn in Stillwater dates back to the lumbering era and is considered haunted by several entities. One common report is of a former owner, Muller, who died within the building. Guests and staff report seeing his apparition or smelling cigar smoke when no one is smoking. Room 501 is noted as particularly active, possibly related to a tale of a tragic bride. Other unexplained events include cold spots, items moving on their own, and phantom footsteps, especially near the old parts of the building and areas connected to its long history.
Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground
6767 Hwy 2 NW, Bena, MN 56626, United States
The historic Winnie Resort area, associated with Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground, has links to early 1900s resort life and possibly even older native histories. While specific ghost identities are less documented than established hotels, local lore suggests residual energy from past residents and significant events around Lake Winnie. Reports are more general: feelings of being watched, unexplained noises in the woods or near older structures, and an overall eerie feeling after dark. Given its long history by a large lake, stories might relate to lost travelers or tragic events connected to the water and dense woods.
Chase on the Lake
502 Cleveland Blvd W, Walker, MN 56484, United States
Chase on the Lake, rebuilt on the site of an older hotel that burned down, carries stories likely tied to its predecessor. One prominent alleged ghost is that of a lumberjack or handyman who might have died tragically during the construction or operation of the original structure. Guests report hearing unexplained footsteps, tools clanging, and feeling cold spots, particularly in areas corresponding to the older part of the building or maintenance/storage areas. Some claim sightings of a ruggedly dressed male figure. The location near Leech Lake also lends itself to local folklore contributing to eerie tales.
The Historic Grant House Hotel
200 N Main St, Rush City, MN 55069, United States
The Historic Grant House Hotel is linked to stories of its past inhabitants from over a century ago. A commonly reported spirit is that of a lady in white or Victorian attire, sometimes associated with a former owner or long-term resident. There are also accounts of child spirits heard playing or running in the hallways when no children are present. Other phenomena include flickering lights, unexplained smells (like perfume), doors opening/closing on their own, and objects being subtly misplaced. The sense of being watched or a presence felt on the stairs is also noted by guests and staff.
The Anderson House Hotel
333 W Main St, Wabasha, MN 55981, United States
The Anderson House Hotel, being Minnesota's oldest operating hotel, boasts numerous ghost stories. Many relate to the Anderson family members who ran it for generations. Apparitions resembling past owners or long-term residents are reported. Another common theme is the presence of spirits of riverboat workers or travelers from the Mississippi River's heyday. Guests have described phantom sounds like cats (the hotel was once known for having live-in cats for guest comfort), disembodied voices, footsteps in empty hallways, and items being moved. Some feel inexplicable cold drafts or sense unseen presences.
Kahler Grand Hotel
20 2nd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
The Kahler Grand Hotel, connected to the renowned Mayo Clinic, is reputed to be haunted primarily by spirits associated with former patients. One specific entity mentioned is Helen Voorhees, reportedly a past patient from Chicago. Paranormal claims include strange sounds and smells, sudden temperature fluctuations, and unusual behavior observed with the elevators, such as stopping at random floors unselected. The hotel's long history and direct connection to the many life-and-death situations dealt with at the clinic are said to contribute to its haunted atmosphere.
Haunted History of Minnesota
Minnesota's haunted history is as deep and cold as its ten thousand lakes. The state's folklore is rooted in the ancient legends of its vast Northwoods and the spiritual beliefs of the native Dakota and Ojibwe people. This history was later scarred by the brutal U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a violent conflict that left a profound spiritual wound on the Minnesota River Valley, with tales of restless spirits still lingering on the former battlegrounds.
The 20th century brought a new kind of ghost to the Land of Lakes. During the Prohibition era, St. Paul became a notorious sanctuary for some of the country's most infamous gangsters, including John Dillinger and the Barker-Karpis gang. The violent ends met by many of these criminals have led to countless stories of ghostly mobsters still frequenting their old hideouts and speakeasies. From the spirits of murdered heiresses on the shores of Lake Superior to the phantom gangsters of the Twin Cities, Minnesota's past is packed with chilling tales.
Other Haunted Attractions in Minnesota
- Glensheen Mansion (Duluth): This opulent, historic estate on the shore of Lake Superior was the site of a brutal and infamous double murder in 1977. The spirits of the victims, heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, are said to still roam the mansion. Visitors and staff report seeing their apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling an undeniable sense of their tragic presence. You can book a tour at the Glensheen website.
- Wabasha Street Caves (St. Paul): Carved out of sandstone, these caves served as a popular speakeasy during the Prohibition era. They are famously haunted by the spirits of gangsters who were gunned down within their walls. Tour guides and visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures in 1920s attire and even being approached by an apparition who asks for help finding a lost item.
- First Avenue (Minneapolis): This legendary music club, made world-famous by Prince in the film Purple Rain, has a tragic spectral resident. The ghost is said to be a young woman who hanged herself in the women's bathroom in the 1920s. Staff and concert-goers have reported seeing her apparition in a green army jacket, hearing her disembodied sobs, and experiencing strange electrical malfunctions.
- The Mounds Theatre (St. Paul): This historic theatre was built near sacred Native American burial mounds, and its paranormal activity is thought to be connected to this spiritual ground. The theater is said to have several resident ghosts, including a little girl named Mary, a former projectionist named Jim, and a more menacing male spirit who lurks in the darker corners.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Minnesota
- Explore Gangster History: Dive into the Prohibition-era past of St. Paul. Take a gangster tour that visits old speakeasies and hideouts to connect with the ghosts of some of America's most notorious criminals.
- Visit the "Halloween Capital of the World": Make a pilgrimage to Anoka, the first city in the U.S. to hold a city-wide Halloween celebration. The entire town embraces its spooky heritage and offers numerous ghost tours and events in the fall.
- Brave the North Shore: Take a drive along the beautiful and rugged North Shore of Lake Superior. The area is steeped in maritime lore and home to haunted lighthouses and historic sites like the Glensheen Mansion.
- Embrace the Winter Chill: While fall is a classic spooky season, a Minnesota winter offers a different kind of eerie atmosphere. The stark, snowy landscape and deep silence can make any ghost hunt feel much more isolated and intense.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Minnesota
Are haunted hotels in Minnesota safe to stay in? Absolutely. Haunted hotels in Minnesota are known for their warm hospitality and prioritize guest safety. The ghost stories are a fascinating part of their local history and add a unique, spooky element to your stay.
What is the most haunted city in Minnesota? St. Paul is often considered the most haunted city, largely due to its well-documented history as a haven for gangsters during the Prohibition era. The violent past of these criminals has resulted in a high concentration of paranormal lore.
Are there hauntings in Minnesota related to its gangster past? Yes, very much so. Locations like the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul are famous for the ghosts of mobsters. The spirits of figures like John Dillinger and members of the Barker-Karpis gang are said to still linger in their old hideouts.
What is the "Halloween Capital of the World?" Anoka, Minnesota, holds the distinction of being the "Halloween Capital of the World." It hosted one of the first and largest community Halloween parades in 1920 to deter kids from pulling pranks and has celebrated its spooky heritage ever since.
What's the best time of year for a haunted tour of Minnesota? The weeks leading up to Halloween are perfect, as many attractions, especially in Anoka, host special events. The beautiful fall colors also provide a stunning backdrop for exploring the state's haunted history.