Haunted Hotels in Nebraska You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Nebraska with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Nebraska with haunted hotels
5 Haunted Hotels Found in Nebraska
Arrow Hotel
509 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE 68822
The Arrow Hotel doesn't publicly claim hauntings, but guest reports mention noises and commotion at night. Some suggest focusing on the stairs to the kitchen for potential ghost sightings. The hotel, originally built in 1928, went through periods as apartments before being restored, potentially leaving behind spectral remnants from its varied past.
Hotel Deco
1504 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68102
The haunted reputation of the Hotel Deco in Omaha, Nebraska, is not tied to a single, specific tragedy but rather to a collection of modern paranormal experiences reported by guests and staff. The building itself is a historic Art Deco landmark that opened in 1930 as the Redick Tower. Unlike hotels with a famous ghost story rooted in a historical death, the Hotel Deco's lore is built upon a series of consistent, yet unexplained, contemporary encounters that create its spooky atmosphere. /n The paranormal claims are varied, with Room 505 being the primary hotspot for activity. Guests staying in this room have reported hearing strange, unexplained banging noises and seeing visions of a man dressed in 1920s-style clothing. Throughout the rest of the hotel, other unsettling experiences have been documented. Guests have reported spotting spectral figures peering at them from behind curtains before vanishing. Another frequently mentioned phenomenon is the distinct smell of cigar smoke that materializes suddenly in the non-smoking establishment, only to disappear moments later. It is this accumulation of personal, unnerving experiences that has cemented the Hotel Deco's status as one of Nebraska's notable haunted locations.
The Offutt Manor
140 N 39th St, Omaha, NE 68131
Built for Charles and Bertha Offutt, their happiness was short-lived as Charles died by suicide in the home in 1898. Later reports suggest various spirits inhabit the mansion and carriage house. Footfalls are heard, particularly in the early morning, and spirits possibly include an elderly gentleman, a young man (perhaps Jarvis Offutt, who died in WWI), and a woman named Emily allegedly killed in the Carriage House. Paranormal experiences point to spirits attached to the beloved property.
Argo Hotel
211 W. Kansas St, Crofton, NE 68730
The hotel has a history as a medical clinic where many deaths occurred. Reports claim it's haunted by several spirits, most notably 'Alice', a woman searching for her lost baby, potentially linked to infant bones found within a wall during renovation. Other phenomena include a ghostly man in a hospital gown, unexplained chills, objects moving, and disembodied cries.
Olde Main Street Inn
115 Main St, Chadron, NE 69337
Guests and owners report paranormal activity, attributing it to spirits named 'Anna' and 'Jack'. Experiences include hearing footsteps on empty stairs, objects moving inexplicably (like a glass moving across a table overnight), and 'Jack' allegedly breaking a pitcher at the bar. 'Anna' is reportedly seen wearing a red satin dress. The current owner also recounts an experience with beer inexplicably turning green on St. Patrick's Day, possibly linked to the hotel's original green and gold wallpaper.
Haunted History of Nebraska
As the heart of America's frontier, Nebraska is a land of vast prairies and wide-open skies, a place where the echoes of the past are carried on the wind. Its history was carved by the great westward expansion, with the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails all passing through its territory. The immense hardships, disease, and conflict faced by the pioneers on their treacherous journey, along with the displacement of Native American tribes, have left a deep and sorrowful spiritual imprint on the land.
The folklore of the Cornhusker State is rooted in the rough-and-tumble spirit of the Old West. The ghosts of Nebraska are the spirits of those who didn't survive the journey west, the outlaws who sought refuge in its remote caves, and the restless souls from its early, often lawless, railroad towns. Unique local legends, from the witch of Ball Cemetery to the phantoms of "Seven Sisters Road," add to the state's spooky, wide-open-spaces vibe, proving that even in the vast emptiness of the plains, you are never truly alone.
Other Haunted Attractions in Nebraska
- Museum of Shadows (Omaha): This is one of the world's largest and most terrifying collections of verified haunted artifacts. The museum houses hundreds of items, from cursed dolls and dybbuk boxes to haunted mirrors and furniture, creating an intensely active paranormal environment. Staff and guests frequently report being touched, hearing disembodied voices, and witnessing objects move on their own. Official Website
- Robber's Cave (Lincoln): This natural sandstone cave has a long and storied history as a hideout for Jesse James and other outlaws, a secret brewery during Prohibition, and even a concert venue. The winding, dark tunnels are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who sought refuge or conducted illicit business here. Guided tours share tales of ghostly whispers and the unnerving feeling of being watched in the dark. Official Website
- Ball Cemetery (Springfield): This small, rural cemetery is home to one of Nebraska's most infamous legends. It is said to be haunted by the angry spirit of "Mary," a woman accused of being a witch who was hanged from a nearby tree. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly apparition, hearing her cries on the wind, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread near her supposed grave.
- Hummel Park (Omaha): This large, wooded park has a dark and sinister reputation that has been passed down for generations. It is the subject of local legends involving lynchings and other grim activities, and is considered a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors at night report hearing disembodied screams, seeing shadowy figures darting between the trees, and feeling an intense sense of being watched.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Nebraska
- Listen to the Silence: On the vast Nebraska prairie at night, the silence can be profound and unnerving. It's the perfect backdrop for a paranormal investigation, where every rustle of the wind through the grass could be a ghostly footstep.
- Explore the Pioneer Trails: To connect with the state's most prominent spirits, visit a historic site along the Oregon or Mormon Trail. Imagining the incredible hardships of the pioneers who passed through is a powerful and spooky experience in itself.
- Visit a Haunted Museum: A trip to the Museum of Shadows in Omaha is a must for any paranormal fan. It's a chance to get up close and personal with hundreds of haunted objects in a controlled and terrifying environment.
- Drive the Backroads: Nebraska's most authentic haunted lore is found in its small towns, rural cemeteries, and winding country roads. A drive off the interstate can lead you to some of the state's most chilling and memorable local legends.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Nebraska
Are haunted hotels in Nebraska safe to stay in? Yes, of course. They are historic and often charming establishments that offer safe accommodations for travelers. Their resident ghosts are a fascinating part of the state's rich pioneer and frontier history.
What is the most haunted hotel in Nebraska? Nebraska has a number of historic hotels, especially in cities like Omaha and Lincoln, with well-known ghost stories. These spirits are often tied to the state's history as a major railroad hub and a center for commerce on the American frontier.
Do haunted hotels in Nebraska offer ghost tours? Many of Nebraska's most haunted locations, from caves to museums, offer their own guided ghost tours. In cities like Omaha and Lincoln, local tour companies often feature the most haunted hotels and bars on their spooky routes.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Nebraska? Most hotels are family-friendly. The stories of pioneers and the Old West can be a fun and educational adventure, but some of the darker local legends about witches or murders might be too intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Nebraska? Autumn is a perfect time to visit. The crisp air, the harvest season on the prairie, and special Halloween events at attractions like the Museum of Shadows create a fantastic spooky atmosphere for a ghost hunt.