Haunted Hotels in South Dakota You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in South Dakota with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
8 Haunted Hotels Found in South Dakota
Historic Bullock Hotel
633 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732
Although Seth Bullock did not die in the hotel, his spirit is widely believed to haunt its halls, continuing his supervisory role. Staff report feeling his presence, especially when taking breaks, prompting them back to work. Guests and employees have described numerous paranormal encounters: apparitions, unexplained orbs in photographs, disembodied voices calling names or whistling, being tapped on the shoulder, and phantom footsteps in empty corridors. Inanimate objects are also affected; plates and glasses reportedly shake or fly, lights and showers turn on and off independently, and items are moved by unseen forces. Televisions switching channels on their own and shadowy figures further contribute to the hotel's haunted reputation.
Ingalls Homestead
20812 Homestead Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, United States
The Ingalls Homestead is not typically known or marketed as 'haunted' in the traditional sense. Its significance is rooted in the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family. Any suggestions of 'presence' would likely be speculative and tied to the deep historical roots and emotional connection many feel to the pioneering spirit of the Ingalls family. There aren't widespread, documented ghost stories akin to those of old hotels; rather, it's a place rich with historical resonance which, for some, might translate into feeling the presence of those who lived there long ago.
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247, United States
Fort Sisseton, established in 1864, has numerous reports of paranormal activity, making it a popular spot for ghost investigations. Given its history involving soldiers, conflicts, and daily life on the frontier, it's unsurprising that tales of spirits linger. Reported phenomena include apparitions in uniform seen in barracks or officers' quarters, unexplained noises such as voices, bugle calls, or footsteps echoing across the empty parade ground. Specific areas like the hospital building and commanding officer’s quarters are often cited as hotspots for paranormal encounters. Some believe spirits are tied to dramatic events or simply the routine existence of life and death at a 19th-century military outpost.
Alpine Inn
137 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, United States
The Alpine Inn, dating back to 1886, is said to harbor a few friendly spirits. One persistent legend speaks of a 'Lady in White' or 'Lady in Grey', often seen in upstairs windows or hallways. She is believed to be a gentle presence. Another spirit is rumored to be a former employee or owner who continues to keep an eye on the establishment. Guests and staff have mentioned lights flickering, objects being slightly moved, and a feeling of benevolence, suggesting the spirits are content and part of the inn's historic fabric.
The Herrick Hotel at Buffalo Ridge Resort
18935 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
The Buffalo Ridge Resort area, which includes The Herrick Hotel, stands on land with a layered history. While specific documented ghost stories for 'The Herrick Hotel' section are less prominent, the broader resort area is sometimes included in local lore due to its location near historic trails and settlements. Some anecdotal reports mention feelings of unease in certain areas, attributed perhaps to the land's past rather than a specific event within the hotel itself. It's often generally included in lists of 'places with a presence' in the Black Hills, though detailed stories tied directly to the hotel building are scarce.
Hotel Alex Johnson
523 Sixth Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, USA
The Hotel Alex Johnson is renowned for paranormal activity. One prominent story involves the 'Lady in White,' believed to be the spirit of a guest murdered in room 812, whose death was disguised as a suicide; she is often seen on the 8th floor. Another tale speaks of a heartbroken bride who allegedly took her own life. Even the original owner, Alex Johnson, is rumored to still wander the premises. Guests and staff have reported numerous supernatural occurrences including disembodied voices, apparitions, objects moving inexplicably, and cold spots, particularly concentrated on the 8th floor, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters who can even opt for a 'Ghost Adventure Package'.
Historic Franklin Hotel
709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States
The Historic Franklin Hotel, also known as the Silverado Franklin Hotel, is rumored to host several resident ghosts. One common spirit reported is 'Buttons', a bellboy from the early days of the hotel who continues his duties in the afterlife, sometimes assisting guests or making his presence known through noises and moving objects. Another often mentioned entity is a female presence, possibly associated with various tragic stories within the hotel's long history. Guests have reported cold spots, unexplained laughter, voices in empty rooms, and feelings of being watched, especially in older sections of the hotel.
Easton Castle / O-TE-LA
Aberdeen, SD (Exact address typically provided upon booking private rental)
Easton Castle, sometimes referred to as O-TE-LA, was built in the late 1880s by C.A. Easton. Local legends suggest paranormal activity stems from the Easton family itself or events that occurred within its walls over its long history. Stories circulate about seeing figures in windows, hearing unexplained noises like footsteps or music from empty rooms, and a general feeling of being watched. Given its age and distinctive architecture, it naturally attracts stories of spirits tied to its past owners and the Victorian era.
Haunted History of South Dakota
South Dakota is a land of dramatic contrasts, where the ghosts of the Wild West collide with ancient spirits and the solemn echoes of history. The state's haunted identity is famously centered in the Black Hills, where the gold rush of the 1870s gave birth to the lawless camp of Deadwood. The murder of Wild Bill Hickok and the ensuing decades of gold fever, gambling, and gunfights left behind a town so packed with spirits it's considered a paranormal paradise.
Beyond the boisterous ghosts of Deadwood, however, lies a deeper, more profound spiritual landscape. The Black Hills, or Paha Sapa, are sacred to the Lakota people, and the entire region is imbued with centuries of their history and spiritual energy. This history includes immense tragedy, most notably the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. The sorrow of this event has left an indelible mark on the land, and the spirits of those lost are said to still cry out on the windswept plains, a somber and powerful reminder of the state's complex past.
Other Haunted Attractions in South Dakota
- Deadwood's Mount Moriah Cemetery: No list of South Dakota haunts is complete without this iconic cemetery. The final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, Mount Moriah Cemetery overlooks the historic town and is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors reporting everything from strange lights to full-bodied apparitions of its legendary residents.
- The Orpheum Theater Center: This beautifully restored theater in Sioux Falls is home to a friendly ghost named "Larry," believed to be a former stagehand or manager who loved the theater so much he never left. Staff and performers at The Orpheum Theater report him playing harmless pranks, such as moving props, creating odd noises, and flickering the lights.
- Easton's Castle: This historic, castle-like mansion in Aberdeen was born from tragedy and is said to still be haunted by it. Built by C.A. Easton, his wife and daughter died before it was completed. Now a popular spot for local ghost tours, visitors report hearing phantom piano music, seeing ghostly figures in the windows, and feeling an unmistakable presence within its walls.
- Wounded Knee Massacre Site: This is a place of profound historical sorrow, not a tourist attraction in the typical sense. The site where hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children were killed by the U.S. 7th Cavalry in 1890 is said to be intensely haunted. Visitors to the Wounded Knee Memorial have reported hearing ghostly cries and drumbeats on the wind and feeling an overwhelming sense of grief that permeates the landscape.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in South Dakota
- Explore Beyond Deadwood: While Deadwood is a must-see for any paranormal enthusiast, don't miss the pioneer ghosts of the eastern prairies or the unique spiritual energy of the Badlands.
- Be Respectful of Sacred Land: The Black Hills and many other areas in South Dakota are sacred to the Lakota people. When visiting historic or spiritual sites like Wounded Knee, approach them with the reverence and respect they deserve.
- Prepare for the Drive: South Dakota is a large state with vast, open roads. Ensure you have a reliable vehicle and a full tank of gas when traveling between the Black Hills and cities like Sioux Falls.
- Watch the Weather: The state's weather can be extreme, with hot summers, severe thunderstorms, and brutal, snowy winters. Always check the forecast before heading out on a paranormal road trip, especially to remote areas.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in South Dakota
Are haunted hotels in South Dakota safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely. All lodging establishments, from the historic hotels in Deadwood to modern chains in Sioux Falls, are required to meet strict safety standards for their guests.
What is the most haunted hotel in South Dakota? The historic hotels of Deadwood, like the Bullock Hotel, are by far the most famous and have the most well-documented hauntings. However, many smaller, historic inns across the state have their own unique and chilling ghost stories.
Do haunted hotels in South Dakota offer ghost tours? In Deadwood, it's practically a requirement! Many hotels in the historic town live off their paranormal reputation and offer tours. In other parts of the state, haunted inns are often featured on local city ghost walks.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels? Most hotels are family-friendly. However, parents should be aware that the history of the Wild West is inherently violent, and the tragic history of sites like Wounded Knee can be very intense and may not be suitable for all children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in South Dakota? Late summer and early fall provide the most pleasant weather for exploring the entire state. October is the ultimate paranormal season in Deadwood, which hosts the "Deadweird" Halloween festival, but be prepared for crowds.