4 minute read
Haunts Only for the Brave - MINNESOTA
By Lisa Garcia / Assistant Editor
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is a state teaming with natural beauty, rich history, and charming communities. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of haunted destinations, this northern gem has its fair share of spine-tingling stories and ghostly encounters. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the chill of autumn creeps in, there’s no better time to explore Minnesota’s haunted havens. Join us on a journey through some of the most chilling and captivating paranormal sites the state has to offer.
Palmer House Hotel, Sauk Centre
Our ghostly adventure begins in the charming town of Sauk Centre, home to the historic Palmer House Hotel. Built in 1901, this elegant establishment has been a hub for both the living and the deceased. Guests have reported strange occurrences such as flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and even apparitions of long-gone residents. The most famous ghostly inhabitant is Sinclair Lewis, the Nobel Prize-winning author, who spent his childhood here and is said to return occasionally in spirit form.
The Palmer House embraces its supernatural reputation, offering guided ghost tours that take you through the most haunted areas of the hotel. Stay overnight if you dare, and you might just experience a spine-chilling encounter of your own.
Greyhound Bus Museum, Hibbing
Hibbing, a town in northern Minnesota, is famous for being the birthplace of Bob Dylan. But it also houses a lesser-known, eerie attraction: the Greyhound Bus Museum. This museum explores the history of Greyhound buses and the road trips that defined America. However, it also has a haunted side.
Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and seeing ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. Some believe these spirits are former bus passengers who never quite left the station. Whether you’re a fan of the supernatural or a history enthusiast, a visit to the Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing is a must.
Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul
St. Paul, the state’s capital, hides a secret beneath its streets - the Wabasha Street Caves. Originally natural sandstone caves used for mining during the 19th century, they later became a popular Prohibition-era speakeasy. The history of these caves is colorful, but it also has a dark side.
The Wabasha Street Caves are rumored to be haunted by the spirits of gangsters, flappers, and bootleggers from the Prohibition era. Visitors on guided tours have reported feeling sudden drops in temperature, hearing whispers in the darkness, and even catching glimpses of shadowy figures. Whether you’re interested in history or the paranormal, these caves offer a unique and haunting experience.
Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes
In the heart of Detroit Lakes lies the Historic Holmes Theatre, a cultural gem with a haunted twist. The theatre, which dates back to the 1920s, has a storied past filled with tales of ghostly apparitions and mysterious occurrences. Witnesses have reported hearing phantom footsteps, witnessing unexplained flickering lights, and even encountering a spectral presence in the dressing rooms.
One of the most famous stories involves the spirit of a former stagehand who is said to still linger in the building. Whether you’re attending a live performance or exploring the theatre’s history, keep an eye out for the unexplained, as you may just encounter a ghostly guest.
Mantorville, The Hub of Hauntings
Mantorville, a small historic town in southeastern Minnesota, is often dubbed “The Hub of Hauntings.” This reputation is well-earned, as the town boasts a multitude of haunted locations. The Mantorville Opera House, built in 1918, is said to be inhabited by the ghost of a former actress who continues to perform from beyond the grave.
The nearby Hubbell House, a charming restaurant dating back to 1854, has a resident ghost known as “Lottie.” Lottie is said to be a playful spirit who occasionally rearranges silverware and causes light fixtures to flicker.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, these haunted destinations are not to be missed this season. So, pack your bags, gather your courage, and prepare to uncover the chilling secrets that lie beneath the surface of the North Star State. Happy haunting!