12 Most Haunted Hotels in Minnesota
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
When it comes to mysteries, ghosts, and haunted places, Minnesota certainly has its share. If you want to experience the afterlife firsthand, here are some of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota.
There are many hotels and places in Minnesota where people have allegedly spotted ghosts and witnessed many strange happenings. In some of these hotels, paranormal investigators have been invited, and they have also ascertained the presence of paranormal activity.
Such places receive much attention, especially during Halloween, the season of scares and screams. Many people flock to these hotels to witness these hair-raising events firsthand.
But if you’ve been wondering whether such tales are true, you don’t have to wait for Halloween to visit these haunted hotels in Minnesota. You can even book your visit today. Minnesota’s most haunted hotels and places will leave you both thrilled and scared.
Top Haunted Hotels in Minnesota
1. Thayer’s Bed and Breakfast – Wabasha
This is one of the oldest hotels in Minnesota. It is a three-storied rectangular building built in 1895 using Victorian architecture. Today, it is one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota.
The original owners of Thayer’s Bed and Breakfast were Gus and his wife, Caroline. The hotel is considered haunted because of the many bone-chilling tales that emanate from it. It is said that many ghosts reside in the hotel, having been spotted by the staff and even some guests.
For example, it is claimed that when Gus and Caroline died, their ghosts returned as guardians of the hotel. Some guests have reported seeing Guy and Caroline welcoming them. Many guests in this hotel have also had encounters with ghost cats roaming around the hotel.
At night, strange noises, footsteps, and stomping can be heard. The lights also flicker on and off when the ghosts move from one place to another. At one point, the hotel even had to invite investigators who confirmed some of these claims. If you are interested in ghost adventures, you should visit this place.
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2. The Anderson House Hotel – Wabasha
The Anderson House Hotel is another haunted hotel in Minnesota. It was established in 1856 and is one of the oldest hotels in the state. This hotel quickly became famous because of the cats guests could borrow when they needed company. It closed briefly in 2009 but reopened soon after.
Today, the hotel has regained its iconic status and continues to awe guests with its historic charm. Its charming 164-year-old history consists of some deep, dark secrets some guests have uncovered, earning the hotel the tag of one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota.
Guests have spotted many mysterious creatures moving about. Disembodied voices can also be heard occasionally, and some guests even report the presence of spirits in their rooms.
The previous owners even conducted three tests to determine paranormal activity, two showing a supernatural presence in the hotel. If you want to share this experience, you can conveniently book a room in the hotel or other nearby hotels using TripAdvisor.
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3. Palmer House Hotel – Sauk Centre
Palmer House Hotel, situated in Sauk Centre, arguably tops the list of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota. Built in 1901, it has existed for over a century.
Palmer House Hotel still retains its old, historic charm. Its wild tales of ghosts and mysteries would delight anyone fascinated by the unseen world. Considered one of the top haunted places in Minnesota, this hotel has been the subject of multiple investigations by ghost hunters.
One of the most active ghosts haunting the hotel is that of a young boy who is usually spotted playing with his ball. There is also another ghost of a former prostitute, Lucy, who used to be a regular guest but now visits as a ghost.
When she encounters a male guest, she slams the door so hard that even the temperature in the room drops. Some guests have also said they have spotted a tall man towering over their beds while sleeping.
The two most active rooms are rooms 11 and 17. You can rent one of those rooms if you are unafraid of meeting a ghost.
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4. Grant House – Rush City
The Grant House has also been in operation for over a hundred years. It is one of the most charming hotels in east-central Minnesota. Because of its rich history, it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Grant House is one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota, and for a valid reason. It is famous for its ghost tales and has been part of numerous TV ghost-hunting shows. Many local Ghostbusters have also made it their home.
With its century-old history, the hotel is no stranger to ghost adventures. Employees and guests have reported countless ghost sightings. There have been reports of strange noises, flickering lights, and flying objects, with people even taking photos of floating orbs.
At the height of these rumors, Grant’s House accepted the role of part of a formal investigation for paranormal activity. During the investigation, they heard a ghost speaking through the ghost box.
The ghost identified himself as Peter, and the lights continued intermittently as he spoke. Make a point of visiting the hotel, not just for the ghost encounters but also for its wonderful food.
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5. Chase on the Lake – Walker
Chase on the Lake is part of the Chase Hotel Chain, established by Lewis and Louisa Chase in 1894. They were immigrants who set up these hotels immediately after arriving in Minnesota, and they became a big success. Unfortunately, the newer of the two hotels caught fire and was almost reduced to rubble.
The employees of Chase on the Lake have many frightening tales of mysterious things that happen within the walls. Some have spotted ghost children playing in the hallways; others have recorded phones ringing without plugging in. In another curious event, the grandfather clock in the hotel lobby magically spat its key from the lock.
Guests also claim they hear weird sounds in their rooms, while others say they have even encountered shadowy figures. These unusual occurrences may be related to the fact that during the Indian Wars, the original hotel served as a temporary morgue.
Therefore, the spirits of the dead soldiers have always hovered around the area and sometimes came calling. This is why it is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota.
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6. St. James Hotel – Red Wing
The St. James Hotel is situated in Red Wing, Minnesota. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels in the town. But even with its beauty, it still fits as one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota, with a chilling history of ghost encounters.
The genesis of these ghost tales can be traced to 1890 when the hotel acted as a temporary morgue for victims of a boat accident. Those ghosts of the drowned victims are believed to still reside in the hotel to this day.
The ghost of a former hotel owner lives in the hotel, as does another resident ghost, Clara Lillyblad. Some ghosts whisper amongst themselves, while others slam doors, break things, and even cry out like babies.
A paranormal investigator reported that he once saw the big table in the center of the dining room move on its own. That table is known as Clara’s, suggesting she might have moved it.
If you are a fan of ghost adventures, you should book a room in this hotel because you may encounter one of these ghostly figures. While in town, check out these best things to do in Red Wing.
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7. The Water Street Inn – Stillwater
The Water Street Inn is the perfect excuse to visit downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. And not just for the food but also for the possibility of meeting a ghost.
It was one of the finest hotels and among the first to have indoor plumbing and electricity. The hotel was a favorite spot for lumber barons who were among the richest people then.
It is believed that the ghost of a Confederate soldier haunts the hotel. He died while in his room on the second floor of the hotel. Employees and guests in Water Street Inn say they can sense his presence from the smell of stale whiskey and body odor.
Some guests also claim that the ghost of the Confederate soldier appears on the stairs or stalks them to their rooms. But he disappears the moment you turn to face him. Some even claim they have seen him in their rooms, especially on the second floor. The hotel also has nice rooms with historic charm.
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8. Mrs. B’s Bed & Breakfast Inn – Lanesboro
Lanesboro is Minnesota’s bed and breakfast capital, where you’ll find this iconic inn. It features on the list of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota.
Mrs. B’s Bed and Breakfast Inn perfectly balances charm and creepiness. It will impress you with its service and history but frighten you more with its spooky mysteries.
It is said that Buffalo Bull spent many nights in this historic place, and so his ghost keeps coming back. The ghost is now a permanent resident. Some also say that they can see the figure of a man sitting next to them on their bed.
Occupants of the Rosemal Room, room 5, have reported cases of ghosts playing with their lights. And they also open and slam the door sometimes. There is also the ghost of a woman in a white dress who was once displeased with services at the inn. Her ghost can be heard sighing and wailing in the hallways.
If you want a thrilling evening with a side of creepy, Mrs. B’s Inn won’t disappoint. You can also explore other accommodation options through Airbnb. While in town, check out these other best things to do in Lanesboro.
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9. The Kahler Grand Hotel – Rochester
The Kahler Grand Hotel’s elegant simplicity belies its dark history. Its combination of beauty and sophistication makes it one of the best hotels in downtown Rochester.
But it’s a haunted place. In the past, the site was once part of the Mayo Clinic. The top floor was a surgery area, while the basement was converted into a morgue.
This explains why the hotel is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota. Many frightening sightings and encounters have stemmed from its creepy history. It is claimed that the ghosts of the Mayo Clinic patients haunt the place.
These ghosts have also been heard, producing weird sounds and smells. According to guests, they also cause rapid temperature changes. Some people also claim they have spotted spirits walking in the hallways and murmuring. Book a room at the majestic Kahler Grand Hotel if you want to meet ghostly figures. You’ll be in for a spooky treat.
Check out these other Rochester guides if you plan on visiting:
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10. Big Winnie Resort and General Store – Bena
The Big Winnie Resort and General Store is one of the most remarkable places in Minnesota for travelers and revelers. The federal government even recognizes it as a landmark. The hotel has served customers since 1932, providing accommodation, RV campsites, restrooms, showers, and a laundromat.
Natives say that nothing unusual happened at the site until 1944 when 220 prisoners of war were brought from Germany. Their work was to assist in transporting lumber from the giant forests, and a camp was built for them on the premises.
Soon after, people started noticing paranormal activity. The people working in Big Winnie Resort stores have reported hearing people murmuring in some abandoned rooms.
Paranormal investigators have even caught images of floating objects near the campsite. The resort organizes an annual Haunted Trail event called Night Screams, and anyone is allowed to attend.
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11. Calumet Historic Hotel – Pipestone
The Calumet Historic Hotel was originally a stopover for railroads in the 19th Century. It served the many people who came into the town via the railroad. With so many visitors passing by the hotel, it is not surprising that it is considered a haunted place.
Some of the mysterious things that happen here are very frightening. Once, the receptionist received a call from room 207 requesting sundry articles. When someone went to deliver the articles, they found the door locked and no one was inside – so who had made the call?
Room 308 is also considered one of the most haunted rooms in the hotel. Some guests have reported coming across a brightly dressed lady in the hallways, but she vanishes right before their eyes. Sometimes, the piano can also be heard playing on it.
As one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota, Calumet Historic Hotel has colorful stories that would excite those who love spooky sightings. If you want a taste of this ghostly energy, plan a visit to the hotel. While in town, check out these other best things to do in Pipestone.
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11. Old Jail Bed & Breakfast – Taylors Falls
Old Jail Bed & Breakfast was an old jail (clearly given the name). The building was built in the early 19th century and is considered one of the oldest in Minnesota. Most people would visit the site for a good view of Taylor Falls.
The jail only had four cells. Today, it has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast. Initially, the northern side of the building is rumored to have been a funeral home. Afterward, it was converted into a tailor’s shop. A tunnel at the back led into what was a bootlegging joint.
Some guests have reported seeing a young boy moving up and down the hotel floors. Some say they have even encountered a woman’s ghost face-to-face.
The tunnel has been the site of much paranormal activity, including strange movements and sounds. If you want to know more about why it is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Minnesota, you should spend a night or two here. While in town, check out these best things to do in Taylor’s Falls.
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