October has arrived, and with it comes a surge of interest in all things spooky. This is the month when thrill-seekers from across the country set their sights on the most haunted places in Minnesota. Across the state, Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts are embracing the vibrant Midwest fall colors, serving seasonal flavors, and sharing the crisp beauty of the season with guests. If you are still hunting for memorable ways to experience this lively time of year, you might want to explore our latest travel guides and recommendations.
Of course, there are plenty more things to do in Minnesota in the fall than gaze at dazzling foliage. It is also the perfect time to lean into the eerie side of the season. Why not add a little chill to your getaway and visit some of the most haunted places in Minnesota? From eerie historic landmarks to haunted attractions in Minnesota that promise a night of unforgettable frights, there is no shortage of spooky adventures to enjoy. Whether you are seeking haunted places near the Twin Cities, hidden ghost stories in small towns, or famous haunted places in the Midwest, Minnesota delivers plenty of thrills for your October travels.
As you start mapping out your fall itinerary, consider pairing your haunted explorations with a stay at a welcoming Minnesota Bed and Breakfast. Use our easy search tool to find lodging that puts you close to the action and lets you unwind after your ghostly adventures. Whether your goal is to experience the most haunted places in MN or simply savor the rich flavors and sights of the season, October in Minnesota is a trip you won’t soon forget. Book your stay today!
10 of the Most Haunted Places in Minnesota
Every state has its share of strange tales and ghostly whispers, but Minnesota seems to have an especially rich collection of legends, haunted history, and spine-chilling destinations. While October brings plenty of seasonal thrills like corn mazes and theatrical haunted houses across the state, those in search of truly authentic haunted places in Minnesota will find no shortage of real-life ghost stories to explore. These chilling sites are packed with eerie history, unexplained activity, and just enough mystery to keep you looking over your shoulder.
This fall, we’re pulling back the curtain on ten of the most haunted places in Minnesota. From shadowy theaters to ghost-filled hotels, these locations are sure to add a supernatural spark to your October adventures.
- The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul: Considered one of the most haunted places in MN, this historic venue has decades of ghostly lore. Staff and guests have reported strange noises, flickering lights, and the unmistakable presence of a former stagehand named Ben, who is said to keep watch over the theater.
- Downtown Pipestone: In this charming small town, visitors have encountered disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps, and sudden temperature drops. The activity is so well known that Pipestone hosts a Paranormal Weekend every October, attracting ghost hunters from across the Midwest.
- St. James Hotel, Red Wing: This elegant property is home to the spirit of former owner Clara Lillyblad, who once lived on the third floor. She reportedly lingers there still, ensuring tables are perfectly set for guests dining below, and contributing to its legend as one of the most haunted places in Minnesota.
- Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul: Carved into sandstone bluffs, these caves hold a storied past of speakeasies, mobsters, and more than a few mysterious happenings. Visitors say the air feels heavier here, and shadows seem to move when no one’s around.
- Chase on the Lake, Walker: Once the site of a late-1800s hotel and two-lane bowling alley, this lakeside destination is believed to be haunted by soldiers from the 1898 Battle of Sugar Point, along with other lingering spirits from its lumber and Prohibition days.
- Washington Street Bridge, Minneapolis: Known as a location with a tragic history, this bridge is said to be haunted by those who took their own lives here. Nighttime visitors often speak of phantom footsteps and the unsettling feeling of being watched, making it one of the most haunted places in Minnesota.
- The Warden’s House, Stillwater: Former home of a Minnesota State Prison warden, this historic house is rumored to be visited by the spirit of the warden’s daughter, who can sometimes be spotted gazing out of the upstairs windows.
- Greyhound Bus Museum, Hibbing: Among the exhibits chronicling bus travel history, guests have reported slamming doors, moving windows, and the occasional whisper from unseen passengers.
- Grey Cloud Island: With the highest known concentration of Native American burial mounds in the country, this area is steeped in deep cultural and spiritual significance and is considered one of the most haunted places in Minnesota. Paranormal enthusiasts have reported protective spirits that don’t take kindly to trespassers.
- First Avenue, Minneapolis: Once a bus station and later one of the most famous music venues in the Midwest, this spot carries more than just rock ‘n’ roll history. The apparition of a young woman who died tragically here is said to appear in the women’s restroom, along with another spirit known only as “Slippy.”
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the most haunted places in Minnesota or simply curious about the state’s supernatural past, these destinations offer a hauntingly memorable way to experience fall in the Midwest.
The Best Minnesota Lodging!
No matter where your Minnesota adventures take you, choosing the right place to stay can transform your trip from memorable to unforgettable. The best bed and breakfasts in Minnesota, all part of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns, offer far more than a place to rest your head. These properties are known for their warm hospitality, exceptional comfort, and a level of personal service you simply won’t find in large hotels.
Each inn has its own character, reflecting the personality of the innkeepers and the charm of its location. Some are historic homes filled with period details and rich stories of the past, while others are modern retreats designed for ultimate comfort. Many feature gourmet breakfasts made with fresh, local ingredients, and thoughtful touches like luxurious linens, cozy fireplaces, and private porches perfect for sipping coffee on a crisp autumn morning.
What truly sets these member inns apart is their commitment to an authentic travel experience. When you stay at a Midwest Association property, you’re not just booking a room, you’re gaining insider knowledge of the area. Your hosts can point you toward the best restaurants, scenic trails, and, for those seeking thrills this season, the most haunted places in Minnesota.
October is the perfect time to blend the beauty of fall with the excitement of a little ghostly intrigue. Spend your days visiting haunted attractions in Minnesota or exploring historic sites with spooky reputations, then return to the comfort of your Bed and Breakfast for a night of rest and relaxation. Whether you’re after adventure, romance, or just a peaceful getaway with a hint of Halloween magic, there’s a member inn ready to welcome you. Plan your stay today and experience why the Midwest Association of Independent Inns represents the very best places to stay in Minnesota.
