Most Haunted Places in the Twin Cities

St. Paul Ghost Tour

Did you know that St. Paul’s historic Summit Avenue is the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the US? Learn about the ghostly happenings and spooky history in this engaging 1-mile walking tour, including:

• Forepaugh’s 2nd mansion where a sordid affair led to multiple tragic deaths
• The screams of terror from children lost to deadly diseases in Cochran Park
• The woman of the mist and other spirits said to haunt the Chauncey Griggs’ mansion 
• And more!

In addition to the spooky stories, this tour is a fun way to learn about the history and architecture along Summit Avenue!

Tours are held nightly year-round. There is an option to add 4 more stops (30 additional minutes) to your tour as well. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome (my dog had a great time)! Meet at the Germanic American Institute.

Use code ADVENTURE10 for 10% off.

Forepaugh’s Restaurant

Located just one mile from where the St. Paul Ghost Tour ends, Forepaugh’s Restaurant is thought to be the most haunted house in all of Minnesota. Originally built as a home in the 1870’s, today this restaurant is home to haunted happenings involving what is believed to be Joseph Forepaugh and his former maid and mistress, Molly. 

Molly’s ghost has been spotted around bridal parties (always the bridesmaid, amirite?) and on the third floor, often associated with the sound of footsteps, flicker lights and the smell of her perfume. Whereas Joseph’s ghost tends to be spotted in the basement and first floor.

Enjoy a delicious upscale meal and maybe, while you’re there, you’ll be lucky enough to see Molly or Joseph! They even offer wine cellar dinners in the basement.

Pro Tip: Forepaugh’s website doesn’t say much about the hauntings but if you ask your server, they’ll likely share stories with you!

Mounds Theater

The Mounds Theater was built in the 1920’s and was originally a venue for silent movies. After being in operation for decades, the theater was vacant from nearly 40 years until 2001 when it reopened. The theater has been featured on paranormal television shows and investigations. It is said to be  haunted by 3 ghosts, including a young girl bouncing a ball onstage, an older man often seen in the project booth and an usher who wanders up and down the aisles of the theater.

On Fridays and Saturdays in October, the theater offers tours at night to learn about the theater’s history and for the chance to experience its haunted side.

Wabasha Street Caves

Love gangster lore? The Wabasha Street Caves tour is a must! What once were mining caves were repurposed into a restaurant and casino during Prohibition, which made it a popular spot for gangsters. Of course, that eventually led to problems in the underground speakeasy including an alleged gangster-involved murder. 

Today you can visit to learn all about the mobster history and hear stories about the ghostly encounters in the Wabasha Street Caves. Choose from the Saint Paul Gangster Tour, Lost Souls Cave Tour, or Caves & Graves Tour. 

Landmark Center

Yet another St. Paul location with ties to gangster lore is the Landmark Center. Today the building is a cultural center, but it was originally a courthouse and post office when it was built in 1902. The Landmark Center is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jack Pfeiffer, a Prohibition-era speakeasy owner (and money launderer) who poisoned himself and died in his jail cell.

It’s been reported that Jack is sometimes seen at weddings held in the building, the 3rd floor women’s bathroom, and on the grandstaircase. Other unexplained phenomena include the antique elevator moving on its own, missing alcohol, lights turning off and on and voices being heard from inside locked offices that were once used by judges in the courthouse.

First Avenue

First Avenue is well known as one of the longest running independently owned and operated live music venues in the US. Not only does it draw some of the best acts touring the country, it was also the backdrop for Prince’s film Purple Rain. Here in Minneapolis, First Ave is kind of a big deal.

And, it’s also said to be haunted! As the story goes, in the mid-1900’s the building was a Greyhound bus depot. A woman who was distraught after her lover didn’t return home from World War II hung herself in what is now a bathroom. Concertgoers, performers and employees have reported hearing screams and cries from the bathroom and seeing the ghostly figure of a woman with a noose around her neck. 

Cuzzy’s Grill & Bar Downtown

Not only is this one of the most iconic dive bars in the North Loop neighborhood, Cuzzy’s is also known to be haunted by a ghost named Betsy. While you sit and enjoy the crispy tater tots and delicious Cuzzy’s beef sandwich, you may experience the ketchup moving on its own, flickering lights and a spooky hug from her. 

Find more info about Betsy at the bottom of the Cuzzy’s menu!

300 Clifton Historic Mansion & Gardens

This beautifully restored mansion is located in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The intricate details of the decor of the Georgian architecture will take you back to another era of life in Minneapolis. 

The mansion was at one time owned by Eugene Carpenter who is said to have contributed to the conception and founding of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Even today, the building is said to be haunted by Gertrude, a happy ghost, who was once Mrs. Carpenter’s maid. She drowned while trying to save valuables from a fire on the property. Guests have seen rocking chairs moving inexplicably, heard footsteps on the stairs coming up from the basement where she drowned and more.

Whether you stay overnight or not, I recommend booking the candlelight ghost trolley tour operated by 300 Clifton. This 90-minute tour stops at eight known paranormal hotspots in Minneapolis along with stories, a tour of the secret passageways and haunted rooms at the hotel, and ends at Gertrude’s Movie Room. 

Pro Tip: Want an extra spooky experience? Overnight guests can book Gertrude’s Movie Room and Haunted Lounge, which is a private soundproof movie room with fully reclining leather chairs as well as a speakeasy located in the basement of the hotel. Scary movie screening anyone? 

American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a cultural center and museum, which includes the historic Turnblad Mansion. Built between 1904-1908, the mansion is more like a castle with a large turret, beautifully carved gargoyles and more. 

Visitors can take a self-guided tour through all of the exhibitions as well as the Turnblad Mansion. Guests have reported hearing piano music, inexplicable blasts of cold air, and ghostly sightings. Each year, the ASI hosts a series of special Flashlight Tours in October which include a tour of the darkened mansion, ghost stories and Aquavit samples.

Twin Cities Horror Festival

The Twin Cities are home to the longest running horror theatre festival in the US. The festival runs for 2 weeks in October each year and features live-action horror-themed performances. This is a great way to get your horror fix and support local artists and performers.

The Twin Cities Horror Festival takes place at the Crane Theater.

Minneapolis City Hall

The Minneapolis City Hall’s notable architecture stands out among the more modern buildings in downtown. The 345 foot tall clock tower, beautiful five story rotunda and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style earned it a spot on the National Register of HIstoric Places.

Night shift employees have reported paintings falling off the walls, doors opening and closing on their own, flickering lights, voices and more. These happenings have been associated with the ghost of John Moshik, who was convicted of murder and is said to be the only person every hanged in the building. 

The building is open to the public on weekdays.