Posted by Andrea Durway
Haunted St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and there are many places to experience the paranormal, if your inclined to believe in such spooky things. For an eerie adventure this Halloween, consider one of these eight haunted spots of the area. From mansions with tragic pasts to cemeteries that hold untold stories, here you can dive deep into the city’s ghostly past.
1. Lemp Mansion
The Lemp Mansion, located in the Benton Park neighborhood, is famous for its haunting legacy. The Lemp family, whose brewing empire made them one of the wealthiest in St. Louis, suffered several tragedies within the mansion walls. Over the years, visitors have reported paranormal activity, including phantom footsteps and eerie voices. The mansion now hosts ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, and overnight stays, where you can experience the chilling atmosphere firsthand. (Website)
What to Expect: Tours focus on the mansion’s dark history, and guests frequently report hearing strange noises, feeling cold drafts, and catching glimpses of ghostly figures.
2. The Exorcist House
The inspiration for The Exorcist book and film is right here in St. Louis. Located in Bel-Nor, this otherwise normal-looking house is where a boy known as “Roland Doe” underwent the infamous exorcism performed by Jesuit priests from St. Louis University. While the house itself is privately owned and not open for tours, many ghost hunters and curious visitors still drive by to catch a glimpse of the residence where the real-life exorcism took place.
What to Expect: Visitors claim to feel an eerie presence when standing outside the home. The story of Roland Doe’s exorcism remains one of the most infamous hauntings tied to the city.
3. The McPike Mansion
While technically located in Alton, Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis, McPike Mansion is one of the most notoriously haunted spots near the city. Built in the 1860s, this abandoned mansion is said to be home to numerous spirits, including that of its original owner, Henry McPike. The mansion regularly hosts ghost tours and paranormal investigations, offering brave souls a chance to connect with the supernatural. (Website)
What to Expect: Visitors have reported seeing orbs, hearing voices, and experiencing strange cold spots throughout the mansion. The guided ghost tours are an excellent way to explore the spooky grounds and learn about the mansion’s haunted history.
4. The Fox Theatre
This grand, historic theatre in Midtown has its own spooky history. Built in the 1920s, the Fox Theatre has long been rumored to be haunted. People have reported seeing the ghost of a former usher, known affectionately as “George,” who supposedly worked there during the theater’s early years. His spirit is said to roam the hallways, keeping an eye on the venue’s guests. (More)
What to Expect: Staff and visitors alike have reported flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and strange cold spots during performances or tours. While enjoying a show, keep your eyes peeled—you may see more than just the actors on stage.
5. City Museum
The City Museum is known for its whimsical and eclectic design, but it also has a reputation for being haunted. Built in the former International Shoe Company warehouse, the museum’s labyrinthine halls and tunnels are thought to be home to a few spirits. The building’s industrial past lends an air of mystery, and some visitors have reported hearing strange noises and seeing figures out of the corner of their eyes. (Website)
What to Expect: The City Museum offers enough strange and eerie sights to make anyone feel like they’re in a different world. While it’s not marketed as a haunted attraction, the sheer oddity of the museum’s design might make you feel like you’re being watched.
6. Bellefontaine Cemetery
This historic 19th-century cemetery is the final resting place of many notable St. Louis figures, including brewery magnate Adolphus Busch and explorer William Clark. With its Gothic architecture, winding pathways, and towering mausoleums, Bellefontaine offers both history and hauntings. The cemetery hosts guided tours, focusing on its history and architecture, however the Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum does not host, or allow other organizations to conduct, any kinds of haunted, paranormal, or supernatural tour on the grounds at any time, as it remains an active cemetery with funeral services taking place several times a week.
What to Expect: Walk among the graves of famous figures, and you might catch a glimpse of shadowy apparitions or feel an unexplainable chill. The guided tours provide an excellent exploration of the flora, fauna, iconography, and history of the cemetery.
7. Calvary Cemetery
Adjacent to Bellefontaine is Calvary Cemetery, another historic burial ground steeped in lore. This Catholic cemetery is the resting place of Dred Scott, whose fight for freedom helped ignite the Civil War, as well as numerous Civil War soldiers. Known for its peaceful atmosphere during the day, some claim the spirits of the past rise at night. The cemetery offers self-guided tours where you can visit famous gravesites and learn about the people buried there.
What to Expect: While wandering the expansive cemetery, visitors report feelings of being watched, unexplained cold spots, and even sightings of spectral figures near the older graves.
8. Jefferson Barracks
Located in South St. Louis County, Jefferson Barracks was established in 1826 as a military post. Over the years, it has served as a training ground, hospital, and burial site for soldiers. Given its long history, it’s no surprise that the area is reportedly haunted by the spirits of Civil War soldiers and those who died in service.
What to Expect: Visitors report seeing ghostly figures dressed in Civil War uniforms and hearing disembodied voices in the cemetery. The Missouri Civil War Museum offers insights into the history, and you can explore the grounds during the day for a chance to encounter the supernatural.
Conclusion
If you’re in St. Louis and craving a ghostly experience, these haunted locations and cemetery tours offer the perfect mix of history and paranormal intrigue. Whether you’re touring a mansion steeped in tragedy or walking among the graves of famous St. Louis figures, you’re bound to experience something chilling. Just remember to keep an open mind—you never know what (or who) you might encounter! St. Louis Paranormal Research Society
