Minnesota's Most Haunted Places
During the season of ghosts and goblins, scary tales and horror films have become a tradition. Many Minnesotans also flock to haunted hay rides or attractions that feature haunted houses. While most of these frightening festivities are staged, there are actual hauntings to be found in Minnesota that may be real. These sites have had multiple reports of ghostly activity and proven paranormal presence. Check them out yourself, if you dare.
First Avenue Nightclub
701 1st Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-8388
www.first-avenue.com
Minneapolis's First Avenue Nightclub has hosted a variety of bands and continues to be a popular venue for view live music. Located in downtown Minneapolis, First Avenue used to be a bus terminal that was built in 1937 as a new and modern facility at the time. It is rumored that a woman hung herself in one of the restroom stalls and her spirit continues to haunt the club. Images of a blonde woman with a green sweater have been reported by visitors to the nightclub, possibly being the ghost of the long-dead woman.
Braemar Golf Course
6364 John Harris Drive
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 903-5750
www.edinamn.gov
Braemar Golf Course in Edina is said to be haunted by a ghost named Jim. When the landscaping team arrived to plan out the golf course, rumors of a deceased homeless man found on the land were circulated. Golfers playing the course have reported balls going into holes and coming back out without explanation. Jim has frequently been blamed for these incidents.
Glensheen Mansion
3300 London Road
Duluth, MN 55804
(218) 726-8910
www.d.umn.edu
An historic mansion built on Lake Superior, Glensheen Mansion is a popular tourist attraction in Duluth that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion was built in 1905 by a wealthy family, the Congdons. Elizabeth Congdon and her nurse were murdered in the mansion by an adopted daughter. Elizabeth's ghost is believed to roam the mansion as reports of lights flickering have been made by local residents. The Glensheen Mansion is owned by the University of Minnesota and can be toured during the week.
St. Mary's College - Heffron Hall
700 Terrace Heights
Winona, MN 55987
(800) 635-5987
www.smumn.edu
Heffron Hall, a residence hall located on the campus of St. Mary's in Winona, Minn., was once the scene of a questionable murder. In 1915, a priest attempted to murder Bishop Heffron in his study but did not succeed. Then in 1931, Reverend Edward Lynch was found dead from electrocution although the source of electricity was unknown. Residents of the dormitory have often reported seeing ghosts and hearing unexplained noises throughout the building. Also, cold drafts have been detected although windows and doors are tightly closed.
Wabasha Street Caves
215 Wabasha St. S.
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 224-1191
www.wabashastreetcaves.com
The Wabasha Caves in St. Paul were once home to bootleggers and gangsters. Three gangsters were massacred in one of the back rooms of the caves and their spirits are said to continue to haunt the hideout. There have been reports of areas of the cave suddenly becoming ice cold and images of the gangsters dressed in suits from the 1920s have been seen as well. A ghost bartender has also been sighted refilling wine glasses for invisible patrons.
Related: Best Literary Landmarks In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
