Uncovering the Spirits of the North Star State: From Lake Superior’s Misty Shores to the Gilded Age Secrets of St. Paul
Minnesota may be celebrated for its 10,000 lakes and midwestern charm, but beneath its scenic vistas lies a “disturbingly dark chronology” that has left a permanent mark on the landscape. From the icy, fog-laden shores of Lake Superior to the limestone-facade mansions of the capital, the North Star State is a premier destination for those seeking the supernatural. Whether you are looking for ghost tours in Minnesota to uncover maritime mysteries or haunted tours in Minnesota that delve into Gilded Age scandals, the state offers a chilling array of experiences for every dark tourist.
The history of the region is a tapestry of frontier grit, industrial booms, and tragic losses that refuse to stay buried. If you have been searching for “ghost tours near me” while traveling through the Twin Cities or the North Shore, you will find that Minnesota’s spirits are as varied as its seasons. From the “Birthplace of Minnesota” in Stillwater to the “Zenith City” of Duluth, these guided walks provide a gateway into the unexplained.
The Best Ghost Tours in Minnesota
1. Lost Lanterns of the Lake Ghost Tour
City/State: Duluth, MN
Overview: Step into the misty shadows of the North Shore on the Lost Lanterns of the Lake Ghost Tour, a journey that peels back the layers of Duluth’s dark past. As the sun sets over the treacherous, icy waters of Lake Superior, this lantern-lit walk leads you through the historic HART District and Canal Park.
The tour highlights the secrets of the “Zenith City,” from the restless spirits lingering in the old city jail to the tragic disappearances that have defined the Great Lakes for centuries. This experience, operated by US Ghost Adventures, blends meticulous historical research with bone-chilling local lore.
Your journey begins at the historic Oliver Inn, which was once the site of Duluth’s original City Hall and jail—a location thick with the psychic residue of the city’s early days. Over the course of 60 minutes, your guide will transport you back to an era defined by bootleggers, shipwrecked sailors, and Gilded Age scandals.
You’ll hear about the “Flying Dutchman of Lake Superior” and the cursed foundations of iconic landmarks that many locals walk past every day without knowing the terrors beneath. It is a unique perspective on the grit and ghosts of this legendary port town, designed to immerse you in the unexplained stories that shape the region.
Experience Highlights:
-
The Depot: Visit the former Union Depot, where spectral passengers have been sighted waiting for trains that stopped running decades ago.
-
Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum: Uncover the unsettling story behind “The Cribs,” a strange concrete structure in Lake Superior that legend says may trap more than just ruins beneath its surface.
-
SS Bannockburn: Listen to the terrifying legend of the Great Lakes’ most famous ghost ship, often seen by sailors during the North’s fiercest winter storms.
-
Duluth Public Library: Learn why this modern building sits atop a site with a “disturbingly dark” history that continues to echo today.
2. St. Paul Ghost Walk (American Ghost Walks)
City/State: St. Paul, MN
Overview: The Spirits of Summit Avenue St. Paul Ghost Walk offers a deep dive into the haunted history of one of America’s most preserved residential boulevards. As dusk settles over the “Hill District,” the air grows heavy with the secrets of the Victorian elite. T
his 90-minute haunted tour traverses a mile-long stretch of Gilded Age opulence where industrial tycoons and railroad barons built their legacies—some of which seem to have never left their limestone mansions. Led by expert storytellers from American Ghost Walks, the tour uncovers paranormal activity lingering behind the gates of historic estates and towering cathedrals.
The walk begins at the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, a site where many visitors report the feeling of being watched and encounter unexplained cold spots. From there, the narrative explores the tragic tales and eerie occurrences that define the Twin Cities’ spectral landscape.
This is an authentic storytelling experience that blends verified local research with bone-chilling folklore. It provides a haunting look at the tragic romances, occult séances, and literary ghosts that populate the history of Minnesota’s capital. Because the tour takes place on the hilly terrain of Summit Avenue, it offers both a physical and spiritual journey into the past.
Experience Highlights:
-
Forepaugh’s Mansion: Stand before the shuttered restaurant and hear the tragic tale of Molly, the maid whose forbidden romance led to a double suicide that still stains the property.
-
James J. Hill House: Discover the spectral residents of the “Empire Builder’s” home, including reports of a ghostly puppy on the upper floors.
-
Burbank-Livingston-Griggs Mansion: Visit what is frequently cited as the “most haunted house in St. Paul,” famous for stories of occult séances and the mysterious “turret watcher”.
-
F. Scott Fitzgerald Row House: Learn about the literary ghost of the Great Gatsby author and the “Marfa-style” green lights that flicker in the windows.
3. Stillwater Ghost Walk
City/State: Stillwater, MN
Overview: Step into the shadows of the “Birthplace of Minnesota” with the Stillwater Ghost Walk. As the sun sets over the St. Croix River, this picturesque river town transforms into a landscape of lingering spirits and unsettled legends. The walk takes you through the heart of downtown Stillwater, where the echoes of the mid-1800s lumber boom still resonate in the brick and mortar of its oldest structures.
This tour is meticulously researched, blending verified local history with chilling paranormal reports from the dark side of a city built on the grit of lumberjacks and frontier secrets.
Led by American Ghost Walks, this 90-minute experience uncovers why Stillwater remains a hotspot for spectral activity. The tour stops at landmarks that have baffled paranormal investigators for decades, including sites associated with true crime and macabre local professions.
For those looking for a blend of eerie folklore and authentic local heritage, this walk provides the perfect introduction to the spirits of the St. Croix Valley. The atmosphere is thick with history, making it a must-do for anyone seeking the most haunted corners of the state’s oldest town.
Experience Highlights:
-
The Warden’s House Museum: Explore the heavy atmosphere of the home that housed thirteen different wardens of the Minnesota State Prison, where ghostly footsteps have been heard for nearly a century.
-
The Lowell Inn: Visit the exterior of this 1927 landmark where celebrities like Johnny Cash stayed, though some “permanent guests” are said to have never checked out.
-
The St. Croix Riverfront: Hear the macabre tale of “Fisherman John” Jeremy, whose business was recovering drowned bodies and who may have stirred the spirits of the river.
-
Austin Jenks Home: Learn about the steamboat captain who brought electricity to the region and why some believe he still watches over his property.
4. Duluth Pier Ghost Walk
City/State: Duluth, MN
Overview: The Duluth Pier Ghost Walk focuses on the maritime mysteries and shadowy legends of the North Shore. As the fog rolls off Lake Superior and the lights of the Aerial Lift Bridge flicker, your guide—Kimberly Christine, a Reiki Master and paranormal investigator—leads you on the city’s most evocative haunted history tour.
This 90-minute walk is located in the heart of Canal Park and weaves together tragic tales of shipwrecked sailors and local drownings. Unlike other Duluth ghost tours, this experience focuses heavily on the atmospheric energy of the waterfront and “Paranormal 101” education.
This guided, narrative-driven exploration covers approximately one mile of the scenic Duluth Lakewalk. It is designed as a low-impact walk on flat ground, making it an excellent choice for those who want a spine-tingling experience without physical strain.
You will hear verified historical accounts blended with native lore and modern-day paranormal reports. From the massive steel piers of the Lift Bridge to the area known as “Shipwreck Alley,” the tour offers a captivating look at what is often called the “Birthplace of the North”.
Experience Highlights:
-
The Aerial Lift Bridge: Stand in the shadow of this engineering marvel while hearing accounts of the spirits said to linger near its structure.
-
Shipwreck Alley: Discover the harrowing stories of vessels claimed by the “Gales of November” and the maritime lore of the Twin Ports.
-
Paranormal 101: Learn the basics of detecting “spooks” and understanding the energy of haunted sites from a professional investigator.
-
Coastal Lore: Explore Indigenous spirit paths and early frontier tragedies that left a permanent mark on the Duluth shoreline
5. St. Paul Ghost Tour (USGTAD)
City/State: St. Paul, MN
Overview: The St. Paul Ghost Tour by US Ghost Adventures is the definitive haunted history tour through the legendary Summit Avenue district. While the area is famous for its breathtaking Victorian mansions, this tour exposes the “misery, mayhem, and murder” that lurks behind the polished facades. On this gripping 60-minute walk, you will trade the city’s elite heritage for a journey into the shadows where the spirits of bootleggers, tragic maids, and broken-hearted barons still roam.
Led by local experts, this tour is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. As you traverse the gas-lit streets, you’ll discover why St. Paul is considered one of the most haunted cities in the Midwest. The walk begins at the site of a tragic turn-of-the-century love triangle and continues through local parks and imposing estates. It is a deep dive into the psychic residue left by St. Paul’s most notorious residents, blending verified historical research with bone-chilling eyewitness accounts.
Experience Highlights:
-
Forepaugh’s Mansion: Hear the heartbreaking tale of Joseph Forepaugh and the maid, Molly, whose spirits are said to inhabit the halls of this grand estate.
-
Cochran Park: Discover why this peaceful green space is a hotspot for activity, with reports of spectral children playing near the sculptures.
-
The “Lemon Meringue” House: Visit the exterior of the William Butler House, where the yellow walls hide baffling, eerie occurrences.
-
Burbank-Livingston-Griggs Mansion: Encounter the history of the second-oldest home on Summit Avenue, famed for its restless spectral inhabitants.
Haunted Cities of Minnesota
Duluth: The Haunted Port
Known as the “Zenith City,” Duluth has a haunted reputation deeply tied to the unforgiving power of Lake Superior. The city’s history is marked by maritime tragedies, from the “Gales of November” that claimed numerous ships to the mysterious disappearances along the North Shore. Areas like Canal Park and the historic HART District are hotspots for paranormal activity, where the spirits of shipwrecked sailors and those caught in Gilded Age scandals are said to still linger.
St Paul’s: Victorian Secret
Minnesota’s capital is a city of two faces: the polished facade of the Victorian elite and a “disturbingly dark chronology” of scandals and tragedies. St. Paul’s haunted reputation centers on Summit Avenue, where the spirits of the Gilded Age—from railroad barons to tragic domestic workers—continue to roam their former estates. The city’s history of bootlegging and “misery, mayhem, and murder” has left a psychic residue that makes it one of the most haunted locations in the Midwest.
Stillwater: The Birthplace of Spirits
As the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” Stillwater’s paranormal lore is as old as the state itself. Its reputation is built on the grit of the 1800s lumber boom and the secrets of the early frontier. From the heavy atmosphere of the old Warden’s House to the macabre history of body recovery on the St. Croix Riverfront, Stillwater remains a destination where the past is never truly settled
Conclusion
Minnesota’s rich history and diverse landscapes have created a sanctuary for the supernatural. Whether you are exploring the “Zenith City” of Duluth or the historic boulevards of St. Paul, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover the hidden past of the North Star State. These walks provide more than just a fright; they offer a deep connection to the legends, mysteries, and tragedies that have shaped Minnesota into a top destination for dark tourism.
Ready to face the spirits for yourself? Book your Minnesota ghost tour today and prepare to see the land of 10,000 lakes in a hauntingly different light.
FAQ
ask us
anything
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas
