Idaho is certainly worthy of paranormal attention. Our history as a mining and encampment state, where all too many men and women perished without family to claim them, has resulted in dozens of structures and areas said to be haunted by the spirits of their former inhabitants. Many of these spaces have undergone attempts at revival in hopes of chasing the restless departed and their memories away, but the stories remain and the investigations continue to this day.

If you enjoy creepy thrills, urban legends, or the subtle terror that comes from the exploration of long-forgotten urban spaces, then a chilly evening spent wandering these areas as the wind rustles the leafless trees should do the trick — but beware. This road trip will take you all across Southeast Idaho’s most terrifying and “active” areas. So grab a flashlight, grab a friend, and be prepared to spend a few spooky evenings exploring some of the area’s most well-known haunted spaces on this creepy road trip. If you dare…

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1. Rock Creek/The Singing Bridge, Twin Falls
Library of Congress
An eerie set of hidden, handmade steps reportedly leads down into the meandering river canyon, where thrill-seekers can find a faded carving in the rocks which has since come to be known as the "Devil's Henchman." Time and vandalism has worn away the faces of his eight abducted children, etched into the rock face, but the Henchman himself is still faintly visible. A late-night visit will allow you to hear unearthly whispers amidst the rustling of river grasses and sense the chilling presence of the Henchman haunting his territory.

To find the steps, locals report that one should follow the road beside the "Singing Bridge" of Shoshone St. - which has since been replaced by a modern concrete structure - until the path ends. A series of abandoned buildings will greet you, and it is behind these that you will find the steps that lead down into Rock Creek.
2. Stricker Ranch, Hansen
Idaho Official Government Website
The Stricker Store and the Stricker home are all that remain of the Rock Creek Stage Station that was once an important part of the Oregon Trail. Urban legends dating back to the late 1800s report that Lucy Stricker murdered her husband in their bedroom, and that specters of both figures still haunt the home, appearing late at night to passersby and making their presence known via distant, swinging lanterns in the small cemetery not too far away. The ancient, smeared blood on the stairs only adds to the tale.

While the murder itself is inaccurate, the historical ranch is no doubt a hotspot for paranormal activity. A midnight drive down the back road, a quick stroll through the abandoned, eerily silent rural countryside and out to the graveyard, and a peek or two inside the ramshackle homestead are sure to frighten you into belief. Find more information about visiting Stricker/Rock Creek.
3. Howells Opera House, Oakley
Google Maps
Chris Smart/Flickr
Like many theaters across the nation, Howells is home to a resident spirit - a former actress - who makes her appearances mid-performance. Her presence is felt throughout the 1904 theater house, but particularly around the center aisle. A female voice has been heard echoing from around the stage, and reports of ghostly lights in photographs have added depth to the rumors that surround the small, antique-style playhouse, which sits separate from the rest of the town.

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4. Albion State Normal School, Albion
Wikipedia/Ntsimp
The Albion State Normal School was once an educational institution for teachers, but the school now sits abandoned, falling victim to time. Empty hallways filled with debris, shattered windows, and eerie auditoriums still lined with the decrepit remains of wooden seats all pulse with an inexplicable presence. Lights, footsteps, and voices have all been documented by various paranormal groups, but who they belong to, nobody is quite sure. There are multiple buildings on campus, all echoing with the same unearthly sensations. Spend a darkened evening simply wandering the open campus and see for yourself. Read more about the town of Albion.
5. Ammon Park, Pocatello
sacks08/Flickr
A young girl in a blue dress is often seen swinging in the park late at night, disappearing in the blink of an eye when spotted. Others also claim to have seen her hiding behind a large tree near the swings. All accounts say that the girl perished here, perhaps in an accident, and that her spirit haunts the park out of fondness for her beloved pastime. Take a midnight stroll through the park and have a seat on one of the long row of swings. You may or may not see someone sitting next to you, her black buckle shoes swinging gaily in the evening breeze.
6. Rose Hill Cemetery, Idaho Falls
Eddie/Google Maps
Idaho Falls was the original center of Idaho, long before Idaho was granted statehood in 1890. The city is filled with the memories and final resting places of countless original settlers, but in this cemetery, there is one particular aboveground tomb upon which if one knocks, you might just hear its inhabitant knock back. The legends that surround the large square mausoleum located towards the center of the landscape also say that the occupant will only respond to the solicitations of those who are nearing their own demise. Whoa.
7. Craters of the Moon
Phaedra/Flickr
While not the safest place to wander after dark... as a land once roamed by thousands of years of Native Americans, the rocks, crevices, and caverns that make up Craters of the Moon palpitate with the spirits of Idaho's ancient past. Standing in front of an open cave, surrounded only by empty space, a rocky landscape, and the spirits of the deceased is simply surreal in the dark. Learn more on the official website of Craters of the Moon.
8. University Inn, Gooding
Gooding Inn
This building was a tuberculosis hospital in its former life, and various attempts to revive and remodel it have taken place over the years, including a stint as the Get Inn and now as Gooding University Inn and Resort. Today, the reports of spirits and apparitions continue to linger. Former TB patients, mysterious orb sightings, and a cemetery of numbered, nameless graves nearby all add up to a uniquely spooky environment that can make you shiver inexplicably in the dead of night. Numerous paranormal groups have explored the darkened hallways over the years, and activity is always reported.

There are plenty more paranormal hotspots in Southern Idaho to add to this list! Once you’ve survived the trip, consider gearing up for a drive waaay up north for a spooky overnight at Farragut State Park in Athol. Be sure to let us know about any haunted sights you find along the way!

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More to Explore

Creepy Road Trip In Idaho

Beth Price-Williams | February 22, 2021

What are the most haunted places in Idaho?

If you’re on the hunt for the most haunted places in Idaho, you won’t have far to look. Our beautiful state is brimming with haunted destinations. Howells Opera House in Oakley, for example, is said to be home to the spirit of a long-gone actress. Don’t be too surprised then, if you’re visiting and you hear a female voice, but no one is close by. It’s probably just the resident ghost. Ammon Park in Pocatello is a fun destination for families, but you might experience the paranormal if you visit at night. That’s right. A young girl, in a blue dress, is often seen in the park, usually on a swing, late at night. She usually disappears in the time it takes you to blink.

Can I hike to any abandoned places in Idaho?

Idaho’s home to quite a few abandoned places, some of which we’re fortunate enough to be able to explore. If you’re up for a hike that tallies nearly five miles, follow the path that leads to the historic Adelmann Mine near Boise. The out and back trail boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including wildflowers and lush green, and its highlight is the mine. All hikers are strongly encouraged to admire the mine from a safe distance as attempting to enter the mine could be dangerous. Definitely bring your camera along to document your journey.

What are the creepiest cemeteries in Idaho?

Cemeteries are, in general, peaceful places we go to visit our loved ones who have passed on. Some, however, give off a creepy vibe, and that’s usually because they’ve got paranormal tales attached to them. Have you been to any haunted cemeteries in Idaho – like Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise? If you’re really brave, you might want to think about visiting this haunted cemetery. (The mausoleum is said to be particularly haunted.) Not too surprising, but if you visit Idaho State Penitentiary Cemetery, also in Boise, you might just run across the restless spirits of some of the prison’s former inmates.

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Twin Falls, ID, USA
136 Maxwell Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
3175 Stricker Cabin Rd, Hansen, ID 83334, USA
160 Blaine Ave, Oakley, ID 83346, USA
437 E North St, Albion, ID 83311, USA
Ammon Street, Ammon St, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA
2355 Rollandet St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA