Massacre Rocks State Park is known for being a major part of the Oregon Trail. Settlers from the east passed through what is now the state park on their journey westward. Today it is a popular destination to stop and appreciate the location’s history. However, the area is also attached to a pretty creepy urban legend that not many people know about — the Idaho water babies of Massacre Rocks. Some say that the area is haunted and here’s why.

Outside of Pocatello, Idaho is the beautiful state park known as Massacre Rocks. This state park is known for the role it played during the Oregon Trail era since many settlers passed through the area.
Nicola Z./TripAdvisor
What is now Interstate 84 used to be the same exact trail that the Oregon Trail emigrants traveled on.
AllAroundTheWest/Flickr
It is said that Massacre Rocks got its name from the narrow passage through the area's boulder configurations. Settlers traveling through the passage feared being ambushed by Native Americans, although it is unverified that any altercations happened there.
The Snake River runs right through the Massacre Rocks area and is believed to be the main spot of paranormal activity.
Jeremy H./TripAdvisor

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It is said that the river is haunted by supernatural beings called Water Babies, which are the spirits of drowned babies. But what is the story behind the deaths of these babies?
AllAroundTheWest/Flickr
The story varies depending on which legend you hear, but the thought is the same.
Jeremy H./TripAdvisor
A popular belief is that the Native Americans who first inhabited the area went through a harsh famine. The natives decided there wasn't enough food to feed any more people, so mothers were forced to go down to the river and drown their babies as they were born. Other variations of the myth say that this happened among a group of white settlers during the 1800s.
It is said after the babies were drowned, they changed and grew fins and gills in order to survive in the water by eating small fish. People have reported seeing these water spirits playing in the canals and rivers in the Massacre Rocks area.
Jeremy H./TripAdvisor
It is even said that these spirits try to lure humans to their deaths in order to avenge their sad fates.
There's no denying the beauty of the area today and the rich history that goes along with it. Of course, there is no way of telling whether the sad legend behind Massacre Rocks is true or not. But if you go down the river bank, you may just hear the distant sound of a baby crying for its mother.
Linda S./TripAdvisor

Do you believe Massacre Rocks is haunted? Have you ever heard of these water babies in Idaho? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this water babies legend, check out the tragic story behind the haunted lake in Idaho! And, if you want to stay someplace known for paranormal activity but don’t want to “rough” it, check out these haunted hotels in Idaho that may just provide the most frightening night of your life. But, if frights and scares aren’t your thing — that’s okay! You can always have an unforgettable adventure by booking an experience with Viator.

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Massacre Rocks State Park

Courtnie Erickson | December 13, 2022

What are some things I should know before visiting Massacre Rocks State Park?

Located near American Falls, Massacre Rocks State Park is certainly worthy of a visit. A few things you should know before you head to this park include:

  • This state park is full of geology and history.
  • Stop and check out Register Rock. This large boulder is covered with signatures of individuals who passed through this area on their way to Oregon.
  • You can rest and relax at this park on the large, grassy areas, picnic tables, and more.
  • Enjoy views of the Snake River during your visit.
  • Don’t miss the visitor center. Here, you will learn all about the area and some of its history.

 

What are some other haunted places in Idaho I should check out?

While Massacre Rocks State Park is believed to be haunted, it certainly isn’t the only place in Idaho where you can experience a chill down your spine. A few additional places in Idaho that are creepy and spooky include the following:

 

What are some other state parks I should visit?

Massacre Rocks State Park is one of the most underrated state parks in Idaho. Unfortunately, it isn’t the only one. There are many state parks throughout Idaho that don’t receive the attention and the number of visitors that they deserve. A few of these lesser-known and underrated state parks in Idaho include:

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Massacre Rocks State Park, 3592 W Park St, American Falls, ID 83211, USA