8 Reasons That Missouri Is The Most Terrifying, Spookiest State
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Missouri’s a pretty spectacular place to live. Most of us would likely agree about that. From its natural beauty to the friendliness of Missourians, our state has something to offer everyone. Did you know it also might be the spookiest state with his many haunted tales and urban legends? Even if you don’t agree right now, you might change your mind fairly soon.
If you want to increase your odds of experiencing the paranormal in Missouri, check into the Elms Hotel. It's said to be haunted by the spirits of gamblers, including Al Capone, who stayed at the hotel many years ago. Your best chance of seeing an apparition is taking a dip in the pool, or just keep out for the housekeeper with a 1920s style.
Missouri even boasts its fair share of haunted restaurants, including Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant. (It's also the perfect spot for a delicious meal.) During the Civil War, the building briefly served as the headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant. Grant, according to legend, used the services of local prostitutes. Belle, one of them, fell hard for Grant. She was so heartbroken when he left that she jumped out of the window. Today, her spirit is said to wander through the hotel still in 19th century clothes.
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While the whole Walnut Street Inn is believed to be haunted, the most active spot is in the Rosen Room. Guests tell of walking into the room, only to be greeted by a woman wearing Victorian-era clothing. The woman questions the guests as to why they're in her room. Any move toward her, and she disappears.
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Not far from Hawk Point, Satan's Tunnel has some terrifying tales to share. One, in fact, tells of a curious man who heard strange sounds coming from the tunnel. He went into the tunnel and never returned. Later his body was found after having been hit by a train. Many believe his spirt remains in the tunnel to this day.
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The final resting places for more than 6,000 souls, Old Lorimer Cemetery first opened in the 1800s. Local legend tells of 1,000 Civil War soldiers, who died of smallpox, being buried in the cemetery. Records for the cemetery burned years ago, and the names on most of the headstones have worn away. No one knows who is buried there, although one spirit wanders the grounds each night. You might even feel his hand on your shoulder.
Inmates from Sonny Liston to James Earl Ray have stayed at the Missouri State Penitentiary, considered one of the most dangerous maximum security prisons in the country. The prison also oversaw the executions of more than 40 men and women in its history. Today, you can go on a two-hour tour of the prison, or sign up for an overnighter to investigate the paranormal within its walls.
Once the site of an orphanage and a nursing home, Belvoir Winery & Inn is now said to be haunted by some of those who once lived there. When you visit you might see children running around, hear a woman singing, or see an old man as he meanders along the property.
Sightings of the Ozark Spook Light date back to the 1800s when Missourians told of seeing a strange, dancing light in the distance. What the light is depends upon to whom you talk. One legend tells of a man who had been beheaded. With a torch, he is now searching for his missing head. That torch, they say, is the light that is seen.
What are some other haunted tales that help illustrate that Missouri is the spookiest state? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a terrifyingly fun adventure, follow the ultimate Northern Missouri haunted road trip.
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Featured Addresses
The Elms Hotel & Spa - Destination by Hyatt, 401 Regent St, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA
19 N Water St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA
Walnut Street Inn, 900 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
Hawk Point, MO 63349, USA
500 N Fountain St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA
Missouri State Penitentiary, 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Belvoir Winery and Inn, 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty, MO 64068, USA
Joplin, MO, USA