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It’s fall time in South Dakota, which means we can now discuss Halloween and all things creepy without being judged… right? Right. What better way to kick off this colorful, albeit spooky time of year than by visiting one of South Dakota’s most haunted hotels, which is as historic as it is scary:
Located in historic Rapid City is the equally historic Hotel Alex Johnson; the city's old "Showplace of the West" that now boasts both the lap of luxury and laps of ghosts.
Opened and dedicated in 1928, the Hotel Alex Johnson was built by — you guessed it — Alex Johnson; the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad vice president who foresaw a spike in tourists from the soon-to-open Mount Rushmore.
Since its opening, the Hotel Alex Johnson has hosted countless dignitaries and celebrities, ranging from Presidents Ronald Reagan and Calvin Coolidge to Cary Grant and the Master of Suspense himself (pictured).
With guests like Alfred Hitchcock, it should come as no surprise that the hotel has a reputation for the spooky... but how so? As per guest accounts, the Hotel Alex Johnson is home to the ghosts of its founder...
Since his death in the late 1930s, guests have claimed to have seen the railroad tycoon roaming the halls of his establishment, most likely keeping tabs on the premise and how it is being operated.
As per legend, a young bride committed suicide by leaping out of Room 812 and can still be seen walking around the 8th floor, messing with dresser drawers and removing its contents.
If you hear the giggling of a little girl during your stay at Alex Johnson, do not be alarmed, as it is *just* a young and mischievous ghost who likes to knock on guest's doors.
If you want to increase your chances of seeing or hearing something weird, you are in luck, as the hotel offers a special Ghost Adventure Package, which comes complete with a reportedly paranormal room, ghost detector, and other fun upgrades.
