South Dakota’s brimming with beauty, both natural and man-made. However, it also has its fair share of tales of the paranormal that might leave chills running up and down your spine. If you’re a fan of creepy places in South Dakota, you’re in luck. Our beautiful state certainly isn’t lacking for them. Here are six of the most haunted places in South Dakota that are well-worth a visit – if, of course, you dare.

1. Oyster Bay Restaurant - Deadwood
Oyster Bay, 626 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Google/Jacob Nelson
Located on the first floor of the notoriously haunted Fairmont Hotel, this restaurant / bar is certainly eerie, as legend says it’s the site of multiple murders. Guests, as well as those from ghost hunting TV shows, have reported objects being thrown at them and other strange and unexplainable happenings. If you’re not too afraid, you can even take a tour of the upper floor of the hotels and experience the paranormal activity for yourself. Click here for more information on The Fairmont Hotel.
2. Spook Road - Brandon
Brandon, SD 57005, USA
YouTube/pearlc16
If you like South Dakota ghost stories, you're going to love this one. Travel down this road near Brandon with caution if you’re actually brave enough to go near it, as legend says that people have been hung on its bridges. Supposedly, if you drive one way on the road you will cross five bridges, but only four on the way back. Drivers also frequently can’t shake the feeling of being watched, while others claim they’ve seen ghostly figures hanging from the trees at night. Check out this video of Spook Road.
3. Hotel Alex Johnson - Rapid City
Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton, 523 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Facebook/Hotel Alex Johnson
If you’ve spent much time in South Dakota, you’ve likely already heard some of the spooky stories that come out of this hotel. From a little girl’s ghost appearing in the hallways to heavy footsteps and faucets turning on and off, there are so many unexplained occurrences that it’s hard to deny that this place is downright terrifying. In fact, this hotel even appeared on an episode of Ghost Hunters and resulted in strong evidence of sprits present. Whatever you do, don’t go in room 812. (It's one of those South Dakota ghost stories you really have to experience for yourself.) Here's the official website of Hotel Alex Johnson.

Related Stories

The Historic Hotel Alex Johnson In South Dakota Is Notoriously Haunted And We Dare You To Spend The Night

The Historic Hotel Alex Johnson In South Dakota Is Notoriously Haunted And We Dare You To Spend The Night

 The Story Behind South Dakota's Most Haunted Hotel Will Give You Nightmares

The Story Behind South Dakota's Most Haunted Hotel Will Give You Nightmares

 The Sica Hollow Trail Of The Spirits In South Dakota Is One Of The Scariest Haunted Hikes In The U.S.

The Sica Hollow Trail Of The Spirits In South Dakota Is One Of The Scariest Haunted Hikes In The U.S.
4. The Abandoned town of Scenic
South Dakota, USA
evan p. cordes / Flickr
From deteriorating businesses to a saloon decorated with skulls, Scenic is very unnerving. In fact, upon exploring this itty-bitty soulless town, the words "utterly disturbing" aren’t even close to being strong enough.
5. The Adams House - Deadwood
22 Van Buren St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Google/Adams House
This Queen Anne-style house was built in 1892 and was formerly owned by an influential man named W.E. Adams of Deadwood. Today, visitors can embark on a tour through this historic home that was virtually untouched for 60 years before being partially restored in 1998. Despite the house’s charm, it’s said that W.E. Adams’ ghost still remains in his home. Supposedly, strange occurrences are experienced by tour guides, such as rocking chairs moving on their own and the smell of cigar smoke, a known smell that always accompanied Adams. Find more information on Adams House.
6. Spooklight Road - Miner County
Miner County, SD, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
You’ll find this road in-between the little towns of Carthage and Fedora in Miner County. The locals claim that a spotlight-like beam appears at night, but only from this particular road. It’s so bright that it appears to be an oncoming car, except it never approaches.

Are you looking for more haunted places in South Dakota to send shivers down your spine? Check out the haunted road trip through South Dakota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most Haunted Places In South Dakota

Beth Price-Williams | September 29, 2021

What are the most haunted places in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s teeming with the paranormal. If you’re brave enough, you might want to visit one of the most haunted places in South Dakota on the state’s most haunted road trip. The haunting jaunt will take you to such scary places as Spirit Mound in Vermillion, Mount Marty College in Yankton, and Easton Castle in Aberdeen. Known as Deadwood’s first hotel, The Bullock Hotel is home to several spirits, including Seth Bullock. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a ghost, request a room on the second or the third floor.

Are there any famous South Dakota ghost stories?

A good, old-fashioned ghost story is worth telling and hearing any time of the year. If those ghost stories are true, even better. We’ve got a ton of South Dakota ghost stories that are well-worth sharing. Sica Hollow State Park in Sisseton, for example, is a perfect destination to tell a ghost story. Bigfoot, after all, has been seen all over the park. Local legend even says that Bigfoot murdered four hikers at the park in the 1970s. Even scarier? If you translate Sica Hollow from its original Dakota Sioux, it means evil or bad.

What are some creepy places in South Dakota?

While we can all agree that our beloved state is brimming with beauty, we can find some pretty creepy places in South Dakota, too. You’ll find no better way to explore them than to hit the highway on the road trip that will lead you to the creepiest places in South Dakota. The journey will take you to such creepy and haunted spots as the Jesse James Farm & Museum in Kearney, Belvoir Winery in Liberty, and Vaile Mansion in Independence. If you can summon the courage, make your way to Peace Cemetery in Joplin. The body of infamous mass murderer Billy Cook is buried just outside of the cemetery. Many say they’ve seen his spirit roaming through the cemetery after the sun goes down.

Related Articles

Explore South Dakota