The Orpheum Theater in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a beautiful, historic theater that has hosted concerts and theater productions since 1913. But in addition to the talented actors, musicians, and stage crew who work here, there’s someone else hanging around this theater… and it’s the origin of an iconic South Dakota ghost story. Curious to learn more? Keep reading and you’ll be positively baffled by the chilling tale of the haunted Orpheum Theater in Sioux Falls.

The Orpheum Theater in Sioux Falls was built in 1913.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
It could seat up to 1,000 people and was mainly constructed to house Vaudeville shows. At a cost of $63,200, this theater was grand for its time. People paid $5 per seat for its opening performance on October 2, 1913 - the first performance of many over the following 100+ years.
A complete renovation in 2009 updated the Orpheum and gave it new life.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
While workers ripped out old seats and experts restored original murals, one thing about the Orpheum didn't change: its resident ghost.
Jasperdo/Flickr
The ghost, nicknamed "Larry," has been around since at least 1959.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
An actor was rehearsing his part for a play when he looked up at the balcony and saw a bright, blue light. In the middle of the light, a man was waving his arms and appeared distraught. Then, the stage was hit with a strange blast of icy air, and the actor fled.

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Throughout the years, many people have claimed to see or hear Larry.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
Cleaning staff has reported hearing unexplained footsteps well after theater patrons have gone home. Box office personnel report weird pockets of cold air and feelings of being watched. Others have claimed to see blue lights, particularly in the balcony area.
In the early 1970s, one member of the cleaning crew had a particularly spine-tingling encounter.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
He was on the stage, sweeping up after a performance. He heard a noise behind him and found a photo lying on the stage, right in the area he has just swept. The photo was a picture of a man in his mid-30s, who some believe is Larry. The strangest thing about the photo was that it was a tin-type photo - a type of photograph created in the late 1800s with a thin sheet of tine. This kind of photography was replaced by more modern technology in the early 1900s.
Though many people agree that Larry definitely haunts the theater, no one is sure where he came from or who he is.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
There are many theories. Some think he was a construction worker who died while building the theater; others claim that he was an actor who committed suicide when he failed to get a part or was jilted by a lover. Other theories include that he was murdered in the balcony or that he was a stage hand killed in a tragic accident. No records have been found that corroborate any deaths in the theater.
The other baffling part of this ghost story in South Dakota is the timeline.
Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater Center/Facebook
If the tin-type photo was indeed a photo of Larry, it would have been taken between 1860 and the time of the theater's opening, yet the first recorded sighting of Larry didn't take place until 1959. If he was haunting the theater the whole time, why did no one see him? And if he wasn't haunting the theater until 1959, why did he show up then?

As with all ghost stories, we'll likely never know the true story of Larry, or if he really exists at all... but it's entertaining to think that this historic theater has a resident ghost, isn't it?

Learn more about this haunted theater in South Dakota in this YouTube video from The Paranormal Files:

What do you think about this South Dakota ghost story? Did you know about the haunted Orpheum Theatre in Sioux Falls? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re interested in exploring more haunted places, here are 10 places in South Dakota to spot a ghost – you can even take a walking tour of the haunted spots in Deadwood.

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Beth C. | November 09, 2021

What are some other haunted places in South Dakota?

If you're planning a trip to South Dakota, you're likely curious to visit some of the state's most famous attractions: the Badlands, the town of Deadwood, countless state parks, and Mount Rushmore. Yet if you're looking to experience a more paranormal side to the state, we've got you covered. South Dakota just so happens to be one of the most haunted states in the west, and the following list of hair-raising attractions will prove it: Easton Castle in Aberdeen, Sica Hollow State Park in Sisseton, Spook Road in Brandon, Spirit Mound in Vermillion, and Mount Marty College in Yankton. To learn more about these notoriously haunted attractions in South Dakota, check out this haunted day trip itinerary.

Does South Dakota have any haunted hotels?

You bet! One of the most haunted hotels in the nation, known as the Fairmont Hotel, is located right here in South Dakota. The landmark was constructed in the 1800s when it served as both a brothel and saloon. This hotel saw many guests, many of whom were notorious outlaws. Before long, the hotel became notorious for tragic events, accidents, fights, and more. Tales of jealousy, theft, and murder became synonymous with the Fairmont Hotel, and many thought twice before checking in. While much has changed about the hotel since its early days, many guests will report that some of the most notorious patrons never left. It's not uncommon to see apparitions roaming the hallways and to even feel something brush up against your skin. While you can't stay in the hotel anymore, it is still possible to visit the gift shop. You can even sign up for a tour of the notoriously haunted third floor...if you dare!

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