When it comes to spooky moments alone in your house, what can you handle? If you can overlook creaking doors or flickering lights, you’re in good company. According to a recent study, nearly 60 percent of homebuyers said they would buy a house that is believed to be haunted as long as there was a benefit such as location or square footage.
Unsurprisingly, though, most respondents said they would not bid on the home if there had been reports of levitating objects, ghost sightings or objects moving from one place to another.
If you’re a haunted house enthusiast, but don’t want to live in one year-round, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the six most famous haunted houses across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Visit them if you dare... and please report back if you spot anything spooky.
The Glensheen Mansion
3300 London Road, Duluth, MN
Overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, Glensheen Mansion is the most-visited historic home in Minnesota. This impressive 12-acre estate was built in the 20th century and visitors marvel at the property’s sprawling gardens, walking bridges, exquisite craftsmanship and, of course, the 39-room estate.
So, where does the haunting come in? In 1977, two tragic deaths occurred on the property when the heiress of the estate and her night nurse were murdered. Mystery around the event still exists and sightings of ghosts and moving objects have been reported by employees and visitors alike.
If you’re interested in visiting the mansion, they now host a variety of tours and events.
Gibbs Farmhouse
2097 West Larpenteur Avenue, St. Paul, MN
The farmhouse, now run by the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHS), was once the scene of a tragic grass fire that took the life of a nine-year-old boy in 1867. Visitors have reported seeing a rambunctious young boy on the site, causing mischief and disappearing into thin air.
When the house was open for tours, morning workers would often find toys splayed out on a rug in the room, as though someone had been playing with them overnight.
Nowadays, you’re unlikely to see anything too spooky on the site. In fact, the RCHS annually hosts a kid-friendly “old-fashioned Halloween event” on the premises.
Huff-Lamberton Home
207 Huff Street, Winona, MN
Built in 1858, the Huff-Lamberton mansion was briefly owned by the Huff family and then sold to the Lambertons, who went on to own the estate for 90 years.
After the Lambertons sold the property, the mansion was converted into an orphanage and later an assisted living facility — but today, it’s rented by a Winona State University sorority.
It’s rumored that little girls’ voices can be heard throughout the home’s walls and that the attic, which contains the orphan’s belongings, is explicitly off-limits to any visitors. The haunted historic home is not open for tours but you can marvel at the exterior architecture and grounds any day.
The Warden's House
602 North Main Street, Stillwater, MN
As the story goes, Warden Henry Wolfer's family is behind the strange goings-on in this building. Wolfer's daughter, Gertrude, died of complications from childbirth in 1914, and the infant was sent to live with the warden. Gertrude has been seen by guests who report that she wanders from room to room, looking for her son.
While the Warden’s House tour doesn’t usually discuss the ghost of Gertrude, the Washington County Historical Society hosts flashlight tours and other special events through the end of October. Visit the home to explore what it means for a house to be (or seem) haunted.
Hammill House
150 North Summit Street, Spooner, WI
Frank Hammill was a well-to-do man. He owned the local newspaper, engineered the railroad and was president of his town. However, it seems as though he loved everything too much to leave it all behind. Frank passed away in his home after suffering a mysterious stomach problem in 1922.
Although he was gone, his wife couldn’t escape the feeling that he was always there with her, and she wasn’t the only one to experience his afterlife presence. The current homeowners moved in after the previous family fled from fear of Frank’s ghost. Now, the owners agree they feel they are living in Frank’s house... and Frank’s town. They’ve even heard noises and what they believe to be his voice — but that doesn’t keep them out!
They welcome their “guest” Frank and continue to live happily in Spooner.
Forepaugh's Restaurant
276 South Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN
Local entrepreneur William Forepaugh built this Victorian mansion as the primary home for his family in the 1870s. While beautiful, the home was far from happy; William and his mistress, a maid named Molly, both took their lives in the residence.
William and Molly are known to haunt the premise, which has been converted into a beautiful restaurant with period decor. Molly, ever the mischievous servant, has been known to re-light candles that waiters have previously put out. If you ask her politely to stop, she usually behaves.
Want to support the arts and take in some spooky Halloween happenings at Forepaugh’s? The restaurant typically hosts a special Halloween event — watch the Forepaugh’s events page for updates as the holiday approaches.
Ready to buy a non-haunted house?
If you’re more interested in touring homes for sale than visiting our area’s most famous haunted sites, reach out to Edina Realty customer care team today. We have over 2,300 local REALTORS® who can help you tour and purchase the right ghost-free abode for you and your family.
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