Colorado is not only known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures, but also for its spine-chilling haunted houses that attract thrill-seekers from all over. From abandoned asylums to historic mansions with dark pasts, the Centennial State is home to some of the most popular haunted houses in the country. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or simply enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with exploring the unknown, Colorado offers a variety of haunted attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine. In this article, we will delve into the top haunted houses in Colorado, where you can experience the perfect blend of history, mystery, and ghostly encounters. Get ready to embark on a journey into the paranormal as we uncover the secrets and stories behind these terrifying destinations.
What are the Best Haunted Houses in Colorado?
The Stanley Hotel
Located in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel is one of the most famous haunted houses in Colorado. It is open to the public and offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations along with various stage acts. One of the apparitions that haunts this hotel is believed to be Freelan Stanley, the hotel’s original owner. While he died of a heart attack in 1940, a large gas explosion caused the deaths of an estimated 10 percent of the hotel’s occupants. The presence of Stanley and many other spirits is still felt throughout the hotel. Visitors have reported hearing piano music coming from the empty ballroom, seeing apparitions in the hallways, and feeling cold spots in certain rooms. If you stay or visit be sure to check out the tunnels and hidden rooms that the staff used, the strangest encounters usually happen there. The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King to write the Shining. While the film was shot at a different location, Stephen King and his wife stayed in Room 217 of the Stanley Hotel, which served as the inspiration for the movie’s Overlook Hotel. Many people had reported seeing a ghost of Elizabeth Watson, the head houskeeper in that particular room. By the way, the food is top notch and there is a ton to explore.
The Molly Brown House
Situated in Denver, the Molly Brown House is a historic mansion turned museum. It is open to the public and offers guided tours. The apparition that haunts this house is believed to be Margaret Brown herself, a survivor of the Titanic (the Unsinkable Molly Brown). She died in 1932, but her spirit is said to linger in the house. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing objects move on their own, and smelling tobacco smoke randomly. Tours are held year-round!
The Croke-Patterson Mansion
Located in Denver, the Croke-Patterson Mansion is a beautiful Victorian-era house from when Capitol Hill was better known as Millioniare’s Row. The house now operates as an inn, though there are a number of guided tours if you aren’t interested in testing your luck on your own. Thomas Croke built the house in 1891 but moved 6 months after moving in, stating that the house was cursed. The reasons for the nature of the curse are still debated but many point to the mass graves in Cheeseman Park. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling a sense of unease in certain areas of the mansion. There are many one-time occurrences like hearing a pack of dogs barking from the top floor when dogs aren’t allowed.
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The Lumber Baron Inn
Situated in Denver, the Lumber Baron Inn is a bed and breakfast/theater venue that is open to the public. It is known for its elegant Victorian architecture involving intricate woodwork. At the end of the 20th century the mansion was split into 13 apartments. these apartments now serve as hotel rooms for daring guests. The apparition that haunts this inn is believed to be the ghost of a former tenant, Kara Kanoch. Kara was brutally attacked in her apartment by an upstairs tenant. A friend came to check on her and was murdered as well. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, seeing female apparitions in the mirror, and feeling a presence in their rooms.
The Oxford Hotel
Located in Denver, the Oxford Hotel is a historic hotel that is still open to the public. It is known for its luxuriously historic accommodations and its haunted reputation. The hotel was built in 1891, so it’s seen its fair share of deaths and drama. The suspected spirit of Florence Montague seems to get the most attention. In 1898, she killed her boyfriend and then took her own life in room 320. Apparently, her rage lives on because male visitors who have stayed in that room have reported scratches, sheets being pulled off them as they slept, and a deep sense of unease. There is also the ghost of a deceased postman that can be seen in the downstairs bar on occasion!
The Hotel Jerome
Situated in Aspen, the Hotel Jerome is a luxurious hotel that is open to the public. A poltergeist and two adult spirits seem to be the most active here. 10-year-old Walter drowned in the hotel pool in 1936. He can be spotted on the third floor wearing a towel. Guests have reported that after speaking to him, he will disappear but leave a puddle of water where his image stood. There is a long standing history of a maid that died of pneumonia after falling into a nearby frozen lake in winter because of a prank. She had been told her kitten was near the lake. Employees will find rooms perfectly made up, beds fixed and all before any staff had arrived.
The Teller House
Nestled in Central City, the Teller House is a historic hotel and casino that is open to the public. Central city was once a mining town, so historically there’s a lot of paranormal fodder. The Teller House is known for its old-world charm, beautiful scenery and its mysterious painting on the ballroom floor. The painting depicts an unknown woman. the artist that painted it supposedly painted for a day and a half straight then passed away shortly after, never revealing his muse’s origins. Guests and visitors have reported a man staring longingly at the painting before disappearing. As we mentioned earlier, in a mining town there are usually many spirits and Central city is no exception. People have noted cold spots, implausible images in mirrors and laughter coming from seemingly nowhere.
The Miramont Castle
Hidden in Manitou Springs, the Miramont Castle is a historic mansion that is open to the public as a museum. The 14,000 sq ft Victorian castle is amazing to explore but beware the lingering spirits. There is a poltergiest of a young girl that habitually hangs out in the doll room. Visitors have felt something brush up against them, seen toys move by themselves and heard the running/laughter of a child when none was around. In the chapel, a priest is said to be seen attending to his past lives duties around.
Wherever you go for your Halloween hauntings, have fun, but beware!
Author: Jeff Wilson
Jeff is one of the owners of GayDenver and one of its writers. He is a Denver transplant who loves the city and the proximity of the mountains. He is happily married to his husband and loves hiking with his furbaby Thayella.