Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re craving chills, thrills, and ghostly encounters, the Midwest has no shortage of haunted destinations.
From eerie graveyards to historic theaters with lingering spirits, each city has its own paranormal legends waiting to be explored.
To make your spooky getaway even easier, I’ve rounded up some of the most haunted places in the Midwest, along with nearby Marriott Hotels where you can stay after a night of ghost hunting.
Haunted Places in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is often called one of the most haunted cities in the Midwest, and it’s not hard to see why.
- Graceland Cemetery – Legend says the statue of Inez Clarke, a 6-year-old girl, mysteriously disappears from its pedestal on stormy nights. Stay just a 10-minute walk away at Hotel Zachary, Autograph Collection.
- Chicago Water Tower – Visitors claim to see the silhouette of a man in the windows, along with strange cries and ghostly sensations. Hotels like Westin Chicago River North, The Wade, Sheraton Grand Chicago, and The Westin Michigan Avenue are all within walking distance.
- Nederlander Theatre – Reports of apparitions, faint cries, and phantom touches make this a hot spot for ghost lovers. You can book a room at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel just two blocks away.
Haunted Places in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, known as “Motor City,” is also home to chilling paranormal tales.
- The Whitney – Once a mansion, now a restaurant, this estate is said to be haunted by its wealthy original owner, David Whitney. Stay nearby at Hotel David Whitney.
- The Majestic Theatre – Rumor has it that Harry Houdini himself haunts this historic venue. Sleep close by at The Henry, Autograph Collection.
- Belle Isle Bridge – Honk three times at midnight, and legend says a woman in white will appear. This haunted stop is just 15 minutes from The Westin Book Cadillac.
Haunted Places in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Since its founding in 1856, Minneapolis has been filled with ghostly lore.
- Minnesota Institute of the Arts – Paranormal investigators have reported icy cold spots throughout the museum, which is a short drive from Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis.
- First Avenue Music Venue – Known for its connection to Prince, this iconic spot is also said to be haunted by a woman in a green army jacket. Stay close to Elliot Park, Autograph Collection.
- Minneapolis City Hall – Said to be haunted by John Moshik, who roams the fifth floor. Emery, Autograph Collection is just a few steps away.
Haunted Places in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is a ghost lover’s dream, with plenty of haunted houses and local legends.
- Green Lawn Cemetery – Knock on the Hayden Mausoleum door, and legend says someone will knock back. Stay nearby at Le Meridien Columbus, the Joseph.
- Central Ohio Fire Museum – Haunted by Captain George Dukeman, this stop is a short walk from the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
- Thurber House – Known for phantom footsteps, this literary landmark is just minutes from Residence Inn Columbus Downtown.
- The Westin Great Southern Columbus – As the oldest hotel in the city, it’s often featured on Columbus ghost tours, so you may not need to leave your room for a haunted experience.
Haunted Places in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, nicknamed the Queen City, is full of spooky spots.
- Cincinnati Music Hall – Built over an orphanage, it’s said to house the spirits of children. Stay close at Courtyard Cincinnati Covington.
- The Dent Schoolhouse – Known as the scariest haunted house in Cincinnati, with reports of children’s spirits lingering in its halls. Book a room at Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown for a convenient stay.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a true ghost hunter or just in it for some spooky fun, the Midwest is packed with haunted attractions that will send shivers down your spine. And with Marriott Hotels conveniently located near these legendary sites, you can explore at night and comfortably relax by day.
Have you ever visited one of these haunted places? Share your experience in the comments, I’d love to hear your ghost stories!
Also, check out other haunted places to visit.
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