This Haunted Road Trip In Northern Missouri Is Terrifying

Anyone who is a fan of all things scary dreams about going on a haunted road trip in Missouri.  This trip has been designed just for you. In addition to the main destinations, it also includes some optional side trips if you are feeling really adventurous.  Although we start and end in St. Louis, simply pick up the tour at any point and complete the circular tour any way you like.  Are you ready? Let's go!

Here's the Google Map for this haunted road trip. It's easily customizable, so you can tailor it to your needs, interests, and timeframe.

Please note: Before you hit the road, always call ahead to confirm that each location is open (if applicable) and its hours.

1. Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

The Lemp family dynasty of St. Louis beer brewers dates back to the mid-19th century. This mansion was the family home. Over the years, the family was plagued with tragedy. Four of its members committed suicide, and three of these occurred in the mansion.

The mansion is known for the resulting rampant poltergeist activity. It is said to be the most haunted place in the city, with cold spots, electric anomalies, the feeling of being watched, and tapping on shoulders along with many other strange occurrences. It’s now used as a restaurant and inn, with special ghost-related tours and activities. Lemp Mansion is located at 3322 Demenil Place in St. Louis.

Visit Lemp Mansion for reservations and more information.

While at Lemp Mansion, check out the Lemp Brewery, also said to be haunted. It plays host to a haunted house near Halloween.

**Optional Haunted Side Trip Alert** Less than 10 minutes away is The Lehmann House. Now a bed and breakfast, this 1960s building is said to be haunted by original owner, Mr. Edward Rowse, who passed away in the dining room.

2. Garth Woodside Mansion, Hannibal

This 1871 inn is known for its connection with renowned author Mark Twain. The author had been personal friends of the owners and would send them his books and stay there whenever he was in town. Many believe his ghost still visits the place, especially the room that was named after him. Witnesses have reported phantom pipe smoke and strange orbs of light. Garth Mansion is located just outside of Hannibal at 11069 New London Gravel Road.

Visit Garth Mansion's website for reservations and more information.

3. St. Boniface Cemetery, Brunswick

This cemetery in Brunswick has had reports of unearthly figures that walk over the grounds at night and ghostly voices. If you want to experience the paranormal, your chances are pretty high here.

4. Elms Hotel, Excelsior Springs

This 1912 hotel, located at 401 Regent Street, once had a basement where the lap pool now stands. Many ghost sightings down there have been reported, including the ghost of a man from speakeasy days who had been killed by the mob there, and a frantic woman looking for her child who might even pull hair or throw things. The help seems to be well supervised as well. The ghost of a young woman in a maid outfit appears to make sure the work is done right.

Visit the Elms Hotel website for more information.

5. Jesse James Farm, Kearney

The James Farm was where the James brothers were raised by their mother and step-father. It was the scene of much heartache and violence, usually a haven for lost and tortured spirits. Jesse’s stepfather was beaten and nearly hanged by Union troops who were searching for Frank and bushwhackers in the area. Then later, Pinkerton guards searching for the James boys killed Jesse's half-brother and wounded his mother by throwing a bomb at the house. Reports of hoof beats, whispers, and gunshots have been reported. The farm is open to the public for tours and is located at 21216 James Farm Road.

For more information, visit the Jesse James website.

**Optional Haunted Side Trip Alert** Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph is just one hour away. Creepy by design, the former psychiatric hospital is said to be haunted by patients from its heyday.

6. Downtown Kansas City

Downtown Kansas City is full of haunted locations. The Hotel Savoy is a historic building that is currently in a period of transition. One story tells of a woman named Betsy Ward who lived in room 505 during the 1800s and died there either by suicide or foul play (stories vary). Over the years, guests and staff have reported unexplained voices and doors opening and closing by themselves near room 505.

Another story involves the second floor. Apparently, a restaurant manager was stabbed to death in 1990 by dishwashers, and people have reported the feeling of being watched or followed when in that area.

Stories abound including a little girl in Victorian clothing on the floor, weird elevator activity, and EVPs and pictures showing orbs and apparitions. The Hotel Savoy is located at 302 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64105.

Other haunted locations in downtown Kansas City include: The Coates House, The Folly Theater, Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City Music Hall, and the Kansas City Power and Light Building.

**Optional Missouri Haunted Detour 1** A short,10-15 minute drive from downtown will take you to the

Epperson House on the UMKC campus. Read about its scary past in this article.

**Optional Haunted Side Trip 2** A 15-20 minute drive from downtown will take you to the John Wornall House. It is said to be haunted by Civil War soldiers.

7. Bingham Waggoner Estate, Independence

The 1852 Bingham Waggoner Estate was the home of Civil War artist George Caleb Bingham. Here, visitors can see its original paintings and furnishings; but if they’re lucky, they’ll also see an actual ghost. The estate’s specter is a mysterious ghost bride who appears around or on the stairs. Photographs that have been taken there often show orbs of light. It is located at 313 W. Pacific Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64054.

For more information, visit the Bingham Waggoner Estate website.

Other haunted spots in Independence, Missouri, include: 1859 Jail and Marshall’s Home and the Vaile Mansion.

Pictured here: 1859 Jail and Marshall’s Home

**Optional Haunted Side Trip** On the way to your next destination, a slight detour south will bring you to the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, just south of Interstate 70 on Route 65. The third floor of this 1927 jazz era hotel is supposedly home to several ghosts.

8. Jefferson Barracks and Cemetery, St. Louis

Worth a visit for the history alone, Jefferson Barracks includes 41 historic military buildings. Many of these buildings have reported hauntings over the years. Building 1 is said to be haunted by an older Confederate Civil War general. He appears at the post commander’s office. In addition, a shadowy ghost of a man sits at a desk on the second floor. This one is for brave folks only!

In Building 25, lights tend to come on by themselves, and in Building 29, witnesses have heard footsteps, flushing toilets, and a voice shouting "Dismissed!" A hazy apparition haunts Building 37 and at the historic Powder Magazine, a ghost sentry has been known to appear. There have also been hauntings reported in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A very large military installation built and in use since 1826, it is currently being used as an Army and Air National Guard Base. It is located at 2900 Sheridan Road. Read more about Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in this article.

Have you visited any of the locations on the haunted road trip in Missouri?  Do you want to?  Share your comments and ghost hunting adventures in the comments below. Up for some more spine-tingling stories? Here are 23 Missouri hauntings that will probably give you chills.