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Do you believe in ghosts? If you’ve ever checked out the Thayer Hotel in Minnesota, your answer might just be affirmative. As a Midwestern state, Minnesota has a reputation for being rather friendly. But few people know that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a dark side. It comes in the form of haunted places, which are scattered in every corner of the state. You might run into a wandering spirit at a concert at First Avenue, an otherwise peaceful cemetery, or even a long-standing restaurant.

If you’d really like to dive into the possibility of paranormal activity, though, a night at the Thayer Hotel might be just the place. In fact, this historic lodging spot might just be the most haunted place in Minnesota. Read on to learn about the hair-raising history of this haunted place, which has spooked overnight guests for generations.

The Thayer Hotel is located in Annandale, Minnesota. This small town is situated approximately 50 miles northwest of Minneapolis. You'll find the Thayer along Elm Street West, just waiting to be explored and booked for an overnight adventure.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
The hotel started out as the Charles Hotel all the way back in 1888. Sadly, the burnt down in 1894. But the following year, the hotel was rebuilt with funding from Albert Augustus Thayer. This 1895 version of the hotel still stands today, more than 125 years later. Talk about a real sense of local history.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
As you might imagine, the Thayer Hotel has seen a thing or two in its long, fascinating history. In fact, a nearby railroad line brought in guests of all stripes and backgrounds. But as the railroad declined, so did the bookings at the Thayer. Due to this slowdown in business, the hotel closed its doors in the 1970s.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
With donor-funded restorations and updates during the 1980s, though, the old hotel was brought back to life. Today, there's even a restaurant on the premises that serves up delicious, fresh food for lodgers of all ages.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook

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When you check in, you'll find seven fantastic rooms to choose from, each decorated in a unique way. You appreciate modern comforts alongside traditional, antique-inspired touches.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
Each room is named after a significant figure in the hotel's history, some decked out with vintage pieces that serve as a reminder of earlier times. If you've ever wanted to step back in time, you've come to the right place.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
Two rooms at the Thayer are even said to host restless spirits. The first is room 305, or Gus's Room, named after Augustus Thayer. This room has been the sight of the largest number of ghostly encounters.
The Thayer Hotel & Lounge/Facebookk
Room 306, or Miss Lily's Room, is also thought to be haunted. In fact, it is named for a ghost said to be haunting the Thayer. Staff members have complained that this purple-themed room is especially eerie after dark, so spend the night in this room if you're feeling a bit adventurous.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
This Annandale treasure might just be one of the most haunted places in Minnesota -- if not the country. With more than 125 years of history, the hotel is certainly full of fantastic tales, but is it also full of ghostly spirits? You'll simply have to spend the night and judge for yourself.
The Thayer Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook

If you’re looking for more information or rates, check out the Thayer Hotel website. Have you spent a few nights at this historic hotel in Minnesota during previous visits? Did you come across anything eerie? We’d love to hear from you, so share your thoughts with us in the Facebook comments or recommend other haunted hotels in Minnesota by completing our official nomination form.

Are you a sucker for Minnesota ghost stories? Read all about this creepy and haunted small town in Minnesota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Haunted Places In Minnesota

Sophie Boudreau | August 25, 2022

Are there any other haunted places in Minnesota?

Now that you're all up to date on the spooky happenings at the Thayer Hotel, you might be wondering about other ghostly encounters throughout the state. Well, you're in luck: there's a haunted road trip through Minnesota that will take you to some of the scariest and purportedly haunted destinations around. From the Warden's House Museum in Stillwater to the Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Centre, there's a lot to be happily creeped out by during this journey.

What are the best creepy towns in Minnesota for a spooky day trip?

You don't have to embark on an entire road trip to embrace the spookier side of Minnesota. After all, there are quite a few creepy ghost towns in Minnesota that provide smaller-scale adventures with just as much haunted potential. You might not see many people when you visit spots like Lewiston, Dorothy, and Leaf River -- but your chances of running into a ghost are much higher in these largely abandoned communities.

Where can I drive down a haunted road in Minnesota?

Some of us prefer to experience the paranormal from the comfort of our own cars instead of spending the night in a haunted hotel, and that's perfectly fine! You can check out the most haunted street in Minnesota when you make your way down Timer Lake Road near New London. This countryside spot has lore all its own and even features a cemetery that will make your spine tingle. Just be sure to bring along a friend when you head out on your haunted drive.

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The Thayer, 60 Elm St W, Annandale, MN 55302, USA