Everybody loves a good ghost story. And you’ll find plenty of frightful tales and legends here in Kansas City, many of which took place at historic hotels, mansions, and museums…some of the most notoriously haunted places in Kansas City. There have been rumors swirling for years about strange paranormal activities happening in these locations. Some of them even host ghost hunts for individuals brave enough to experience it themselves. Read on if you’re in the mood to hear about some creepy characters.

1. Longview Mansion
Longview Mansion, 1200 SW Longview Park Dr, Lee's Summit, MO 64081, USA
Longview Mansion Website
Today the mansion is a luxury wedding venue, but it's also home to some of the more popular Kansas City ghost stories. Millionaire lumberman Robert A. Long built Longiew Mansion in 1914. His daughter, Loula Long-Combs is said to haunt the home. Her ghostly figure has been seen riding about the property on horseback and pacing in her bedroom in the mansion.
2. Jackson County Jail and Marshal's Home
217 N Main St, Independence, MO 64050, USA
Jail and Marshal's Home Facebook Page
This jail with an adjoining Marshal’s home was built in 1859 and housed thousands of prisoners until its closing in 1933. Upon entering, people are said to experience nausea and chills as they pass by the first jail cell. There have also been apparitions of women and children, who are believed to be prisoners during the Civil War. With all of the heavy energy and paranormal sightings that have taken place here, many believe this jail to be one of the most haunted places in Kansas City.
3. Sauer Castle
935 Shawnee Rd, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
Sauer Castle Facebook Page
Sauer Castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in Kansas City. Maybe it’s because there are so many ghost stories involving this house that it’s hard to decide which is true and which is not. Built between 1869-1871, the dwelling is said to be the site where a woman hanged herself in the soaring tower. There are supposedly bodies buried on the property as well as secret tunnels where gruesome murders took place. You can be the judge.
4. The Elms Hotel
401 Regent St, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA
Missouri Division of Tourism/Flickr
Want to stay overnight at a haunted hotel? The Elms Hotel can provide that for you. The spirits that haunt the halls and rooms are so famous they were featured on SyFy’s "Ghost Hunters." There have been sightings of a female ghost who appears to be looking for her child in the basement near the pool. And an apparition of a lead housekeeper has been seen by living housekeepers trying to make sure their work is being done properly. Do you think you could sleep through the night in one of the most haunted places in Kansas City?

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5. Epperson House
5200 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
Wikipedia/BlueGold73
The Epperson House was named one of the top five haunted houses in the United States by the show Unsolved Mysteries, and it holds a special place in Kansas City history. The story goes that Harriet Evelyn Barse, an organ student at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music, died shortly after designing a new custom organ for the home’s loft space. Students have reported seeing a ghost dressed as if ready for a recital and the sound of organ music playing at night.
6. Bingham-Waggoner Estate
Bingham-Waggoner Home, 313 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050, USA
Bingham-Waggoner/Facebook
The Bingham-Waggoner Estate was owned by Civil War artist George Caleb Bingham and his original paintings and furnishings are on display for visitors, but watch out! A ghost-bride may be seen around the staircase and if you decide to take photos, don’t be surprised when you see orbs floating in them. Who do you think the woman in white could be?
7. St. Mary's Episcopal Church
1307 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
Baylor98/Wikimedia
Established in 1857, the church holds an interesting ghost story inside its walls. It goes that Father Henry David Jardine, a rector at the church, did not get along with the church officials due to his differing ideals. When he died, no one could decipher whether it was by his own hands or if there was foul play. Nevertheless, strange sounds and activity continue here and some say it is the spirit of Father Jardine.
8. John Wornall House
6115 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64113, USA
John Wornall House Facebook Page
The John Wornall House was a place of refuge for tired and injured soldiers during the Civil War, and many believe some of these soldiers still remain on the grounds. The neighbors have reported seeing ghostly-looking soldiers on the balcony as well as ghosts in the yard. Some put crosses on their homes so as to keep the spirits out. From noises and voices being heard to a rocking chair in a child’s room having orbs floating above it, let’s just say you may want to visit during the daytime.

Do you believe in ghosts? Kansas City might just be the place for a ghost sighting! You’ll have to visit these locations to decide for yourself just how eerie they really are.

For more creepy happenings around Missouri, check out this haunted road trip.

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More to Explore

haunted places in Kansas City

Jackie Ann | August 23, 2022

What are the creepiest cemeteries in Kansas City?

Cemeteries are often a place of peace and reflection, but sometimes they can give off creepy vibes that lead many to believe that they’re haunted. Just outside of Kansas City near Columbia, there’s a gravesite that was a mass burial from the Battle of Moore’s Mill during the Civil War. More than 20 bodies were discovered on a section of privately-owned farmland, and a marker was erected so that these men can rest peacefully. The energy that swirls the area is heavy, and you might very well hear the sounds of warfare in the distance, or a faint disembodied scream leading many to believe this is one of the more haunted areas near Kansas City.

Can I go ghost hunting in Kansas City?

If you’d like to test out your paranormal skills, you can always rent a room at The Elms Hotel, one of the most haunted places in Kansas City. The hotel dates back to the late 1800s has survived not one but two fires, and has many paranormal investigative teams confirming that the hotel has many spirits that remain within the walls. While there are many haunted hotspots in Kansas, we wouldn’t want you trespassing on private property, so be mindful of any other locations you visit. During the day, Kansas City cemeteries appear normal, but at night, who knows what lurks in the shadows...

Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in Kansas City?

Would a haunted winery work? Once owned by the Odd Fellows, the Belvoir Winery and Inn is now a beautiful winery and event venue where you can even spend a night or two, but be aware that it comes with a haunted history. It’s common for guests to see apparitions wandering down the hallways or outside on the lawn. You can even see the skeletal remains of Odd Fellows member, George, who asked to remain on the property after he died. Many think the paranormal activity that occurs here is the work of George, but it could also be one of the hundreds of people who died here.

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