This Creepy Day Trip Through The Spookiest Places In South Dakota Is Perfect For Fall

When you think of the "Wizard of Oz," which state comes to mind? Kansas, right? Come to find out, author L. Frank Baum actually lived in the Mount Rushmore State for several years and even attended many parties at the beautiful Easton Castle in Aberdeen. While the 1889 home is undoubtedly gorgeous, it may or may not also be haunted, with some claiming that the Victorian house is teeming with the souls of previous owners. 

When it comes to ghosts and haunts, no place is sacred, as evidenced by the stunning and famous Sica Hollow State Park. While this outdoor favorite may seem innocent enough on the outside, it is said to be the home of the Missing Link, who is alleged to have kidnapped and killed a handful of hikers in the 1970s. In addition to the Big Foot sightings and unsolved disappearances, ancient Native American tribes also claimed to witness the springs at Sica Hollow gushing with blood, making it all the more morbid. 

With a name like Spook Road, it has to be creepy, right? In the case of this Brandon street, yes! Located along 264th Street, Spook Road starts out innocent enough but quickly takes a turn for the worse, as a famous theory states that - at one point - you cross 5 bridges one way, and only 4 on the way back. As if that didn't make Spook Road spooky enough, you may also see apparitions of a ghostly man who will appear either on the road or hanging from a tree. Don't say we didn't warn you...

Okay, so Gitchie Manitou isn't technically located in South Dakota, but it is on the outskirts and is the home to the gruesome murder of four Sioux Falls teens. As the story goes, in 1973, five teens were camping at the popular preserve when they were attacked by three brothers who killed the four male teens and tortured the female, making for a case that shocked both South Dakota and Iowa. Thanks to both the murders and the fact that Gitchie Manitou is located on an ancient Native American burial ground, few care to venture to the preserve at night. 

Whether or not you believe that Spirit Mound is haunted, it is one of those places that every South Dakotan should visit. While Native American legends claim that the area is home to short, devil-like creatures, it is also a historically significant spot, as Lewis and Clark stopped and explored the area during their 1804 expedition.

For our last stop on this creepy South Dakota day trip, let's visit Mount Marty College, a seemingly ordinary university with an anything-but-ordinary secret, a la the ghosts of old students, employees, and teachers.