This South Dakota Courthouse Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation
South Dakota has such a rich history that it’s full of places that are supposedly haunted. Head to Deadwood, where almost every building has a tale to tell, and the Bullock Hotel is still haunted by its founder. Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, is full of haunted places, and this is one of the most haunted.
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Built in the Romanesque Revival style, it was completed in 1890 and served as the county courthouse until 1962. The building is absolutely beautiful and full of architectural details that make it truly special. It now operates as a museum open to the public. You’ll find it at 200 W. 6th Street in Sioux Falls.
Those who work there are often under a lot of pressure to get tasks done quickly, and both judges and attorneys are dealing with life and death decisions. And, of course, some of those who are on trial are dangerous people who have committed atrocious acts. There’s so much human emotion in a courthouse that it stands to reason that it could be haunted.
Visitors and staff report hearing odd voices and whispers, and suddenly feeling a blast of cold air that quickly disappears.
Nothing seems amiss until they get closer... and he disappears into thin air.
They go running to help what they think must be a badly injured person, only to find the stairwell empty.
In some cases, the fountains will abruptly quit while someone is getting a drink, then shoot water right at the person’s face. A prankster ghost, perhaps?
Reports of the fixtures rattling and lights flickering are common.
Most of the spirits here seem harmless, and more intent on pulling pranks than scaring anyone.
Some people report seeing the figure of a man standing in the open-air arches above the clocks, where the bell is housed; others say that it’s a woman who’s waving her arms in distress.
Visitors report toilets flushing when no one else is there, and some have heard a woman crying.
Whether it is or not, it’s definitely a beautiful building, and one worth exploring. You can visit seven days a week. Admission is free!
Another supposedly haunted spot in Sioux Falls is the Orpheum Theater. Read all about it here.
