South Dakota's Haunted Badlands: Ghost Stories of the Mount Rushmore State | Ep. 41
Description
In this episode of The Halloween Podcast, we travel through the haunted plains of South Dakota, a state known for its rugged beauty and wild frontier past. But beneath the iconic landscapes of Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, there are ghostly stories that have been told for generations. From haunted hotels to eerie theaters, South Dakota is filled with tales of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena. We’re uncovering ten of the most haunted locations in the Badlands, each with its own chilling legends and ghostly encounters.
Featured Locations:
Bullock Hotel
633 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
The Bullock Hotel is a tribute to Seth Bullock, the first sheriff of Deadwood. His ghost is said to still roam the halls, watching over the hotel he founded in the 1890s. Guests have reported seeing Bullock’s apparition in Room 211 and hearing footsteps late at night. Haunted tours of the hotel offer a closer look at this Old West spirit.
Homestake Opera House
313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754
Once a grand theater during the gold rush, the Homestake Opera House is now haunted by spirits from its past, including a mysterious woman seen on stage. Visitors often hear disembodied voices and piano music playing softly through the empty theater.
Devil's Gulch
Garretson, SD 57030
Devil's Gulch is home to Wild West legends and tragic ghostly lovers. Visitors often hear moans and strange cries near the gorge, as well as sightings of the tragic couple standing at the edge before disappearing into the mist.
Hotel Alex Johnson
523 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701
This historic hotel is famous not only for its luxury but also for its haunted reputation. Guests in Rooms 802 and 812 report a range of paranormal activity, from windows opening on their own to the apparition of a bride wandering the halls. The ghost of Alex Johnson himself is often spotted in the lobby, ensuring his hotel runs smoothly—even in the afterlife.
Sioux San Hospital
3200 Canyon Lake Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702
Built on the grounds of a former Native American boarding school, this hospital is said to be haunted by the spirits of children who died from illness. Their laughter and cries can still be heard in the building's abandoned wings, and shadowy figures have been spotted by staff and visitors alike.
Adams House
22 Van Buren St, Deadwood, SD 57732
The Adams House is a historic mansion frozen in time, and it’s said that its original owner, W.E. Adams, never left. Visitors often smell cigar smoke in the house and see the rocking chair sway on its own in Mary Adams’ room.
Fairmont Hotel
628 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
This former brothel and gambling hall is haunted by the spirit of a woman who took her life in the hotel. Guests have also encountered an aggressive male spirit who makes his displeasure with renovations known by disturbing workers and slamming doors.
Gaslight Restaurant & Saloon
13490 US-16, Rockerville, SD 57702
The friendly ghost of Samuelson Harney is often seen at the Gaslight Saloon, where pieces of his old bar were brought after it was demolished. Patrons report seeing Harney greet them at the door and playing harmless pranks by moving objects around.
Elks Theatre
512 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701
The ghost of Jimmy, a friendly spirit, haunts the Elks Theatre. He’s often seen watching over the audience, and staff members hear strange footsteps in the projection booth and notice cold drafts during screenings.
Black Hills Playhouse
24834 S Playhouse Rd, Custer, SD 57730
Nestled in Custer State Park, this historic theater is said to be haunted by the spirit of its founder or possibly by workers from the Depression-era. Strange occurrences, such as costumes being laid out before shows and shadowy figures backstage, continue to haunt performers and staff.
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Keywords and Tags: Haunted South Dakota, Ghosts of the Badlands, Haunted America, Paranormal, Haunted Locations, South Dakota Ghost Stories, Halloween Podcast, Haunted History