Minnesota’s Most Haunted Hotel Celebrates 150th Anniversary

This year, one of Minnesota's most famous hotels, located in southeastern Minnesota, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. This historic building was constructed in 1875 right next to the Mississippi River in Red Wing.

At the time, Red Wing was one of the largest wheat trading markets in the entire world. The St. James Hotel was built to accommodate all the travelers, and no expense was spared. The hotel featured state-of-the-art amenities at the time.

Today, the St. James Hotel maintains its 19th-century character and is a popular place for weddings and a destination for romantic getaways. It's also a must-visit for ghost hunters.

Nearly 100 Spirits Haunt The St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota

According to a YouGov survey, over 40% of Americans believe in ghosts, and 20% of those surveyed claim to have had a ghostly encounter. A trip to Red Wing, Minnesota, might just turn skeptics into believers, as the St. James Hotel is widely considered one of the most haunted places in the Midwest.

The St. James Hotel is a hotbed of paranormal activity, reportedly home to nearly a hundred spirits. Clara Lillyblad, who used to run the hotel, lived in room 310. Rumor has it she still makes her presence known, particularly in that room. Many people specifically request room 310 when making reservations.

In 1890, 98 people drowned in Lake Pepin when their ship sank. In the days that followed that tragic event, the St. James Hotel was transformed into a temporary morgue, and many believe the spirits of those shipwreck victims never left.

Keep reading to discover more haunted hotels in Minnesota.