Denver might be known for its majestic mountains and thriving urban scene, but beneath its modern exterior lies a history rich with eerie legends and haunted stories. If you’re a fan of the supernatural—or just love a good ghost story—Denver’s haunted locations are sure to give you goosebumps. From century-old hotels with mysterious guests to parks that were once cemeteries, the Mile-High City has more than a few spine-tingling tales to tell.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of Denver’s most haunted places. But these aren’t just ghost stories—they’re deeply rooted in Denver’s history, with many of the locations serving as a window into the city’s past. So, grab a cup of something warm, turn down the lights, and let’s explore Denver’s haunted hotspots. Just don’t blame us if you can’t sleep tonight.
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1. The Oxford Hotel: Denver’s Oldest Hotel with a Haunted Legacy
**Location**: 1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
**Built**: 1891
Let’s kick things off with The Oxford Hotel, Denver’s oldest luxury hotel. Opened in 1891, this elegant hotel has played host to Denver’s elite for over a century, but it’s also home to some of the city’s most unsettling ghost stories.
One of the hotel’s most famous ghostly residents is the spirit of Florence Montague, a woman who tragically took her own life in room 320 after killing her lover in a jealous rage. Guests who stay in room 320 often report an overwhelming feeling of dread, and some have even claimed to see the apparition of Florence herself, wandering the halls or standing at the foot of the bed.
The hotel’s bar, the Cruise Room, is another hotbed for paranormal activity. Modeled after a bar on the Queen Mary ocean liner, the Cruise Room opened on the day Prohibition ended in 1933. Legend has it that a man who had ordered a martini in the bar decades ago never received his drink because he was murdered on his way to deliver Christmas presents. Since then, bartenders have reported seeing the ghost of a man in a postman’s uniform sitting at the bar, nursing an unfinished martini.
Why It’s Haunted:
The Oxford Hotel’s history of violence, heartbreak, and untimely deaths has left its mark on the building. The spirits of Florence Montague and the mysterious postman are just two of the many eerie presences that have been reported at the hotel. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Oxford Hotel’s haunted reputation adds a chilling layer to its opulent history.
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2. Cheesman Park: A Beautiful Park with a Grim Past
**Location**: 1599 E 8th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
**Built**: 1907 (Converted from cemetery to park)
Cheesman Park is a peaceful green space in the heart of Denver, but its serene atmosphere belies its dark and deeply unsettling history. Long before it became a park, the land was home to Mount Prospect Cemetery, a burial ground established in 1858. By the late 1800s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair, and Denver’s city officials decided to turn the area into a public park. However, relocating the bodies buried there didn’t go as planned.
The city hired an undertaker named E.P. McGovern to move the bodies, but instead of respectfully transferring them, McGovern desecrated the graves, chopping up the remains to fit more coffins and charge per coffin. Bones were scattered across the grounds, and many bodies were left behind, forever buried beneath the park.
Today, Cheesman Park is known for its ghostly sightings. Visitors report seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied whispers, and feeling inexplicably cold even on warm days. Some claim to see spirits wandering the park, unaware that their graves were disturbed or lost altogether.
Why It’s Haunted:
The chaotic and disrespectful way the bodies were moved (or left behind) has led many to believe that the souls of those buried at Cheesman Park are restless. It’s said that the spirits of the dead, upset by the disturbance, roam the park at night, searching for their final resting place. The park’s haunted history has made it one of Denver’s spookiest destinations, especially during Halloween.
Read more about Cheesman Park's haunted history---
3. The Brown Palace Hotel: Luxury and Ghosts in the Heart of Denver
**Location**: 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
**Built**: 1892
For over 125 years, the Brown Palace Hotel has been a symbol of elegance in Denver. This stunning building has hosted everyone from presidents to rock stars, but it’s also hosted something a little less glamorous—ghosts. Opened in 1892, the Brown Palace has a long and storied history, and with that history comes its fair share of paranormal activity.
One of the most famous hauntings at the Brown Palace is the San Marco Room, which was once the hotel’s dance hall. Guests have reported hearing the faint sound of a big band playing music long after the room has been closed. When staff investigate, they find the room empty but still echoing with the sounds of an invisible party.
The 8th floor of the hotel is another area said to be haunted, with numerous reports of strange noises and unexplained cold spots. Some guests have even claimed to see a man dressed in old-fashioned clothing walking the halls, only to vanish moments later.
Why It’s Haunted:
With over a century of hosting high-society events, romantic getaways, and more than a few untimely deaths, it’s no surprise that the Brown Palace has developed a haunted reputation. The hotel’s history is full of fascinating characters and tragic stories, many of which seem to linger in the air, waiting to be rediscovered.
Visit the Brown Palace Hotel---
4. The Lumber Baron Inn: From Gilded Age Mansion to Haunted Bed & Breakfast
**Location**: 2555 W 37th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
**Built**: 1890
The Lumber Baron Inn, located in the Highlands neighborhood, is one of Denver’s most infamous haunted locations. Built in 1890 by lumber magnate John Mouat, this mansion is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture. But beneath its grandeur lies a tragic and terrifying story that continues to haunt the inn to this day.
In 1970, two young women, Cara Knoche and Marianne Weaver, were brutally murdered in one of the third-floor rooms. The crime was never solved, and ever since, guests and staff have reported unsettling encounters on the third floor. Some claim to hear strange noises, feel sudden drops in temperature, or even see the ghosts of the two women wandering the halls.
But it’s not just the third floor that’s haunted. Guests have also reported seeing the apparition of a man believed to be John Mouat himself, still walking the halls of his once-lavish mansion.
Why It’s Haunted:
The unsolved murders of Cara Knoche and Marianne Weaver have left a permanent mark on the Lumber Baron Inn. The inn’s dark history and the sense of injustice surrounding the crime have made it a magnet for paranormal activity, with many believing that the spirits of the two women remain trapped there, seeking closure.
Explore the Lumber Baron Inn---
5. Capitol Hill: Denver’s Most Haunted Neighborhood
**Location**: Denver, CO (Capitol Hill neighborhood)
Capitol Hill is one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods, filled with beautiful old mansions and Victorian homes. But behind its charming facade, Capitol Hill is also known as one of the city’s most haunted areas. In fact, it’s often referred to as Denver’s most haunted neighborhood.
One of the most infamous haunted locations in Capitol Hill is the Molly Brown House, the former home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic. While Molly Brown herself is not believed to haunt the home, many visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as furniture moving on its own and mysterious figures appearing in windows.
Another haunted spot in Capitol Hill is the Patterson Inn, a former mansion built in 1891. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange noises throughout the inn, especially in the basement. Some even claim that the ghost of Thomas Patterson, the original owner, still walks the halls, keeping an eye on his former home.
Why It’s Haunted:
Capitol Hill’s history as a wealthy, elite neighborhood is full of intriguing stories, from political scandals to untimely deaths. The combination of opulent mansions, tragic events, and old-world architecture has created the perfect atmosphere for ghostly encounters. Many believe that the spirits of Denver’s past residents still linger in their beloved homes, unwilling to let go of their former lives.
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6. The Stanley Hotel: The Inspiration Behind “The Shining”
**Location**: 333 Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 (near Denver)
**Built**: 1909
While technically not within Denver’s city limits, no list of haunted places in the
area would be complete without mentioning the Stanley Hotel. Located about an hour outside of Denver in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining”—and it’s also home to some serious ghostly activity.
Guests at the Stanley Hotel have reported a wide range of paranormal experiences, from hearing disembodied voices to seeing ghostly figures roaming the halls. The most famous ghost at the Stanley is believed to be Elizabeth Wilson, a former housekeeper who was injured in an explosion in room 217. Guests who stay in that room often report strange occurrences, like their belongings being moved or neatly folded by an unseen hand.
The hotel’s grand ballroom is another hotspot for ghost sightings, with staff and guests alike reporting the sound of phantom piano music and the sight of apparitions dancing in the empty room.
Why It’s Haunted:The Stanley Hotel’s isolation, combined with its rich history, has made it a beacon for paranormal activity. Whether it’s the ghostly echoes of its past guests or the lingering energy from the creative process that birthed “The Shining,” there’s no denying that the Stanley is one of the most haunted—and famous—places in Colorado.
Plan a visit to the Stanley Hotel---
Final Thoughts: Exploring Denver’s Haunted HistoryDenver’s haunted places aren’t just about ghost stories—they’re about the rich history that shaped the city. From luxury hotels to serene parks and opulent mansions, each location tells the story of a time when Denver was still finding its place in the West. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, visiting these haunted spots offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to connect with Denver’s unique history.
So, the next time you’re looking for something a little different to do in Denver, why not explore one of its haunted locations? Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just someone looking for a good scare, these spots are sure to leave a lasting impression.
And who knows—you might even have a paranormal encounter of your own. Happy haunting! 👻
