Boise, Idaho, may be known for its vibrant downtown, relaxing hot springs, and beautiful natural scenery, but lurking beneath the city’s charming exterior is a darker side, the stuff of ghost stories and eerie legends. From haunted theaters to paranormal penitentiaries, Boise offers spine-chilling experiences for those who dare to uncover its spectral secrets.
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal enthusiast or just curious about the city’s spooky past, these 10 haunted locations in Boise will send shivers down your spine. Let’s dive into some of the most haunted spots in the city and uncover the chilling tales behind them.
1. The Owyhee – Boise’s First Skyscraper with Ghostly Visitors
Standing proudly in downtown Boise, The Owyhee is a historic landmark that has witnessed more than a century of history. Originally built as a luxury hotel in 1910, it was later converted into office spaces, apartments, and penthouses. Yet, despite its modern-day function, the building still holds onto its ghostly past.
One of the most frequent paranormal encounters is in Room 136, where a couple once reported seeing a ghostly woman hovering over them. The wife described feeling calm instead of scared, but when she asked the spirit why she was there, the ghost vanished. Locals often claim that The Owyhee is teeming with spiritual energy, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters.
2. The Idanha Building – Where Tragedy Haunts the Halls
The Idanha Hotel, which opened its doors in 1901, hosted many prominent guests, including Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. However, the hotel’s dark history includes the tragic death of Alexander Palmer Jacobs. After a series of mental health issues and violent threats, Jacobs took his own life by jumping from a fourth-floor window. Visitors to the Idanha Building today often report a dark presence, believed to be the restless spirit of Alexander, still tormenting the halls.
3. The Egyptian Theatre – A Haunted Movie Palace
Opened in 1927, the Egyptian Theatre is an iconic Boise landmark. While it may be known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, it’s also one of the most haunted places in Boise. The theater is home to several spirits, including a woman dressed in 1920s attire who wanders the building. But perhaps the most infamous ghost is Joe, a projectionist who died of a heart attack in the projection room. Staff members have reported strange smells, ghostly laughter, and even the feeling of being touched by an invisible force. One particularly eerie event occurred during a 2016 Brothers Osborne concert when chunks of the ceiling fell, rumored to be a warning from Joe’s restless spirit.
4. The Belmont Barbershop – Haunted by a Killer’s Spirit
What was once Hannifin’s Cigar Shop is now the Belmont Barbershop, a charming spot in downtown Boise. However, its former incarnation as a cigar shop holds a dark and deadly history. In 1964, Raymond Allen Snowden brutally murdered Cora Lucyle Dean nearby. Snowden, known as Idaho’s Jack the Ripper, was executed at the Old Idaho Penitentiary in 1957, but his vengeful spirit is said to haunt the area. Some believe the footsteps heard on the shop’s wooden floors are either Snowden’s or Cora’s as she traces his path to the bathroom where he disposed of the murder weapon.
5. Fort Boise Military Cemetery – Echoes from the Past
A forgotten piece of history, the Fort Boise Military Cemetery is a somber and haunting location. Visitors often report hearing disembodied voices calling out the names of the dead and seeing the ghostly figure of a small boy wandering between tombstones. Some have even claimed to see a lone soldier standing bravely near the flagpole. Whether these sightings are figments of imagination or real spectral presences, the cemetery remains one of Boise’s most intriguing haunted locations.
6. StrangeLove Club – A Nightclub with a Dark Past
StrangeLove Club, a popular nightlife spot, is known for its lively atmosphere—but the real eerie activity begins when the lights go out. Originally built as an athletic club in 1906, the club has gone through several transformations, from a restaurant to a strip club and even a church. The most chilling events, however, seem to have occurred since the 2017 murder on the premises. Security cameras have captured strange movements, and some believe the ghostly apparitions caught on film are the restless souls of past tragedies.
7. The Basque Museum and Cultural Center – Spirits of the Past
The Basque Museum and Cultural Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Basque people, but it also has a spectral side. This charming museum, housed in the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House, is said to be haunted by a “Lady in Black.” While some visitors feel she means no harm, the mere presence of her ghostly figure is enough to give anyone a chill. Visitors and former staff have also reported hearing mysterious voices and feeling an unease that lingers long after the museum closes for the day.
8. Idaho State Penitentiary – Ghosts of the Executed
No list of haunted places in Boise would be complete without the Idaho State Penitentiary. Opened in 1870, this historic prison witnessed many executions, including that of Raymond Allen Snowden (who is also said to haunt the Belmont Barbershop). Visitors to the penitentiary’s infamous 5 House often report hearing strange noises, disembodied voices, and a sense of foreboding. The penitentiary’s dark history makes it one of the most haunted locations in Boise.
9. Dry Creek Cemetery – The Galloping Ghost Horse
Established in 1865, Dry Creek Cemetery is a peaceful burial ground by day but turns into a place of paranormal activity by night. Visitors have claimed to hear the sounds of a horse galloping through the cemetery at around 2 a.m. The ghostly horse, often seen as a translucent figure, disappears into the shadows, leaving behind an air of mystery and dread. If you’re looking for a ghostly encounter, this is the place to be.
10. The Boise Murder House – A Gruesome Legacy
Located at 805 W. Linden Street, the Boise Murder House is infamous for the horrific crime that occurred within its walls in 1987. The brutal murder and dismemberment of Preston Murr have left behind a lingering, unsettling energy that many say still haunts the house. Locals claim to have seen blood dripping from the walls and felt an overwhelming sense of unease when approaching the home. The “Chop Chop House” remains a chilling reminder of the tragedy that took place there.
Ready to explore Boise’s haunted history? Let us know in the comments or follow us on Facebook
