Deep beneath the bustling streets of Saint Paul, Minnesota, lies one of the Midwest’s most haunted and mysterious landmarks, the Wabasha Street Caves. This eerie tunnel system has a chilling past that dates back to the mid-19th century, and it’s become a hotspot for paranormal activity, ghost stories, and spine-tingling tours.
But what exactly makes the Wabasha Street Caves so notorious — and so haunted?
A History Carved in Stone… and Crime
The Wabasha Street Caves were originally carved by hand in the 1800s to mine silica, a key material used by local glass-blowing companies. But once the glass industry moved on, the dark, cavernous tunnels were left behind, waiting patiently for their next chapter.
That chapter began with mushrooms. (Yes, really.) The cool, dark conditions made the caves ideal for mushroom farming, a quirky but short-lived use of the space. However, the real infamy came during the roaring 1920s, when Prohibition turned the Wabasha Street Caves into a hidden speakeasy and underground nightclub.
Gangsters, Speakeasies, and Sinister Secrets
As word spread, the caves became a magnet for gangsters and bootleggers from across the Midwest. Notorious criminals like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson were said to frequent the smoky underground club, drinking, gambling, and partying into the early hours, all while evading the law.
But where there are gangsters, there is violence. Over the years, tales of brutal assaults, mysterious disappearances, and even murders began to emerge from the depths of the caves. Some whisper that the victims of these crimes were never found because their bodies were hidden — entombed within the cave walls themselves.
Ghosts That Never Left
Today, the Wabasha Street Caves are a popular destination for ghost hunters, thrill seekers, and anyone with a fascination for the paranormal. Locals and tour guides alike report frequent supernatural sightings:
- Flickering chandeliers with no explanation
- Phantom footsteps echoing through the tunnels
- Apparitions gliding past stone corridors
- Cold spots and whispers from the shadows
Some say the spirits of murdered gangsters still linger, forever trapped in the dark corners of the tunnels where they once lived, and died, in secret.
Are You Brave Enough to Explore the Wabasha Street Caves?
Whether you’re a history buff, a true crime fanatic, or a paranormal enthusiast, the Wabasha Street Caves offer a chilling glimpse into Minnesota’s haunted past. Guided tours are available for the brave, but be warned: many visitors report strange occurrences before they even reach the deepest parts of the tunnels.
So if you’re looking for one of the most haunted places in Minnesota, put the Wabasha Street Caves on your list… if you dare.
