It should come as no surprise that the creepiest town in Minnesota is also known as the Halloween Capital of the World. Anoka, Minnesota, earned that name after it hosted the first Halloween parade in 1920. But you’ll find creepier ghosts than the costumed ones that haunt the town on Halloween. There have been many real ghost sightings over the years. So many, in fact, that a local author wrote a book – Historic Hauntings of the Halloween Capital by Roxy Orcutt – about some of the creepiest.
Located about 20 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, Anoka is a charming town that you might not think would play host to so many hauntings.
Anoka, MN - Halloween Capital of the World/Facebook
Yet Anoka thrives on its spooky history. The town makes the most of its reputation as the Halloween capital with annual events. But really, Anoka is creepy all year.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
One of the most well-known hauntings? The former Anoka State Hospital, now known as Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center.
Google Maps The hospital - once named the Anoka Asylum - opened its doors to mentally ill people in 1900. Controversial treatments throughout the 20th century gave a bad name to many mental health treatment centers, including Anoka. All in all, a lot of suffering occurred there. Enough that many believe the site to be haunted. Those who brave the underground tunnels that stretch across the hospital grounds report disembodied whispers and strange footsteps.
Anoka is home to several other hauntings as well. Many have witnessed strange sights in the historic Anoka Masonic Lodge.
Google Maps The Masonic Lodge and its neighbor, Colonial Hall, are both host to paranormal happenings. Given the age of the buildings, this certainly makes sense. But that doesn’t take away how chilling it must be to be a firsthand witness. The Haunting of the Anoka Masonic Lodge by local author June Gossler-Anderson offers a history of the buildings, as well as accounts of people who have witnessed unexplainable events in these buildings.
Another interesting haunted spot in Anoka is Billy’s Bar and Grill.
Google Maps This haunted restaurant is housed in what was once the Jackson Hotel. Long ago, the hotel was a brothel run by a woman named Mrs. Jackson. Rumors state that she was either murdered by prostitutes who worked there, or that she committed suicide by hanging. Either way, reports of moving pictures and shadowy figures give Billy’s its haunted reputation.
If you want to get a closer look at Anoka’s haunted history, the Anoka Historical Society offers a ghost walking tour.
Renae Rude/Flickr There are many more places reported to be haunted in Anoka - even an old Dairy Queen. The walking tour is a great way to get up close to some of the town’s most haunted buildings. Find more information about the Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tours here.
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Anoka, MN - Halloween Capital of the World/Facebook
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Google Maps
The hospital - once named the Anoka Asylum - opened its doors to mentally ill people in 1900. Controversial treatments throughout the 20th century gave a bad name to many mental health treatment centers, including Anoka. All in all, a lot of suffering occurred there. Enough that many believe the site to be haunted. Those who brave the underground tunnels that stretch across the hospital grounds report disembodied whispers and strange footsteps.
The Masonic Lodge and its neighbor, Colonial Hall, are both host to paranormal happenings. Given the age of the buildings, this certainly makes sense. But that doesn’t take away how chilling it must be to be a firsthand witness. The Haunting of the Anoka Masonic Lodge by local author June Gossler-Anderson offers a history of the buildings, as well as accounts of people who have witnessed unexplainable events in these buildings.
This haunted restaurant is housed in what was once the Jackson Hotel. Long ago, the hotel was a brothel run by a woman named Mrs. Jackson. Rumors state that she was either murdered by prostitutes who worked there, or that she committed suicide by hanging. Either way, reports of moving pictures and shadowy figures give Billy’s its haunted reputation.
Renae Rude/Flickr
There are many more places reported to be haunted in Anoka - even an old Dairy Queen. The walking tour is a great way to get up close to some of the town’s most haunted buildings. Find more information about the Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tours here.
