With such a uniquely rich history of pioneers, western vigilantes, prospectors, and nomadic peoples, Idaho is bound to have plenty of spirits that remain frozen in time, unwilling to leave the beloved state that brought them so much hope and good fortune. Numerous places throughout the state claim to be haunted to this day, but only one is said to be Idaho’s most actively paranormal restaurant: the White Horse Saloon. But this unique saloon-restaurant-hotel combination isn’t just a local watering hole; its resident ghosts are also well known to cause ghostly mayhem throughout the building. Check it out:
Tucked away in the aptly-named Panhandle town of Spirit Lake, Idaho is a slice of local history with a chilling rap sheet.
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
The White Horse Saloon: a nearly 110-year old Spirit Lake staple that has been a fixture of downtown since 1908.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook Part saloon, part restaurant, and part 8-room hotel, this vintage gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It simply oozes with local history, even if the walls weren’t adorned with antique photos and relics of the past.
The historic building still contains its original hardwood floors, bar tops, and staircase, while the iron prison bars that separate the hotel and restaurant are from the old Spirit Lake jail.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook
Of course, as the oldest business in the state and still housed in its original building, the saloon’s century worth of history has given the White Horse quite a haunted reputation.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel
Locals and visitors alike have experienced inexplicable phenomena at the hands of one resident spirit in particular, who some of the people at the saloon have affectionately named “Big Girl.”
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel
Big Girl is said to be particularly drawn to Room 2 of the hotel, but her presence is felt throughout the building.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook While nobody knows for sure who - or what - still haunts the White Horse, local legend has it that Big Girl was once a hotel maid whose son met an untimely end crossing the street. His death is what keeps her spirit drawn to the historic location.
There have been dozens of reports of paranormal sightings and events, from apparitions in the echoing hallways to flying dishes, slamming doors, footsteps, and more.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook
Even diners who wind up eating alone have claimed to feel a mysterious presence nearby.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook
Others still, servers included, have reported disembodied voices after hours.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook
Whether staying in the rooms upstairs or dining below, there’s no doubt that one visit to this historic gem will likely have a paranormal encounter of some kind.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook The real question is, are you ready?
Even those who aren’t seeking a paranormal adventure should pay this local gem a visit! With so much history packed inside Spirit Lake’s tallest and oldest building, plus delicious food to boot, you’re sure to walk away with a story or two! For an extended visit to another one of the Gem State’s spookiest places, check out this haunted campground in Idaho.
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook
Part saloon, part restaurant, and part 8-room hotel, this vintage gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It simply oozes with local history, even if the walls weren’t adorned with antique photos and relics of the past.
White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel
While nobody knows for sure who - or what - still haunts the White Horse, local legend has it that Big Girl was once a hotel maid whose son met an untimely end crossing the street. His death is what keeps her spirit drawn to the historic location.
The real question is, are you ready?
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