Close to modern conveniences and well-maintained, Farragut State Park is one of Northern Idaho’s best and most diverse recreation and vacation areas. But, tucked away in the heavily forested northern corner of Lake Pend Oreille, this park is also more than a little spooky come nightfall, and it’s all because of the location’s unique history.
Why? Because between 1942 and 1946, along with over 293,000 young sailors who were trained and housed here, Farragut was also a fortress-like German POW site.
Nobody is quite certain who (or what) is haunting the park and its campsites. The restless souls of former sailors? Vindictive prisoners? Something else? The only thing for certain is that Farragut’s unique history is clearly a factor… and that nightfall is no time to go exploring the woods. But most people who stay at Farragut overnight and head to Silverwood in the morning have no idea that they’re sleeping in an active paranormal camp site… until something strange occurs. Check out the stories.
During the day, Farragut State Park is a recreation haven.
xterrered/Trip Advisor With a flyer’s park, unique kids’ activities, plenty of beach and water access, and scenic views, campers have no idea that they might be sharing their tent pad with restless spirits.
But when darkness falls, strange things begin to happen…
Jonas Eriksson/CC
Apparitions of a man wearing a uniform have been sighted along the shore.
Farragut State Park/Facebook
But most of the stories originate in the Brig.
JohnJohn101/Trip Advisor This former jail for misbehaving recruits is now a small museum, with a few of the cells preserved for visitors to explore. Come nightfall, the clinking of cells and distant yells can be heard echoing within the compound.
JohnJohn101/Trip Advisor Mysterious orbs have been reported, as well as tales of faces peering out between bars. One local legend tells of a German prisoner who was captured and killed in the lower level… his body left to decompose in unrest to this very day.
In the museum area, one particular bust of a sailor stands front and center, his face chiseled in the memory of former recruits.
Farragut State Park/Facebook
Unlucky visitors will see these stone faces move and shift, as though trying to peel themselves off the bust.
JohnJohn101/Trip Advisor
The trails are particularly active at night as well.
rwdw/Trip Advisor
Of the hundreds of campsites scattered throughout the park, each have their own fair share of stories that include flickering lights, strange sounds, and other spooky activities.
Farragut State Park/Facebook
But the trails, especially those leading to the water, are known to be paranormal hotspots.
Farragut State Park/Facebook Only venture out if you dare.
There are plenty of places to camp in the area, but this might be the absolute scariest place to pitch a tent in Idaho. What do YOU think is the truth behind these eerie events?
xterrered/Trip Advisor
With a flyer’s park, unique kids’ activities, plenty of beach and water access, and scenic views, campers have no idea that they might be sharing their tent pad with restless spirits.
Jonas Eriksson/CC
Farragut State Park/Facebook
JohnJohn101/Trip Advisor
This former jail for misbehaving recruits is now a small museum, with a few of the cells preserved for visitors to explore. Come nightfall, the clinking of cells and distant yells can be heard echoing within the compound.
Mysterious orbs have been reported, as well as tales of faces peering out between bars. One local legend tells of a German prisoner who was captured and killed in the lower level… his body left to decompose in unrest to this very day.
rwdw/Trip Advisor
Only venture out if you dare.
If you like spooky legends in Idaho, make this haunted road trip one of your summer must-dos.
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