Salt Lake County may be known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but beneath its picturesque exterior lies a world of eerie tales and haunted locations. Salt Lake is a treasure trove for those seeking a glimpse into the supernatural, from historic theaters to haunted prisons. So, whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just someone who enjoys a good scare, let’s dive into the spooky stories and ghost tours that reveal the dark side of our county!
Chilling Local Legends and Spooky Stories
Salt Lake County is rich with ghost stories that have been passed down through the years. These tales, whether rooted in historical events or simply the result of local folklore, contribute to the eerie atmosphere that surrounds many of the county’s haunted locations.
Capitol Theatre
One of the most well-known stories is that of the "Lady in Blue" at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. The theater, which opened in 1913, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman who died in a fire there in the 1940s.
The Lady in Blue is often seen on the balcony, where she’s said to watch performances, sometimes even causing unexplained disruptions. Theater staff and visitors alike have reported cold spots, strange noises, and the feeling of being watched when in the theater alone.
Cottonwood Heights’ Old Mill
The Old Mill on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road is speculated to be one of the most haunted places within Cottonwood Heights. Once a paper mill and later a haunted house attraction, it now sits abandoned, steeped in eerie legends.
Visitors and locals have reported unexplained phenomena—doors slamming shut on their own, lights flickering in the absence of electricity, and chilling cold spots. Some even claim to hear a woman’s voice or a barking dog echoing through its empty halls. With decades of ghost stories surrounding it, the Old Mill remains a magnet for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.
Rio Grande Depot
The Rio Grande Depot is another hotbed of paranormal activity. Built in 1910, the depot was once a bustling hub of activity, but today it is known more for its ghostly residents than its historic significance.
The most famous spirit said to haunt the depot is known as the "Purple Lady," believed to be the ghost of a woman who died tragically on the train tracks. Visitors and employees have reported seeing her apparition, hearing footsteps, and experiencing sudden cold spots in the building.
Popular Ghost Tours in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County offers a variety of ghost tours that bring its haunted history to life, each providing a unique glimpse into the county’s eerie past. Here are two popular options that will leave you both intrigued and spooked.
Salt Lake City’s Ghost Tour (US Ghost Adventures)
For a more condensed experience, US Ghost Adventures offers a one-hour walking tour through downtown Salt Lake City. Expert guides lead you past landmarks like the Federal Courthouse, where the ghost of a judge is said to linger, and Whiskey Street, where ghostly bar patrons still drown their sorrows.
This tour also covers the city’s transformation from a religious hub to a place of greed and sin, often untold in history books. Tours cost $26 for adults and $16 for children under 13, making it an accessible and intriguing option for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Grimm Ghost Tours
Grimm Ghost Tours promises more than just a walk through history—it's an interactive adventure where guests explore haunted locations and experience the paranormal firsthand. This tour takes you beyond typical sightseeing by allowing you to get off the bus at almost every stop. Whether it’s the eerie shadows of Old Fort Douglas or the infamous stomping grounds of Ted Bundy, you'll have the chance to explore these sites using ghost-hunting equipment.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes multiple haunted locations. For those who seek even more thrills, Grimm Ghost Tours offers Paranormal Investigations, where you spend the night inside a haunted building, completely alone in the dark.
Prices start at $30 for adults, with group discounts available. This tour is perfect for those wanting to engage deeply with Salt Lake City’s spooky history.
Visiting Haunted Sites on Your Own
While guided ghost tours offer a structured way to experience Salt Lake County’s haunted history, some may prefer to explore these spooky sites on their own. If you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of locations that you can visit independently—just be sure to bring your courage and respect the places you explore.
Salt Lake Cemetery
The Salt Lake City Cemetery is a good place to start. While it’s open to the public during the day, visiting at dusk or dawn can add an extra layer of eeriness to your experience. Be sure to bring a flashlight and stay on the paths, as it’s easy to get lost among the old headstones and crypts.
Downtown Salt Lake
For those interested in exploring the haunted history of downtown Salt Lake City, a walk through the area around the Rio Grande Depot and the Capitol Theatre can be both informative and spooky. These locations are accessible to the public, and while you may not encounter any ghosts, the stories alone are enough to give you chills.
Utah State Prison
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might consider visiting the site of the old Utah State Prison in Draper. While the prison itself is closed to the public, the area around it is accessible, and many people have reported strange occurrences while walking nearby. Just be sure to stay on public property and avoid trespassing on restricted grounds.
Salt Lake County’s haunted history is a fascinating blend of fact and folklore, making it a perfect destination for those interested in the paranormal. From guided ghost tours to independent explorations of haunted sites, there are plenty of ways to experience the county’s spooky side. So, if you’re looking for a thrill, why not delve into Salt Lake’s ghostly past? Just remember to keep your wits about you—you never know what might be lurking in the shadows.
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