12 Most Haunted Places in Kansas City, MO

Welcome to the spooky side of the “City of Fountains,” where ghostly residents love to make a splash!

From haunted hotels to haunted mansions, Kansas City has its fair share of spine-tingling ghost stories that have been passed down through generations.

So, buckle up, turn off the lights, and get ready as we take a journey through the 12 most haunted locations in Kansas City.

The 21C Museum Hotel has been providing people with a place to stay since 1888. Some of the people that have stayed or worked at the popular hotel have decided that they simply never wanted to leave the establishment.

An assortment of supernatural activity has been reported in the more than 100 years the hotel has been around.

Two of the tragedies that occurred in the hotel were the mysterious death of Betsy Ward in room 505 and the 1990 murder of the restaurant manager by the dishwashers on the second floor.

Guests who stay in room 505 had told hotel officials, that music could be heard in their room when there’s nothing switched on.

Ward’s ghost is said to like to open doors, as well as turning the bathroom faucets and shower off and on. People who visit the second floor get odd feelings, they are being watched.

The fourth floor is home to the ghost of a little girl dressed in Victorian clothing and the ghost of a man whose apartment used to be on the fourth floor.

There are also many other reports of strange experiences including odd sounds, voices, laughter, and shadows found throughout the hotel. [Book a Room]

One of the oldest and most haunted sites in Kansas City is the John Wornall House. The house has been around for decades and has a rich civil war history.

The stories about the hauntings and sightings at the Wornall House are vast.

Neighbors that have been witness to so many spirits wandering around outside the home, that vanish into thin air, that they have taken odd measures to protect their homes.

One neighbor hangs crosses on all windows facing the home, while another neighbor whited out their windows.

Aside from the reports of ghosts vanishing in the yard, people have spotted armed soldiers from the Civil War era, patrolling the balconies and doors of the home.

The smell of pipe tobacco and a woman bent over in front of the fireplace are additional claims. Noises, voices, and orbs floating on the rocking chair, in the children’s bedroom have also been reported.

One staff member’s account of the guns hanging in the home being moved, so they aimed at the front door. Has to be one of the most frightening of all the paranormal activity at the Wornall House.

In 1900, the Odd Fellows Home District was established and the Belvoir Winery is part of that district today. In its initial incarnation, the Odd Fellows Home District had multiple buildings on the property, each of which served a specific purpose.

There was a home for the elderly, a hospital, as well as a home and a school for children.

There is also a cemetery at the location that has approximately 600 people. The Belvoir Winery now serves as a place for wine tasting, weddings, and other private events.

People that make their way to the Belvoir Winery for wine tasting, weddings, and other events sometimes encounter the unexpected.

Some to have spotted the ghosts of an old woman singing and spied a man that looks like he is up to no good.

Other visitors have seen countless children on the property, playing or singing.

Hearing strange noises, odd voices, children giggling, or seeing the piano play without any assistance, are common occurrences when visiting here.

Learn more about the ghosts of the Belvoir Inn and Winery

Built in 1888, about a half-hour northeast of Kansas City, sits the historic Elms Hotel and Spa. People used to come to the Elms Hotel to relax and enjoy the mineral spring’s supposed healing powers

Within a year or so of opening, the hotel was damaged by a fire. The Hotel was completely rebuilt sometime between 1909 and 1912.

Once it reopened its doors countless patrons visited the hotel. Some visitors included famous bad guys, such as “Pretty Boy” Floyd, Al Capone, and Bugsy Moran.

It is claimed these bad guys and other mobsters enjoyed gambling and alcohol in the hotel, especially the basement.

The Elm is home to multiple ghosts according to the staff and guests.

There is the ghost of a maid from around the 1920s, who appears to look after hotel cleaning staff.

Another ghost is that of a woman who is in a panic. It is said she is searching for her child. People who have had their hair pulled or seen things throw, believe it might be the woman’s child.

The basement where the lap pool is located, has an assortment of sightings and activity. [BOOK A ROOM]

Uriah Epperson and his family lived in the glorious Epperson House, that was built roughly around 1920.

The property is now part of the University of Missouri–Kansas City, yet the strange occurrences remain.

The paranormal activity occurring in the house, includes the sound of footsteps, organ music, and other odd or unidentifiable sounds.

Witnesses have seen an arm wearing blue clothing, reach into the room and turn a light on.

Countless other witnesses claim to have seen, the ghost of a woman in an evening gown wandering around the property.

This could be Epperson’s adopted daughter Harriet Barse, who died in the house shortly after moving in with Uriah and his wife, Mary Epperson.

When the Coates Hotel opened in 1867, it was an impressive hotel. That catered to the needs of countless famous people, dignitaries, and even three U.S. Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, and Grover Cleveland.

A century after it opened, the once-grand hotel became a homeless shelter. A fire would end up killing roughly 16 of those homeless people in 1978.

Years later the building was repaired and transformed into a large apartment complex.

Residents of the apartments say they have seen shadowy figures walking around the building.

They have also stated their appliances occasionally make odd growling-like noises. Which is one of the odd noises, that are rather common.

After attempting to break Frank “Jelly” Nash out of prison, during the Union Station Massacre, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd went back home to his girlfriend.

He knew he needed to hide out after his plans went awry. Floyd did not remain in the home for long, but it is believed an accomplice that was with him at Union Station, died from his injuries in the home’s attic.

As the years passed and the home was sold to new owners reports of activity started.

Some of the activity included objects moving in the attic, the attic door opening at will, even when locked, and the attic light turning on.

Further reports by the owners, state they had problems keeping lights off and doors shut.

When it was established in 1857, it was Kansas City’s first Episcopal Church. The church has been used for more than a century and is not without its conflicts.

At one time Father Henry David Jardine was a rector at the church. It is said he had numerous disagreements with church officials and members because of his controversial way of thinking.

Father Jardine perished in 1886. The reports were that he died at his own hand.

The different paranormal activities at the church contradict that claim.

There are those that say the odd sounds and activity in the church are caused by Father Jardine, attempting to get the truth out so his name can be cleared of any wrongdoing.

With an opening date in 1916 the Muehlebach Hotel is not the oldest hotel in Kansas City but it is among the most prestigious, the city has to offer.

The Muehlebach Hotel has been the stopping point for the likes of the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and all the Presidents in office from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan.

The Muehlebach is still in operation today as part of the Kansas City Marriot.

Reports of ghostly activity revolve around the likes of “The Blue Lady”. Many people believe she used to be an actress in the 1920s and is searching for her lover. [Book a Room]

In an effort to bring jobs to the city, the Kansas City Power and Light Building was built in 1931. Many businesses called the building home for many years.

No longer used as an office building, the Kansas City Power and Light Building is now home to luxurious loft apartments.

There is also a Grand Hall on the first floor, which serves as a location for weddings and other events. Along with all of the renovations and remodeling, there are still unusual occurrences that take place in and around the building.

The feeling of being watched, most specifically at night, is quite common, as is hearing odd and unexplainable noises.

There have also been countless reports of shadowy figures appearing to jump to their death from the top of the building, but somewhere along the way, the figures vanish, never reaching the ground.

Built in 1856 for local entrepreneur Alexander Majors and family, the Alexander Majors House is one of only four antebellum homes left in Kansas City. Majors himself, having played a key role in the early day success of Kansas City, was one of three founders of the famous Pony Express, that shuttled letters from Missouri all the way to California.

Currently open as a historical museum, depicting the life and times of people from Kansas City and surrounding areas from the Civil War era. Opening its doors for patrons year-round, the house has been the suspect of rumor for decades. Is it really haunted? Well, from the stories of past patrons and even staff, then yes, it most certainly is. The Haunted Rooms America team of investigators have visited the location on many occasions and have reported the same.

Staff and visitors alike have witnessed disembodied voices, sudden unexplainable cold spots, strange noises, the sound of phantom footsteps, and the feeling of being touched! Investigators also claim to experience equipment malfunctions regularly here.

Many people believe that the house is haunted by the last descendant of Alexander Majors to own the home, Louisa Johnston (Majors’ Great-Grandaughter). She lived and lovingly restored the home over a period of 49 years, from 1930 up until her death in 1979. There’s also the belief that the home and grounds could be inhabited by the spirits of the many slaves that lived, worked, and even died here

Located just blocks from Kansas City’s Power & Light District, the historic Hotel Phillips stands as an Art Deco masterpiece with a brooding and enchanting atmosphere. Built in 1931, the 20-story building was once the tallest in the area and has since undergone a $20 million renovation, making it one of the most luxurious and haunted hotels in the city.

The hotel’s history dates back to the late 19th century, when the first structure on the property was built. It later became the Glennon Hotel, operated for 10 years, and housed a haberdashery shop owned by future American President Harry S. Truman. The Hotel Phillips is now managed by Hilton and is part of their “Curio Collection.”

With a reputation for dramatic hauntings and active spirits, the hotel’s narrow hallways and dimly lit corridors are home to many ghostly encounters. One tragic tale involves a young woman who was shot dead by her gangster lover, her spirit now haunting Room 1513. Her lover’s ominous presence can also be felt near the room. Other paranormal activity includes mysterious knocking and tapping sounds, as well as objects moving on their own.

While at the Hotel Phillips, guests can enjoy the hidden P.S. Speakeasy, dine at Tavernonna Italian Kitchen, and explore nearby attractions such as the Power & Light District, the Kansas City Convention Center, and local entertainment options. [Book a Room]