23 Most Haunted Places in Alaska: Ghosts of the Last Frontier

Haunted places in Alaska are a result of the state’s rugged wilderness, Gold Rush history and Indigenous affiliations, tragic shipwrecks, and mysterious places and people.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll find Alaska’s haunted sites to be wild.

These are the 24 most haunted places in Alaska:

Historical Background: Why is Alaska so Haunted?

Alaska’s haunted past is deeply intertwined with its rich history, which spans centuries of Indigenous cultures. The state’s beautiful landscapes and remote locations have witnessed everything from ancient native legends to tragic modern tales:

• Indigenous History: The Tlingit, Haida, and other native tribes have stories of spirits and mystical creatures in the forests and waters. 
• Settlers: During the Klondike Gold Rush era, towns like Skagway and Nome sprang up almost overnight. Old saloons, hotels, and establishments from this period are filled with paranormal activity.
• Tragic Shipwrecks and Lighthouses: Alaska’s treacherous waters claimed many ships, leading to ghost stories surrounding lighthouses and coastal regions. 
• Old Buildings: It’s simple, old buildings mean hauntings. 

Igloo City Hotel

Matanuska-Susitna

This massive igloo-shaped structure is about 20 miles west of Cantwell on the Parks Highway.

Constructed in the 1970s, the building’s unique design captures the curiosity of passersby. Intended to become a hotel, Igloo City was never completed, leaving behind the ghostly shell of what could have been.

People driving by at night say they see rooms glowing even though the structure has no working power, and the full outline of a woman in white standing at upper windows.

Others note lights flicking on and off inside as if the hotel finally opened, only to go dark again when they turn around to check.

The site started in the 1970s as an unfinished hotel project, later tied to a short-lived gas station, and recent local reports say a team is leasing the property for a future distillery.

Historic Anchorage Hotel

Anchorage

The Historic Anchorage Hotel is an integral part of the city since its opening in 1916. 

The hotel keeps a ghost log in the front office because of all the strange activity.

One of the most well-known spirits is Anchorage’s first chief of police, John J. “Black Jack” Sturgus, who was found shot in the back with his own service revolver only steps from the hotel on February 20, 1921. His spirit still appears near the entrance, his figure in uniform patrolling or standing silent.

Guests have reported televisions turning on in rooms 215 and 217 for no reason, faucets in sinks or tubs beginning to run when no one is there, and curtains or pictures moving in empty rooms.

On the second floor some have seen the apparition of a young girl in old-style clothing walking the hall, vanishing into the corners. There’s also a story of a woman in a wedding dress who is seen in the halls, her presence described as sad, wandering.

People say these happenings get stronger on the second floor; some think she is the apparition of a bride who was left at the altar.

Begich Towers

Whittier

Begich Towers is a 14-story condominium famously known as one of the most haunted places in Alaska.

Built during the Cold War era for military purposes, this building now houses nearly all of Whittier’s population, including schools, churches, and shops.

Built in the 1950s as part of a Cold War military project, it was designed to function as a self-contained community, complete with housing, a post office, a grocery store, a church, and a school.

After the military left, the structure was converted into private condos, and today it’s home to nearly the entire population of Whittier—around 200 residents all living under one roof.

Residents and visitors have talked about unexplained footsteps echoing through the long, dim hallways, lights flickering in empty sections, and the sensation of being watched when walking alone at night. Some have heard doors closing or voices whispering in unoccupied apartments, and a few claim to have seen a woman in old-fashioned clothes near the elevators who vanishes when approached.

The most unsettling area, according to locals, is the basement level that connects to the tunnel leading to the school. People describe a heavy, uneasy feeling there and say cold air moves through even when it’s sealed from outside.

While the building is not open to tourists for wandering inside, you can visit Whittier and see the towers from the outside or enter the public areas like the lobby and café.

Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, Begich Towers, one of the most haunted places in Alaska, is worth a visit.

Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage

The Hotel Captain Cook is famous for being haunting. Built in 1964, this iconic building is located in downtown Anchorage, with stunning views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

This hotel has many reports about a Lady in White tied to a 1972 suicide in the women’s lobby restroom of Tower 2. Guests describe icy cold spots, faucets turning on by themselves, stall doors rattling, and a heavy sense of dread in the restroom’s last stall on the left, which staff reportedly bolted shut after years of activity. People on upper floors talk about footsteps in empty halls and elevators stopping on the wrong floor.

One super creepy story involves a guest feeling fingers intertwining with theirs while alone in bed, followed by a whisper at the ear and a sudden temperature drop. Staff say that a woman’s figure is seen slipping into the lobby restroom then disappears, with occasional knocks, disembodied voices, and small items shifting on housekeeping carts.

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

Fairbanks

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is well-known for its macabre history. Built in the 70s, the hospital sits on land that some believe once held Native burial grounds.

Sometimes, you might hear unexplained noises, such as footsteps echoing in empty hallways or faucets turning on and off by themselves.

Staff and visitors have reported seeing mysterious angelic apparitions, especially near the nursery. These angels are said to appear when a baby is near death.

On the third floor, staff members say they’ve heard children laughing or crying late at night, even when no pediatric patients are present. Security guards making rounds report cold spots near the stairwells and sometimes a woman in white who disappears when approached.

Others mention flickering lights in the ICU, equipment that malfunctions for no reason, and the feeling that someone is walking just behind them.

Red Onion Saloon

Skagway

The Red Onion Saloon opened its doors in 1898, originally a brothel constructed to provide “intimate female companionship” during the Klondike Gold Rush. 

The building boasts two stories; the first floor is a lively saloon, while the second floor was once divided into small rooms called cribs.

Today, it operates as a bar and museum, but staff and guests say some of its former “working girls” never left.

The most famous ghost is Lydia, a spirit believed to be a former prostitute. She’s been seen drifting through the upstairs rooms, her perfume lingering in the air, and her footsteps echo across the wooden floors. Employees report locked doors swinging open, lights turning on after hours, and the sound of laughter or heels clicking down the hallway when the upper floor is empty. Cold spots often appear near Room 2, and some visitors claim to have seen Lydia peering down from the balcony in a long dress. 

When you The Red Onion Saloon, you’ll notice the staff dressed in period attire, recreating the ambiance of the late 1900s. They serve food and drinks and offer tours of the historic brothel rooms, which have remained untouched since the Gold Rush.

Motherlode Lodge

Palmer

The Motherlode Lodge in Palmer is said to be haunted by several unique spirits. 

Visitors have reported seeing a misty black apparition that roams the grounds. Imagine taking a stroll and seeing a shadowy figure suddenly appear in front of you!

One of the most chilling accounts involves mirrors at the lodge. People looking into the mirrors have seen figures in period clothing standing behind them. It’s as if the past is watching you through the glass.

Wendy Williamson Auditorium

Anchorage

The Wendy Williamson Auditorium (University of Alaska) is a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Known simply as “The Wendy,” this venue hosts a variety of eerie experiences.

• Woman in White: Visitors claim to have seen a woman dressed in white wandering the halls. 
• The Lighting Booth: The Booth is notorious for playing pranks on unsuspecting technicians, like flickering lights and equipment malfunctions. 
• Creepy Dude: One of the more unsettling spirits is a man who targets women. There are stories of him pushing females down the stairs. Women with long, dark hair seem to attract his attention the most (creepy!).

During events like the Miss Alaska Pageant, contestants have felt a chilling presence. Once, a participant was pushed while standing on a landing.

Birch Hill Cemetery

Fairbanks

Birch Hill Cemetery is a historic site dating back to the Gold Rush era. As you explore its grounds, you might feel a chill that is unrelated to the Alaskan weather.

Visitors report encounters with 2 distinct manifestations: 

• The Young Girl: One of the most notable is a young girl dressed in a white dress from the early 1900s. Her presence is often felt near older graves. Some have claimed to see an elusive floating black figure that, in addition to the girl, disappears as quickly as it appears.
• The Little Boy: Dressed in 1930s-style clothing, is another commonly reported sight. He is often seen wandering the cemetery as if searching for something.

Fourth Avenue Theatre

Anchorage

The Fourth Avenue Theatre in Anchorage is believed to be the most haunted theatre in Alaska, and it’s common to hear stories about eerie experiences.

Built between 1941 and 1947, this Art Deco theatre temporarily halted construction during World War II. In 2011, a group purchased it with plans to restore its former glory.

One of the most notable sightings is of a lady figure. She is often seen wandering the theatre’s halls.

Additionally, some have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a man, usually described as wearing a black suit and a top hat. 

Chena Hot Springs Road

Fairbanks

Chena Hot Springs Road is renowned for its hauntedness.

• Orbs: Between miles 8 and 12 of this road, witnesses have reported seeing mysterious orbs of blue, white, and orange light. These orbs are often described as resembling headlights and have been seen to hover in the sky. You might even experience them following your car. The phenomenon typically occurs during the winter months and around 7 p.m. or later.
• Trails of Light: Stories of glowing balls merging together and creating a trail of light. This area has become a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts eager to witness these unexplained phenomena firsthand.

Golden North Hotel

Skagway

Constructed in 1898, this hotel is one of the oldest in Alaska. In 1908, it was relocated to its current spot, where an additional story was added.

• Fannie: According to local lore, Fannie’s spirit, who passed away in the 1950s, is often seen in Room 209. Guests have reported cold spots, disembodied voices, and a sensation of being watched.
• Scary Mary: The ghost known as “Scary Mary” reportedly haunts Room 23. Experiences attributed to her presence range from eerie apparitions to objects moving on their own.

Although no longer functioning as a hotel, the building houses a restaurant and bar on the first floor. 

Ship Creek

Anchorage

Ship Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, is renowned for its hauntings. This location is often cited in local ghost stories and has a rich history of paranormal activity.

Marie: This spirit is a native Alaskan woman who was tragically murdered in 1987. She is said to appear mainly to homeless individuals, warning them not to stay in the area.

Unknown Figures: Many people report seeing apparitions and shadowy figures around the creek, especially between the aged ANS Hospital and the old Alaska Railroad terminal. Some visitors feel a sudden drop in temperature or an unexplained sense of dread.

Alaskan Hotel & Bar

Juneau

The Alaskan Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in the city, opened in 1913. The Hotel has a rich history tied to the Gold Rush era, making its ghostly tales even more intriguing. 

• Apparitions of a woman in white are frequently seen roaming the hallways. Some believe she is the spirit of a former guest who met a tragic end.
• Disembodied voices whispering your name, or experience sudden cold spots where the temperature drops dramatically.
• Objects have been known to move on their own, and some guests have reported unexplained sounds like footsteps and doors slamming shut.

Fort Richardson

Anchorage

Fort Richardson, established in 1940, has a rich history of military use. It served as a crucial military installation during World War II and the Cold War.

Manifestations:

• Unexplained noises: Footsteps, whispers, and bangs are often heard in empty rooms.
• Apparitions: Sightings of ghostly figures, often dressed in military uniforms, are frequently reported.
• Cold spots: Sudden drops in temperature have been experienced in the Fort.

Silverbow Inn

Juneau

Silverbow Inn, located in Juneau, is famous for being more than just a cozy bed and breakfast.

This historic inn, originally the oldest bakery in Alaska, was founded in 1898 by Gus Messerschmidt, whose spirit never left. Guests often report encountering Gus’s friendly ghost wandering around the inn.

Manfestations:

• Sightings: Guests have seen apparitions believed to be Gus.
• Sounds: Unexplained noises, like footsteps and whispers.
• Feelings: Sudden drops in temperature or the sensation of being watched.

Eklutna Spirit Houses

Eklutna

One of the most unique haunted places in Alaska is the strikingly colorful Eklutna Spirit Houses. 

These small, vibrant structures are built on top of the graves in the Eklutna cemetery, reflecting a unique blend of Russian Orthodox and Eskimo beliefs. This practice began around the 1830s.

What’s in the Spirit Houses?

The spirit houses contained items that belonged to the deceased, such as cups, pipes, rifles, and utensils, based on the belief that the souls of the dead wandered for 40 days seeking their personal belongings.

• Weird Stuff: Visitors often report experiencing eerie sensations and unexplained phenomena here. Shadowy figures moving among the headstones, whispers and feeling sudden, and random cold spots are all common occurrences.
• Pictures: Photographs taken at the site sometimes reveal orbs and streaks of light that were not visible to the naked eye. 

Situated about 30 miles north of Anchorage, this site also showcases the old St. Nicholas Church alongside a new church, a metaphor for the historical blending of traditions. 

Kennicott Ghost Town

Chitina

Kennicott Ghost Town is another eerie yet cool haunted place in Alaska.

In the early 1900s, Kennicott was a bustling mining camp. Miners flocked to the area to work in the Kennecott Mining Corporation’s copper mines. At its peak, the town had five active mines.

By the 1920s and 30s, copper resources were drying up, and operations ceased in 1938, making Kennicott a ghost town. Only a family of three stayed behind as watchmen until 1952.

Manifestations:

• Sightings: Visitors see ghostly miners.
• Sounds: Unexplained noises, like the sound of mining machinery.
• Cold Spots: Chilling, localized areas with no apparent cause.

Today, it is a National Historic Landmark District.

Eldred Rock Lighthouse

Lynn Canal

Built in 1905, Eldred Rock Lighthouse is Alaska’s oldest original lighthouse.

The Lighthouse stands on Eldred Rock in Lynn Canal. Since the early 1900s, Sailors have reported strange noises and flickering lights, attributing them to the spirits of shipwreck victims in the area. 

Dyea Ghost Town

Skagway

Dyea, a once-thriving gold rush town established in 1897, now lies abandoned near Skagway, Alaska.

The town’s decline began after the White Pass Trail became preferred over the Chilkoot Trail. Dyea’s haunted reputation as one of the most haunted places in Alaska come from reports of ghosts, disembodied voices, and the lingering presence of former residents. 

Van Gilder Hotel

Seward

Built in 1916, the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward’s historic district is a cute little establishment known as one of the most haunted places in Alaska.

Paranormal Experiences:

• Female Apparition: Believed to be the spirit of a woman named Fannie, who met her untimely demise within the Hotel.
• Unexplained Noises: Including whispers and footsteps in empty hallways.
• Temperature Drops

Portlock

Portlock is an abandoned town on the southern tip of the rugged Kenai Peninsula, and one of the most haunted places in Alaska.

The town, originally set up by Captain Nathaniel Portlock in 1787, has a mysterious history. In the early 20th century, Portlock was an active cannery community, bustling with activity and home to many families. Yet, by 1950, residents mysteriously abandoned it.

You will find stories of unsolved disappearances and eerie occurrences. Locals have reported sightings of a creature referred to as Nantiinaq, a Yeti-like monster. This being was said to leave massive 18-inch footprints along the beaches.

Other paranormal experiences include claims of ghostly people and unsettling sounds echoing through the now-empty town. Some who visit feel an unnerving presence and a sense of being watched.

Despite its beauty, Portlock is one of Alaska’s most haunted locations.

The Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites

Anchorage

The Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites has quite a reputation for having eerie experiences and being one of the most haunted places in Alaska.

Common Paranormal Experiences:

• Apparitions: Some people have seen the ghost of a little girl in the hallways and a male apparition in the elevator or walking through the main entrance.
• Unusual Noises: Tap, groans, and inexplicable sounds are frequently heard.
• Haunted Rooms: The 9th floor seems to be particularly active. A guest mentioned that within 15 minutes of entering their room, a lamp turned on by itself.
• Atmosphere: Visitors often describe feelings of the air getting thicker, adding to the sense of being watched. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re not alone, even when you know you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What abandoned places in Alaska are believed to be haunted?

Yes, one such place is the Dyea ghost town on the Chilkoot Trail. Once a bustling entryway during the Gold Rush, it now holds the eerie remnants of its past. 

Another well-known spot is the Eldred Rock Lighthouse, located in the Lynn Canal. It is known for its tragic shipwrecks.

Are there any ghost towns in Alaska with spooky histories?

Absolutely, Dyea is one of the most famous ghost towns. It served as a gateway for thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, and many lost their lives in the unforgiving terrain.

This, combined with its abandoned buildings, gives Dyea a haunting atmosphere that draws curious visitors.

Which road in Alaska is famous for its haunting stories?

The one road that stands out is the Alaska Highway. 

Travelers have reported numerous ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena along this long stretch of road, ranging from mysterious lights to apparitions. Many believe the highway is haunted due to the harsh conditions and past events linked to its construction.

Is Mystery a real town in Alaska?

No, Mystery is not a real town in Alaska.

It may be mentioned in folklore or used as a fictional setting in various stories, but there is no actual place by that name in the state. 

Haunt Us

Did you recognize any of these haunted places in Alaska? Have a chilling tale of your own? Don’t let your ghost stories go untold. Share your experiences in the comments below, visit the forums, read others’ stories, and become part of our haunted community. 

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