Duluth, Minnesota is known for its beautiful fall colors and outdoor adventures, but did you know that the city also has a spooky side? Duluth is home to several haunted places that attract visitors looking for a scare. From abandoned asylums to ghost ships, Duluth has a variety of haunted spots that will give you chills.
One of the most famous haunted attractions in Duluth is the Haunted ship, a tour of the USS William A. Irvin that is said to be haunted by the spirits of former crew members. Visitors can explore the ship and hear stories of strange occurrences that have taken place on board. Another popular spot is the Nopeming Sanatorium, an abandoned tuberculosis hospital rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the spooky side of Duluth, consider taking a haunted tour. Several companies offer tours of the city’s most haunted spots, including the Glensheen Mansion, the Fitger’s Brewery Complex, and the Old Lake Superior Depot. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these tours are a fun way to learn about Duluth’s history and legends.
Brief History of Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota is a port city located on the western tip of Lake Superior. The Ojibwe people originally inhabited the area and traded with French fur traders. The city of Duluth was officially founded in 1856 by George Stuntz, who named it after his friend, Civil Engineer Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut.
Early Settlements of Duluth
The early settlements in Duluth focused on fur trade, with many trading posts established along the shores of Lake Superior. The first permanent settlements were established in 1856, and by the 1860s, the town had grown to over 1,000 people. The city continued to grow as the timber industry boomed, with lumber mills and sawmills sprouting up throughout the area.
Industrialization Era
In the late 19th century, Duluth became a major center for shipping and industrialization. The opening of the Duluth Ship Canal in 1871 allowed for larger ships to enter the harbor, and the city quickly became a major port for shipping iron ore, grain, and other commodities. The city also became a major center for manufacturing, with industries such as steel, cement, and paper production setting up shop in the area.
As the city grew, so did its reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub. The Duluth Depot, built in 1892, served as a major transportation hub and cultural center, housing a newsstand, barber shop, parcel room, and lunch room. Today, the Depot serves as a multi-use cultural space, housing the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and other cultural attractions.
Most Famous Haunted Places in Duluth
1. Glensheen Mansion
One of the most famous haunted places in Duluth is the Glensheen Mansion. According to local legend, the ghosts of Elizabeth Congdon and her nurse, Velma Pietila, still haunt the mansion. Elizabeth Congdon was murdered in the mansion in 1977, and some believe her spirit still lingers there.
2. Duluth Depot
The Duluth Depot is another well-known haunted spot. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and seeing apparitions throughout the building. Many people believe that the spirits of former employees and passengers still haunt the depot.
3. Greenwood Cemetery
Greenwood Cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died in a car accident. Visitors have reported seeing her apparition and hearing her laughter throughout the cemetery.
4. William A. Irvin Ore Boat
The William A. Irvin Ore Boat is a retired ship that is now a museum. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and seeing apparitions throughout the ship. Some believe that the spirits of former crew members still haunt the boat.
5. Duluth Public Library
The Duluth Public Library is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former librarian. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and seeing books move on their own.
6. NorShor Theatre
The NorShor Theatre is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former performer. Visitors have reported seeing her apparition on stage and her voice in the dressing rooms.
7. Enger Tower
Enger Tower is a popular tourist spot that is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who committed suicide by jumping from the tower in 1948. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and feeling a presence around the tower.
8. Fairlawn Mansion
Fairlawn Mansion is a Victorian mansion that is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former maid. Visitors have reported seeing her apparition throughout the mansion.
9. Nopeming Sanatorium
Nopeming Sanatorium is an abandoned tuberculosis hospital that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises and seeing apparitions throughout the building.
10. Lakeview Cemetery
Lakeview Cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former caretaker. Visitors have reported seeing his apparition and hearing strange noises throughout the cemetery.
11. Little Swan Cemetery
Little Swan Cemetery is a small cemetery that is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former caretaker. Visitors have reported seeing his apparition and hearing strange noises throughout the cemetery.
| Haunted Place | Location | Reported Paranormal Activity |
| Glensheen Mansion | 3300 London Rd | Ghosts, apparitions |
| Duluth Depot | 506 W Michigan St | Strange noises, apparitions |
| Greenwood Cemetery | 3731 E Superior St | Ghosts, laughter, apparitions |
| William A. Irvin Ore Boat | 350 Harbor Dr | Footsteps, apparitions |
| Duluth Public Library | 520 W Superior St | Footsteps, moving books |
| NorShor Theatre | 211 E Superior St | Ghosts, apparitions |
| Enger Tower | Skyline Pkwy | Strange noises, apparitions |
| Fairlawn Mansion | 906 E 2nd St | Ghosts, apparitions |
| Nopeming Sanatorium | 2650 Nopeming Rd | Strange noises, apparitions |
| Lakeview Cemetery | 1101 N 19th Ave E | Ghosts, strange noises |
Local Ghost Stories
The Grey Lady of Lake Superior
One of Duluth’s most famous ghost stories is that of the Grey Lady of Lake Superior. According to local legend, the Grey Lady was a woman who drowned in the lake in the early 1900s. Her ghost is said to haunt the shoreline, appearing as a misty figure dressed in grey. Some claim to have seen her wandering the beach at night, while others have reported hearing her mournful cries echoing across the water.
There are many different versions of the Grey Lady legend, with some accounts suggesting that she was a bride-to-be who drowned on the eve of her wedding, while others claim that she was a young mother who lost her child in the lake. Despite the variations, the story of the Grey Lady remains a popular tale among locals and visitors alike.
The Ghost of Enger Tower
Enger Tower is one of the most well-known landmarks in Duluth and one of the city’s most haunted places. According to local legend, a man committed suicide by jumping from the fifth level of the tower in 1948. His body was discovered a few hours later but never identified.
Since then, there have been numerous reports of strange occurrences at the tower, including unexplained noises, cold spots, and sightings of a ghostly figure on the fifth level.
Some visitors to Enger Tower have reported feeling a sense of unease or dread while on the fifth level, and others have claimed to have seen the ghostly figure of the man who jumped to his death. Despite the eerie reputation of the tower, it remains a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghostly apparition.
Haunted Tours and Events
Ghosts of Canal Park Tour
Experience the chilling stories and haunted history of Canal Park with the Ghosts of Canal Park Tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this walking tour takes you through the streets and alleys of Canal Park, where you’ll hear tales of ghosts, murder, and mystery.
Learn about the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the ghostly apparitions at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, and the eerie happenings at the Old City Hall. This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Haunted Ship Tour
Step aboard the SS William A. Irvin, a retired ore ship turned museum, for a spine-tingling Haunted Ship Tour. This tour takes you through the dark and eerie corridors of the ship, where you’ll hear stories of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena.
Learn about the tragic death of a crew member, the mysterious happenings in the engine room, and the ghostly apparitions that have been seen on board. This tour is not for the faint of heart, as you never know what might be lurking around the next corner.
Other haunted tours and events in Duluth include the Duluth Ghost Tours and the City of Dark Angels Tours, both of which offer a variety of spooky experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these tours are sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the haunted history of Duluth.
| Tour or Event | Description | Duration |
| Ghosts of Canal Park Tour | Walking tour of Canal Park with ghost stories and history | 2 hours |
| Haunted Ship Tour | Tour of the SS William A. Irvin with ghost stories | 1.5 hours |
| Duluth Ghost Tours | Walking tour of Duluth with various haunted stops | 2 hours |
| City of Dark Angels Tours | Themed tours covering haunted history and paranormal stories | Varies |