9 Of The Spookiest Haunted Hotels In Idaho

Of all the restless spirits said to lurk around Idaho, it seems many of them love to wander the rooms and hallways of some of our state’s most lavish and historic hotels (wouldn’t you?). While each of these historic buildings are magnificent in their own right, if ghostly sightings, paranormal encounters, and spooky history are your thing, these are definitely the places to be (or not be, depending on your spook level). While not all of these hotels are still active places to stay overnight, many are still local businesses that often still have spirits lurking around. That being said, here are nine of the most haunted hotels in Idaho – sleep at your own risk.

The Owyhee, Boise

The Owyhee

The Owyhee For many, the history of the Owyhee Plaza is as old as that of Boise itself. As a cultural cornerstone in the heart of downtown, this multipurpose building has been the source of spooky legends since its inception in 1910 at the hands of architectural geniuses Hummel and Tourtellotte. A century’s worth of rumors tell of a spirit particularly haunting the meeting rooms and Room 136, but the plaza’s most recent renovation into a series of office spaces, rented apartments, and conference rooms make pinpointing the continued haunts a challenge. Please note that, although this one-time hotel is now closed to guests, the building is still being used, mainly as an event space and retail center, and diners can book a table at the eponymous Owyhee Tavern. We wonder if attendees will report ghost sightings at this notoriously haunted hotel in Idaho? The Owyhee, 1109 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

The White Horse Hotel, Saloon & Cafe, Spirit Lake

White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel

White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook The oldest saloon in Idaho also operates side by side with one of the oldest hotels in Idaho: the White Horse. This nearly 110-year old Spirit Lake staple has been a fixture of downtown since 1908, but rumors of a spirit haunting the halls–affectionately known as “Big Girl” date back to the 20s. Slamming doors, moving items, apparitions… you can read more about White Horse Saloon in this feature article.

Address: 6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID, 83869 6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID 83869, USA

Idaho Hotel, Silver City

Patty P./TripAdvisor

FaithL64/TripAdvisor Formerly the jewel of Idaho’s mining camps during the gold rush days of the late 1800s, Silver City is a rare example of a former town that is still intact, and while it has yet to ever truly find itself in the “ghost town” category, it is nevertheless the site of plenty of spooky legends, particularly at the old Idaho Hotel on Jordan Street.

The sagging 1866 wooden structure is a truly unique one that fits perfectly with the landscape. A sense of trespassing, as though one is disturbing a sacred site, hangs heavy in the musty indoor air. Indeed, this rustic hotel is rumored to be full of paranormal activity and has been the site of multiple ghost hunters-type investigations. An overnight stay, and one is left with the chilling thought that visitors might well be inviting the wrath of the gods were they to disturb any object. Idaho Hotel, Murphy, ID 83650, USA

Enders Hotel & Museum, Soda Springs

Harold S./Yelp

David B./Yelp This neoclassical building was recently restored to its original 1917 splendor. Originally built for William & Theodore Enders by C.K. Blocker at a cost of $75,000.00, housing a variety of businesses and services, it also operated as a hotel for many years after the original owners remodeled the ballroom into apartments during the 1930s.

Today, this period-furnished antique hotel is also home to a museum on the upper floor, the Geyser View Restaurant and a gift shop. Separated into different time-periods by room, the museum’s dark, closed walls, and historic knick-knacks lend an eerie feel and multiple orb sightings in the halls have been reported by visitors. Ghostly sightings of a male figure are most commonly reported, rumored to be the victim of a violent murder in the bar, making Enders Inn one of the most notoriously haunted places in Idaho.

Address: 76 S Main St. Soda Springs, ID, 83276 Historical Enders Building Museum, 76 S Main St, Soda Springs, ID 83276, USA

Historic Idanha Hotel, Boise

Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr

Jennifer/OnlyInYourState Completed in 1901, this BoDo landmark has a surprisingly long history. Once operating as a hotel, restaurant, and piano bar (go-go dancers included), the Idanha catered to sophisticated and wealthy visitors from all across the country. Its green and white turrets stick out of the increasingly modern architecture of the city and it’s a hard location to miss.

The Idanha is believed to be haunted by numerous spirits from different times in the building’s history. A bellboy shot dead by a guest in the 1970s is thought to sometimes move the elevator up and down, particularly to the fourth floor of the building where he was killed. A lesser-known ghost on the second floor of the building is believed to be the spirit of a woman who was murdered by her husband with a pair of scissors in the 1920s and who now roams the halls. While you can no longer book a room at Idanha, you can get dinner at the Bombay Grill, grab some delish doughnuts at Guru, or check out the basement gallery.

Address: 928 W Main St, Boise, ID, 83702 Idanha Apartments, IDANHA, 928 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Nezperce Hotel, Nezperce

Nezperce Hotel Tucked away in rural Idaho, the old-fashioned Nezperce Hotel is an overlooked haunted destination that isn’t quite as historic as Idaho’s more publicized spooky spots. Built in 1915 and restored in 1953, guests have reported blinds rising and falling of their own accord, strange noises, lights turning on and off, and even physical encounters with apparitions. While no longer open for guests, its ghostly history remains intriguing!

Address: 603 Fourth Ave. - PO Box 36. Nezperce, ID, 83543 Nezperce, ID 83543, USA

Jameson Hotel, Wallace

Google Maps

The Jameson Inn Restaurant and Saloon/Facebook This historic hotel and saloon in Idaho - now closed - has been the site of numerous apparitions and strange activities over the years, but resident ghost Maggie is the most recognizable face of haunted lore. Maggie was a frequent guest at the hotel in the late 1800s, left behind by a lover who promised to return but never did. They say she waited for him up until her death, and the room in which she stayed is rife with unexplained phenomena: moving objects, lights turning on and off, and even doors locking and unlocking by themselves.

Address: 304 6th St. Wallace, ID, 83873 304 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, USA

Roberts Hotel, Roberts

B.J’s Bayou/Facebook

Nikki V./Yelp An unlikely spot for ghostly encounters on the outside, the Roberts Hotel stands at over 120 years old and is said to be one of the most haunted locations in all of Idaho - although you won’t hear about it much in ghost hunting circles. That’s because it’s one of southern Idaho’s best kept secrets. Seventeen years ago, Robert and Cheril Berlin bought the abandoned hotel building just outside of Idaho Falls and transformed it into what it is: a totally unique Cajun and Creole-style restaurant, complete with alligators, authentic Louisiana gumbo and crawfish, and wild Mardi Gras celebrations. Unexpectedly, every year BJ’s hosts an annual “ghost show,” featuring theatrical portrayals of the many spirits who reside in the hotel.

According to Berlin, spirits of all ages reside in the restaurant, some with more mischievous personalities than others. One of the most well-known spirits is a Chinese man who legend says was a murder victim, killed and locked in a trunk and thrown on an outgoing train. In the middle of the night, you can hear the trunk going down the stairs. Some of the ghosts are more tangible than others as well, while others are only faint outlines - although voices and mysterious orbs are not uncommon either. Today, intrepid ghost hunters can stay overnight in this iconic Idaho hotel, thanks to this Airbnb room!

Addresss: 655 N 2880 E. Roberts, ID, 83444 655 N 2880 E, Roberts, ID 83444, USA

University Inn, Gooding

Gooding University Inn and Resort/Facebook

Gooding University Inn and Resort/Facebook This building was a tuberculosis hospital in its former life, and various attempts to revive and remodel it have taken place over the years including a stint as the Get Inn. Today, the Gooding University Inn and Resort is a unique inn with dorm-style lodging and game room options in this unique school-inspired space. However, former TB patients, mysterious orb sightings, and a cemetery of numbered, nameless graves nearby all add up to a uniquely spooky environment that in the dead of night can make you shiver inexplicably. Numerous paranormal groups have explored the darkened hallways, and activity is always reported.

Address: 301 University Ave, Gooding, ID, 83330 Gooding University Inn and Resort, 301 University Ave, Gooding, ID 83330, USA

Uniquely, many of these historic buildings have been recently updated, but there are still plenty of mysteries hidden beneath the fresh coats of paint and modern fixtures. The only question is – do you dare pay a visit to any of these haunted hotels in Idaho?

The Owyhee

For many, the history of the Owyhee Plaza is as old as that of Boise itself. As a cultural cornerstone in the heart of downtown, this multipurpose building has been the source of spooky legends since its inception in 1910 at the hands of architectural geniuses Hummel and Tourtellotte. A century’s worth of rumors tell of a spirit particularly haunting the meeting rooms and Room 136, but the plaza’s most recent renovation into a series of office spaces, rented apartments, and conference rooms make pinpointing the continued haunts a challenge. Please note that, although this one-time hotel is now closed to guests, the building is still being used, mainly as an event space and retail center, and diners can book a table at the eponymous Owyhee Tavern. We wonder if attendees will report ghost sightings at this notoriously haunted hotel in Idaho?

The Owyhee, 1109 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel

White Horse Saloon, Grill & Hotel/Facebook

The oldest saloon in Idaho also operates side by side with one of the oldest hotels in Idaho: the White Horse. This nearly 110-year old Spirit Lake staple has been a fixture of downtown since 1908, but rumors of a spirit haunting the halls–affectionately known as “Big Girl” date back to the 20s. Slamming doors, moving items, apparitions… you can read more about White Horse Saloon in this feature article.

Address: 6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID, 83869

6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID 83869, USA

Patty P./TripAdvisor

FaithL64/TripAdvisor

Formerly the jewel of Idaho’s mining camps during the gold rush days of the late 1800s, Silver City is a rare example of a former town that is still intact, and while it has yet to ever truly find itself in the “ghost town” category, it is nevertheless the site of plenty of spooky legends, particularly at the old Idaho Hotel on Jordan Street.

Idaho Hotel, Murphy, ID 83650, USA

Harold S./Yelp

David B./Yelp

This neoclassical building was recently restored to its original 1917 splendor. Originally built for William & Theodore Enders by C.K. Blocker at a cost of $75,000.00, housing a variety of businesses and services, it also operated as a hotel for many years after the original owners remodeled the ballroom into apartments during the 1930s.

Address: 76 S Main St. Soda Springs, ID, 83276

Historical Enders Building Museum, 76 S Main St, Soda Springs, ID 83276, USA

Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr

Jennifer/OnlyInYourState

Completed in 1901, this BoDo landmark has a surprisingly long history. Once operating as a hotel, restaurant, and piano bar (go-go dancers included), the Idanha catered to sophisticated and wealthy visitors from all across the country. Its green and white turrets stick out of the increasingly modern architecture of the city and it’s a hard location to miss.

Address: 928 W Main St, Boise, ID, 83702

Idanha Apartments, IDANHA, 928 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Nezperce Hotel

Tucked away in rural Idaho, the old-fashioned Nezperce Hotel is an overlooked haunted destination that isn’t quite as historic as Idaho’s more publicized spooky spots. Built in 1915 and restored in 1953, guests have reported blinds rising and falling of their own accord, strange noises, lights turning on and off, and even physical encounters with apparitions. While no longer open for guests, its ghostly history remains intriguing!

Address: 603 Fourth Ave. - PO Box 36. Nezperce, ID, 83543

Nezperce, ID 83543, USA

Google Maps

The Jameson Inn Restaurant and Saloon/Facebook

This historic hotel and saloon in Idaho - now closed - has been the site of numerous apparitions and strange activities over the years, but resident ghost Maggie is the most recognizable face of haunted lore. Maggie was a frequent guest at the hotel in the late 1800s, left behind by a lover who promised to return but never did. They say she waited for him up until her death, and the room in which she stayed is rife with unexplained phenomena: moving objects, lights turning on and off, and even doors locking and unlocking by themselves.

Address: 304 6th St. Wallace, ID, 83873

304 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, USA

B.J’s Bayou/Facebook

Nikki V./Yelp

An unlikely spot for ghostly encounters on the outside, the Roberts Hotel stands at over 120 years old and is said to be one of the most haunted locations in all of Idaho - although you won’t hear about it much in ghost hunting circles. That’s because it’s one of southern Idaho’s best kept secrets. Seventeen years ago, Robert and Cheril Berlin bought the abandoned hotel building just outside of Idaho Falls and transformed it into what it is: a totally unique Cajun and Creole-style restaurant, complete with alligators, authentic Louisiana gumbo and crawfish, and wild Mardi Gras celebrations. Unexpectedly, every year BJ’s hosts an annual “ghost show,” featuring theatrical portrayals of the many spirits who reside in the hotel.

Addresss: 655 N 2880 E. Roberts, ID, 83444

655 N 2880 E, Roberts, ID 83444, USA

Gooding University Inn and Resort/Facebook

This building was a tuberculosis hospital in its former life, and various attempts to revive and remodel it have taken place over the years including a stint as the Get Inn. Today, the Gooding University Inn and Resort is a unique inn with dorm-style lodging and game room options in this unique school-inspired space. However, former TB patients, mysterious orb sightings, and a cemetery of numbered, nameless graves nearby all add up to a uniquely spooky environment that in the dead of night can make you shiver inexplicably. Numerous paranormal groups have explored the darkened hallways, and activity is always reported.

Address: 301 University Ave, Gooding, ID, 83330

Gooding University Inn and Resort, 301 University Ave, Gooding, ID 83330, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Haunted hotels in Idaho August 24, 2022 Sarah M. Where are the best places to spot a ghost in Idaho? While the above list of haunted hotels in Idaho is a good place to start in terms of spotting spooks in the Gem State, these locales are just the tip of the haunted iceberg! Everybody loves a good ghost story, and here in Idaho there are plenty of them! Although some may say the tragic stories behind these haunted places are merely folklore, there is no denying that the spooky reputations of these places exist for a reason. Whether you believe in it or not, these are the places that are most well-known in Idaho for their paranormal activity. The best places to spot a ghost in Idaho? Pete’s Tavern in Nampa, the Bates Motel in Coeur d’Alene (this place just exudes creepiness!), Gotts Point at Lake Lowell, Egyptian Theatre in Boise, and Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. In fact, with regard to Canyon Hill Cemetery, while all cemeteries are common places to go for ghost sightings, Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell is considered to be one of the spookiest and most haunted grave sites in the state. There have been many sightings of a “ghost jogger” who doesn’t hesitate to approach you when you’re at the cemetery at dark. There have been other reports of an old lady who sits on one of the benches late at night. When you glance back over at her, she vanishes. Gulp.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Haunted hotels in Idaho

August 24, 2022

Sarah M.

Where are the best places to spot a ghost in Idaho? While the above list of haunted hotels in Idaho is a good place to start in terms of spotting spooks in the Gem State, these locales are just the tip of the haunted iceberg! Everybody loves a good ghost story, and here in Idaho there are plenty of them! Although some may say the tragic stories behind these haunted places are merely folklore, there is no denying that the spooky reputations of these places exist for a reason. Whether you believe in it or not, these are the places that are most well-known in Idaho for their paranormal activity. The best places to spot a ghost in Idaho? Pete’s Tavern in Nampa, the Bates Motel in Coeur d’Alene (this place just exudes creepiness!), Gotts Point at Lake Lowell, Egyptian Theatre in Boise, and Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. In fact, with regard to Canyon Hill Cemetery, while all cemeteries are common places to go for ghost sightings, Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell is considered to be one of the spookiest and most haunted grave sites in the state. There have been many sightings of a “ghost jogger” who doesn’t hesitate to approach you when you’re at the cemetery at dark. There have been other reports of an old lady who sits on one of the benches late at night. When you glance back over at her, she vanishes. Gulp.

The OIYS Visitor Center

While the above list of haunted hotels in Idaho is a good place to start in terms of spotting spooks in the Gem State, these locales are just the tip of the haunted iceberg! Everybody loves a good ghost story, and here in Idaho there are plenty of them! Although some may say the tragic stories behind these haunted places are merely folklore, there is no denying that the spooky reputations of these places exist for a reason. Whether you believe in it or not, these are the places that are most well-known in Idaho for their paranormal activity. The best places to spot a ghost in Idaho? Pete’s Tavern in Nampa, the Bates Motel in Coeur d’Alene (this place just exudes creepiness!), Gotts Point at Lake Lowell, Egyptian Theatre in Boise, and Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell.

In fact, with regard to Canyon Hill Cemetery, while all cemeteries are common places to go for ghost sightings, Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell is considered to be one of the spookiest and most haunted grave sites in the state. There have been many sightings of a “ghost jogger” who doesn’t hesitate to approach you when you’re at the cemetery at dark. There have been other reports of an old lady who sits on one of the benches late at night. When you glance back over at her, she vanishes. Gulp.