Haunted Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Spring, Arkansas is known for its lush scenery, fine dining and unique shops, but it also draws hundreds of ghosts hunters every year. Regular ghost tours are big tourist draws, and numerous paranormal conventions call Eureka Springs their home.

The most famous- or infamous- haunted location in Eureka Springs is the Crescent Hotel. Constructed in 1886, the hotel has also been a girl's school and a cancer hospital run by an unscrupulous charlatan. Perhaps the most haunted building in Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is said to be home to nurses pushing carts down the hall ways, young school girls on their way to class, Dr. Norman Baker on his way to conduct another autopsy, and the most famous ghost in the hotel, Michael the stone mason.

Michael was one of the original workers during the hotel's construction. He fell to his death, landing in room 218. Michael is quite the flirt. It has been said that he touches the faces of ladies as they apply their make-up. He is also mischievous, pushing men out of bed and banging on walls an turning the television on and off. Flickering lights and unexplained bangs and knocks have also been reported in rooms 303 and 424. The individual haunted rooms can be requested when you make your reservations, but room 218 is booked well in advance for Halloween.

Unexplained sites and sounds have also been reported at the old City Cemetery. The City Cemetery hold the earthly remains of some of the town's early prominent citizens. The ubiquitous orbs show up in many photographs taken in the cemetery and area paranormal investigators have found unusual test results.

In addition to possible spirit activity, the City Cemetery offers a brief history of the town. Headstones and family plot markers are ornate and lend an eerie atmosphere. Eureka Springs Ghosts Tours, Inc. offer tours of the City Cemetery every Friday and Saturday from May to October. As with the Crescent Hotel, the tour is full during October, so plan in advance and show up early.

The Crescent Hotel's sister hotel, the Basin Park Hotel also has a history of ghost stories. A young blond haired, blued eyed lady has been spotted roaming the corridor and a young child of about four has also been seen. The Basin Park Hotel sponsors the Boo at the Basin each Friday and Saturday.

With all of the history and haunts, Eureka Springs makes a popular Halloween destination. If you are looking for a Halloween you won't forget, Eureka Springs is the place for you.