During the day Holton looks just like any other quaint, small community with its distinguished Victorian architecture and tree lined Main Street filled with mom and pop businesses. But by night the city morphs into something surreal. It becomes a spiritual stomping grounds for the dearly but perhaps not so departed.
Ghost Tours of Kansas
Courtesy of “Ghost Tours Kansas”, visitors to the city can enjoy a two hour motor coach tour that takes riders to the various paranormal hot spots for a modest fee that ranges from $15.00 to $20.00 per person depending on the season. Additional information about “Ghost Tours of Kansas” can be found on the company’s website.
Hotel Josephine
Built in circa 1889, the Victorian gem known as the “Hotel Josephine” has provided rest and relaxation for such celebrated guests as President Grover Cleveland and the ferocious temperance reformer Carrie Nation. It is also said to be haunted by a variety of spirits.
The “Hotel Josephine” remains in operation as a bed and breakfast. The B & B features an eclectic group of rooms that are expertly appointed and centered on historic themes. All of the rooms at the “Hotel Josephine” come with such modern conveniences as cable television, air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Room rates and availability vary so it is best to call ahead. All room rates include a bountiful continental breakfast that is served in the hotel’s luxurious dining room daily from 6:00 am until 10:00 am.
Hotel Josephine
501 Ohio Street
Holton, KS 66436
888-610-6990
Holton House
Spooky and spectacular are two words that describe this former funeral parlor turned lodging establish. “Holton House” started out as the 1888 home of wealthy Kansas merchant Granville Fane King.
King later sold the home and it was converted into a funeral parlor. During the time that it operated as a funeral parlor it changed hands 3 times and was known by such names as “Porterfield Funeral Parlor”, “McAsey Funeral Parlor” and “Paddlin Funeral Home.”
“Holton House” has been the site of numerous professional and amateur paranormal investigations. It is said to be 4,000 square feet of pure haunted hotspots.
Visitors to “Holton House” can opt to spend the night in one of the home’s stately rooms and suites. The home also features a stunning Victorian dining room known as the “Werner Room.”
Holton House
125 East 4th Street
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-4403
Holton Cemetery
The buried in this cemetery are said to be anything but at rest. Among the prominent people interred at this haunted hot spot are Boston Braves pitcher Virgil “Zeke” Jennings, the Honorable Judge Case Broderick and the decorated Civil War veteran Samuel Grimshaw.
Holton Cemetery
1119 Highway K16
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-4155
Holton Country Club
This nine hole golf course is said to be one of the city’s premier site for golf and ghosts. It is located near the equally as haunted “Linscott Park.”
Holton Country Club
22304 Q Road
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-3558
Linscott Park
Obviously still devoted to duty even in death, a patriotic pilot has been reportedly seen on numerous occasions in “Linscott Park.” This unknown, faceless pilot must have been well respected by his peers. His undying loyalty seemingly causes him to continue to remove his unseen dead countryman from the field and transport them to whereabouts unknown by the living.
Linscott Park
C/O Holton Parks and Recreation
211 West 5th Street
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-9000
Elk Horn Lake
Are there Vikings in Kansas? There are if you believe witnesses who have claimed to see the spectral image of a hulking Viking hurling large rocks into “Elk Horn Lake” with a passion not known on this earth. The viscous rock hurling man is said to be seen most often in the wee hours just before dawn.
Elk Horn Lake
C/O Holton Parks and Recreation
211 West 5th Street
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-9000
Holton City Dam and Beaver Creek Reservoir
“Holton City Dam and Beaver Creek Reservoir” is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young, male tourist whose vacation ran afoul and resulted in his untimely demise. He is said to be seen peering over the dam while dressed in a brown winter coat.
In addition to its more spirited aspects, the reservoir area itself covers 550 acres and affords visitors with ample outdoor activities.
Holton City Dam and Beaver Creek Reservoir
C/O Holton Parks and Recreation
Located 1 mile west of Holton
Holton, KS 66436
785-364-9000
In addition to its paranormal panache, Holton is also home to the “Roebke Memorial Museum”, the “Jackson County Museum” and one of the largest 200 year old Burr trees in the state.
Those who yearn to learn more about Holton, Kansas and its other prominent attractions should log onto the city’s tourism website.
Join the Conversation