The Haunted Indoors of Eastern South Dakota

The history and mystery of South Dakota may include ghostly spirits, leading one journalist to theorize that South Dakota might be the most haunted state in America. Find out for yourself at these indoor locations across the eastern part of the state.

With the changing leaves and crisp, fresh air, autumn is a beautiful time in South Dakota. It’s also when thoughts can turn to the supernatural. From the Native Americans that first called this land home through South Dakota’s sometimes wild history, reports of supernatural spirits around the state have persisted. Some swear they’ve experienced the otherworldly in locations across the state, from a Dakota Wesleyan University dormitory to a small antenna building on Ellsworth Air Force Base. Whether the spooky tales are true or not is up to you.

The town of Historic Deadwood has enough haunted spots to earn its own list. We also have a collection of haunted spots in western South Dakota as well as a list of our favorite haunted outdoor spaces. Check out some our favorite (allegedly) haunted eastern South Dakota indoor spots in the state. Happy ghost hunting!

On the edge of Aberdeen sits a golden citadel surrounded by 20 acres of thick forest. Covered in yellow brick, Easton Castle is a 22-room Queen Anne Victorian mansion that’s served as home to eccentricity and parties that included notable names like The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum.

Rumors have circulated for decades that the spirits of an original owner, the family housekeeper and a mystery phantom all occupy the house, but the current owners don’t believe in such tales. You can find out yourself by taking a castle tour or spending a night inside the castle proper or in the adjacent campground. No matter what, a unique experience is guaranteed.

Thousands of visitors flock to De Smet every year to see where The Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder was raised, but it’s rumored the spirits of Pa and Ma Ingalls never left the house. Reports of mysterious lights, cold spots, moving shadows, and voices coming from empty rooms in one of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes have done nothing to discourage that theory.

Does a ghost named Larry reside in this century-old theater? Some say yes, citing phantom footsteps and faucets & toilets that seem to activate themselves. Best check out this beautiful historic venue in downtown Sioux Falls to be sure.

This historical courthouse is now more than one of the most interesting museums in the city. It may also be the most haunted.  A potentially prank-loving ghost has been known to mess with the water fountains, leaving patrons with a wet face. Some staff and visitors have reported disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, rearranged exhibits, and rattling light fixtures, but the most popular report – for the brave, anyway – is a spectral man who sweeps the floor of a former courtroom before disappearing into thin air.

There’s no cost to take in this museum that’s located in this historic Victorian home in South Dakota’s largest city. That makes it a perfect stop during exploration, but don’t be surprised if you catch a phantom scent of perfume or spot a female apparition. Rumor has it that there are three spirits in the home.

With a historic concert hall, hands-on science exhibits, art galleries, and the state-of-the-art Wells Fargo CineDome, the Washington Pavilion is the type of place that has something for everyone. That includes ghost-hunters who may find interest in reports that a spirit has appeared in the elevators and tampered with soundboards, lights, and props. Check the Washington Pavilion’s schedule for the perfect time to combine artistic fulfillment with paranormal investigation.

In this small town 40 miles southwest of Sioux Falls, you can get a hearty meal at the Daneville Inn. This historic building may be home to a glowing apparition that appears after the building is closed, but you can try your luck at ghost-spotting anytime during normal business hours. Your chances might increase by attending the Daneville’s annual Midnight Breakfast, when tasty a.m. items are available from midnight until 2 a.m. one weekend every summer. 

Patrons of the Dakota Theatre have been enjoying the classic venue since 1902. When the show’s done, they tend to go home, but one patron has allegedly decided to stick around.

“Carmen” is believed to be a regular patron in the Dakota’s early days until she lost her life in an on-site accident. Since then, there have been reports of a face appearing floating through the seating area after the theatre has closed for the night. Other have reported mysterious slamming doors, shadowy figures, moved objects and other supernatural experiences — all credited to Carmen.

The architecture, Catholic statues, and riverside view make the Mount Marty College a beautiful place to wander in southeastern South Dakota. Allegedly, some ghostly spirits agree.

Strange shadows and ghosts in construction uniforms have been known to appear on campus in Whitby Hall, a spectral girl is rumored to ride the elevator from floor to floor in Corbey Hall, and the spirit of a deceased conductor reportedly likes to make himself known in Marian Auditorium.

What is it with auditoriums and friendly ghosts? We’re not sure, but reports say that a former janitor has been playing around with things at Doner Auditorium on the South Dakota State University campus since his “death” in 1919. He was known to cause an organ to randomly play until it was dismantled, but he still enjoys playing pranks with props, lights, and other items.