Experience Alaska's Haunting Side

A Guide to the State's Eeriest Destinations

Alaska's rugged terrain, dark winters, indigenous traditions, and gold rush history all contribute to a landscape riddled with ghostly tales and creepy destinations. If you're headed to America's final frontier and are itching for some spooky adventures, add these paranormal pitstops to your itinerary:

The Golden North Hotel - Skagway

Built in 1898, the Golden North Hotel once housed a brothel and saw a spate of murders during Skagway’s gold rush era. Today, the current hotel keeps room 23 permanently vacant due to frequent paranormal activity. Guests report objects moving, lights flickering, and the apparition of a woman dressed in white floating above the bed. Some believe it’s the ghost of a prostitute named Mary trying to scare off patrons. The entire building emanates eerie vibes, so brace yourself as you climb the narrow staircase to the guest rooms. Just hope Mary doesn’t follow you!

Kennecott Copper Mine & Ghost Town - McCarthy

The abandoned Kennecott mine and eerie neighboring ghost town are considered some of Alaska’s most haunted. After the copper ore ran out, the entire town was deserted in the 1930s. Today, visitors to McCarthy can tour the dilapidated wood buildings, while the 14-story concentrator mill looms like an ominous monster. Locals report unseen hands grabbing ankles in doorways, glowing green apparitions, and strange whistling sounds. Could it be the ghosts of dead miners still carrying out their tasks? Expect shivers down your spine when you visit this historical site.

Museum of the North - Fairbanks 

The University of Alaska Fairbank’s Museum of the North houses an extensive collection of early human artifacts and ancient animal remains from across the state - some over 40,000 years old! Their age and indigenous origins cause many to view the relics as cursed or morbid. Occult researchers claim the mastodon tusks and prehistoric human remains give off bad energy. Throughout the years, ghostly figures have been spotted wandering the museum at night when it should be empty. If you're sensitive to unsettling vibes from old bones and spirits, you may want to skip this museum after dark.

Buckner Building - Whittier

This large empty building in the port town of Whittier has a mysterious past, which lends itself to ghost stories. Constructed in 1943 as a military facility, the Buckner Building was abandoned in the 1960s and left to decay. Some say it was used for secretive purposes during its operation. Today the creepy vacant building is rumored to be haunted, though paranormal activity has not been officially confirmed. Still, its isolated location and post-apocalyptic vibe give the Buckner Building an extra creepy aura for curious visitors. 

Igloo City Hotel - Cantwell

Along the George Parks Highway sits the eerie Igloo City Hotel, an unfinished four-story concrete igloo started in the 1970s. Construction stopped decades ago due to permit issues, yet the gray circular shell remains, slowly deteriorating. Visitors report hearing strange voices and seeing odd lights coming from inside the abandoned igloo. Local lore says an insane murderer once lived there, and some believe he still haunts the premises. The isolated location and post-apocalyptic vibe definitely give Igloo City an extra creepy aura.

Russian Bishop’s House - Sitka

Built in 1843, this National Historic Landmark stands as Sitka’s oldest frame house from the Russian colonial period. However, its age and history as the former residence of a Russian Orthodox bishop come with paranormal tales. Visitors report seeing the ghostly figure of a woman dressed in white looking down from a second-story window. Her identity remains a mystery, but speculations range from the ghost of a Russian noblewoman to a native Alaskan servant. Regardless, the home’s role in Sitka’s complex past likely contributes to the haunting activity reported there.

Growden Mansion - Juneau

Constructed by a wealthy gold miner in 1900, this deteriorating Juneau mansion sits abandoned on a quiet hillside. Over the years, neighbors have reported strange lights, noises, and an ominous feeling coming from the property. Some claim to have seen the apparition of a miner floating around the grounds. The home’s isolated location and crumbling interior definitely give off eerie vibes. Paranormal investigators believe the mansion is a hotbed of ghostly activity from the gold rush era. However, city laws make it trespassing to explore, unless you're up for an illegal ghost hunt!

With its long dark winters, rugged terrain, native lore, and gold rush history, Alaska has cultivated plenty of spine-tingling tales and destinations over the years. For travelers and adventure-seekers visiting America's final frontier, be sure to explore these notoriously creepy spots if you want to experience Alaska's unique paranormal side. Just don't be surprised if an otherworldly encounter leaves you scrambling back to the safety of your well-lit hotel room!