Haunted Denver: A Guide to Spooky Season in the Mile-High City

A celebrated landmark for more than a century, Denver Union Station has seen countless visitors pass through its bustling platforms and storied halls—including several of the spectral variety. The historic railway hub is said to be watched over by the ghost of a three-fingered man who perished nearly a hundred years ago; according to legend, he can sometimes be glimpsed late at night, pacing the floors of the Great Hall, still waiting for his train.

Another spine-tingling legend tells of a young girl once said to haunt the 180-foot clock tower of the old Denver Union Depot. The city’s original railway station was consumed by fire in 1894 and replaced with the grand, Beaux-Arts building we see today. Yet this eerie presence seems to have lingered on the site, with visitors still reporting occasional encounters with the ghost of a girl in 19th-century clothing, wandering the halls and singing softly to herself.

Keen to do a little paranormal people-watching of your own? Head to The Cooper Lounge, a chic cocktail bar located on the mezzanine overlooking the Great Hall, where you can enjoy an evening of club car-style cuisine, expertly mixed spirits, and—who knows—perhaps even a spooky encounter of your own.

When it comes to haunting tales of the Mile High City, Denver Union Station is just the beginning. Less than a block away on neighboring 17th Street, The Cruise Room is another local hotbed of paranormal activity.

Dating all the way back to 1891, this Prohibition-inspired cocktail lounge is said to be frequented by the ghost of a postal worker who, nearly a century ago, stopped in for a drink along his route just before his untimely demise. A friendly and congenial spirit, he has been known to pull up a chair at the bar, order a beer, and chat amicably with the local patrons. After his departure, when the barkeep goes to collect the empty glass, it is always found mysteriously full.

Stroll a few blocks southeast along 17th Street and you’ll come upon an imposing Italian Renaissance building that dates back more than a hundred years. Built by famed Denver architect Frank E. Edbrooke in 1892, the red-granite-and-sandstone landmark is purportedly watched over late at night by a man dressed as an old-fashioned train conductor. This spectral sentinel can be glimpsed only from a distance; as passersby approach, he is said to vanish mysteriously into the crisp night air.

Exploring Denver’s paranormal side solo is not for the faint of heart. For those who prefer a guided experience (or the reassurance of a few companions), the city offers a great selection of ghost tours and haunted walks that bring you closer to the history, legends, and supernatural lore of our most notable neighborhoods.

Departing from the steps of the Cheesman Park Pavilion, the Cheesman Park Ghost Tour takes you through the chilling history of this former graveyard. Known then as the Prospect Hill Cemetery, it was later converted into a public park, but though the graves were relocated beginning in the 1890s, some remains are believed to have been left behind. It’s little wonder that today, Cheesman Park is considered one of the most haunted places in Denver. On this 1.5-hour walking tour, you’ll hear tales of strange noises, disembodied wailing, and shadowy figures lurking in the autumn darkness.

Looking for a tour that’s less ghoulish and more Gilded Age? The Capitol Hill Ghost Tour offers spine-tingling tales of the city’s past, with stops at the Crawford Hill Mansion, Colorado State Capitol, and Peabody Whitehead Mansion. And for a peek inside one of Denver’s stately historic homes, be sure to check out Is Mrs. Brown Still Here? Held for one night only at the Molly Brown House Museum, this spooky spectacle offers the opportunity to learn genuine ghost-hunting techniques—and perhaps even summon the spirit of the famed Titanic heroine herself.

There are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of spooky season beyond spectral sightings and paranormal investigations—including fantastic family and fur-baby-friendly events happening right here in our LoDo neighborhood.

Leash up your favorite four-legged friend and enjoy a showcase of Denver’s spookiest, funniest, and most creative pet costumes at the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade. Hosted on Union Station’s Terminal Bar patio on October 26, this beloved annual event includes fun photo opportunities, live entertainment, and prizes for the best-dressed pets. (It’s also the perfect accompaniment to the inviting pet-friendly accommodations available just upstairs at The Crawford Hotel.)

Of course, pets aren’t the only ones enjoying spooktacular programming at the Station this fall. Don your best Halloween attire and get ready for an evening of festive fun—from trick-or-treating and mini-train rides to balloon artists and a costume parade—at the 11th annual BOOnion Station Trick-or-Treat Parade on October 30.

Just a short stroll from The Crawford Hotel, Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest includes harvest activities, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and plenty of tasty Halloween treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Colorado’s largest Halloween event, the festivities kick off on September 27 and run until November 2. But beware: after 6pm, this family-friendly event transforms into Fright By Night, complete with three haunted houses and plenty of spooky creatures lurking around dark corners. Enter if you dare…

From ghost-hunting in historic locales to strutting your stuff in a costume contest, October in the Mile High City is shaping up to be nothing short of screamworthy. And when you make The Crawford Hotel your Halloween headquarters, you’ll always find yourself at the center of Denver’s coolest happenings and best local events. See what’s on at The Crawford this spooky season, and trick-or-treat yourself to an unforgettable stay in the heart of LoDo.