Spirit Lake, ID

Numerous places throughout Idaho claim to be haunted to this day, but only one is said to be the state’s most actively paranormal restaurant: the White Horse Saloon. But this unique saloon-restaurant-hotel combination isn’t just a local watering hole; its resident ghosts are also well known to cause ghostly mayhem throughout the building.

The White Horse Saloon: the oldest bar in Idaho is a Spirit Lake staple that has been a fixture of downtown since 1908. Part saloon, part restaurant, and part 8-room hotel, this vintage gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The historic building still contains its original hardwood floors, bar tops, and staircase, while the iron prison bars that separate the hotel and restaurant are from the old Spirit Lake jail.

Of course, as the oldest business in the state and still housed in its original building, the saloon's century worth of history has given the White Horse quite a haunted reputation. Locals and visitors alike have experienced inexplicable phenomena at the hands of one resident spirit in particular, who some of the people at the saloon have affectionately named "Big Girl." Big Girl is said to be particularly drawn to Room 2 of the hotel, but her presence is felt throughout the building. While nobody knows for sure who - or what - still haunts the White Horse, local legend has it that Big Girl was once a hotel maid whose son met an untimely end crossing the street. His death is what keeps her spirit drawn to the historic location. There have been dozens of reports of paranormal sightings and events, from apparitions in the echoing hallways to flying dishes, slamming doors, footsteps, and more. Even diners who wind up eating alone have claimed to feel a mysterious presence nearby. Even diners who wind up eating alone have claimed to feel a mysterious presence nearby. Whether staying in the rooms upstairs or dining below, there's no doubt that one visit to this historic gem will likely have a paranormal encounter of some kind.