Who knew that America’s favorite road trip route could be spooky? From gangsters to ghosts, these haunted places on Route 66 offer more than bright neon signs and kitschy motels. Ready to discover the ghostly side of this iconic highway?
Stretching 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, Route 66 is known as the Mother Road and the Main Street of America. Although the road was officially decommissioned in June 1985, its rich history, quirky motels, and unusual roadside attractions still attract visitors worldwide.
But beyond the gigantic Muffler Men and teepee-shaped gift shops, there’s another side to this historic highway that doesn’t always make it onto Instagram. Beneath the nostalgic charm lie haunted spots filled with ghost stories and mysterious sightings. From notorious gangsters to abandoned ghost towns, Route 66 has enough spooky tales to make you want to drive a little faster — or maybe pull over and see if those ghostly rumors are true.
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Have You Explored Route 66?
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Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago
When you think of gangsters, Al Capone frequently tops the list as one of the most notorious in U.S. history. And – surprise, surprise – he had a connection to the Mother Road. Not only did Capone allegedly support the construction of the sleek new road, but the National Scenic Byway Foundation reports that ol’ Scarface frequently used the first fully paved highway in Illinois to bootleg liquor during the Prohibition era, traveling in his bulletproof V-16 Cadillac, painted green and black to blend in with the Chicago police cars back in the day.
For a spooky start to your Route 66 adventure, spend the night at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Located across from Grant Park, just a few blocks south of the sign marking the start of Route 66, the hotel is steeped in eerie history. According to Choose Chicago, it’s one of the Windy City’s most haunted hotels, with the ghost of Scarface wandering the 8th floor near his old suite. If that’s not scary enough, consider this: America’s first serial killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes, the infamous subject of the book Devil in the White City, spent time loitering in the Congress Plaza lobby in search of new victims.
The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago
For decades, The Blackstone reigned as Chicago’s premier luxury hotel. In addition to hosting royalty and Hollywood’s elite, the hotel welcomed 12 sitting U.S. presidents, from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, earning the nickname America’s Hotel of Presidents.
While the hotel’s guest list reads like a who’s who of American history, its basement barbershop was the favorite haunt of none other than Al Capone. Pierre-Louis Giacotto, the area managing director of Sage Premier Collection that owns the hotel, shares, “Known for its windowless design, the barbershop was the perfect spot for Al Capone to hold secretive meetings while getting his hair cut. During our 2008 renovation, we found a hidden hatch behind the barbershop, which is said to have been used by Capone during Prohibition to store liquor, like Templeton Rye.”
When you stay at this Michigan Avenue hotel, be sure to visit the Crystal Ballroom to admire its soaring ceilings and elegant chandeliers. This room is where Lucky Luciano held the first organized crime convention, and is also the setting of the iconic scene in The Untouchables, where Robert De Niro’s Al Capone delivers his infamous dinner-table justice with a baseball bat.
Lincoln’s Ghost Walk in Springfield, Illinois
For a haunting historical experience, Lincoln’s Ghost Walk is a 90-minute, lantern-lit walking tour past some of the most significant sites related to Abraham Lincoln. But don’t expect a simple history lesson. This tour includes eerie tales about Lincoln’s life, death, and the years that followed. Starting at the Old Capitol Plaza, you’ll hear stories of Lincoln’s final visit to his law office, the haunting history of Lincoln’s funeral train, and macabre tales of grave robbing and skullduggery at Lincoln’s tomb.
This ghost tour is packed with some pretty strange and unsettling stories, but don’t let that scare you off! It’s all factual and family-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about calming your kids every five minutes. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity or a desire to walk in Lincoln’s spectral footsteps, this ghost walk in Springfield is a must-see for anyone exploring the eerie side of Route 66.
Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, Missouri
You might expect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School-style Dana-Thomas House to be all about nature-inspired artistic genius. But did you know it is the site of paranormal activity? Shortly after hiring the famed architect to remodel her family home in the early 1900s, wealthy socialite Susan Lawrence Dana held several seances in the house.
Both visitors and staff have reported unexplained activity in the home over the years, including phantom footsteps, a sudden drop in temperature, and black-clad apparitions. The unusual activity often happens around significant anniversaries, like Susan’s birthday, her mother’s death, or funerals held in the house. Whether it’s Susan’s spirit keeping a watchful eye on her beloved property or a lingering presence from the seances, one thing’s for sure — the Dana-Thomas House is as eerie as it is beautiful.
Lemp Mansion in St. Louis
Built in the 1860s and once owned by the prosperous Lemp brewing family, the Lemp Mansion has become a famous stop along Route 66 in St. Louis due to its tragic history and haunted reputation. The family’s misfortunes began in 1901 with the mysterious death of Frederick Lemp, followed by the suicides of William J. Lemp in 1904, Elsa Lemp in 1920, and William Jr. in 1922. After Prohibition, the Lemp brewery was sold at auction, marking the end of the family’s empire.
The mansion now operates as a restaurant and inn offering ghost tours. Tim Trunnell, the mansion’s media director and historian, says a Life magazine article named it one of the most haunted locations in the United States in 1980. Both visitors and staff frequently share stories of eerie, ghostly encounters. “Sightings of figures who simply vanish into thin air are common,” says Trunnell. He notes other reported spirits, like The Guest at the Window and an entity called Oscar, often seen on the third floor.
While tucked into the corner of two thick brick walls to photograph a fresco ceiling, Trunnell recalls hearing a deep voice commanding, “Get out.” With a chill running down his back and the hair on the back of his neck standing up, Trunnell says he looked around for anyone who might have been speaking. Finding no one, he took his camera off the tripod, packed up, and left as instructed. The mansion’s apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained phenomena make it a must-visit for those fascinated by the supernatural.
Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri
When it comes to infamous outlaws, Jesse James is a name that echoes through history. Meramec Caverns, located along Route 66 in Sullivan, Missouri, claims a connection to this legendary figure. According to the Meramec Caverns’ official website, James and his gang used these caverns as a hideout in the 1870s, where the sprawling underground network allowed the notorious outlaw the perfect refuge for evading law enforcement and planning his next heist. However, a report by KHMO Radio suggests that some historians wonder whether James ever used the caverns as a hideout. Despite this debate, the largest commercial cave in Missouri is absolutely stunning. So, as you’re cruising down Route 66, do yourself a favor and stop to check out the rock formations that will leave you in awe — whether Jesse James hid in these caverns or not.
The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City
Built in 1911 by oil tycoon W.B. Skirvin, this historic hotel is known for its stately brick exterior and elegant decor — plus one particularly restless spirit. According to legend, Effie was a chambermaid who was romantically involved with the hotel’s widowed owner, resulting in a pregnancy. Effie was allegedly locked in a room on the top floor to avoid scandal. Driven mad by isolation and despair, she eventually jumped out of the window with her newborn baby.
As Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, says, “A road trip down Route 66 is often unpredictable.” He continues by warning, “Who am I to say that a night at The Skirvin won’t come with an unexpected guest?” Over the years, guests and staff have reported eerie occurrences, from strange noises to objects moving on their own.
An article published in Sportskeeda stated that Effie is particularly fond of male guests, especially NBA players. Despite undergoing a $46.4-million renovation to restore its former glory, the Skirvin Hotel hasn’t quite shaken its haunted reputation. This spooky stop on Route 66 will give you a story to tell — if you make it through the night.
La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sitting proudly along the Old Santa Fe Trail, La Fonda stands on the site of Santa Fe’s first inn, established in the early 1600s. This 400-year-old hotel is more than a historic building oozing with Southwestern charm — it’s also a hotspot for the supernatural. The current La Fonda hotel was a prime stop for Route 66 travelers from 1926 to 1937 before the highway was rerouted. But even after the road bypassed Santa Fe, La Fonda’s ghostly guests never checked out.
Among the spirits said to roam the halls is the ghost of a distraught businessman who jumped to his death after losing a fortune in a poker game. Diners and hotel staff have reported seeing a ghostly figure walking to the center of the restaurant — the site of his death — and then disappearing. And he’s not alone. Other apparitions include a young bride murdered on her wedding night by an ex lover. If you’re feeling brave, the hotel offers a ghost tour, where you can learn more about these eerie encounters and the tragic stories behind them.
Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Just off Interstate 25 along the historic Route 66, the Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque is a luxurious boutique hotel with a history that might just keep you up at night — and not because you’re drinking in the views from its fantastic rooftop bar, Apothecary Lounge. This elegant hotel began life in 1926 as the Santa Fe Hospital, serving Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway employees, and later transformed into a psychiatric facility. Fast forward to 2010, when a $21-million renovation converted the antiquated property into Hotel Parq Central, blending historic charm with modern comfort. But some say the ghosts of its past patients still haunt the halls.
Paranormal sightings at the hotel are well documented, with reports of apparitions, strange noises, and unsettling experiences. Patients and staff encountered eerie phenomena during its time as a hospital, from mysterious whispers to bedsheets being pulled off sleeping patients. Some were so traumatized that nightmares plagued them long after discharge.
Despite its haunted history, Hotel Parq Central is now a serene retreat, offering luxury accommodations and a peaceful garden park along Route 66. But don’t let the calm atmosphere fool you. Spend the night, and you might just meet one of the historic building’s former patients.
Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you’re traveling along Route 66 and feel the urge to step into a place where the spirits of the past mingle with the sounds of live country music, then the Museum Club in Flagstaff is a must-stop. Known affectionately by locals as The Zoo, this quirky log cabin, built by taxidermist Dean Eldredge in 1931, started as a roadside attraction filled with preserved animals. After his death, the building transformed into a lively country-western dance hall that is like Night at the Museum meets Nashville, with a dash of Poltergeist thrown in for good measure.
In the 1960s, Don Scott and his wife Thorna took over, and the club became a hotspot for country music legends like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. But tragedy struck in 1973 when Thorna fell to her death on the stairs. Her heartbroken husband ended his life a few years later, but both have reportedly stuck around to keep an eye on their beloved club.
Thorna’s apparition is often seen on the back stairway or behind the bar, while Don reportedly lingers near the fireplace. Eerie happenings like flickering lights, rocking chairs, and unexplained fires add to the club’s haunted reputation. Whether you’re there to dance the night away, catch a live country show, or just sip a drink while keeping an eye out for a ghost, the Museum Club is a Route 66 destination that promises a good time with a side of spine-tingling chills.
Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you’re looking for haunted history with a touch of Hollywood glamor, don’t miss the Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff. Opened in 1927, this historic hotel was a popular stop for celebrities traveling along Route 66, including “The Duke” John Wayne. During his stays, Wayne reported encountering a friendly ghost, the Phantom Bellboy, who would knock on doors only to disappear when the guests opened them.
But not all the ghost stories here are as charming. One of the hotel’s most notorious tales involves a bank robber who met his end after being shot while trying to stash his loot. Some say his spirit still lingers in the halls, adding to the long list of eerie occurrences at the Monte Vista. Guests have also reported seeing an elevator attendant who vanishes into thin air and feeling a cold, unsettling presence in the hotel’s old speakeasy. Whether it’s a lingering outlaw or an overzealous bellboy, Hotel Monte Vista has a haunted reputation that continues to fascinate visitors.
Sage Advice: Discover more haunted places along Route 66 by stopping into the Flagstaff Visitor Center and picking up a free, self-guided historic walking tour map to Flagstaff’s haunted places.
El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Arizona
Dripping with Old Hollywood charm, the motel’s themed rooms honor legendary stars like Clark Gable, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe. But it’s the ghostly children heard in the parking lot that have people talking. For years, guests and staff have heard the sound of children laughing and playing — yet they never see any kids. The eerie voices seem to come from a gorge behind the motel where Native Americans once lived, and this ongoing phenomenon continues to baffle even the most skeptical visitors.
The unexplained sounds, along with the motel’s retro vibe and rich history as a stop for Route 66 travelers, make El Trovatore a must-visit for anyone intrigued by roadside nostalgia and a brush with the supernatural. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening a little more closely in the parking lot, hoping to catch a hint of those ghostly giggles.
Amboy Ghost Town in Southern California
While Amboy may not have documented paranormal activity, it certainly puts the “ghost” in ghost town along Route 66. Once a bustling stop for travelers, this dusty desert town now stands as a stark reminder of what happens when the Interstate Highway System bypasses a place, leaving it to fade into history.
Founded in 1883 as a railroad station, Amboy peaked when Route 66 was established in 1926. Roy’s Motel and Café symbolized the great American road trip with its iconic Googie architecture and towering neon sign. But when Interstate 40 opened in 1972, diverting traffic, Amboy slowly declined into a ghost town.
Although deserted, Amboy has attracted photographers, filmmakers, and Route 66 enthusiasts. In 2005, Albert Okura, founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, purchased the town with a promise to restore it. Before passing the torch to his son upon his death in 2023, Okura partially revived Roy’s Motel and Café, and the neon sign once again shines brightly over this desert ghost town about 200 miles east of the Santa Monica pier.
Today, under the care of Okura’s son Kyle, Amboy continues its slow journey toward restoration. The gas station is operational, and the town’s vintage charm and stark desert setting make it a must-see for anyone intrigued by the haunting beauty of America’s forgotten places. In the silence of the Mojave, Amboy is a reminder that even ghost towns have stories left to tell.
Time to Hit the Dusty, and Possibly Haunted, Trail
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or just someone who likes road trips with a side of goosebumps, these spooky stops along Route 66 will surely make your journey unforgettable. Just don’t blame me if you need to sleep with the lights on afterward.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
