Real South Dakota Hauntings

The Bullock Hotel
The Bullock Hotel is an old, historic hotel located on Main Street in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota.  The hotel has reportedly been the site of various strange and eerie paranormal experiences, typically poltergeist activity.  In fact, more than 70 guests and staff members have come forward claiming to have experienced such strange paranormal activity believed by many to be caused by the ghost of Seth Bullock, Deadwood’s first sheriff.  Most reports include seeing an apparition of Bullock and the descriptions given in each report of the ghost are eerily and uncannily similar. 

The Alex Johnson Hotel
The paranormal activity at this popular hotel in Rapid City seems to originate from one specific place in the hotel – the eighth floor – and as the result one heartbreaking event.  During the late 1920s, a young bride committed suicide on the night of her wedding by jumping from the balcony of her eighth floor hotel room.  Her tragic ghost is said to haunt the hotel and both visitors and staff members have reported hearing a woman’s crying on the eighth floor when no one else is around, believed to be that of the young woman.  Some people have even claimed to see a full-body apparition of her but she disappears as quickly as she appeared.

Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
This picturesque spread of protected land near Sioux Falls is brimming with Native American history that dates back more than four centuries.  Subsequently, the area is said to be filled with the spirits of Native Americans who lived there hundreds of years ago.  During the 1600s, the Oneota American Indians inhabited this land followed by the Yankton Sioux who lived there until the early 20th century.  Scientists have uncovered several artifacts, evidence, and signs that strongly indicate the area has actually been inhabited for more than 8,000 years.  Visitors to the preserve have claimed feeling strange sensations even when alone and there have been several reports from campers who claim to have seen the apparition of a young man wandering aimlessly around during the pitch black of night.