EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — The history of the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs dates back to the 1880s, and surprisingly, it's still standing today after burning down not once, but twice.
Though there are many stories that have come out of the centuries-old hotel, the most bone-chilling are those of the ghosts and spirits that are said to still roam the halls.
One of the most haunted areas in the hotel is believed to be the third floor, where staff and guests have reported seeing paranormal activity.
Specifically, people say they have seen a woman who roams the halls looking for her child and a maid wearing a 1920s-style uniform. Both women are said to play tricks on guests, such as pulling hair and moving or even throwing items around.
It's said that the lap pool area entertains several different spirits, making for an eerie swim for guests. The spirit of a gambler involved with illegal activities during the speakeasy days of Prohibition is said to roam near the pool; he was allegedly killed by the Mob during one of the illegal drinking events.
The Elms offers haunted tours so that visitors can decide for themselves if the halls are really haunted.
For more information on tours and the hotel's haunted history, visit its website.