Mineral Springs Hotel – Haunted Hotel in Alton, Illinois

Once a luxurious health resort in the heart of Alton, Illinois, the Mineral Springs Hotel is now best known for its chilling reputation as one of the most haunted places in the Midwest.

Built in the early 20th century, this grand hotel once attracted guests seeking healing from its natural mineral waters. But beneath the elegance lies a dark past filled with untimely deaths, tragic accidents, and restless spirits that many believe never checked out.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1914
• Original Purpose: Hotel and spa
• Significant Events:
  Over the decades, the hotel witnessed multiple accidental deaths, a murder in the stairwell, and even a tragic drowning in the now-drained basement pool. It also operated during Prohibition, when it allegedly housed secret speakeasies—making it a hotspot for crime and shady dealings.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Guests and paranormal investigators alike report a wide range of supernatural phenomena at Mineral Springs Hotel.

• Cold spots and phantom footsteps echo through empty hallways.
• Doors open and close on their own.
• The scent of old perfume often lingers in vacant rooms.
• Apparitions of both men and women have been spotted—often seen briefly before vanishing into thin air.

One of the most frequently reported ghosts is that of a woman known as the “Jasmine Lady,” who is said to have taken her own life near the staircase. Her presence is often accompanied by a strong floral scent and sudden drops in temperature.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Jasmine Lady is believed to have caught her husband cheating. Consumed with grief, she reportedly committed suicide by throwing herself down the marble staircase. Her spirit is seen wandering the upper floors in a long dress, still clinging to the emotional pain of betrayal.
• The Drowned Boy haunts the basement pool area. Witnesses claim to hear splashing sounds or see water ripples—even though the pool has long been drained.
• A ghostly gambler is said to haunt what used to be the speakeasy area. People hear poker chips clinking and murmurs of conversation when the room is empty.
• Local legends also speak of a black mist that follows certain visitors and causes overwhelming feelings of dread.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The drained basement pool is considered the most haunted location. Visitors often report hearing voices, footsteps, or even feeling a cold hand on their shoulder. Paranormal equipment frequently malfunctions in this area, adding to its eerie reputation.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies by tour ($25–$40)
• Tour Availability: Guided ghost tours available most weekends, with special late-night investigations during Halloween season
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Tour times vary, typically between 6 PM and 10 PM

Best Time to Visit

Fall and early winter are said to be the most active times, especially around Halloween, when the spiritual energy in the hotel seems to spike.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Many guests and paranormal teams have shared their experiences through online blogs, YouTube videos, and paranormal forums. One visitor described feeling someone grab her arm, only to turn and find no one there. Others have caught strange light anomalies and EVP recordings that defy explanation.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Mineral Springs Hotel has been featured on several paranormal TV shows, including Ghost Adventures and Destination Fear. Investigators have captured EVPs, temperature drops, and sudden battery drains—classic signs of paranormal activity. Some even claim to have seen full-bodied apparitions on camera.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

The hotel is structurally sound, but unauthorized access to off-limits areas—especially the pool—can lead to removal from the premises. Always stay with your group and follow tour guidelines.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

In one of the hotel’s old rooms, a mirror is rumored to show glimpses of ghostly figures not visible to the naked eye. Guests often leave messages on sticky notes around it, asking spirits to appear or communicate.