Spooky Missouri Locations to Shoot Your Next Thriller

’Tis the season for elaborate costumes, delicious candy, and, of course, scary movies. Missouri is home to many frightening locations with twisted histories and ghostly sightings that will amplify your next horror film.

Missouri State Penitentiary — Jefferson City, MO

The Missouri State Penitentiary was the only prison west of the Mississippi River when it was built in 1834. Its first inmate arrived in 1836, and the institution held thousands of prisoners for 168 years before it was decommissioned in 2004. Eighty percent of the inmates served life without parole, and 40 executions took place in the penitentiary’s gas chamber.

Today, the former prison is a popular tourist attraction, hosting history tours, ghost hunts, and more. Both visitors and staff have reported ghostly encounters throughout the property. In the women’s unit, some hear the sounds of heeled footsteps or unexplained crying. In other areas, full-body apparitions or “peekers” are said to peer down at tour groups.

The penitentiary includes multiple housing units, a basement dungeon, and a detached gas chamber. The housing units contain multiple levels of rusted cells, which feel like time capsules. The dungeon features six limestone caverns devoid of natural light. A small building at the base of the property houses the gas chamber, along with two holding cells and stadium-style seating.

The 1961 film “The Hoodlum Priest,” along with short films “One Last Meal” and “The Donor,” were filmed at the Missouri State Penitentiary. It was also featured in episodes of “Ghost Adventures” and “Ghost Files.”

Staff tour guide Reese would like to see a documentary that captures the mysticism of the penitentiary while respecting its extensive history.

Pythian Castle — Springfield, MO

The Pythian Castle was built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization focused on “friendship, charity, and benevolence.” The building was originally constructed as an orphanage but was purchased by the U.S. military during World War II to house injured soldiers.

Today, the historic Pythian Castle still contains dungeons, tunnels, cells, a grand ballroom, and a theater. Unexplained noises, voices, and floating orbs have been reported by guests.

The Pythian Castle was featured in an episode of “Ghost Adventures,” an episode of “BuzzFeed Unsolved,” and other paranormal-focused online videos.

The Elms Hotel & Spa — Excelsior Springs, MO

The Elms Hotel & Spa was originally built in the late 1800s when travelers caught word of nearby healing springs. Thousands of people flocked to the small valley of Excelsior Springs to heal their ailments. Naturally, a team of local entrepreneurs built the first version of the Elms to house these guests.

The Elms Hotel became one of the most desired luxury destinations in the United States. However, the gorgeous wooden building burned down in 1898, only 10 years after its opening.

Construction of a new hotel began in 1908, and a second rendition of the Elms successfully opened the following year. Travelers came from all over the nation to bask in the glory of the beautiful hotel and mystical springs. However, the hotel burned to the ground again only a year later. Rumors of spiritual interference began circulating.

In 1912, the third and final version of the Elms Hotel was erected. The hotel became a popular speakeasy during Prohibition, hosting notable guests such as Al Capone. Since then, paranormal activity has been reported in some of the gangster’s favorite spots, such as the lap pool. There have also been recollections of a 1920s maid on the third floor and a distressed spirit known for pulling hair and throwing things.

The hotel is still as grand as ever, boasting 16 acres of landscaped grounds, a 3,900-square-foot ballroom, the aforementioned European lap pool, and more.

The 2008 film “Fling” was filmed at The Elms Hotel & Spa.

The Lemp Mansion — St. Louis, Mo.

The Lemp Mansion is a striking 33-room Victorian landmark in downtown St. Louis. As gorgeous as this home is, the cursed tale of the Lemp family provides it with more than meets the eye.

As the story goes, the Lemp family owned a prosperous brewing company and bought the Lemp Mansion with their grand fortune. However, things took an eerie turn in 1901 when Frederick Lemp, the apparent heir to the company, died under mysterious circumstances. Three years later, his father, William J. Lemp, shot himself in the office of the mansion.

Bad luck continued to follow the Lemp family. Their brewing plant was permanently shut down during Prohibition, and Elsa Lemp, considered to be the wealthiest heiress in St. Louis, committed suicide in 1920. When the once-magnificent brewing company was sold, William J. Lemp Jr. shot himself in the same spot where his father had died 18 years earlier—in the family mansion. His son, William Lemp III, died of a heart attack when he was only 42. Charles Lemp, William Jr.’s brother, continued living in the Lemp Mansion until he, too, committed suicide.

Today, the Lemp Mansion is as grand and spooky as ever. The historic home contains hand-painted ceilings, Italian marble, intricate carvings, and other magnificent adornments. Some unique traits include three massive art vaults, a barber chair in the main bathroom, and an observation deck on the third floor.

The Lemp Mansion was featured in an episode of “Ghost Adventures” and an investigative documentary titled “Lemp’s Last Wright.”

Vaile Mansion — Independence, Mo.

In 1882, the Vaile Mansion was reported to be “the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west.” The three-story, 31-room mansion is a Victorian dream. It was built by Harvey and Sophia Vaile, wealthy New Yorkers who relocated to Missouri in the late 19th century. However, the couple was never quite accepted by the Independence community. Mr. Vaile, the town’s postmaster, was involved in a mail fraud scandal, and his wife died of an overdose soon after.

After Harvey Vaile died in 1895, the mansion was used for many purposes, including as a sanitarium. Visitors have reported unexplained sightings of a young man on the second floor, thought to be a sanitarium patient. Many also claim to have spotted the ghost of Sophia Vaile. She’s known to peek out the windows of the second floor—the location of her death.

The grand Vaile Mansion is complete with marble fireplaces, beautifully painted ceilings, and an enormous wine cellar. A black walnut staircase greets visitors at the door, and hand-carved marble decorates the main parlor.

An independent horror feature recently shot at the Vaile Mansion, where the gothic home was used as a mental hospital set.

For more spooky locations, check out our Location Gallery.

Written by Justine Favazza, Missouri Film Office Intern, Junior at the University of Missouri