If you run toward things that go bump in the night instead of running away, you’re going to love Springfield and the surrounding area. All over the Ozarks, you’ll find enduring ghost stories that thrill and chill and will get you in the mood for Halloween.

Haunted History Walking Tours

The History Museum on the Square is bringing back its popular Haunted History Walking and Bus Tours this fall, offering a spine-chilling look into Springfield’s past. Guests will uncover stories of true crime, alleged hauntings, and local folklore while exploring historic downtown landmarks. Walking tours run every Friday and Saturday night from September 5–November 1 and feature exclusive access inside The Calaboose, Historic Fox Theatre, and TaBak Co. For an expanded adventure, the Haunted History Bus Tours take place October 24–25, covering downtown, Commercial Street, and Drury University. Proceeds benefit the History Museum on the Square. Click this link for ticket info.

Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield

Pythian Castle

Pythian Castle was originally built as an orphanage and retirement home for members of the Knights of Pythias and was later owned by the military and served as a prisoner of war camp. People report seeing, sensing and hearing spirits of the young and aged, especially in the basement. 

This certified haunted castle offers ghost tours year-round. It’s been featured on a number of TV shows about haunted places, including “Ghost Adventures” on The Travel Channel. Schedule your ghost tour here.

Address: 1451 E. Pythian St., Springfield

Phelps Grove Park Ghost Bride

After newlyweds were killed in a car crash while driving through Phelps Grove Park, people began seeing a bride in a white wedding gown and lacy veil by a bridge that leads to the park. No one has reported seeing the groom’s ghost. Maybe it will be you.

Address: 950 E. Bennett St., Springfield

Walnut Street Inn

Guests have reported feeling a ghostly presence at this three-story Victorian bed and breakfast. After a 1998 renovation, a guest reported seeing an apparition of a woman sitting at a table against the wall. They spoke to one another before she disappeared. Other guests have reported a woman sitting on the edge of their bed and people often feel an unexplained cold draft on the backs of their necks. 

Address: 900 E. Walnut St., Springfield

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

One would expect to see and hear the spirits of soldiers killed at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek on Aug. 10, 1861. That’s especially true on Bloody Hill where cold spots and apparitions have been reported. If you feel a chill when you’re there, it may not be the weather causing that temperature change. At night, voices of soldiers have been heard in the wooded areas of the battlefield. 

Address: 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic

Missouri/Oklahoma Spooklight

The spooklight has been known for decades to appear near Joplin on the border between southwest Missouri and northeast Oklahoma. Take a drive and park on a dirt road if you dare. People report seeing a single light at a distance in the middle of the road that sometimes bounces around and splits info smaller lights. To this day, no one has discovered the cause of the lights. Some speculate it’s the spirit of two Quapaw Indians who died in the area, an Osage chief who was beheaded nearby or the lantern of a long-dead father searching for his kidnapped children.

Address: Joplin, Missouri

Mark Twain National Forest

East of Springfield in the Mark Twain National Forest, keep an eye out for a barefoot woman holding a baby. The woman is said to be the spirit of a mother who killed herself after her baby died. The Ozark Madonna and her infant are often seen along ridge tops in the forested mountains.

These are just a few of the ghost stories from around the Ozarks. There are also stories of hauntings at public schools, universities, hotels, cemeteries and other places all over the area. No matter where you go or what you’re doing, don’t be surprised if you experience paranormal activity.

Address: 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla

Haunted Houses

Dungeons of Doom and Hotel of Terror

Dungeons of Doom & Hotel of Terror are Springfield’s longest-running scare-houses. Open since October 1978, this horror-filled adventure takes guests through multiple rooms where danger and dismay lurk around every corner. Though all ages are welcome, come prepared for the fright of a lifetime; you never know what you will find waiting for you. Both are open Sept. 12-Nov. 1. Visit their website for tickets and waivers.

Address: 701 W. Wall St., Springfield, 334 N. Main Ave., Springfield

Field of Screams

In Nixa, Missouri, head to the Field of Screams Haunted Trail & Forest for a haunting good time. Come face to face with your fears, both past and present by taking a 3/4 mile stroll through their haunted trail, cornfield and haunted forest. Tickets are $25 a person and run from September 12 through November 14.

Address: 2142 North Sports Complex Lane, Nixa

Campbell's Maze Daze Haunted Corn Maze

Open Friday and Saturday Nights in October, experience Campbell's Haunted Corn Maze from dark until 11 p.m.

Address: 177 Carob Road, Clever