What if a luxury hotel carried the energy of a city’s turbulent past—along with a few lingering spirits? The Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas, is more than a historic destination. Built on the ashes of a Free State stronghold burned down during the Civil War, the site has long been linked to ghost stories, flickering lights, and cold spots. If you’re intrigued by haunted hotels tied to real historical strife, this Kansas icon delivers both elegance and eerie experiences.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Eldridge Hotel
The Eldridge Hotel’s ghostly tales are tightly intertwined with its Civil War-era roots. Paranormal reports have centered around specific rooms and mysterious atmospheric changes:
- Room 506: Long believed to be the most haunted room in the hotel, Room 506 is said to be the favorite haunt of Colonel Shalor Eldridge himself. Guests have reported items moving on their own, lights flickering without cause, and sudden, unexplained chills. Some even claim to feel the presence of someone standing over them while they sleep—despite the room being empty.
- Phantom Elevator Activity: Staff and visitors say the elevator sometimes travels between floors without being called—especially stopping at the fifth floor.
- Flickering Lights & Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature and unexplained lighting issues are common throughout the building, particularly in the upper hallways.
- Historic Energy: Because the original Free State Hotel stood on the same site, many believe the spirits of those who died in Quantrill’s Raid still linger, tied to the land itself.
The Eldridge Hotel has been featured on the A&E Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story, where guests and staff recounted chilling firsthand experiences—some even captured on video. Reports included bags shaking on their own, air conditioners turning on without reason, and water bottles crackling in the stillness of night. Ghost hunters and paranormal authors across Kansas have also spotlighted the hotel, particularly Room 506. The hotel remains a staple of Lawrence ghost tours, and its haunted reputation continues to grow through guest encounters, local legend, and generations of storytelling.
A Historic Legacy in Lawrence
The original building on this site was the Free State Hotel, constructed in the 1850s to serve anti-slavery settlers. Destroyed by pro-slavery forces during the infamous sacking of Lawrence in 1856, it was rebuilt by Shalor Eldridge and eventually named in his honor. The hotel was destroyed and rebuilt again after Quantrill’s Raid in 1863. The current Eldridge Hotel was fully restored in 1985, maintaining historic charm while offering modern accommodations. Through it all, stories of hauntings have remained a constant part of its legacy.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Thinking of booking a haunted stay? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: Room 506 is often requested by paranormal enthusiasts—book early if you’re hoping to stay in the haunted hotspot. Visit eldridgehotel.com or call (785) 749-5011 to reserve a room.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Room 506 – The hotel’s paranormal epicenter with decades of reported activity.
- Elevator – Said to move on its own, often arriving at the fifth floor without prompting.
- Fifth-Floor Hallways – Guests report unexplained cold drafts and flickering lights.
- Lobby Area – Shadows and temperature drops have been noted here by staff and late-night guests.
Dare to Explore the Haunted Eldridge Hotel?
The Eldridge Hotel is more than a luxury landmark—it’s a site where history and hauntings collide. From Room 506 to the phantom elevator, this hotel offers more than a comfortable stay. For those curious about Kansas hauntings or the spirits of Lawrence’s past, a visit to the Eldridge might come with more than you bargained for.
