Could a century-old high school harbor more than just student memories? Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho, is known not only for its long academic history but also for eerie tales of ghostly activity. Built in 1914 and rebuilt after a fire in 1917, this historic campus has been the subject of local legends, student stories, and paranormal investigations. If you’re curious about classrooms with a haunted past, this school may teach you more than expected.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Pocatello High School
Pocatello High School has gained a national reputation for its paranormal activity. Here are the most widely reported ghostly encounters:
- The Girl in the Restroom: Perhaps the most famous spirit, a female apparition is frequently seen or heard in the girls’ bathroom. Many believe she was a student who died by suicide, and reports include sobbing, flickering lights, and toilets flushing on their own.
- Shadowy Figures in the Auditorium: Students and staff have reported shadows moving across the stage or among the seats. Disembodied whispers and sudden cold spots accompany the activity, particularly during rehearsals and late-night events.
- Unexplained Footsteps and Doors: Custodians working alone at night often hear footsteps echoing through empty halls and doors creaking open without cause—especially on the second floor.
- Security Camera Footage: A widely circulated 2014 security video appeared to show lights flickering, lockers opening and closing, and a shadow figure moving through the hallway when no one was present. The footage drew national media attention and boosted the school’s ghostly fame.
Pocatello High School’s haunted reputation has been spotlighted in national media. The A&E series Ghost Hunters featured the school in its 2019 season premiere, investigating reports of unexplained activity and analyzing security footage showing flickering lights and a shadowy figure. Its eerie 2014 surveillance footage was also showcased on Paranormal Caught on Camera, capturing moving lockers, sudden cold spots, and a mysterious silhouette. YouTube teams like Twin Paranormal and The Paranormal Files have conducted their own investigations at the school, recording EVPs and unexplained movement. Additionally, Pocatello High has been widely discussed across paranormal blogs, podcasts, and local ghost tours, solidifying its reputation as one of Idaho’s most haunted locations.
A Historic Legacy in Pocatello
Pocatello High School opened in 1914 as the city’s first high school and was rebuilt just three years later after a devastating fire. The current structure maintains much of its historic charm, with brick hallways, a grand auditorium, and vintage staircases that have witnessed generations of students. Over the decades, tales of tragedy—including student deaths and mysterious accidents—have seeped into the fabric of the building. Despite renovations, the energy of the past lingers, making the school one of Idaho’s most well-known haunted places.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Pocatello High School? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: Pocatello High School is an active school and not open to public tours. However, special events, alumni gatherings, and local ghost tours occasionally include it in their itineraries. Inquire through local tourism sites or contact Visit Pocatello for information.
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:
- Girls’ Restroom – Site of the most reported paranormal activity, from sobbing sounds to flickering lights.
- Auditorium – Witnesses report shadows moving across the stage and whispers from the dark.
- Second-Floor Hallways – Footsteps and cold drafts are commonly felt, even when no one is there.
- Security Footage Locations – Areas near the front lockers and staircases are hotspots for recorded anomalies.
Dare to Explore Haunted Pocatello High School?
This historic Idaho school may still be in session, but it teaches more than academics. With ghost sightings, haunted bathrooms, and viral security footage, Pocatello High School is a legend in its own right. Whether you’re a paranormal investigator or a curious visitor, this location promises more than school spirit—it might just offer real spirits.
