Tucked away along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Wabasha Street Caves are one of the Midwest’s most fascinating—and eerily intriguing—hidden gems. With their Prohibition-era past, mobster lore, and whispered ghostly encounters, these man-made sandstone caves are more than a historical curiosity; they’re a magnet for adventurers, history buffs, and paranormal investigators alike. Whether you’re in search of old-school gangster stories or an unforgettable supernatural experience, the Wabasha Street Caves absolutely deserve a spot on your haunted travel bucket list.
The History
From Sandstone to Speakeasy
The story of the Wabasha Street Caves begins long before any gun-toting gangsters ever set foot inside. These caves were originally carved out in the 1840s, not for mystery or mischief, but to mine the soft sandstone used in building materials. Over time, they evolved from humble mining tunnels to mushroom farms and cold storage due to the naturally cool temperatures.
But as the Roaring Twenties came into full swing, the caves took on a new identity—one that would cement their place in local lore. With the passage of Prohibition, the demand for underground speakeasies skyrocketed. And where better to keep things hidden from the law than in a series of dark, winding caves?
The Rise of the Castle Royal
In the 1930s, the caves were transformed into a nightclub called Castle Royal. With its stone walls, atmospheric lighting, and secret allure, the venue attracted crowds looking to dance, drink, and gamble during the height of an economic depression. The location quickly became a favorite hangout for some of the most notorious figures of the era, including famous gangsters.
Local legends suggest that criminals like John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson frequented the spot. Some even say that major mob meetings took place right within the shadowy corners of the caves. While there’s still debate among historians regarding just how frequently these infamous gangsters visited, tour guides and longtime locals continue to share chilling tales passed down through generations.
From Abandonment to Attraction
After its golden age, Castle Royal eventually shut down during World War II. The caves sat largely unused for several decades, aside from a brief moment in the 1970s when a discotheque attempted to revive the cave’s party spirit.
Today, the Wabasha Street Caves are a living museum. Guided tours, swing dance nights, and private events draw hundreds each year, but the legacy of its fascinating past lingers in every cool draft and echoing footstep. What makes these caves truly unforgettable, however, are not just the stories of gangsters and jazz—it’s the sense that some spirits never left.
The Haunt
As any seasoned ghost hunter knows, where there’s crime and history, there’s often something otherworldly left behind. The Wabasha Street Caves are no exception. Numerous unexplained experiences have been documented here, and visitors consistently report strange phenomena that point to the supernatural.
The Mobster Murders
Perhaps the most famous ghost tale associated with the caves is the story of a mob-related triple murder. According to local lore, three mobsters were playing cards in one of the back rooms during the 1930s when a dispute broke out. Without warning, an unknown assailant shot all three men in cold blood. Their bodies were allegedly removed, never to be seen again—and to this day, no official record of the crime exists.
Yet, visitors on cave tours have reported seeing shadowy figures in vintage suits, hearing whispers or voices when no one else is around, and feeling cold spots near where the murders supposedly occurred. Even staff members who have worked at the caves for years hesitate to enter some rooms alone. Whether myth or reality, the atmosphere in this particular cave chamber is undeniably spine-chilling.
The Lady in White
Another frequently cited apparition is the “Lady in White,” a floating female figure often glimpsed near the dance floor of the old Castle Royal. Dressed in 1930s-style clothing, she occasionally appears during public events or dances, only to vanish seconds later. Some psychics believe she may be the spirit of a jilted lover or a casualty of mob violence, forever reliving the music-filled nights of her past.
Poltergeist Activity and EVP Recordings
Paranormal investigators have also reported classic poltergeist activity—objects moving on their own, sudden drafts, lights flickering, and disembodied laughter. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions conducted within the caves have yielded chilling results, including whispered phrases like “get out,” “they’re watching,” and “card game.” EVP recorders have captured voices when rooms were presumed empty, adding to the belief that the caves host far more than just party-goers and sightseers.
High Strangeness on Tours
Even guests with no prior knowledge of the hauntings sometimes experience bizarre sensations—unexplained nausea, a sudden feeling of unease, or the persistent sense of being watched. Tour guides recount dismissing such stories early in their careers, only to become believers after experiencing something unexplainable themselves. It’s no wonder so many paranormal teams make a pilgrimage here, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghosts of Wabasha past.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for the Ghost-Hunting Bucket List
The Wabasha Street Caves stand as a captivating blend of Minnesota history, notorious Prohibition-era intrigue, and chilling paranormal legends. Whether you’re a student of American crime, a paranormal aficionado, or simply someone who loves exploring America’s hidden gems, these caves deliver an unforgettable journey into the shadows of the past.
If your next ghost hunt is taking shape and you’re seeking a truly atmospheric, historically rich location, don’t overlook these caves. With gangster ghosts, mysterious apparitions, and a haunted dance floor, the Wabasha Street Caves might just offer the evidence—or the experience—you’ve been looking for. Bring your EVP recorders, an open mind, and perhaps a friend or two—you may not want to go into the darker passageways alone.
Ready to walk through time and possibly meet a ghost? The Wabasha Street Caves are waiting.