Boise’s 5 Spookiest Places to Visit this Fall

Every city has its share of haunted spots, and Boise is no exception. From the heart of downtown to the edges of the foothills, we’ve rounded up five of the spookiest locations around the Boise area—perfect for a Halloween adventure! Old Idaho Penitentiary Built in 1870, this Boise landmark tops our list of the area’s most haunted buildings. During its 101 years in operation, over 13,000 inmates were housed within its iron bars. The penitentiary was the site of ten executions and 129 deaths, and a staggering 90 inmates attempted to escape over the years. The walls of this eerie building have held everyone from armed robbers to infamous killers. Perhaps its most notorious inmate was Harry Orchard, who confessed to killing over 17 people, including a former Idaho governor. Visitors on the penitentiary’s tours have reported chilling experiences—voices, shadowy figures, and an inexplicable sense of “heaviness” lingering throughout the grounds.   Idanha Hotel This six-story, French-chateau-style brick landmark is a downtown Boise icon. Built in 1901, the Idanha initially opened as a luxury hotel, hosting prominent figures, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. At its original five stories, it was Idaho’s tallest building and the first to feature an elevator. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the upper floors were converted into apartments. Residents claim paranormal encounters, with sightings of a bellboy, tragically shot in 1970, and a woman reportedly murdered by her husband in the 1920s. Our own Bryan, who worked across the street, recalls curtains mysteriously floating in the Northwest tower. Curious? Experience the eerie charm of this historic Boise treasure for yourself.   Fort Boise Cemetery If you've spent a Boise summer enjoying the outdoors, chances are you've explored the trails near Fort Boise. Hidden in these peaceful foothills is a cemetery with 247 headstones, many belonging to military men, army officers, and even family members of those who served. While serene by day, this cemetery reportedly becomes a hotspot for paranormal activity at night. Visitors have shared eerie tales of ghostly figures near the headstones and faint, disembodied voices drifting through the quiet.   The Egyptian Theatre Opening in April 1927, the Boise Egyptian Theater quickly became a local favorite, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience its unique architecture, inspired by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1926. This Egyptian Revival design brought a striking landmark to Boise’s Capitol Boulevard. Years ago, a projectionist named Joe, who worked there for 35 years, reportedly passed away from a heart attack inside the theater. To this day, some claim he never clocked out—visitors and staff have spotted a ghostly figure walking toward the projection room. Others say they’ve glimpsed the apparition of a woman crossing the stage, perhaps a former actress unable to leave the spotlight. Haunted Stories   The Owyhee Building Shortly after the Idanha Hotel welcomed guests, the Owyhee Plaza Hotel opened on 12th and Main Street in 1910. Originally designed with 99 rooms, the hotel has since undergone nearly 40 renovations and now houses restaurants and retail spaces. While there are no recorded fatal incidents here, many former guests and staff claim that spirits may still linger. Reports of strange noises, shadowy apparitions, and the unnerving sense of being watched add an air of mystery to this historic Boise landmark.  

View more