In the hills of Northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs has long been known for its Victorian architecture, winding streets, and curious legends. For many visitors, the town’s greatest fascination is its reputation for haunted hotels. At the center of that reputation is the 1886 Crescent Hotel, known across the country as America’s Most Haunted Hotel.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs
he Crescent Hotel opened in 1886 as a resort destination, welcoming travelers who believed in the healing powers of the nearby springs. Over time, the building’s use shifted. It became a girls’ conservatory for a number of years before falling into the hands of Norman Baker in the 1930s. Baker, a former radio host with no medical training, operated a so-called cancer hospital out of the hotel. Patients came from across the country for treatments that were unproven and often dangerous. Many died here, and the tragic nature of that period has long been tied to the hauntings people report today.
Guests and staff continue to share stories of unexplained activity throughout the hotel. Room 218 is one of the most requested, said to be haunted by Michael, a stonemason who fell to his death during construction. Another frequently mentioned ghost is Theodora, believed to be a former cancer patient who is often seen near Room 419. She’s described as tidy and well-dressed, sometimes spotted arranging her belongings before fading from view. Other reports include flickering lights, doors that open on their own, and sudden cold spots in empty rooms. These stories have captured national attention over the years, with the hotel featured on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and other paranormal television series. More recently, creators like Sam & Colby and Kalani Ghost Hunter have filmed their own investigations here, sharing their findings with millions of followers on YouTube and TikTok.
The Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour begins in the fourth-floor Ghost Parlor and winds through the hotel’s hallways, including the third floor where a vortex is believed to exist. Guests often report feeling lightheaded or even passing out in the same spot. The tour continues down into the basement morgue, one of the most talked-about locations in the building. For those looking to explore further, the hotel also offers a midnight paranormal investigation, giving more serious ghost hunters the chance to use equipment and dig deeper into the building’s haunted history.
Haunted History Beyond the Crescent
While the Crescent Hotel is the most well-known, it’s not the only haunted hotel in Eureka Springs. The Basin Park Hotel, located downtown, is another historic property where ghost stories have circulated for years. The building dates back to 1905 and includes a hidden speakeasy and underground level where staff and visitors have reported voices and movement when no one else is present. The Crescent and the Basin Park together give visitors a full view of Eureka Springs’ haunted past, from the mountaintop to downtown.
Plan a Stay at a Haunted Hotel
Eureka Springs is home to some of the most well-documented haunted hotels in Arkansas. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or a dedicated paranormal investigator, the Crescent Hotel offers an overnight experience unlike any other. Join a ghost tour, explore the historic grounds, or stay in one of the rooms with a story. Many guests say the activity doesn’t stop just because the tour ends.
For those looking to experience the haunted side of the Ozarks, the Crescent Hotel remains the most iconic stop.