By Kelly Maue

Most locals know that St. Louis and the surrounding areas have some seriously scary stuff going on. In fact, if there were a hall of fame for haunted happenings, the region would be well represented. 

Perhaps the most famous example was portrayed in the movie The Exorcist. It tells the terrifying story of a young child’s demonic possession in St. Louis. Then there’s the Lemp Mansion. While the Lemp family made their fortune brewing beer in St. Louis during the 1800s, their stately home was plagued by frequent deaths and stories of a boy locked away in an attic. And known as “the most haunted small town in America,” Alton, Illinois sits right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Apparently, half the town of Alton has earned the reputation of being haunted.

But there are some lesser-known locales where ghosts and entities seem to be vying for attention.

Zombie Road, officially known as Lawler Ford Rd, is close to the intersection of Hwy 109 & Old State Road near Wildwood. This stretch of sheer terror has many stories, including a creepy loner from the 50s who lived in the nearby woods and attacked innocent young couples looking for alone time. Another legend along Zombie Road involves Della Hamilton McCullough, a train accident victim. She perished in 1876 but is said to wander the area still today. This two-mile trail was also reportedly near an orphanage and a Native American burial route. With such a rich history, the area is full of paranormal activity, like reports of hundreds of shadowy figures and apparitions. But you can’t go in the evening; the road is closed after dark. Thank goodness.

St. Charles has its own chilling history. One of its many sinister spots is the Mother-In-Law house, now a Main Street restaurant called The Main House. Built in 1860, some say spirits still occupy it, including a wailing boy, a young girl in an Easter dress, an old sea captain, and one very angry mother-in-law. Little Hills Winery is another venue in the area that many believe is haunted. Reports say cold spots, voices, and moving dishware and utensils result from a French-speaking couple who are still arguing to this day. And the site of the long-gone St. Charles County jail is another favorite haunt. It once housed Emma Hepperman, who was known as the ”Death Angel” for killing at least 6 of her 7 husbands – and then there was that one that just mysteriously disappeared. 

Jefferson Barracks near Lemay, Missouri, is a historic military base, national cemetery, a county park, museum, and Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare. But it’s the burial place for service members of all wars and the 41 historic military buildings that are rumored to see paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have witnessed figures, including a Confederate Civil War general walking among the headstones, along with other apparitions on the cemetery grounds and inside the historic buildings. Reports of voices, footsteps, and electrical issues, like lights turning on and off are also common.

And take a drive after sunset, if you dare, between Calvary Cemetery and Bellefontaine Cemetery in North St. Louis. This jaunt along Calvary Road has an unsettling history dating back to the 1940s. A figure in a white dress with long dark hair is said to wave down motorists to ask for a short ride. Drivers have described stopping for this entity known as Hitchhike Annie, but then she always mysteriously disappears before reaching the gates of Bellefontaine Cemetery. 

If you’re on the hunt for something scary, these are only a handful of the many freaky things the St. Louis area has to offer. There are also guided experiences. Venture a bit north for the Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tour or head south for the St. Genevieve Ghost Walk. And if you’re up for an overnight or weekend stay, book a room at the Emmaus Asylum in Marthasville. The paranormal possibilities in our area are seemingly endless! 

Check out this related content at HEC Media :

Troy Taylor’s American Oddities Museum in Alton, IL

The Soul Asylum: Alton’s Haunted Museum

Black Cats: the superstitions and the science

Ghost signs in and around St. Louis

Halloween – Did you Know? Facts and history about the holiday