Summer is headed on its way out, and the fabulousness of fall is soon to arrive. The trees change and produce picturesque fall leaves. And the cool breezes move in, giving us just a tease of what winter may be. Fall is full of plenty of wonderful things to experience during the season here in Steamboat Springs.
One of the best things about fall is the always spooky October. During October, many celebrate their spooky side by watching scary movies, visiting a haunted house, attending a horror convention, and more. If that is something that interests you, we invite you to visit Steamboat Springs. You can visit buildings here and do a self-guided tour of the various locations in our city where spooky happenings have been reported. We have a broad selection of Steamboat Springs lodging options, so after you complete your self-guided tour, you can head back to your rental and watch your favorite scary movie.
Meet Helen at the Rehder Building
Photo courtesy of the Steamboat Art Museum website.
In 2020, the building celebrated its 115th anniversary. It has housed many businesses, like the Ford Garage offices, auto parts stores, dentist's offices, and more. Today, the building is the home of the Steamboat Art Museum and is included on the National Registry of Historic Places.
In 1937, the building was purchased by Harry Rehder. Later, his son Henry and his wife Helen inherited the building. Throughout the years, many staff members have reported feeling the presence of Helen in the building. They would see her in reflections of mirrors, lights flickering on or off from time to time. One might say that Helen appeared because she did not care for the condition of her beloved Rehder building. After the building was renovated, Helen's presence was no longer experienced by people who frequented the establishment. One might conclude that Helen was satisfied with the condition of the building now. We invite you to visit the Steamboat Art Museum during your next visit. Explore and see if Helen makes herself known to you.
The Phantom of the Tread of Pioneers Museum
Photo courtesy of the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce.
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is the place to learn all about Steamboat Springs's history! The museum is open all year and offers something for everyone in your group. Exhibits range from an Olympian Tribute Display to local history and photography displays. There is also a Victorian House where you can see period-furnished rooms, a Native American Exhibit, and a Western Heritage Exhibit.
Some have reported seeing a phantom in the building. It seems to come out to explore any recent changes with the exhibits. Reports mention footsteps, and then you will see the phantom quickly appear, then disappear. Stop by the museum to explore any new exhibits and see if you will encounter the Phantom of the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
The Chief Plaza Theater opened in 1927. It was Steamboat Springs' second motion picture house and the first to feature "talkies." Today it is a mid-sized cultural arts space that features 320 seats. The space can be used as a regular theater or transformed for conferences, parties, or corporate events. It houses a restaurant, a rooftop deck, and more.
While we recommend supporting this theater during your Steamboat Springs vacation, the poltergeist who frequents this space seems only to be interested in staff. Throughout the years, staff has reported lights constantly flickering as they clean the area. At the end of the night, staff will turn everything off, only to reach the front door and suddenly have lights turned on or even a theater projector start up again. Some theorize that this poltergeist is the theater's original owner, Harry Gordon.
The Many Ghosts of The Depot Art Center
Photo courtesy of steamboatcreates.org.
Built in 1909, this building served as a depot for incoming passenger coaches. Because of this, the economy and population of the Yampa Valley were forever changed. The passenger service lasted many decades but ended in 1968. The building was then deeded to the City of Steamboat Springs. In 1978, it received a designation on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the founders of the Arts Council led campaigns during the 1980s to keep this building from being condemned. In 1989, the Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts was formed and is now referred to as the Depot Art Center.
Today, the center operates an array of community programs, including the Business of Art program. This program empowers local businesses with creative tools to take their business to the next level. Some other programs they offer are Expressive Writing for Veterans, The Caboose Artist Studio Residency program, The Writers Group, and Young at Art Camps.
From the history of this building, you can tell there have been many people who passed through The Depot. It has been reported that an array of ghosts can haunt these halls. Some say the restoration that took place back in 1979 awakened spirits. Many exhibitors have felt or even heard the presence of others in the building. But, when they go to investigate, they are always left wondering. Visit The Depot and attend a workshop. You never know what you will experience.
Browse Our 150+ Lodging Options in Steamboat Springs
We would be delighted to welcome you for a spooky October getaway. If you are unsure where to stay, we would be happy to review our lodging options with you.
Booking directly with us means you will not pay unnecessary fees charged by other online travel booking sites. You can also take advantage of repeat guest discounts and our extensive local area knowledge. We are here to help you find the best lodging option! Browse our complete list of homes here.
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