Craving a brush with the supernatural or seeking an unforgettable night out? If you’ve wondered how to experience the famed Elms Ghost Tour, you’re not alone. This chilling journey through the historic Elms Hotel attracts thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, offering glimpses into its mysterious past.
Understanding how to join, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your visit is essential. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to enjoy The Elms Ghost Tour to the fullest!
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How Does the Elms Ghost Tour Work?
The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, offers a unique ghost tour that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of history, supernatural intrigue, and a touch of thrill. Many believe the hotel is one of the most haunted places in Missouri, and its rich history is full of mysterious tales and unexplained happenings. If you’ve ever wondered how the Elms Ghost Tour works, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from how the tour is conducted to what you can expect and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is the Elms Ghost Tour?
At its core, the Elms Ghost Tour is a guided experience led by experts who take you through some of the most historically significant and allegedly haunted parts of the Elms Hotel. Guests hear about the hotel’s spooky reputation, its brushes with disaster, mysterious characters from the past, and modern-day sightings. The tour blends storytelling, history, and a dash of the paranormal to give you an inside look at the legends that surround the hotel.
The Tour Experience: What To Expect
- Expert Guides: Many tours are led by staff or local historians with a deep understanding of the hotel’s past.
- Historical Stories: Learn about fires, prohibition parties, and the famous (and infamous) guests who walked the halls.
- Paranormal Hotspots: Explore rooms and areas rumored to have the most supernatural activity.
- Anecdotes and Evidence: Hear about firsthand accounts, unexplained happenings, and see photos or recordings, if available.
These elements combine to deliver a tour that is entertaining, interactive, and sometimes even a bit spine-chilling.
Steps and Aspects of the Elms Ghost Tour
To truly get the most out of the Elms Ghost Tour, it’s helpful to understand how it is typically structured and what each step might involve.
1. Reservation and Check-In
- Book In Advance: Tours can fill quickly, especially during busy seasons or around Halloween.
- Hotel Guests and Visitors: While guests of the Elms Hotel frequently join, the tour is often open to outside visitors too.
- Check-In Process: Arrive at the hotel’s front desk or designated meeting spot a few minutes early. This allows for check-in and a brief overview.
2. Introduction With Your Guide
- You’ll meet your guide, who will share an introductory talk about the hotel’s history and lay some ground rules to keep everyone safe (and respectful) during the tour.
3. The Guided Walk
Tours typically proceed through these stages:
- Lobby and Common Areas: Learn about the hotel’s origins and its role during prohibition.
- Ballrooms and Event Spaces: Hear tales of lavish parties and unexplained events witnessed by staff and guests.
- Guest Rooms and Private Areas: With permission, some tours access famously haunted rooms—be ready for tales of lingering spirits.
- The Basement and Former Speakeasy: The basement is a notorious hotspot for supernatural activity, thanks to its history as a speakeasy and employees-only area.
- The Spa and Pool Area: These spots have their own ghostly tales, from silent apparitions to unusual noises and sensations.
4. Storytelling and Evidence
- Expect dramatic storytelling, peppered with humor and suspense to keep things light but engaging.
- Guides sometimes share photos, audio clips, or past investigative findings for those interested in the ghost hunter’s perspective.
- Guests are often encouraged to keep their phones or cameras ready—many believe you might capture something unexplainable!
5. Q&A and Wrap-Up
- At the tour’s end, guides usually offer a Q&A session.
- This is your chance to delve deeper into any aspect of the hotel’s haunted lore or share any odd sensations or photos you may have experienced.
Benefits of Taking the Elms Ghost Tour
Participating in the ghost tour at the Elms is about more than seeking a scare. Here are some benefits:
- Unique Local History: The Elms played host to celebrities, gangsters, and notable figures. The tour gives you an insider’s look at significant moments from the past.
- Excitement and Suspense: For thrill-seekers, the chance to explore haunted spaces is exhilarating.
- Bonding Activity: The mysterious ambiance brings people together, making it ideal for groups of friends, family, or couples.
- Learn Paranormal Investigation Basics: Some tours introduce equipment and techniques used in ghost hunting.
- Memory-Making Experience: Even non-believers find the stories and the setting unforgettable.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Before joining the tour, keep the following in mind:
- Late-Night Hours: Ghost tours may take place in the evening or late at night—plan ahead if you’re an early sleeper.
- Uneven Terrain: The historic nature of the building means stairs and dimly lit areas; comfortable shoes are a must.
- Creepy Content: Sensitive guests or younger children may find some stories and settings unsettling.
- Limited Accessibility: Some older parts of the hotel may not be accessible to guests with mobility concerns. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm accommodations.
- Popular Events: Halloween and autumn weekends fill up fast—book early for these dates.
Practical Tips For an Unforgettable Ghost Tour Experience
To make the most of your Elms Ghost Tour, follow these best practices and tips:
Preparing for the Tour
- Dress Comfortably: Wear layers and comfortable shoes—historic hotels aren’t always climate-controlled.
- Pack Light: Only carry what you need. Flashlights and cameras can be useful.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to park and check in.
- Keep an Open Mind: Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, an open mind enhances the experience.
During the Tour
- Listen Carefully: Every story adds to the lore; you might catch details others miss.
- Be Respectful: Some guests may be sensitive to the subject of the paranormal. Listen quietly and avoid disruptive behavior.
- Take Photos (When Allowed): You never know what may show up!
- Ask Questions: Guides love interacting and will often share extra tidbits when asked.
After the Tour
- Share Your Experience: Talk about your favorite moment, whether it’s a chilling story or an interesting historical fact.
- Review Your Photos: Many claim they didn’t notice something spooky until looking at photos afterward!
- Explore the Area: The Elms is in the heart of Excelsior Springs, which has shops, restaurants, and other attractions worth a visit.
Cost Tips and Booking Advice
- Package Deals: The Elms Hotel often offers overnight packages that include the ghost tour. These can save you money if you plan to stay the night.
- Group Rates: Larger parties may get discounts; ask when booking.
- Advance Bookings: Book early to get your preferred date and time, especially during weekends or special events.
- Check Age Recommendations: Some tours may not be appropriate for young children or may offer age-specific versions.
- Spa and Dining Specials: Pair your tour with a spa treatment or dinner at the hotel’s restaurant for a full experience—look out for bundled pricing.
The Elms’ Haunted Reputation: Story Highlights
The Elms Hotel has been rebuilt multiple times after disastrous fires and became a haven for notorious guests during Prohibition. Some say certain spirits from these days never checked out. Curious about what you might hear or experience? Here are a few of the most talked-about stories:
- The Hidden Nurse: Several guests claim to have seen a nurse in old-fashioned garb tending to invisible patients.
- The Shadowy Guest: Shadows that don’t belong to anyone in the group have been reported, especially in halls and stairwells.
- Basement Chills: The staff often report cold spots, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched.
- The Party Never Ended: Echoes of distant laughter and music have been reported, especially in the old speakeasy areas.
Whether or not you see or feel anything supernatural, the history alone is worth hearing.
In Conclusion
The Elms Ghost Tour is much more than a stroll through an old hotel—it’s an entertaining blend of dark history, local legends, and hands-on paranormal investigation. Whether you’re hoping to catch a mysterious photo, learn more about Missouri’s past, or just enjoy a spooky night out, the tour is a memorable experience suitable for most. Respect the spirits, respect your fellow guests, and above all—enjoy the thrill of the unknown at one of Missouri’s most haunted hot spots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Elms Ghost Tour suitable for children?
While some tours can be family-friendly, the content may be too intense for very young children. Always check when booking to see if there are age recommendations or a junior-friendly version.
Do I have to stay at the Elms Hotel to join the ghost tour?
No, you usually do not have to be an overnight guest. Tours are open to the public, but hotel guests may have easier access to booking spots.
Will I definitely see a ghost on the tour?
Ghost sightings can never be guaranteed. While some experience odd happenings or capture strange photos, most guests enjoy the tour for its stories and atmosphere rather than firsthand supernatural encounters.
How long does the tour last, and how much walking is involved?
Tours typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, covering multiple floors and sections of the hotel. Expect to walk, stand, and use stairs during the experience.
Should I bring anything special with me on the tour?
Consider bringing a camera or smartphone (for photos), a flashlight, and comfortable shoes. If you’re a fan of paranormal investigation, small devices like EMF readers are sometimes allowed—check with your guide in advance.
The Elms Ghost Tour offers a fascinating window into both history and the supernatural. Whether you’re a brave skeptic or an eager believer, a night at the Elms is sure to be memorable!