Haunted Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Missouri
The Elms Hotel, a stately landmark nestled in the heart of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, boasts a history as rich and complex as the mineral waters that first put the town on the map. Dating back to the late 19th century, this iconic hotel has weathered numerous storms, including two devastating fires, emerging each time as a testament to resilience and a magnet for stories, both historical and spectral. Its story is one of healing waters, luxurious accommodations, Prohibition-era intrigue, and, of course, persistent tales of the paranormal.
The narrative of Excelsior Springs and the Haunted Elms Hotel is intertwined with the discovery of the area’s natural springs. In the summer of 1880, word spread among Native Americans and hunters that the local springs possessed potent healing properties. Travis Mellion, a man desperate to find a cure for his daughter’s tuberculosis, decided to put the claims to the test. After weeks of bathing in and drinking the spring water, his daughter miraculously recovered. A similar success story followed with Frederick Kigler, who found relief from a leg ailment through the springs. News of these cures spread rapidly, drawing people from far and wide seeking similar relief. Within a year, the burgeoning settlement of Excelsior Springs was officially founded, its destiny linked to the promise of health and well-being.
The original Elms Hotel was conceived as a luxurious haven for the ever-increasing number of visitors seeking the purported benefits of the springs. In 1888, the Excelsior Springs Company erected the first Haunted Elms Hotel on a sprawling 50-acre estate characterized by rolling hills and verdant trees. This grand, three-story structure featured broad, shaded verandas on all sides, where guests could relax and enjoy the melodies of a live orchestra. The hotel was not just a place to stay; it was a destination in itself, offering a large heated swimming pool, a four-lane bowling alley, a target range, and a billiards room – amenities designed to cater to the sophisticated tastes of its clientele.
Tragedy struck on May 8, 1898, when a fire completely consumed the first Haunted Elms Hotel. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the loss of the magnificent structure was a significant blow. Undeterred, plans for a new hotel were soon underway, although construction would not commence until 1908. In July 1909, the second Elms Hotel celebrated its grand opening, quickly regaining its popularity as a premier destination.
However, fate seemed to have a cruel sense of humor. Less than two years later, on October 29, 1910, fire once again ravaged the Haunted Elms Hotel. Following a grand party in the ballroom, a fire ignited within the interior walls, quickly spreading and engulfing the entire structure. The hotel was a total loss for the second time, yet miraculously, no lives were lost.
Determined to overcome these setbacks, the owners resolved to rebuild, though they were forced to sell portions of the land to secure the necessary funds. This time, however, they prioritized fire safety above all else. The new hotel was constructed using native Missouri limestone, reinforced with steel frames and concrete. The third and final Haunted Elms Hotel celebrated its grand opening on September 7, 1912, welcoming over 3,000 visitors on its inaugural day.
During the tumultuous years of Prohibition, the Haunted Elms Hotel acquired a new, somewhat illicit, reputation as a popular speakeasy. This clandestine activity attracted the attention of notorious gangsters, including Al Capone. Under the watchful eyes of his armed guards, Capone was known to host all-night drinking and gambling parties within the hotel’s walls. Legend has it that Capone would generously tip the staff with hundred-dollar bills, a tradition that undoubtedly enhanced the hotel’s allure.
The Great Depression brought further challenges, forcing the historic hotel to temporarily close its doors. However, the Elms persevered, weathering the economic storm and eventually reopening to welcome guests once more.
In 1948, the Haunted Elms Hotel played a role in a significant moment in American political history. During the presidential election, Harry S. Truman sought refuge at the hotel, seemingly resigned to defeat. However, in the early hours of the morning, his aides awakened him with the news that he had, against all expectations, won the election. He was quickly transported to Kansas City, where he famously posed with a copy of the Chicago Tribune bearing the erroneous headline, "Dewey Defeats Truman."
Despite facing further economic challenges in 1966, when the U.S. Government ruled that mineral water treatments would no longer be covered by insurance, the Elms has consistently demonstrated its resilience. Today, fully restored to its original grandeur, the Haunted Elms Hotel welcomes hundreds of guests annually, offering a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and, of course, the lingering possibility of a ghostly encounter.
Throughout its storied history, the Elms has played host to a diverse array of famous guests, including President Harry Truman, Al Capone, oil magnate Harry Sinclair, artist Thomas Hart Benton, and television personality Dave Garroway. Its significance as a landmark in Excelsior Springs is further underscored by its listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Located south of Elms Boulevard and Regent Avenue, the Elms Hotel complex is set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with walking trails shaded by mature trees and bordered by stone walls. A tennis court and the ruins of a stone garage are located southwest of the hotel, accessible via a pedestrian bridge. The Fishing River flows along the eastern edge of the property, adding to the hotel’s scenic appeal. The old pump house has been transformed into a gift shop, offering guests a chance to take home a piece of the Elms’ history.
The modern Elms boasts 152 guest rooms and suites, along with over 11,000 square feet of meeting space, including the impressive 3,900-square-foot Elms Ballroom, a 42-seat amphitheater, a stone carriage house, and a 20-person boardroom. Amenities include two restaurants, two lounges, a luxurious 10,000-square-foot spa, an indoor European swim track, an indoor banked jogging track, a fitness room, an outdoor pool, a challenge course, a walking trail, and a professional volleyball court.
However, beyond its historical significance and modern amenities, the Elms is perhaps best known for its reputation as a haunted hotel. Like many historic establishments, the Elms is said to be home to several spectral residents.
The lap pool in the basement is rumored to be haunted by a man whose presence is linked to the hotel’s speakeasy days during Prohibition. Legend has it that this man was killed by the mob during one of their illegal gambling parties, and his spirit remains trapped within the hotel’s walls.
Another frequently reported apparition is that of a maid dressed in a 1920s-style uniform, often seen on the third floor. This benevolent spirit is said to observe the housekeeping staff, ensuring that they perform their duties to her satisfaction.
A more unsettling presence is that of a distressed woman who wanders the hotel in search of her child. This restless spirit has been known to pull people’s hair or throw objects across the room, adding to the hotel’s eerie atmosphere.
Both guests and staff have reported experiencing a general feeling of unease in various areas throughout the Haunted Elms Hotel, along with unexplained noises and fleeting glimpses of the hotel’s resident ghosts. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply a history enthusiast, a visit to the Elms is sure to be a memorable experience.
The Elms is located just 30 minutes north of Kansas City, Missouri, in the heart of Excelsior Springs’ historic business district.
Contact Information:
Elms Resort & Spa
401 Regent St
Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024
816-630-5500 or (800) THE-ELMS