Boise’s past holds more than history—it holds hauntings. From hidden tunnels beneath downtown to the eerie Old Pen, whispers along Harrison Boulevard, ghostly tales from the Basque Block, and a haunted frat house mansion on Main Street, these stories make autumn in Boise unforgettable. Scan to explore all of Boise’s legendary haunts.
1. Boise’s Underground Tunnels
Hidden beneath downtown Boise lies a web of underground tunnels, some dating back to the late 1800s. While originally used for coal transport and storage, local lore suggests more chilling purposes — secret passages for smugglers, prohibition-era speakeasies, and even rumored hauntings. These dimly lit corridors are mostly sealed today, but the mystery of what (or who) once roamed them still lingers beneath the city streets.
2. Harrison Boulevard - N Harrison Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Each fall, Harrison Boulevard transforms into a Halloween wonderland — but its history runs much deeper. This historic North End street is lined with century-old mansions, each with stories to tell. Residents have reported strange occurrences over the years, from unexplained footsteps to flickering lights. Whether it’s the Victorian architecture or the eerie stillness on quiet nights, Harrison has long held its place as one of Boise’s most ghostly corridors.
3. Old Idaho Penitentiary - 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
With over 100 years of history, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of Boise’s most infamous and haunted landmarks. Opened in 1872 and closed in 1973, the prison housed some of Idaho’s most notorious criminals. Visitors today claim to hear voices echoing in empty cell blocks, spot shadows where no one stands, and feel sudden chills without explanation. During October, the site even offers spooky night tours and paranormal investigations for those brave enough to explore its darker corners. Whether you're a history buff or a ghost hunter, the Old Pen is a must-see — if you dare.
4. Basque Block Spirits - Basque Block, Boise, ID 83702
Downtown Boise’s Basque Block is known for its rich culture and incredible food, but locals whisper of strange happenings after dark. Some say old boarding houses and taverns are still home to wandering spirits from the early Basque settlers who faced tragedy in the mining camps. Visitors have reported flickering lights, cold drafts, and soft murmurs in empty hallways. It’s a reminder that Boise’s vibrant heritage holds a few ghostly secrets of its own.
5. The Haunted Frat House Mansion – 805 W Linden Street, Boise, ID 83706
Once a lavish private home, later turned fraternity house, this downtown Boise mansion has a reputation for unexplained noises, flickering lights, and ghostly figures in the upstairs windows. Legend says some of its earliest residents never truly left, and late-night passersby swear they still hear footsteps echoing through its halls.
