Entry No. 18 — the Minneapolis file — filed under: haunted
The Historic Mounds Theatre
Built in 1922 for silent movies and vaudeville, this historic theater is notoriously haunted by three distinct spirits, including a six-year-old girl named Mary who reportedly giggles and plays with visitors' shoelaces.
The story
Tucked into St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood, the Historic Mounds Theatre opened its doors in 1922 to showcase silent films and live vaudeville routines. Over the decades, as silent screen organists faded out and modern multiplexes took over, the theater went through cycles of neglect, but while the projection lamps went dark, the auditorium never entirely emptied out.
Today, the venue operates as much for the dead as the living. Local ghost hunters cite three distinct spirits occupying the building, though the resident star is Mary—a six-year-old ghost who reportedly roams the darkness. Visitors in the auditorium frequently report untied shoelaces, faint giggling from empty seats, and inexplicable rhythmic noises if you start singing 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' Through their dedicated 'Real Haunted Tours,' you can take flashlights into the pitch-black basement and former projection areas to hunt for cold spots yourself.
What it's like
Show up on event nights and you'll find a bare-bones, historic 1920s venue stripped of corporate polish. During paranormal investigations and tours, the house lights stay off; you'll spend your time shuffling through the quiet auditorium and descending into the low-ceilinged basement with handheld meters and flashlights. It isn't a theatrical jump-scare house—it's a patient, silent waiting game in an old building with a century of echoes. Tip: double-knot your shoes before taking a seat in the dark.
The move: Book a 'Real Haunted Tour' or a late-night paranormal investigation to explore the dark auditorium and the basement, and try singing 'If You're Happy and You Know It' to see if Mary claps along.
- 📍 Dayton's Bluff, St. Paul
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1029 Hudson Rd, St Paul, MN 55106
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Wabasha Street Caves — Pair two of St. Paul's most famous hauntings by heading under the sandstone cliffs for gangster lore after your theater ghost hunt.
- Forepaugh's Restaurant — Keep the 19th-century paranormal theme going with dinner inside a historic Victorian mansion known for its own resident spirit.
- Science Museum of Minnesota - Questionable Medical Devices Collection — Head across the river into Downtown St. Paul for a dose of early 20th-century quackery to balance out the supernatural.
Good to know
Where is the Historic Mounds Theatre located?
It sits at 1029 Hudson Rd in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota.
What kind of paranormal events are hosted here?
The theater hosts guided 'Real Haunted Tours' as well as extended late-night paranormal investigations where visitors can explore the auditorium, stage, and basement.
Who is the ghost named Mary?
Mary is reportedly the spirit of a six-year-old girl known to untie visitors' shoelaces, giggle in the dark, and occasionally respond with rhythmic claps during investigations.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Haunted tours and events run on specific dates and require pre-booking through their official websites rather than daily walk-up box office hours.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · realhauntedtours.com
last checked: 2026-07-21