Entry No. 20 — the Salt Lake City file — filed under: mansion
McCune Mansion
Copper-and-railroad magnate Alfred McCune's 21-room 1901 Victorian later ran for decades as an LDS-affiliated music school, and the staff who worked receptions there afterward describe an organ that plays with no one at the bench, furniture that shifts on its own, and a caped figure that shows up specifically around Christmas parties.
The story
In 1901, copper and railroad magnate Alfred McCune capped off his fortune by building a 21-room Victorian fortress at 200 North Main Street. After McCune moved on, the grand estate took an unexpected turn: it served for decades as an LDS-affiliated music school, filling its elaborate halls with endless piano scales and vocal exercises. But when the school vacated and the mansion transitioned into an event venue, a very different set of sounds took over.
Staff working receptions and private events over the years began noticing occurrences that definitely weren't on the catering schedule. The mansion's organ had a habit of playing melodies with nobody sitting at the bench. Heavy furniture shifted positions in empty rooms when no one was around to push it. Most of the reported activity centered directly on the mansion's grand staircase, where staff described unexplainable footsteps and shadows watching the guests below.
The strangest detail, however, is strictly seasonal. Event workers have repeatedly reported a caped figure that shows up specifically during Christmas parties, mingling near holiday gatherings before vanishing into the woodwork. Restored in 2001, the property remains one of Salt Lake City's premier historic showplaces—though you'll want to keep one eye on the stairs while taking in the architecture.
What it's like
You can't just push open the front door on a Tuesday afternoon—the McCune Mansion operates primarily as a private event and wedding venue, so casual drop-ins will be turned away. If you want to see the grand staircase without paying for a ballroom lease, keep an eye out for public historic tours hosted by Preservation Utah or coordinate a formal group tour. Inside, the vibe is pure turn-of-the-century luxury, but listen closely when walking through quiet rooms—especially near the organ.
The move: Rent the ballroom for a small private event, or join a scheduled group tour (10 or more) to see the grand staircase where most of the sightings are reported.
- 📍 Downtown
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 200 N Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Repeal — Pair a tour of a 1901 copper baron's estate with a subterranean cocktail in the basement of the historic Walker Center downtown.
- Gilgal Sculpture Garden — Follow up a grand Gilded Age mansion with Salt Lake City's strangest hidden outdoor stone-carving project.
- The Rest (beneath Bodega) — Trade a haunted Victorian grand staircase for a low-lit basement lounge hidden behind a downtown hot-dog shop.
Good to know
Can I tour the McCune Mansion whenever I want?
No. Because it functions as a private event space, casual walk-ins are not allowed. You must join a scheduled tour, such as those run by Preservation Utah, or attend a private event.
What ghost sightings are associated with the venue?
Staff have reported an organ playing without anyone at the keys, furniture moving on its own, sightings on the grand staircase, and a caped figure that appears during Christmas parties.
What was the mansion used for after Alfred McCune lived there?
It served for decades as an LDS-affiliated music school before being restored and converted into a private event venue.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Wikipedia · hauntedplaces.org · Official site · preservationutah.org
last checked: 2026-07-20