Eureka Springs, Arkansas’ 1886 Crescent Hotel Earned Its Haunted Reputation
Perched on a mountaintop in the Ozarks stands the Crescent Hotel, a Victorian landmark with a disturbing past.
Built in 1886 as a luxury resort, this majestic building later served as a fraudulent cancer hospital where dozens met tragic ends.
Today, the Crescent embraces its reputation as ‘America’s Most Haunted Hotel,’ attracting both ghost hunters and history buffs eager to experience its supernatural legacy.
1. From Luxury Resort to Fraudulent Hospital
The Crescent Hotel opened in 1886 to serve visitors flocking to Eureka Springs’ natural healing springs, quickly establishing itself as the area’s premier luxury destination. Over subsequent decades, the building operated successively as hotel, college, and fraudulent hospital before returning to hospitality service following 1967 fire damage.
The most disturbing chapter occurred under Norman Baker’s ownership, when at least 42 people died in his fake medical facility during a two-year period; some consider him a serial killer rather than merely incompetent practitioner.
2. “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” Becomes Brand
Today the property embraces its paranormal reputation through multiple ghost tour offerings, appearing on 17 paranormal television programs. Staff and guests report footsteps, disembodied voices, and Victorian-era apparitions throughout the building.
Construction worker Michael, who died during original building work, allegedly haunts Room 218, while patients from Baker’s hospital era reportedly wander the halls.
3. Modern Hospitality Meets Supernatural Tourism
Beyond ghost tours, the Crescent functions as full-service hotel with restaurants, spa services, and pet-friendly accommodations.
This balance allows the property to serve both paranormal enthusiasts seeking supernatural encounters and guests simply appreciating historic Victorian architecture in Eureka Springs.
Where: 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
