As the foliage turns fiery shades of red and gold and the crisp mountain air fills with an eerie chill, there’s no denying that Halloween is creeping around the corner. While Breck is known for its world-class skiing and stunning natural beauty, did you know that our charming mountain town has a spooky side too? Join us as we uncover the haunted history of Breckenridge and explore spine-tingling spots you can visit this Halloween season.

 

1. Ollie’s AKA The Dredge Boat

History: The Dredge Boat, once a formidable gold mining vessel, now rests on the shores of the Blue River. Between 1898 and 1942 Dredge boats were allowed to operate and were used to dredge the riverbed in search of precious metals. 

Haunting: The tale goes that one night the foreman was awoken by the sound of an alarm coming from the boat and left his cottage (now Starbucks on main street) to investigate the disturbance. As OSHA was nonexistent at the time, the entrance to the dredge was a single-width plank of wood that crossed over the pond. It was a freezing winter night when the foreman went to check on the dredge and accidentally slipped into the pond, tragically freezing to death. His body was recovered in the spring and had been so well-preserved that at his funeral he was displayed with an open casket. 

2. The Gold Pan Saloon 

History: Opening in 1861, the Gold Pan is considered the oldest saloon west of the Mississippi. From the miners of the gold rush all the way to today’s visitors the Gold Pan has been quenching thirsts after a hard day of work or on the mountain. In its long history, it has seen bar fights, shoot-outs, and survived the prohibition era. Legend has it that Tom’s Baby, the largest gold nugget ever found resided in the Gold Pan’s safe for safekeeping before leaving Breckenridge. 

Haunting: Owners and guests of the saloon describe spooky experiences such as flickering lights and doors opening on their own. Several tenants of the upper apartments have also noted the presence of a woman who seems to enjoy caring for the male inhabitants as they sleep, waking them up with the cold sensations of touch on their cheeks.

3. Apres

History: Originally a boarding house, the building now houses Après Handcrafted Libations, a craft tasting room offering a wide variety of craft beers, mixed drinks, and a large library of board games to play.   

Haunting: A ghost named Sylvia is said to haunt the building, she had lost her husband and worked at the boarding house looking for a suitable replacement until her demise. The bar staff leaves a shot of liquor on the bar at night for Sylvia and rumor has it they will come back to an empty glass at times. Sylvia has an affinity for men and occupants of the apartments above Après have reported their clothes being mysteriously folded or their space tidied up not by their own hand. 

4. The Briggle House

History: Located in Alice G Milne Memorial Park, the Briggle house was once inhabited by the socialites Kathleen and William Briggle. The Briggle’s purchased the home in 1898 and at the time the one-bedroom abode was considered one of the largest and nicest houses in Breckenridge.  

Haunting: Tour guests have noticed strange sensations and one time even witnessed a can fly unexpectedly off the shelf. So many reports have come in that the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance even let a group of paranormal investigators conduct experiments on the house, while there they claim to have had their flashlights go out while calling to the late Mrs. Briggle. 

5. Country Boy Mine 

History: Founded in 1887 Country Boy Mine was one of Summit County’s most successful mines in producing gold and silver. Country Boy Mine became an integral part of the war effort during World War II with its production of lead and zinc supplies. Today the mine is operated for historical attractions, gold panning, treasure hunting, and mine tours that take you more than 1,000 feet underground.  

Haunting: Owners and guests alike have reported spooky happenings such as a feeling of being shoved in the back while in the mine. When visitors look at photos they’ve taken in the mine they report seeing ghostly apparitions, orbs, or auras appearing which were not visible to the naked eye.  

6. Haunted Forrest, Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Kids Adventure Zone

History: Looking for something a little less scary? Breckenridge Ski Resort has a Kids Adventure Zone located on Peak 9 that lets you ski through a Haunted Forrest complete with bats, skeletons, and a giant spider! 

Want even more scares this Halloween season? Check out a guided walking ghost tour through town or see how scarily low the prices are at one of our favorite places to stay, the Grand Colorado on Peak 8!