#MYSTERIOUS
Get Spooked in St. Joseph: Uncommon Stories, Neighborhoods and Events

October 4, 2022

CHARACTER TRAIT: MYSTERIOUS

DEFINITION: having an atmosphere of strangeness or secrecy.

Every fall, the scariest events pack the community calendar as organizations in St. Joseph turn out their most disturbing, spin-chilling, hair-raising fun. We know … lots of cool cities have their events and offerings, but St. Joseph is unique because we are so filled with history, curiosity and fascinating characters year-round.

Whether you prefer to be mildly spooked or you go in for a more unnerving scare, you’ll find an event listed below that’s sure to make for an all-time favorite fright.

Harris Kemper Walking Tours: On Saturday, Oct. 8, tours leave the Whiskey Mansion at 1723 Francis St. every 15 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the final tour beginning 8:15. This year, the tour will feature “Talking Porches,” which will showcase the ghost stories of local architectural gems. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 816-244-0103.

Participants can also receive personal and insightful mini-readings from St. Joseph’s local acclaimed psychics. Readings are $20 each. This event showcases the architecture and the strong sense of community for one of the city’s National Register neighborhoods.

Visit the Harris Kemper Historic District Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page for more information.

Glore Psychiatric Museum: Join the Glore Psychiatric Museum Ghost Hunt on Friday, Oct. 21 or Saturday, Oct. 22. Tickets are $129 each and include a ghost hunt with an experienced ghost-hunting team, exclusive access to the haunted underground tunnel, participation in group seances and structured vigils, as well as unlimited refreshments throughout the night.

The Ghost Hunt begins at 8:15 p.m. and concludes at 2:30 a.m.

For details and ticket information, visit Glore Psychiatric Museum’s Facebook page.

Not up for hunting ghosts, but still wondering what happens when the lights go out at Glore Psychiatric Museum? On a few occasions throughout the year, brave souls can participate in “Spend the Night at the Glore Museum.” Watch the site or calendar to see as these pop up:

Glore Psychiatric Museum.

Mount Mora Cemetery: Stroll one of the most fascinating cemeteries in the region during the popular “Voice of the Past” event, with many of the graves dating to the Civil War period or before. This cemetery is really part park, part architectural treasure and part walkable art. Constructed near the Golden Age of 19th century entrepreneurship and wealth for St. Joseph, it’s completely one-of-a-kind. Some of the stories shared on your Mount Mora tour are rich in history; others are a bit downright strange. Group tours are available by calling 816-232-8471. Visit the Mount Mora Cemetery website for more information.

St. Joseph Museums: On Oct. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., enjoy Spooktacular STEAM Day. You’ll learn about skeletons, mummies and catapults, playing games and participating in STEAM activities throughout the event. You’ll even find out the history of the Jack O’ Lantern as you build your own haunted house. Tickets are $8 and include snacks.

Faucett Freak Show: Spend your evening screaming at the Faucett Freak Show at 109 Grand DD in Faucett, housed inside one of the area’s original high school buildings. Admission is only $20 at the door, and you can pay with cash or card. It’s open 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October and some of the proceeds go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

You may never sleep soundly again. You might find that you’re suddenly scared of the dark, and you jump at the smallest hint of a sound. But you’ll never be bored in October around St. Joseph! Enjoy one, enjoy them all, but make sure you get out for some fun around town this fall. Chances are you’ll come away with some really interesting facts and knowledge about our unique and quirky city, too.

#GROUNDBREAKING

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this architectural feat, designed by esteemed local architects Eckel and Mann, is getting a second life thanks to a $20 million shot in the arm from Mosaic Life Care.

#SCENIC

In addition to its paved walking paths, the Parkway features miles of rugged biking and hiking trails and serves as a red carpet to some of St. Joseph’s most interesting places.

#IRON-WILLED

There’s a lot to love about St. Joseph’s Southside. This tight-knit community is on pace for a major comeback.

#SELF-BELIEF

Not only does the SBTDC help hundreds of small business owners capitalize on their dreams, it is a great example of how government agencies, higher education, and nonprofit organizations can work together for the greater good.

#LUCKY

Games of chance and dining establishments have been a part of St. Joseph, Missouri’s uncommon character since the earliest settlers gathered to let off some steam and gamble on optimistic odds.