#MYSTERIOUS
Get Spooked in St. Joseph: Uncommon Stories, Neighborhoods and Events
October 4, 2022
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:
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.
#FRIENDLY
Across the city, every day, adults are helping clear a path for youth to reach more opportunities. They are sharing their mentoring skills, life lessons and ultimately, their friendship, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. And it looks like hanging out at the local burger joint. Taking a walk. Joining other “matches” at the park for crafting with a lot of laughs.
#FOUNDING
Born in 1783 to a St. Louis family of merchants and fur traders, Joseph Robidoux would become the founder of St. Joseph, MO.
#STRONG
What does the road to a dream look like? If it’s a sports dream, there are early, dark mornings – lacing up shoes before any lights flicker on the block. There are late nights, pushing past physical and emotional limits, even when it seems out of reach. There are countless sacrifices at every turn. And there are often amazing mentors and coaches, right there to say, “We don’t quit. Not today.”
#OPPORTUNITY
There’s an old saying about open doors: “The best secret of success is to always be ready to find and open the door of opportunity.” This couldn’t be more true for local veterans or active duty military who wish to change careers. In fact, it’s likely to be several doors that open – not just one.
#HISTORIC
A visit to the St. Joseph museums is … Quirky. Surprising. Curious. Impressive. Enlightening. And totally worth a day, or an afternoon, or a full weekend with the family.