The Haunted Boyd House in Minnesota
Tucked away in the quiet town of Boyd, Minnesota, population 170, stands a three-story Victorian relic that’s anything but sleepy. The Boyd House, a towering whitewashed structure built in 1901, has earned a chilling reputation as one of the state’s most haunted destinations.
Owned by paranormal investigator Jill Shelley, this eerie abode isn’t just a home—it’s a living portal to the past, where restless spirits whisper, tug, and play.
For thrill-seekers and ghost hunters, the Boyd House offers a private overnight experience that promises spine-tingling encounters and unforgettable mysteries.
A House Steeped in History and Hauntings
Located at 217 Scandia Avenue, the Boyd House carries a storied past. Its land, once owned by the Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company in 1884, saw early tragedy when Charles F. Hatch, an early deed holder, took his own life in 1889.
The house itself was later home to Fred and Minnie Eckhardt, who moved in with their four children in 1912. Fred, a respected businessman, ran a general store, served as Justice of the Peace, and helped build the local Lutheran church.
But sorrow marked their time here—two of their eleven children died in the home, as did Minnie in 1955 and Fred in 1958. Their lingering presence, along with others, fuels the house’s haunted lore.
Eerie Encounters Await
Visitors to the Boyd House report a symphony of paranormal activity. Footsteps echo in empty halls, children’s giggles ripple through recordings, and shadows dart across rooms.
Guests have felt unseen hands tug their clothes, heard whispers in their ears, and watched objects move on their own. Shelley, who rents the house to paranormal enthusiasts for $225 per night (up to eight people), has captured evidence like videos of electromagnetic field detectors triggered by unseen forces and dark figures caught on camera in the kitchen.
“It’s probably one of the most active places I know,” Shelley told FOX 9, describing voices, touches, and even mattresses shifting under guests.
Some say the house hosts a portal, drawing spirits like moths to a flame. Playful child spirits are frequent visitors, giggling and scampering through the kitchen, while Fred’s ghost is rumored to linger in his beloved gardens.
Your Night in the Haunted Boyd House
Unlike staged haunted attractions, the Boyd House offers a raw, authentic experience. Fully equipped with heat, electricity, two bathrooms, and a coffee station, it’s a cozy base for paranormal adventures.
Guests can use basic ghost-hunting gear provided on-site, from EMF detectors to audio recorders, or bring their own. With Wi-Fi, a DVD player, and a ROKU device, the house balances modern comfort with its otherworldly vibe.
Check-in is at 3 p.m., check-out at noon, and security cameras ensure safety without spoiling the spooky ambiance.
The house’s reputation has grown through media like Darkness Radio and American Hauntings ghost hunts, which describe it as a place where “the past literally returns to life.”
Reddit users recount “nuts” experiences, noting the ghosts’ eagerness to communicate, though they contrast its “chill” vibe with darker haunts like the Palmer House.
Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or a curious novice, the Boyd House promises a night where the veil between worlds feels paper-thin.
Why Visit the Boyd House?
In a state known for haunted ships and mansions, the Boyd House stands out for its intimate, unpolished connection to the supernatural.
It’s not a commercial scream factory but a real home where history’s echoes refuse to fade. For $225, you and seven friends can claim this haunted haven for a night, testing your courage against its spectral residents.
Will you hear Fred’s voice in the garden or feel a child’s playful tug? Book through the Boyd House website and find out—if you’re brave enough to step into Minnesota’s haunted heartland.
