We’ve all attended those haunted houses, trails, and hayrides that end with being chased down by some evildoer holding a chainsaw. But what about those who are looking for a more cerebral haunted attraction?
Billed as “the most haunted museum in the world,” the Museum of Shadows in downtown Omaha is perfect for patrons who are more interested in haunted artifacts than having heart attacks.
The museum is located in a historic building at 1110 Douglas St., but the building’s own history hardly matters at this point.. Once curator and museum founder Nate Raterman began building his collection of haunted artifacts at the site, things were destined to get weird.
With a collection that currently exceeds 5,000 items split between ts Omaha location and a second location in Florida,, Raterman has turned the downtown Omaha building into a house of horrors from around the world. And the spirits have followed.
“Visitors have reported being physically touched, seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, children laughing, running and much more,” the website reads. “Poltergeist activity has been caught and verified through our security cameras as well.”
Raterman is a professional investigator and specialist in demonology who has spent more than 22 years investigating cases of the unknown, according to the museum website.
Ghost hunt tickets include a one-hour guided tour of the museum, during which you’ll learn about the thousands of artifacts kept at the site and get a chance to use professional paranormal equipment like spirit boxes and K2 meters.
The second hour is up to you to explore the museum in darkness on your own.
Visitors can choose to take part in the Sit Challenge, which invites them to sit alone for 10 minutes in complete darkness with only a flashlight—though turning the flashlight on marks your announcement that you give up.
Oh, and the kicker? The pitch-black room is filled with haunted artifacts and cursed items that you’ll see just before turning the lights out.
This account of a visit from Atlas Obscura contributor Elise Eiserman describes an “Occult Room” that’s filled with items, including some that were owned by Carrie and Jason Jones, a married couple whose descent into witchcraft culminated in a string of murders in Madison County in 2022.
The museum is open year-round, but spooky season is the perfect time for a spine-chilling visit. Visit the website for more information. No reservations are required.
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