Spooky Myths and Legends of Ogden, Utah

In 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad reached Ogden, Utah, and it wasn't long before the railroad chose the city as its Western headquarters. As Ogden evolved into a transportation hub, it experienced economic prosperity, but also the notoriety common to many Western cities that saw a rapid influx of wealth. Historic 25th Street, in particular, developed a reputation for its lawlessness. Known as “Two-Bit Street,” it was a hub for gambling dens, speakeasies, brothels and a variety of vice and illegal activities. Now, Ogden is a historic gem and hub for the outdoors. But beyond its stunning landscapes and pioneer legacy, Ogden is alive with tales of ghosts, haunted locales and chilling legends from its rough and tumble railroad days. Beneath its picturesque surface lies a shadowy world of unexplained phenomena, both captivating and unsettling for those who experience it.

The Haunting of the Ben Lomond Hotel

Looming large along Washington Boulevard downtown, the historic Ben Lomond Hotel is one of Ogden’s most legendary haunted landmarks. Constructed in 1927, this grand hotel was a beacon of luxury, but it has also attracted a bit of supernatural lore.

One enduring tale speaks of a bride who drowned in the bathtub of Room 1102. Guests reported inexplicable sounds of running water when the room was unoccupied and feeling an unearthly chill as if the bride’s spirit lingers. Equally haunting is the story of her grief-stricken son, who is said to have taken his own life in the adjacent Room 1101. Visitors to the room often described sudden cold spots, unsettling sensations and sightings of a somber male figure, believed to be the son’s restless spirit.

While these accounts are rooted in local folklore — with no official records confirming the events — they contribute significantly to the hotel’s reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity. The building is no longer operational as a hotel, but it is still an architectural marvel that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. (Read: Art Deco in Motion: Ogden’s Creative Remodel)

Union Station: Echoes from the Past

Ogden’s Union Station holds a pivotal place in Utah's railroad history and is also reputedly a center of paranormal encounters. On New Year's Eve, 1944, the nearby Bagley train wreck occurred when two passenger trains collided due to heavy fog and a missed signal, resulting in 50 fatalities and many injuries. Some believe that the spirits of those who perished remain tethered to the station.

Staff and visitors have recounted experiences with a spectral woman believed to be a victim of the disaster. She is said to frequent the second floor, her presence marked by faint whispers and fleeting glimpses. Other reports include unexplained footsteps, doors that close on their own, and objects that seem to move without explanation. There is an eerie allure to Union Station. You can feel the past as if it is happening right here, right now. 

Historic 25th Street: 'Notorious' in Reputation, and Hauntings

Historic 25th Street, once a hotbed of gambling, brothels and illicit activities, earned the nickname “Two-Bit Street” in the early 20th century. While the area has been revitalized with boutiques and eateries, stories persist that the spirits of its turbulent past remain.

Shop owners often speak of playful yet mischievous entities that share their spaces. These spirits reportedly move items, create unexplained noises and occasionally manifest visibly. Some proprietors have even given them endearing names, having grown accustomed to their otherworldly antics. These ghostly residents serve as lingering reminders of the street’s colorful and checkered history. Many ghost hunter shows have taken their cameras and equipment to basements along 25th Street in search of spirits. 

The Legend of “Flo” at Ogden City Cemetery

After sunset, the Ogden City Cemetery becomes the backdrop for one of the city’s most enduring legends — the ghost of “Flo.” According to local tales, Flo was a young woman who met a tragic end, with stories varying between a fatal car accident while awaiting her prom date and succumbing to illness.

Legend has it that if you park near her grave and flash your headlights three times, her apparition will emerge, slowly approaching your vehicle before vanishing abruptly. Many who have tried this ritual claim to have witnessed her ethereal figure. There's something spine-chilling about Ogden Cemetery’s reputation.

The Shadows of the Past

From the spectral guests at the Ben Lomond Hotel to the lingering souls of Union Station and the uncanny happenings on Historic 25th Street, Ogden is a city where history and the supernatural intertwine. These tales, woven into the community’s fabric, enthrall both residents and visitors, inviting them to delve deeper into the unknown.