On the harbor of Duluth, Minnesota, in the heart of downtown, is a red door with a big white “R” that leads to the underworld of history. As you step in, you walk down the stairs into the darkness of the past and the holding cells of what was once the Municipal Court of Duluth, Minnesota, back in 1889 until 1926!
It held many prisoners from all walks of life for all sorts of crimes: murder, assault, petty; you name it; pretty much anyone who got into too much trouble with alcohol was hauled in there- primarily frontiersmen at the time. Some even died from sickness while waiting for trial in these cells.
After the courts moved and it was no longer used as a holding cell, it was believed this location was a speakeasy during the prohibition era.
It’s very possible that it is true. A network of tunnels like cobwebs runs under Duluth city, and The Rathskeller is part of that system of tunnels.
There is a waterfront plant fed by coal from the Great Lakes Freighters, and steam heat is still brought to many of the downtown Duluth businesses today through those tunnels!
My first time at The Rathskeller was Friday, October 13th. It was all decked out for Halloween with skeletons and a ghoul 12 feet tall! The atmosphere is elegant, with red velvet curtains and low lighting. The bluestone arches evoke something ancient that dwelled there.
They have a fabulous menu of drinks and change it up seasonally. The cocktails were amazing! We tried their old-fashioned and some other fall-type drinks. Our favorite was one called the “Fall Finish.”
I’m sure you’re wondering about the “haunted” part of this story. It is rumored that The Rathskeller is haunted. I felt definite “vibes,” I guess you could call it, while there, and patrons of the establishment have also had ghostly sightings. I stumbled upon a YouTube video of two ghost chasers who spent an hour and a half at The Rathskeller and encountered multiple ghosts. The end gave me goosebumps as they talked to a young fifteen-year-old girl who had died. If you are interested in that video, the link is below.
I will share this story: My friend Carolyn took a photo of my husband and me while trying to look silly. After we inspected it more closely, we saw a hand in the mirror behind her.
There was no one behind her at the time she took the picture. So, whose hand is that? Is it a spirit crying out for help? God only knows!
Until our Next Adventure!
Lizzie❤️