There’s something undeniably magical about a cold winter night in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The air is crisp, and a quiet stillness blankets the Ozarks.
Soon, on January 7, 2025, a distinct thrill will stir in the darkness around the Crescent Hotel, known for its storied past and spine-tingling ghost tales. As the clock strikes 8:00 pm, an exclusive group of 60 intrepid explorers will gather outside the historic building for the Lockdown Paranormal Experience, ready to step into an unforgettable journey that promises mystery, fear, and the allure of the unknown.
The Crescent Hotel, perched high above the town with its 19th-century charm, has long been the subject of ghost stories. With its dimly lit halls, Gothic architecture, and unsettling quiet, the hotel feels like it’s been pulled straight from a haunted storybook. On this January night, with snow faintly covering the grounds, it serves as the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to probing the supernatural. Only the bravest stay until dawn, embracing the Crescent’s haunted reputation.
The Crescent Hotel wasn’t always the eerie landmark it is today. When it opened in 1886, it was a luxurious resort, drawing visitors from across the country to enjoy its lavish amenities and spa services. However, its allure didn’t last, and by the 1930s, the hotel had fallen into disrepair—until a man named Norman Baker entered the picture. Claiming to have a miracle cure for cancer, Baker transformed the Crescent into a hospital, a chapter that only added to its haunted legacy.
The hotel’s troubled past has spawned an array of ghost stories. From Michael, the Irish stonemason who fell to his death during the hotel’s construction, to the spirits of Baker’s former “patients” who roam the halls, the Crescent’s reputation is deeply rooted in its history. Some say that these spirits, unable to find peace, continue to linger in the hotel’s rooms, corridors, and basement morgue. This rich past—and the hotel’s many eerie legends—has made it one of the most popular haunted destinations in the United States.
The evening begins at 8:00 pm with check-in, where participants gather their courage and prepare for the night ahead. After a welcome orientation and a captivating history session led by experienced guides, the group divides into smaller teams. The schedule promises an eventful night, with two rounds of investigations taking place in the hotel’s most haunted locations. From 9:15 pm until the early hours of the morning, these investigators will immerse themselves in a quest for paranormal activity, stopping only at midnight for a brief snack and a sharing session.
Part one of the investigation focuses on the hotel’s public areas and rooms with reported paranormal activity, giving participants a taste of what’s to come. Part two delves deeper into the most infamous areas, including the basement morgue. The night wraps up around 3:00 am with a final sharing session, where guests recount their experiences, compare notes, and marvel at any captured evidence.
For newcomers, ghost hunting can be intimidating, but the Crescent’s seasoned guides walk participants through the basics, providing an overview of the tools at their disposal. EMF detectors, which measure electromagnetic fields, can indicate the presence of spirit energy, while digital voice recorders allow investigators to capture electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), those eerie, disembodied voices that sometimes speak through the static. Infrared thermometers and thermal imaging cameras help detect sudden changes in temperature, a common indicator of ghostly activity.
Many guests bring their own tools, hoping to capture something inexplicable. Others rely on the hotel’s equipment, lending a professional touch to the experience. As the investigation unfolds, participants eagerly study the devices, noting every flicker, whisper, and fluctuation in temperature. For those unfamiliar with ghost hunting, it’s an immersive crash course, leaving them hooked on the thrill of the paranormal.
One attendee recounts her experience in Room 218, where she saw shadows moving without any obvious source and heard footsteps trailing behind her in an empty hallway. Another shares the story of an EVP recording where a faint, unmistakable voice whispered, “Get out,” while he was exploring the morgue.
Many participants describe a sense of camaraderie that grows throughout the night. As they investigate together, they share in the anticipation, the fear, and the moments of wonder. Whether they come as skeptics or believers, each person leaves with an unforgettable story and a deeper connection to the hotel’s haunted history.
After a long night of ghost hunting, investigators retire to the nearby Basin Park Hotel, a historic site with its own legends. The Basin Park is known for its Victorian charm and comfortable rooms, but some say it, too, is haunted. Guests often report mysterious occurrences in their rooms—unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and even shadowy figures appearing by their bedsides. It’s a fitting place for a night of paranormal encounters, providing a restful (yet thrilling) end to a supernatural evening.
The Basin Park Hotel offers a cozy retreat, and with room rates starting at $129, it’s a convenient and affordable option for Lockdown participants. The eerie ambiance, paired with the hotel’s history, makes it the perfect complement to a night spent at the Crescent.
The Lockdown experience brings together people from all walks of life, with varying levels of belief in the paranormal. Some guests arrive with cameras, voice recorders, and a passionate belief in spirits, eager to capture undeniable evidence. Others attend out of curiosity, unsure of what to expect but open to being convinced. The event fosters a lively exchange between skeptics and believers, each bringing their own perspective to the investigation.
As the night progresses, even the skeptics find themselves questioning what they thought they knew. The camaraderie that develops among participants adds a unique dimension to the experience, creating a sense of unity. Regardless of their beliefs, they all share in the mystery, suspense, and wonder of the unknown.
As the clock nears 3:00 am, the night draws to a close. Participants gather in a quiet corner of the hotel, sharing their experiences and reflecting on the events of the evening. Some have stories of unexplained sounds, strange sensations, and flickering shadows. Others may have recorded EVPs or observed sudden drops in temperature. For many, this is the most profound part of the night — a final opportunity to connect, compare notes, and try to make sense of the mysteries they encountered.
To reserve your spot, contact the reservations team at 855-725-5720 and mention the promo code: Lockdown.
Lockdown Schedule:
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Check-in
8:40 pm - 9:15 pm: Welcome and Crescent History
9:15 pm - Midnight: Investigation, Part 1
Midnight - 12:30 am: Snacks and Share Findings
12:30 am - 2:45 am: Investigation, Part 2
2:45 am - 3:00 am: Final Share of Findings
3:00 am: Farewell
As guests leave the Crescent Hotel and return to the Basin Park Hotel, the night’s encounters stay with them. The experience of exploring a haunted hotel under lockdown is one they won’t soon forget. For some, it may spark a lifelong interest in the paranormal; for others, it serves as a reminder of the mysteries that lurk in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.❤️
留言