October 2005 -- Spooky stories fill these B&Bs, places the two of you can book a stay for an unforgettable Halloween. Recently BedandBreakfast.com released their annual list of haunted accommodations; check out this list of Midwest and Great Lakes States B&Bs with ghostly pasts:

The Blue Belle Inn, Saint Ansgar, IA: The original floor plans to the house were mistakenly taken to the dump, only to reappear later in the attic. A room was mysteriously locked – but no one was inside to have locked it. Every possible key was tried to no avail; finally, in desperation, the innkeeper called out: “Will whoever is in there please open the door,” whereupon the door immediately popped open. Info: 641-713-3113.

Old Bridge Inn, Jeffersonville, IN: Recently, a candleholder lost four years earlier reappeared in the middle of a guest room. Guests have reported seeing floating objects, canes being picked up and twirled around, tea cups floating across the room and several candles being raised up then down on their own. Two women reported seeing a welcoming bearded gentleman in the dining room. From photos, they determined that he was not the property’s long-time owner, Dr. Hancock, but perhaps one of his four sons. A small dog named Buttons has also been seen. Info: 866-284-3580.

Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso, IN: Featured in the book Haunted Hoosier Trails, guests report seeing a little girl ghost, often observed late at night on the master staircase. She has been noted to “mess with the guests’ stuff” or turn on the fireplace in their rooms. The Indiana Ghost Trackers investigated the inn and reported that Sarah Ritter, an original inhabitant, and her two children died in the home. The Ghost Trackers detected the presence of a young girl and a male with high EMF (electromagnetic field) meter readings and positive EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings. A door repeatedly opened behind them when the girl’s presence was felt during the Ghost Trackers’ stay. Info: 219-465-3753.

Hannibal Garden House B&B, Hannibal, MO: Hannibal, the boyhood home of Mark Twain and his fictitious characters Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, is also home to playful spirits. One resides at the Garden House, where a male presence is most commonly felt in the stone basement playing music, talking, and sawing wood. Recently one “ghostbusting” guest who returns often in search of sightings, saw an apparition cross in front of the TV, and disappear into the closet. This Halloween, take the "Haunted Historic Hannibal Trolley Tour;" stops include the cemetery where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn played and the Old Jail Museum, home to many spirits of its own. Info: 573-221-7800.

Rivercene Mansion B&B, Boonville, MO: This 1869 mansion was the home of riverboat captain Joseph Kinney, and was owned by the Kinney family until the 1990s. Captain Kinney’s son Noble met an untimely death at the age of 26, when he fell down the grand staircase. The heirs, along with guests, have reported very strange encounters with Noble. Not quite ready to leave, Noble is still hanging around playing pranks on guests and innkeepers. Info: 800-531-0862.

Colonel Taylor Inn B&B, Cambridge, OH: Named for the former Civil War soldier and four-term U.S. Congressman, the Colonel still roams the household, the smoke from his pipe lingering in this nonsmoking inn. His entire family still inhabits the inn, from the mischievous little boy to both wives of the Colonel, plus assorted adult children. Footsteps are often heard at night, images of former servants falling down the stairs are seen, and even the tabby cat has been spotted. Beds rock without reason, toys turn on and off on their own, but the innkeepers are confident that the spirits are friendly folk, glad that the house is being restored to its original Victorian opulence. Info: 740-432-7802.

C.M. Spitzer House Bed & Breakfast, Medina, OH: A story is told about a nosy female apparition who appeared with limited facial features except a heavy jaw. She was a short, stout woman, in her twenties, wearing what the Edwardians called a "wrapper" or housedress. She fired questions, asking about the family and well being of her surprised witness, then disappeared as quickly as she came. Info: 888-777-1379.

The Toal House B&B, Hot Springs, SD: Built in 1891 as a men's gaming club, wealthy men came here to gamble and be entertained by the "ladies." Stories of past spirits are included in "Haunted America" by Michael Norman and Beth Scott. The current spirits delight guests with the scent of a flowery Victorian perfume or the aroma of vintage cigar smoke, but the encounter doesn't come to all visitors, only the lucky ones. Info: 605-745-4633.

For more Halloween packages and events:

• visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on Advanced Search. Choose Special Packages, then Halloween Happenings from the drop down box.

Related Pages:

• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the West and Southwest
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the South
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in the Mid-Atlantic States
• Where to Sleep with a Ghost in New England