*Image courtesy of boydhouse217.com

Located in the southwest of Minnesota is a small town called Boyd. Despite its population of just under 200 people, Boyd hosts activities and attractions, like breweries, museums, and antique shops. But in the middle of town stands a three-story house, built in 1901, that has garnered a reputation for being one of the more haunted sites in the North Star State. 

The town of Boyd was established in 1884 when the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad laid down its tracks. In its early days, Boyd became a bustling town with various businesses including general stores, restaurants, and other businesses. But as time went on, the town’s growth slowed and that bustle once experienced quieted down. The town still has that small-town charm while keeping alive its history.

*Image courtesy of boydhouse217.com

It’s true that the Victorian-style home has had its fair share of occupants over the years, but the main family and the focal point of its haunted history is the Eckhardt family. The Eckhardt’s settled into the house in 1912. The patriarch, Fred, was a businessman and respected member in town. He, along with his wife, Minnie, raised their family in the home. But tragedy struck when two of their children died in the house. Fred and Minnie also died in the home, Minnie in 1955 and Fred in 1958. Minnie’s funeral was held in the living room.

People claim the Eckhardt family never left the home.

Is the Boyd House Haunted?

*Image courtesy of boydhouse217.com

Paranormal investigator, Jill Shelley, is now the owner of the home. A number of paranormal investigations have taken place inside the Boyd House, and while no scientific proof has ever uncovered paranormal activity, eyewitness accounts have fueled speculation and media coverage has provided paranormal fame.

Shelley actually rents the house out to other investigators seeking the supernatural and to the general public who seek their own experiences with the paranormal of the Boyd House.

“We’ve heard footsteps. We’ve audibly heard voices. I’ve heard kids’ voices, adult voices. So we do have a lot of people get touched, or the mattresses move. Some people have seen shadows, apparitions,” Shelley told Fox 9.

These voices, laughter, temperature changes, and physical manifestations aren’t the normal creaks and moans of an old house. If we believe Shelley and the others brave enough to enter, it would seem like Eckhardt’s never left.

“I believe they are still here. We’ve just gotten some different voices that said, ‘I’m Fred’ or we’ll hear things that said ‘Fred’s coming,’” Shelley said. “So we feel that that family is here.”

If you’re interested in spending the night at Boyd House and experiencing the potential paranormal activity, click here to learn more.