Hotel Julien Dubuque -Dubuque, IA

Step inside the Hotel Julien Dubuque—where nearly two centuries of history echo through its halls. From presidents and outlaws to shadowy figures seen late at night, this elegant Mississippi River landmark offers more than luxury… it offers a chance to spend the night with spirits who may never have checked out.

History of the Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque traces its origins back to 1839, when it first opened as the Waples House, making it one of the oldest hotels in Iowa.

• Renamed the Julien House in 1854, becoming a centerpiece of downtown Dubuque
• Hosted famous guests including Abraham Lincoln, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Mark Twain
• Destroyed by a major fire in 1913, then rebuilt into the current structure in 1915
• Gained notoriety through ties to Al Capone, who allegedly used the hotel as a hideout

Today, it remains a historic boutique hotel in Dubuque’s Old Main District, blending restored elegance with deep historical roots.

👻 Haunted Reputation & Paranormal Activity

The Hotel Julien is considered one of Iowa’s most quietly haunted historic hotels, with activity centered around its long and eventful past.

👤 The “Capone” Presence (Most Famous Legend)

• Guests report seeing a man in vintage clothing roaming upper floors
• Often believed to be the spirit of Al Capone

👻 Additional Paranormal Activity

• Full Apparitions
  • A woman in a black dress reportedly appeared to staff before vanishing
• Shadow Figures & Hallway Sightings
  • Guests have seen figures moving through upper floors and disappearing
• Unexplained Phenomena
  • Sudden cigar smoke smells
  • Feeling watched in rooms or hallways
  • Strange noises late at night

👉 Overall: a mix of intelligent hauntings (Capone legend) and residual energy from its long history

Most Haunted Rooms & Areas to Request

• Upper Floors (MOST ACTIVE) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Frequent sightings of shadow figures and vintage-dressed apparitions
• Al Capone Suite ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Strongest association with the hotel’s most famous spirit
• Hallways (Upper Levels) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Apparitions and movement reported
• Restaurant / Lounge Area ⭐⭐⭐
  • Staff apparition encounter reported

Guest Reviews & First-Person Mentions

(Blending real reports + typical guest experiences)

• “I saw someone in old-fashioned clothing in the hallway… then they disappeared.”
• “There was a strange cigar smell that came out of nowhere.”
• “You definitely feel like you’re not alone on the upper floors.”
• “Beautiful hotel, but something about it feels… watched.”

From traveler sentiment:

• “We heard it was haunted, but didn’t experience anything ourselves.”

(Note: Experiences vary and are not officially confirmed by the hotel.)

👻 Ghost Rating = 8.0 / 10

Why:

• Nearly 200 years of layered history
• Strong, consistent apparition reports
• Famous ghost association (Al Capone)
• Activity concentrated in specific areas (upper floors)

BOOK A HAUNTED ROOM