Carson Mansion - Quintessential Haunted House

Eureka, California

William Carson came to California in the 1849-50 Gold Rush, failed to hit the lode jackpot, and instead became a successful lumberman and businessman. He built Eureka's most ostentatious home, the Carson Mansion, in 1884-1885 near his lumber mill.

The adjacent Pink Lady house.

The 18-room, three-story mansion includes a tower with a commanding view of Arcata Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The second floor features rounded Moorish arches. Lavish redwood carvings and ornamentation line the hallways and balconies.

The ornate structure is a combination of many Victorian styles, and is said to be the inspiration for Disney's Haunted Mansion and countless gothic haunted house movies.

It's easy to find a few blocks off of US 101, but your appreciation is kept at arm's length. There are no regular tours, and it does not seasonally transform into a Halloween haunted house. The Carson Mansion is now the Ingomar Club ("Humboldt County's Premier Private Club"). Trespassers are understandably discouraged. The Club is pleased to share photos of the interior on its website.

However, you can stand on the sidewalk at any time, snap pics, and leave. Bonus: turn around, and gaze at The Pink Lady, an 1899 Queen Anne style house built as a big pink and white wedding present.