Hoosier Myths and Legends

On this “On the Road” episode of Hoosier Myths and Legends, we head to the town of Portlock, Alaska, which was abandoned after terrifying encounters with a mysterious creature known as the Nantiinaq. Was it Bigfoot, something darker, or just the dangers of the Alaskan wilderness?

Built in 1893, the Roads Hotel in Atlanta, Indiana is one of the state’s most haunted locations. Once a bustling railroad stop, the hotel is now known for ghostly sightings, eerie voices, and paranormal encounters. In this episode, we explore its past, haunted legends, and the spirits roaming its halls.

In this bonus episode of Hoosier Myths and Legends, we’re hitting the road to explore haunted spots beyond Indiana—starting with Huntsville, Alabama. The Dead Children’s Playground, next to Maple Hill Cemetery, is said to be haunted by the spirits of children lost to the 1918 Spanish Flu. With reports of laughter, moving swings, and eerie EVPs, is it truly paranormal or just eerie surroundings? Let's dive into the history and hauntings of this infamous site.

The Fowler Theatre in Fowler, Indiana, isn’t just a beautifully restored Art Deco cinema—it’s a hotspot for the paranormal. Visitors and staff have reported shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and eerie cold spots in the auditorium. Some say the ghost of the theater’s original owner is still watching over this beloved building, while others whisper about a former manager who never truly left. Grab your cup of coffee, sit back, and relax as we uncover the eerie past and supernatural secrets of one of Indiana’s most haunted theaters. 

As the new year begins, many celebrate with unique superstitions for good luck and a fresh start. In this episode, we explore New Year’s traditions from around the world — from eating grapes in Spain to the famous kiss at midnight. Join us as we uncover the origins of these quirky rituals and how they shape the start of the year. 

Shadowwood Estate is a large two-and-a-half-story, five-bay Colonial Revival-style brick dwelling built for Colonel Eugene C. Wharf in 1917. This house and its land are known for their Civil War legends and unsettling encounters. The home has long been rumored to be haunted. So sit back, relax, and get comfortable as we unravel Shadowwood’s haunted past and explore its ghostly lore.

In August of 1955, Naomi Johnson, her friend Louise Lample, and Naomi’s three children went to the Ohio River near Evansville, Indiana to go swimming. However, while swimming that day, Naomi had a terrifying experience when she was suddenly grabbed and dragged underwater by a strange creature with a rough, claw-like hand. So turn down the lights and settle in as we bring you a mystery that baffles many to this day…The Green Clawed Beast.  

We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes today—Episode 1.4. This is the legend of Silas Shimmerhorn, a Confederate soldier and one of Morgan's Raiders, who came through Indiana in 1863. After deserting, Shimmerhorn hid out in the woods of Versailles and partnered with a wolf pack for survival, which earned him the nickname, "The Wolfman of Versailles."

Belle Gunness was a notorious Norwegian-American serial killer who buried her many victims on her farm in La Porte, Indiana. The farm has long been rumored to be haunted due to its dark history. So turn the lights down and relax as we bring you the tale of “The La Porte Ghoul.”

"Crybaby Bridge" is a term used to describe several bridges across the United States that are steeped in urban legends and ghost stories, particularly involving the eerie sounds of a baby crying. These stories often feature tragic backstories, such as infanticide, accidents, or other sorrowful events that are said to have taken place at or near the bridges. This phenomenon is not confined to a single location but reflects a type of folklore deeply woven into the cultural fabric of various regions, each adapting the legend to their own local history or landscape.  So turn the lights down, get comfortable, and relax as we bring you several tales of Hoosier crybaby bridges.