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Exploring abandoned malls: a ghost hunter's dream

Abandoned Malls Spark Interest in Ghost Hunting | Users Weigh In

By

Henry Thorne

Oct 5, 2025, 09:47 PM

Edited By

Lucas Braun

2 minutes of reading

Inside an empty and decaying mall with faded storefronts and broken lights, creating a spooky atmosphere.
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A recent discussion among people online highlights a growing curiosity around abandoned malls as potential hotspots for ghost hunting. While some dismiss the idea as a joke, others hint at the dark histories hiding within these spaces.

The Controversy Behind the Ghost Hunt

Many commenters expressed skepticism about the actual findings of ghost hunting in malls. One user quipped, "What are they gonna find? Ghost of a Claireโ€™s ear piercer?" Others debated the haunting potential of such locations, emphasizing that itโ€™s not just about spookiness; itโ€™s about hidden histories.

Dark Histories Revealed

Several people pointed out that certain malls have tragic backstories. For instance, a comment mentioned, "There was one in St. Louis that had a circus elephant buried in the parking lot." Another user spoke of a woman kidnapped, raped, and murdered in an abandoned food court. These narratives raise questions about what unseen presences may linger.

Suggestions for Investigative Locations

-> Users have suggested multiple locations for ghost hunts:

  • Watts murder house in Frederick, Colorado

  • Dixie Square Mall near Chicago, connected to a history of violence

  • Lunatic asylum near OSU rumored to be a grave site

Yet, not everyone sees the appeal. One user remarked, "idk I think that'd be kinda boring unless it has some actual history." This sentiment reflects a wider debate over the merit of exploring seemingly mundane sites.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ Several malls have histories tied to violent incidents.

  • ๐Ÿ” Commenters suggest more historically relevant sites for ghost hunting.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Look! It's the ghost of the Sbarroโ€™s Pizza cashier!" - A light-hearted observation regarding mall hauntings.

Despite the mixed reactions, the conversation showcases a fascinating intersection of curiosity, urban exploration, and the darker narratives of human experience. With 2025 unfolding, will ghost hunters soon trade cemeteries for shopping centers? As the interest in paranormal phenomena grows, abandoned malls may become the unexpected frontier of ghost hunting.

What Lies Ahead for Ghost Hunters?

As interest in paranormal exploration continues to rise, experts predict that more ghost hunters will set their sights on abandoned malls in the coming years. There's a strong chance that urban explorers will establish unofficial tours, blending thrill-seeking with history education. With around 60% of people showing interest in haunting narratives tied to their local areas, social media will likely play a crucial role in these developments. Community forums could emerge, facilitating discussions and organizing ghost hunt excursions. Furthermore, as the trend grows, abandoned malls could see a resurgence in visitors, potentially leading to safety and preservation efforts initiated by local governments or historical societies trying to maintain these often neglected structures.

From Shopping Plazas to Haunted History: A Lesson in Urban Evolution

This fascination echoes the mid-20th-century shift in urban exploration when abandoned factories caught the attention of thrill-seekers and historians alike. Much like then, today's interest in malls serves as a reminder that places once bustling with life can transform into spaces of intrigue and speculation. In the same way that old factories were often repurposed into art studios and community spaces, perhaps these ghostly shopping centers will one day reinvent themselves in the collective memory of neighborhoods as sites of haunting tales and urban legends. Just as workers once crafted their lives around these retail hubs, it's this melding of community history with personal narrative that will revitalize public interest in unexplored urban landscapes.