Hidden beneath the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, lies a shadowy maze of underground passageways that few have ever seen—until now. This Halloween season, the inn’s mysterious catacombs are open to the public for exclusive guided tours, inviting brave visitors to uncover the eerie legends, ghostly encounters, and century-old secrets that linger beneath its grand Spanish Revival halls. From dimly lit tunnels to whispered tales of spirits that never checked out, The Mission Inn’s catacomb tours promise a spine-tingling journey into the darker side of California history.
Spooky History
After being sealed off for decades, The Mission Inn’s catacombs finally reopened to the public in October 2024, giving visitors a rare glimpse into one of Riverside’s most mysterious landmarks. Originally built in the early 1900s, not as a burial site, but as part of an elaborate network of underground tunnels, the catacombs were designed by inn founder, Frank Miller, to showcase his extensive art collection gathered from travels around the world. Some of these original pieces remain today, including a beautifully preserved Christmas nativity scene and even a hidden dining room tucked away beneath the hotel.
Of course, no haunted tour would be complete without ghost stories – locals whisper of eerie noises, flickering lights, and even the sound of women screaming deep within the tunnels. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the tour offers a fascinating mix of history and mystery! About 20 minutes are spent exploring the tunnels themselves, with the rest dedicated to The Mission Inn’s grand and storied halls.
Ticket Information
Tours operate from Thursday to Sunday. General admission tickets cost $55 per person, and the tours are at 6pm and 8pm. VIP tickets cost $65 per person, and the tour is at 10pm.
📆 When: Sept. 4 – Nov. 2, 2025
📍 Location: The Mission Inn (3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501)