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Idaho's Real-Life Ghost Busters?

  • idavibe
  • Dec 8, 2025
  • 3 min read

Four people smiling at a table with cameras and equipment. They're in front of a "Big River Paranormal" banner in an indoor setting.
Big River Paranormal, TAPS Family Official Member

When the sun sets over the Treasure Valley and the shadows lengthen across the sandstone walls of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, most people are heading home. But for the team at Big River Paranormal (BRP), the work is just beginning.


If you’ve ever wondered who you’re gonna call when things go bump in the night in the Pacific Northwest, look no further. Based in Boise, Big River Paranormal isn't a group of thrill-seeking amateurs; they are a dedicated team of investigators who have spent over two decades exploring the unexplained in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.


The Philosophy: Skepticism First

Led by Executive Director Marie Cuff, Big River Paranormal operates with a philosophy that sets them apart from the TV dramas: Science before spookiness.


BRP approaches every case with a critical mindset. Their mission is primarily to help people who are experiencing fear or confusion in their own homes. They offer their services free of charge, investigating private residences to either debunk activity or validate what the owners are experiencing.


According to the team, about 95% of the cases they investigate have logical, non-paranormal explanations—creaky pipes, high electromagnetic fields from bad wiring, or simply the settling of a house. But it’s that unexplained 5% that keeps them coming back.


Case File #1: The Old Idaho Penitentiary (The Old Pen)

Stone guard tower with a conical roof on an old prison wall under a dramatic cloudy sky. Dirt road and trees visible in the background.
Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise Idaho

Location: Boise, Idaho Status: Active / Recurring Investigation

The Old Pen is the team's most famous "office." Over its 101 years of operation, this prison saw 129 deaths, including 10 executions. It is here that BRP has captured some of their most compelling evidence during their long-standing partnership with the Idaho State Historical Society.


  • The Riot Cell: Team members have reported physical encounters in the building burned during the 1973 riot. Investigators have recounted feeling distinct, physical touches—like a "pat"—when no living person was nearby.


  • The Slamming Gate: On one investigation, the team ascended to the top floor of a cell block, securing a heavy metal gate in the open position behind them. When they returned to descend, the heavy gate had been firmly closed and latched by unseen hands.

  • Audio Evidence: The stone walls are a magnet for EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). The team frequently captures disembodied whispers, groans, and intelligent responses to questions that were not heard by human ears at the time of recording.


Case File #2: The Geiser Grand Hotel

Ornate, white building with a clock tower at sunset, labeled "Geiser Grand." Street view includes cars and lit storefronts beneath a colorful sky.
The Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City Oregon

Location: Baker City, Oregon Status: Active / Public Event Venue


Crossing state lines, Big River Paranormal has a second home at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel. Known as the "Queen of the Mines," this 1889 hotel is lavish, beautiful, and rumored to be incredibly haunted.


  • The Lady in Blue: The team frequently investigates the legend of the "Lady in Blue," a matriarch of the hotel often seen floating up the grand staircase or leaning over the balcony railing.

  • The playful spirits: Unlike the heavy, oppressive atmosphere of the prison, the activity here is often described as mischievous. Guests and investigators alike have reported drinks being moved, phantom laughter in the dining hall, and equipment batteries draining inexplicably fast in specific rooms.


Case File #3: Private Residential Hauntings

Historic wooden buildings in a lush green valley under a blue sky, with a forested hill in the background. Quiet, serene rural setting.
Silver City Idaho, Known Local Ghost Town

Location: Confidential (Various locations across the Treasure Valley) Status: Ongoing

While the public locations get the glory, the heart of BRP’s work lies in private homes. These cases are never publicized to protect the privacy of the clients, but they are often the most intense.

  • The "Fixable" Haunts: In many private cases, the "ghost" turns out to be high EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) leaking from an old fuse box. High EMF can cause paranoia, the feeling of being watched, and even hallucinations. In these cases, BRP doesn't need an exorcist; they recommend an electrician.

  • The 5%: In the rare instances where no logical explanation is found, the team works with the family to help them reclaim their space, providing validation that they aren't "going crazy."


How to Join the Hunt

One of the coolest things about Big River Paranormal is that they let you hold the flashlight. They frequently host ticketed public investigations where you can learn their protocols and use their gear.


Tip: These events sell out incredibly fast, often months in advance. Keep an eye on the Idaho State Historical Society’s calendar if you want a spot!


Connect with Big River Paranormal

If you have a case you need help with, or just want to follow their evidence updates, here is where to find them:


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