Forepaugh's Restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota

The Legend of Molly and Joseph

Joseph Forepaugh, born in 1837 in Pennsylvania, built his fortune in dry goods, wholesale boots and shoes, and later in real estate.

According to local legend, Joseph Forepaugh began an affair with Molly, a young Irish maid working in the mansion. When his wife Mary discovered the romance, Molly was dismissed from her position. Heartbroken and allegedly pregnant, Molly ended her life by hanging herself from a third-floor chandelier before falling from a window.

Whether or not the affair was real, Joseph was plagued by financial worries and, in early July 1892, he shot himself in a nearby woods after leaving the city by streetcar, a disappearance first pieced together from his young granddaughter’s recollection. Though the feared crash of 1893 never cost his family their wealth, Joseph’s untimely death left a mark on St. Paul’s history

The house changed hands many times before eventually being transformed into a restaurant in 1976. Despite renovations and changes in ownership, stories of Molly and Joseph’s lingering spirits have persisted for over a century.

Ghostly Encounters at Forepaugh’s

Over the decades, employees, diners, and paranormal investigators have reported chilling experiences inside the mansion:

• Molly’s Presence: Lights mysteriously turn back on after being switched off, glasses shake or shatter, and cold spots linger on the third floor. Some guests report the faint scent of lavender perfume, believed to be Molly’s. Her apparition is most often seen near wedding parties, as if longing for the future she never had.
• Joseph’s Spirit: Joseph’s ghost is occasionally spotted in period attire, often descending toward the basement or wandering the dining rooms. Witnesses describe flickering lights and the sound of footsteps accompanying his appearances.
• The Ghost Bride Photo: During a wedding reception in the 1990s, a photograph captured what appeared to be a disembodied arm on the mansion’s staircase, a sight unexplained by anyone present at the time.
• Unexplained Phenomena: From trembling water glasses to shadowy figures, countless unexplained events have occurred inside Forepaugh’s, making it a staple for ghost tours in St. Paul.
  

Local Testimonies and News Coverage

In a 2015 CBS Minnesota feature, former general manager Mimi Doran shared chilling details about the paranormal activity staff experienced on a regular basis. "We feel or see or hear things every single day here at Forepaugh's," Doran said. She recalled how lights on the third floor would mysteriously turn back on after closing, often leaving only one light shining late into the night. "Just one light on the third floor, and that's Molly's light," she explained. Doran also recounted a moment when a guest joked about the hauntings during a tour, causing glasses at the nearby waiter’s station to rattle violently without explanation. John Ramsey, the restaurant’s maître d', added that he too had his own ghostly encounter, suggesting that the spirits of Molly and Joseph are never far from the dining room.

A Million-Dollar Renovation and a New Chapter

In October 2024, WCCO reported on the much-anticipated reopening of Forepaugh’s after a million-dollar renovation that breathed new life into the 1870 mansion while preserving its historic charm. One of the owners explained, "True to the home. That was the whole mission. Stay true to the home. Don't do major changes." The redesign aimed to make the dining rooms bright, clean, and current while maintaining beloved features like the original chandeliers and wall paneling that have charmed diners for decades.



The renovated space includes a new patio offering sweeping views of the storied neighborhood, including the governor’s mansion across the street. Longtime residents recalled celebrating family milestones here, while staff acknowledged that ghost stories remain a major draw. The third floor, home to Molly’s table, continues to be the most requested spot for reservations. Paranormal investigators claim to have identified multiple spirits throughout the house, including a playful child named Michael in the lower level. Despite the facelift, the mansion retains its layered history of intrigue, hauntings, and community memories, making it one of St. Paul’s most iconic dining destinations.

Visit One of Minnesota’s Most Haunted Restaurants

Forepaugh’s Restaurant is located at 276 Exchange Street South, right in the heart of the Irvine Park Historic District in St. Paul, Minnesota. The charming Victorian home sits just a few minutes from the Mississippi River and within walking distance of Irvine Park’s picturesque gazebo and fountain. Its proximity to Summit Avenue and downtown St. Paul makes it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors exploring the city’s history and haunted landmarks.



The restaurant is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, offering lunch, dinner, and a popular happy hour. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for those hoping to dine on the third floor at the legendary Molly’s table, which is often booked far in advance during the Halloween season. Whether you’re stopping in for fine dining, cocktails on the patio, or a glimpse into St. Paul’s haunted past, Forepaugh’s is a must-visit year-round.

See Forepaugh's Restaurant In Person

Does Molly really haunt the site of her Join the Spirits of Summit Avenue Ghost Walk, a chilling journey through one of St. Paul’s most historic and haunted neighborhoods. This guided walking tour takes you past opulent Victorian mansions and storied landmarks, including the famously haunted Forepaugh’s Restaurant. Along the way, you’ll hear spine-tingling tales of tragic love, restless spirits, and eerie encounters that have left locals and visitors alike wondering what lingers in the shadows of this grand avenue. Perfect for ghost enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers, the Spirits of Summit Avenue Ghost Walk lets you experience the darker side of St. Paul’s past beneath the glow of the city’s historic gas lamps.