Hummel Park
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Natural landmark · local-legend
The Story
Omaha’s woodland Hummel Park has a celebrated staircase whose steps supposedly change number between the climb up and the walk down.
The Hauntings
The long stone staircase called the Morphing Stairs or Stairway to Hell anchors the park’s urban folklore. Visitors tell of getting a different count in each direction, while other local accounts describe cries, shadowy figures and noises in the trees. The irregular, worn steps provide a more earthly reason that people count differently, but the puzzle has given the park a lasting place in Nebraska ghost-story collections. More lurid legends about groups secretly living in the forest or supposed historical lynchings are not supported, and are unnecessary to understand the attraction.
The History
Hummel Park is a city park developed in the twentieth century, with wooded trails, picnic areas and views toward the Missouri River.
A sense of place.
Visitor Experiences
Have you experienced something here?
This future chapter will bring together stories from the PHASM community. An unexpected encounter, a lingering feeling, or a quiet visit—your experience will be welcome.
Submissions are not open yet.
Sources & further reading.
- North Omaha History: The Reality of Ghosts at Hummel Park (history)
- Oh My Omaha: Urban Legends and Real Haunted Places (history)
- North Omaha History: The Reality of Ghosts at Hummel Park (reports)
- Oh My Omaha: Urban Legends and Real Haunted Places (reports)
- North Omaha History: The Reality of Ghosts at Hummel Park (visiting)
- Oh My Omaha: Urban Legends and Real Haunted Places (visiting)
Plan Your Visit
Visit as a conventional public park during lawful hours. Use maintained paths and public recreational facilities; steps and hillside trails may be uneven. No special paranormal access, after-dark program or permission to enter restricted woodland was verified.