Bracken Fern Manor
A historic, mobster-era resort in Lake Arrowhead rumored to be haunted, offering a unique step back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, scenic drive
Bracken Fern Manor
Best Time
Crisp air, scenic drive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, mobster-era resort in Lake Arrowhead rumored to be haunted, offering a unique step back in time.
"It has great potential but is in SERIOUS need of cleaning, maintenance, and repairs."
BYO Cleaning Supplies
Pack dish soap, towels, and cleaning wipes. Reviews mention a need for basic upkeep. :sparkles:
Research the History
Dive into its mobster past and rumored hauntings for a richer experience. :scroll:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
The entire manor
Step back in time in this vintage resort, once frequented by mobsters. A true architectural relic.
Lake Arrowhead Scenery
Surrounding area
Enjoy the scenic mountain air and drive up to this gem nestled in Big Bear's picturesque landscape.
Rumored Paranormal Activity
Various rooms
Experience the spooky side of Bracken Fern Manor, a location featured on Ghost Adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm (and Bring Cleaning Supplies)
A Glimpse into History (and Potential Hauntings)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
BYO Cleaning Supplies
Pack dish soap, towels, and cleaning wipes. Reviews mention a need for basic upkeep. :sparkles:
Research the History
Dive into its mobster past and rumored hauntings for a richer experience. :scroll:
Looking for haunted locations in southern california
Check Shower Functionality
Some showers may be in disrepair. Be prepared for potential issues. :shower:
Hot Water Caution
The water is very hot; exercise caution to avoid scalding. :fire:
Tips
from all over the internet
BYO Cleaning Supplies
Pack dish soap, towels, and cleaning wipes. Reviews mention a need for basic upkeep. :sparkles:
Research the History
Dive into its mobster past and rumored hauntings for a richer experience. :scroll:
Check Shower Functionality
Some showers may be in disrepair. Be prepared for potential issues. :shower:
Hot Water Caution
The water is very hot; exercise caution to avoid scalding. :fire:
Window Screens Needed
Many windows lack screens, leading to flies. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bracken Fern Manor offers a deeply historic, albeit rustic, experience with a reputation for paranormal activity. While some guests appreciate its vintage charm and unique past, many reviews highlight significant issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and outdated facilities, suggesting a need for substantial repairs and upkeep.
"Not worth your money! My friend had a wedding at the Tudor House and paid extra for some of us to stay here at the Manner. Missing lightbulbs, piles of trash in the back, no soap to wash the dishes and I had baby bottles, no mirrors to get ready except for brides room, bride had a broken shower, it’s just very old and not kept up. But no wonder because the staff haven’t been paid in a month I was told by another staff member. They also didn’t bother to tell us how to turn the stove on so we thought it was broken."
Erin Mosey
"Overall... it has great potential but is in SERIOUS need of cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. We spent much of the first afternoon there cleaning: cleaning the vacuum so we could vacuum, washing everything in the kitchen (including greasy dishes and pots/pans), and creating a list of things we needed to purchase (dish rags, dish towels, wash cloths...). The beds appeared to be clean (staticky sheets) which was a relief, but many of us had what appeared to be used towels in our bathrooms.
There's no AC which is fine, but many of the windows didn't have screens so we had quite a few flies and crane flies. Thankfully not many other bugs. The windowsills were full of spiderwebs and dead flies and dust.
The kitchen had plenty of plates/silverware/mugs, but only two pots.
Each room had a bathroom (other than one jack-and-jill room which worked great for us and our six-year-old). Only some of the showers were clean enough to be comfortable using them.
The advertised "wine cellar" was cool temperature-wise and had potential, but was filthy and unusable.
The water was HOT, so you have to be careful to not scald yourself.
No one ended up using the sauna because the kitchen put off so much heat due to constantly exposed pilot lights."
Emily Blain
"Stayed here back in the fall of 2008 when I was still in college. We picked it because it was the cheapest accommodation that was available last minute. We stayed one night. Spooky feeling but homey. The lady (think her name was Cheryl) who was our host was extremely kind, and there’s nothing to complain about.
I must say though on the morning we left, I witnessed some weird stuff that I still can’t explain.
I don’t think it’s malicious spirits or anything and I never felt frightened staying there, but the establishment is definitely haunted or at least it was back in 2008."
Yuki Dunn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While specific directions from San Diego aren't detailed, Bracken Fern Manor is located in the Lake Arrowhead area of Southern California. The drive is described as scenic, especially in the fall. Consider using GPS for the most direct route to the mountain region.
Yes, it's accessible by car, with a scenic drive up into the mountains. Parking availability might vary, especially during peak times.
Driving is the most common and recommended method for reaching Lake Arrowhead and Bracken Fern Manor, allowing you to enjoy the scenic mountain roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While it's a historic site, it's primarily known as accommodation. If you're not staying, visiting might be limited to specific events or tours, if available. It's best to check for any organized tours or event schedules.
As a former B&B and event venue, specific public operating hours are not clearly defined. If you plan to visit, it's advisable to contact them directly or check for any scheduled events.
Ghost Adventures has filmed here, suggesting a history that could lend itself to tours. However, official tour information is scarce. Inquire directly about any historical or paranormal tours. +1
Reviews indicate a decline in its condition, with one mentioning it closed as a five-star B&B in 2010 and a different entity reopened in 2015. It seems to operate, but with mixed reviews on its current state.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Reviews suggest the manor is in serious need of cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. While it has historic charm, expect dated facilities and potential upkeep issues.
Yes, it's rumored to be haunted and was investigated by Ghost Adventures. Guests have reported spooky feelings and unexplainable occurrences. +1
Amenities are inconsistent. While some rooms have bathrooms, others share. Kitchens have basic plates and silverware but limited pots. AC is not available, and some windows lack screens.
Pet policies are not explicitly stated. It's recommended to contact the manor directly to inquire about their pet-friendliness before your visit.
The advertised wine cellar is noted as being cool but filthy and unusable in recent reviews, indicating it's not a maintained feature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The manor itself may not offer extensive dining. Guests have reported needing to purchase their own dish soap and towels, suggesting self-catering is common. Nearby Lake Arrowhead likely has restaurants.
Kitchens are equipped with plates, silverware, and mugs, but typically only have two pots. You may need to bring additional cooking supplies.
Based on reviews, there isn't a prominent on-site restaurant. Guests often prepare their own meals, highlighting the need for basic kitchen supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture and the scenic mountain surroundings offer great photo opportunities. Capture the vintage charm of the manor itself.
If you are staying at the manor or attending an event, you should be able to take photos. For general visits, it's best to confirm if photography is permitted.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of other guests and the property. If you're concerned, ask staff upon arrival.
Given its history and paranormal rumors, many visitors are interested in capturing the manor's atmospheric and potentially spooky elements. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you choose to stay, consider packing extra cleaning supplies and entertainment for kids, as modern amenities are limited. The manor's history and rumored hauntings could be a fascinating, albeit slightly spooky, educational element for older children interested in history or the paranormal.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Do your research on its history and reported hauntings before you go. While the manor's physical condition might be a concern for some, for paranormal investigators, it's the atmosphere and potential for encounters that truly matter. Be prepared for a rustic experience that might just come with some spectral company.
💍 Wedding Guests
It's advisable to bring personal toiletries and cleaning supplies to ensure a more pleasant stay. While the manor offers a historic backdrop, manage expectations regarding modern hotel standards.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dark History of Bracken Fern Manor
This dark history is a key draw for visitors, with shows like Ghost Adventures featuring the location. The manor's past as a resort adds layers to its narrative, blending tales of illicit activities with the allure of the supernatural. Understanding this background enhances the experience for those who visit, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of California's underbelly.
While the historical significance is undeniable, recent reviews suggest that the manor's current state doesn't always live up to its storied past. The focus for many visitors is the blend of history, potential hauntings, and the unique atmosphere it offers, making it a destination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Navigating the Manor's Condition and Amenities
Despite these challenges, the manor retains a certain rustic charm and historic appeal. Guests who are prepared for its condition and bring their own essentials often find the stay to be a unique step back in time. The mountain setting and the manor's vintage character are highlighted as positives, provided visitors manage their expectations regarding modern comforts and upkeep.
Key amenities to be aware of include the absence of air conditioning, with some windows lacking screens, which can lead to insects. The water is noted as being very hot, requiring caution. While kitchens are equipped with basic dinnerware, the number of pots is limited. The advertised 'wine cellar' is described as unusable due to its condition.
Paranormal Encounters and Ghost Adventures
Guests have reported experiencing 'spooky feelings' and witnessing 'weird stuff' that they couldn't explain, even in the past. While not all experiences are described as malicious, the presence of unexplained phenomena is a recurring theme in visitor accounts. This allure of the paranormal is a significant draw for many who choose to stay or visit the manor.
For those interested in the supernatural, researching the manor's history and its reported hauntings beforehand can enhance the experience. The combination of its mobster past and alleged spectral activity makes it a compelling destination for ghost hunters and fans of paranormal investigations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit