The Lady of Stow Lake
The Lady of Stow Lake: San Francisco’s Most Haunted Urban Legend
If you've ever wandered through Golden Gate Park after dark, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the Lady of Stow Lake. Locals say she still walks the edge of the water, searching for something—or someone—she lost long ago. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just in it for the ghost stories, this century-old tale remains one of San Francisco’s most chilling legends.
Who Is the Lady of Stow Lake?
The story begins sometime in the early 1900s. A woman was taking a stroll around Stow Lake, pushing her baby in a carriage. Tired, she sat down on a bench to rest. When she looked up, the stroller—and her child—had vanished.
In a panic, she searched the area, calling out for help. Some say she dove into the lake, convinced her child had rolled into the water. Neither was ever seen again. At least, not in the way you'd expect.
Since then, the woman has been seen—a pale figure in white, wandering the lake at night. She asks passersby a single question: "Have you seen my baby?"
Stow Lake Ghost Sightings
Over the years, dozens of locals and tourists have reported eerie encounters at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. Witnesses speak of a woman in an old-fashioned white dress drifting silently along the water’s edge, of sudden cold spots and flickering lights on the nearby paths, and of cars that stubbornly refuse to start when parked by the lake at night. Some claim to have heard a chilling voice asking, “Where is my baby?” and others swear they’ve seen a pale face staring up from just beneath the surface of the water. According to legend, if you stand by the lake and repeat the phrase, “White Lady, White Lady, I have your baby,” three times, she might appear. If you’re fortunate, she vanishes just as quickly—but if you’re not, no one can say what might happen next.
Is It Just a Legend?
Plenty of people write off the story as an urban myth, fueled by fog, moonlight, and imagination. But here’s the thing: the Lady of Stow Lake isn’t just a ghost story. It’s a piece of San Francisco folklore, passed down for generations.
There’s no official police record of a missing child at the lake during that time, but early newspapers often under reported tragedies involving women and children—especially immigrants or the poor. The story might not be in the history books, but it’s carved into local memory.
The Meaning Behind the Myth
Ghost stories like this one tend to stick around because they touch something deeper. The Lady of Stow Lake represents loss, grief, and unresolved tragedy. Whether or not she’s real, she reflects a truth that’s haunted mothers—and cities—for centuries.
Her tale is often compared to the Mexican legend of La Llorona, another woman doomed to wander in search of her drowned children. Both stories remind us that some pain refuses to rest.
Visiting Stow Lake: Should You Go?
During the day, Stow Lake (now known as Blue Heron Lake) is peaceful and beautiful—a great spot for paddle boats, picnics, and nature walks. But if you're planning a nighttime visit, bring a friend. The winding paths and foggy air take on a different energy after sunset.
Many ghost tours in San Francisco include a stop at the lake, and paranormal enthusiasts swear it’s one of the most active haunted sites in the city.
Final Thoughts
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Lady of Stow Lake is a permanent fixture in San Francisco lore. Her story continues to be told around campfires, in local history tours, and on countless ghost-hunting forums.
So the next time you’re in Golden Gate Park after dark, take a moment to look around. If you hear footsteps behind you or a soft voice asking about a missing baby—you might want to walk a little faster.