Texas is a state steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage that includes stories of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. From historic hotels to abandoned asylums, Texas is home to some of the most haunted places in the United States. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, or just looking for a thrill, then you won’t want to miss out on the haunted places Texas has to offer.

Join us as we explore the top haunted places in Texas, including the Baker Hotel, the Magnolia Hotel, and the Devil’s Backbone Tavern, among others. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these haunted locations are sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Haunted Legends about the Texas Killing Fields

The “Texas Killing Fields” is an area of land located in League City, Texas, near the city of Houston. The area is a stretch of land where several young women have been murdered or disappeared under mysterious circumstances over the past several decades.

The area is known as the “Killing Fields” due to the high number of unsolved murders and disappearances that have occurred there. Some estimates suggest that as many as 30 victims have been linked to the area since the 1970s.

Many of the victims in the Texas Killing Fields were young women, some of whom were involved in prostitution or drug use. Some of the victims were found nude or partially clothed, leading investigators to believe that the killings may be the work of a serial killer or killers.

Despite numerous investigations over the years, the cases remain largely unsolved, with few suspects identified and even fewer convictions. Some have criticized the police response to the murders, suggesting that a lack of resources and attention has contributed to the lack of progress in solving the cases.

In recent years, there have been some developments in the investigations, including the use of DNA evidence and renewed efforts to identify potential suspects. However, as of now, no one has been definitively linked to the murders, and the area remains a haunting reminder of the unsolved crimes that have occurred there. 

If you want to learn more, don’t miss the Netflex docuseries called “Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.”

Jefferson Hotel located in Jefferson, Texas – The most haunted hotel in Texas

Kerr County Courthouse and YO Ranch

There are many ghost stories/legends that mention Kerr County, especially the Kerr County Courthouse. One of the most popular incidents involves what was once the county jail. The third story at the top of the older part of the courthouse was the jail. Employees have said that it was haunted by an inmate who died while in custody. There have been reports of strange noises, like metal banging against the steel bars.

Another haunted place related to Kerr County is the YO Ranch. It was founded in the 1850s and has a long and colorful history, including stories of gunfights, cattle rustling, and Indian raids. Today, the ranch is a popular tourist destination and has been the site of several ghost sightings and paranormal experiences. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling an eerie presence on the property.

Another legend associated with Kerr County is that of the “Lady in White.” According to the story, a young woman was killed in a car accident on a remote stretch of road outside of Kerrville. Her ghost is said to appear to drivers passing through the area, causing them to swerve off the road or lose control of their vehicles.

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the Texas ghost stories!

Haunted Places to Visit in Texas

Presidio La Bahia and The Goliad Massacre – Hauntings in Goliad, Texas

Presidio La Bahia is a historic fort located in Goliad, Texas, which was originally built in 1749 by Spanish colonizers as a means of protecting their territory in the New World. The fort has a long and storied history, and has played a significant role in shaping Texas as we know it today.

In the early 1800s, the fort was seized by Mexican forces and became a symbol of oppression for Texan rebels who sought independence from Mexico. In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, the fort was the site of a brutal massacre in which nearly 350 Texan rebels were killed by Mexican forces, an event that became known as the Goliad Massacre.

The Goliad Massacre was a tragic event that occurred during the Texas Revolution on March 27, 1836, in Goliad, Texas. At the time, Goliad was a small town located near the Gulf of Mexico, and it was home to a Spanish fort called Presidio La Bahia.

After the fall of the Alamo in early March of 1836, a group of approximately 400 Texan soldiers, led by Colonel James Fannin, surrendered to Mexican General Jose Urrea and were taken prisoner. The soldiers were promised humane treatment and exchange for release, but General Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, ordered that they be executed.

On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, the Mexican forces divided the Texan prisoners into three groups and marched them out of the fort. As they walked, the Mexican soldiers suddenly turned on the Texans, and began firing on them with rifles and cannons. The Texans fought back, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. In the end, nearly 350 Texans were killed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre.

The massacre was a turning point in the Texas Revolution and became a rallying cry for the Texan forces. The events at Goliad helped to galvanize support for the cause of Texan independence, and the phrase “Remember Goliad!” became a slogan for the Texas army.

Today, the Goliad Massacre is remembered as a tragic event in Texas history, and the site of the massacre, known as the Fannin Battleground State Historic Site, is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs. The site includes a monument to the fallen Texans and a museum dedicated to the history of the Texas Revolution. Presidio La Bahia is a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to explore its rich history and architecture. The fort has been restored and preserved over the years, with many of its original features and artifacts still intact.

Presidio La Bahia is also said to be haunted, with many visitors and staff members reporting unexplained sightings and paranormal activity. Some have reported hearing strange noises and voices, while others claim to have seen ghostly apparitions walking the fort’s halls and courtyards.

Despite its violent past and haunted reputation, Presidio La Bahia remains an important historical site and a testament to the resilience and bravery of the people who fought for Texas’s independence.

Hauntings at The Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas

The Baker Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1929 in Mineral Wells. The hotel has been closed since 1972, but it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past guests and employees. Visitors and staff members of The Baker Hotel have reported seeing apparitions throughout the building. Some of the most commonly reported apparitions include the ghost of a little girl who is often seen in the hotel’s lobby or on the seventh floor, the ghost of a woman who is said to roam the hallways and ballroom, and the ghost of a man who is seen in the hotel’s basement. 

Some guests have also reported hearing the sound of a piano playing in the ballroom, even when no one is there. Many visitors to The Baker Hotel have reported feeling cold spots throughout the building, even when the temperature is warm. These cold spots are often associated with the presence of spirits or ghosts.

The Baker Hotel has a long and storied history, with many famous guests staying at the hotel over the years. Some people believe that the energy from all of the people who have passed through the hotel over the years has left an imprint on the building, which may contribute to its haunted reputation. Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recordings have been made at The Baker Hotel, capturing strange and unexplained voices that cannot be explained by natural means.

If you’re up to it, go on the Baker Hotel Haunted Ghost Walk.

Hauntings at The Magnolia Hotel in Seguin, Texas

The Magnolia Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1840 in Seguin. The hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past guests and employees, including the ghost of a young girl who died in the hotel. The Magnolia Hotel has a long and violent history, with many tragic events occurring within its walls. The building has been used as a hotel, a brothel, and even a hospital during the Civil War. The hotel has seen numerous deaths, including murders, suicides, and deaths from natural causes, which some people believe have left behind residual energy that contributes to the hauntings.

Visitors and staff members of the Magnolia Hotel have reported seeing apparitions throughout the building, including the ghost of a young girl named Emma who died in the hotel, as well as the ghost of a man in a top hat and a woman in a white dress. Unexplained noises are often heard throughout the hotel, including footsteps, voices, and the sound of objects moving on their own. Guests have reported seeing objects moving on their own, such as doors opening and closing by themselves, or items being moved from one place to another.

You can book a room at the Magnolia or book a ghost walk!

Love spooky stories? You’ll love these Texas Urban Legends

Hauntings at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas

The Driskill Hotel is a luxurious hotel that was built in 1886 in downtown Austin. The Driskill Hotel was built in 1886 and has a long and storied history. The hotel has hosted many famous guests over the years, including presidents, musicians, and actors. Some people believe that the energy from all of the people who have passed through the hotel over the years has left an imprint on the building, which may contribute to its haunted reputation.The hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of several past guests, including a woman who tragically fell to her death on the hotel’s grand staircase.

Visitors and staff members of the Driskill Hotel have reported seeing apparitions throughout the building, including the ghost of Colonel Driskill, the hotel’s founder, who is often seen in the lobby or on the grand staircase. The ghost of a small girl has also been seen in the hotel, as well as the ghost of a woman wearing a blue dress. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly apparition and hearing unexplained noises in the hotel.

The Driskill Hotel is a boutique historic hotel that is still open and thriving. It’s a beautiful hotel and worth a stay – if you’re up to it!

The White Lady of Rio Frio

The White Lady of Rio Frio is well-known to locals and visitors alike. This ghost story actually began as a twisted love story dating back to the 1900s. Maria Juarez was once loved by Gregorio, her sister’s husband. Maria refused to have an affair with Gregorio, and when she finally found a man to marry, Gregorio flew into a rage and shot her in the heart. Maria was killed, and buried in her wedding dress. She now floats above the river, where you’ll notice a mist – and maybe be able to make out a woman in a white dress. Her ghost is said to appear to those who venture too close to the water’s edge, warning them of the danger of the river.

Hauntings at The Haunted Hill House in Mineral Wells, Texas

The Haunted Hill House is a historic home that was built in 1890 in Mineral Wells. The house is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past owners and guests, including the ghost of a woman who tragically died in the home. The Haunted Hill has a tragic history, with reports of several violent events taking place on the land over the years. There are stories of murders, suicides, and other tragedies that have occurred on the hill, which some believe has left behind residual energy that contributes to the hauntings.

Visitors to the Haunted Hill have reported seeing strange apparitions, including ghostly figures and unexplained lights in the sky. Some have even reported seeing UFOs or other unexplained phenomena in the area.There are several Texas urban legends associated with the Haunted Hill, including stories of a ghostly woman who walks the hill at night and a haunted cemetery that is said to be located nearby.

Hauntings at The Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Fischer, Texas

The Devil’s Backbone Tavern is a historic tavern that was built in the late 1800s in Fischer. The Devil’s Backbone Tavern, built on the site of an ancient Indian campground, is widely believed to be haunted. An entire Civil War battle is said to have occurred on the Devil’s Backbone limestone ridge. Visitors to the Devil’s Backbone Tavern have reported seeing strange apparitions, including ghostly figures and unexplained lights. Some have even reported seeing the ghost of a cowboy riding his horse through the property and hauntings of a secret underground tunnel that was used for bootlegging during prohibition.

You can visit this haunted tavern in Texas at 4041 FM 32, Fischer, Texas

Hauntings at The Munzesheimer Manor in La Grange, Texas

The Munzesheimer Manor is a historic home that was built in 1898 in La Grange. The home is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past owners and guests, including the ghost of a woman who tragically died in the home. The most well-known ghost at the Munzesheimer Manor is the Lady in White. She is said to be the spirit of a young woman who died in the hotel under mysterious circumstances. Some say that she was a bride who was abandoned by her fiancé on their wedding day, while others believe that she may have been the victim of foul play. Visitors to the manor have reported seeing her ghostly figure in a white dress, and some have reported feeling her presence or seeing her reflection in mirrors.

There is another ghost at the Munzesheimer Manor who is said to be more mischievous than malevolent. This ghost is said to move objects around and play tricks on guests, such as turning lights on and off or making strange noises.

There is a mirror in one of the guest rooms at the Munzesheimer Manor that is said to be haunted. Some visitors have reported seeing strange apparitions or figures reflected in the mirror, and others have reported feeling an eerie presence when they look into it.

Hauntings at The Ellis Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas

The Ellis Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1914 in Fort Worth. The hotel was originally built in 1924 and has undergone several renovations over the years. Room 818 at the Ellis Hotel is believed to be particularly haunted. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported feeling an eerie presence and hearing strange noises throughout the night. Some have seen the apparition of a woman in a white dress walking down the halls, while others have reported seeing the ghost of a man in a suit.

The Ellis Hotel has a long history, and some believe that tragic events from the past may have left a lingering energy. For example, the hotel was once a hospital and morgue during the Spanish flu epidemic, and it is believed that some of the victims may still be lingering on in the building.

Hauntings at The Yorktown Memorial Hospital in Yorktown, Texas

The Yorktown Memorial Hospital is a historic hospital that was built in 1950 in Yorktown and was a place of healing for many years. However, it was eventually abandoned in the 1980s and fell into disrepair. During its operation, the hospital saw many tragic events, including deaths due to accidents, illness, and suicide.

Visitors to the hospital have reported seeing ghostly apparitions throughout the building, including the ghosts of nurses, doctors, and patients. Some have also reported hearing strange noises, such as moans, screams, and footsteps. There have been reports of poltergeist activity at the hospital, including objects moving on their own and doors opening and closing without explanation.

Yorktown Memorial Hospital is open for scheduled tours. 

The White Sanitarium – Wichita Falls

The White Sanitarium is a historic sanitarium that was built in 1924 in Wichita Falls. The White Sanitarium was in operation from the early 1900s until the 1960s, during which time it saw many tragic events. Patients were often subjected to harsh treatments and inhumane conditions, which may have left a negative energy in the building.

Many people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the building, including the ghosts of patients and staff members. Some have even reported seeing a figure in a nurse’s uniform, who is believed to be the ghost of a nurse who worked at the facility.

Visitors to the building have reported hearing strange noises, such as footsteps, whispers, and screams. Some have also reported hearing the sound of a piano playing, even though there is no piano in the building. There have been reports of cold spots in certain areas of the building, even when the temperature is warm. Some people believe that these cold spots are caused by the presence of a ghost.

This is now a private residence and no tours are available. You are more than welcome to drive by and look but no trespassing.

The Spaghetti Warehouse – Houston

The Spaghetti Warehouse is a popular Italian restaurant that was built in the late 1800s in Houston. 

The building that now houses the Spaghetti Warehouse was once a pharmaceutical warehouse, and it is said that one of the previous owners committed suicide in the building. In addition, the area around the restaurant was once home to a number of saloons and brothels, which may have contributed to the presence of spirits in the building. Many people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the restaurant, including the ghosts of children, a man in a bowler hat, and a woman in white. Some have also reported feeling cold spots and strange sensations while inside the building.

There have been reports of objects moving on their own in the restaurant, such as chairs and silverware. Some people believe that these occurrences are caused by the presence of a mischievous ghost. Unfortunately, this location closed in 2019.

Ready for a staged scarefest? Here are a few fun “haunted houses” in Texas to get your adrenaline pumping. If you want a complete list, don’t miss our list of haunted houses in Dallas. 

Terror Escape – Terror Nigths has this awesome attraction called Terror Escape. You and your friends have been kidnapped by a cannibalistic family. The family has created a “game” in their dead mother’s home, and you have 60 minutes to escape and get out alive!

The 13th Floor – It seems like every city has an attraction named “The 13th Floor”, and with good reason… the legend of the 13th floor is pretty darn scary! Read about the legend before you go.

Thrillvania – Sam Hain’s Trail of Torment, Cassandra’s Labyrinthof Terror, and the World Famous Verdun Manor make up this Thrill Park that covers over 50 acres of land.

Which haunted attraction will you visit first?!