Texas may be known for its wide-open spaces, southern charm, and cowboy culture, but beneath its bold and proud exterior lies a darker, spookier side. From abandoned asylums to haunted hotels, the Lone Star State is home to some of the most chilling paranormal hotspots in the country.

Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a curious traveler, these twelve haunted locations offer a terrifying glimpse into Texas’s supernatural lore.

1. The Alamo – San Antonio

One of the most iconic landmarks in the state, the Alamo is also one of the most haunted. Following the bloody battle of 1836, where hundreds of soldiers lost their lives, visitors and staff have reported seeing ghostly apparitions of soldiers, hearing battle cries, and feeling cold spots throughout the historic site.

2. The Driskill Hotel – Austin

Built in 1886, this opulent hotel has a history of hauntings to match its grandeur. Guests have reported eerie experiences such as flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and even encounters with the ghost of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself. One of the most chilling tales involves the spirit of a young girl who died on the grand staircase.

3. Yorktown Memorial Hospital – Yorktown

Abandoned since the 1980s, this former Catholic hospital is notorious for ghost sightings and unsettling energy. Paranormal investigators claim to have captured voices, shadow figures, and even possessed dolls. It’s now a favorite destination for ghost tours and thrill-seekers.

4. La Carafe – Houston

One of the oldest bars in Houston, La Carafe, is not only known for its vintage ambiance but also for its resident ghosts. Bartenders and patrons report objects moving on their own, whispers in empty rooms, and the sound of footsteps on the stairs when no one is around.

5. Marfa Lights – Marfa

In the West Texas desert, mysterious glowing orbs known as the Marfa Lights have baffled locals and scientists alike. Appearing at night and dancing across the horizon, these unexplained lights have been associated with ghostly legends and Native American folklore.

6. Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells

Once a glamorous retreat in the 1920s, the Baker Hotel now stands as a decaying relic, haunted by its past. Visitors claim to see the ghost of a redheaded woman believed to be the mistress of the hotel’s founder, along with sounds of phantom parties and whispers in the empty halls.

7. Presidio La Bahía – Goliad

This historic Spanish fort played a major role in Texas’s fight for independence, but it was also the site of the tragic Goliad Massacre. Today, visitors claim to see shadowy figures, hear screams from the chapel, and even smell gunpowder in the air.

8. Miss Molly’s Hotel – Fort Worth

Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this former brothel-turned-bed-and-breakfast is said to be haunted by several spirits from its Wild West past. Guests often report cold drafts, furniture that moves on its own, and visions of former ladies of the night who once lived and died there.

9. The Jefferson Hotel – Jefferson

In the small town of Jefferson, this historic hotel has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted lodgings in Texas. Paranormal activity includes disembodied voices, phantom children running through the halls, and ghostly figures appearing in mirrors and photos.

10. Goatman’s Bridge – Denton

Also known as Old Alton Bridge, this iron-truss bridge has a disturbing legend involving a demonic figure called the Goatman. Locals and visitors report seeing glowing red eyes in the darkness, strange animal sounds, and even cars that stall mysteriously on the bridge.

11. Texas State Penitentiary – Huntsville

With a history dating back to the 1800s, this still-functioning prison has been the site of countless executions and dark events. Former guards and paranormal investigators tell tales of phantom prisoners, unexplained noises, and feelings of intense dread throughout the facility.

12. Hotel Galvez – Galveston

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Gulf,” this grand hotel has been operating since 1911. Guests have experienced everything from flickering lights and disembodied laughter to encounters with the famous “Lovelorn Lady,” a ghost believed to be waiting for her fiancé lost at sea.

Conclusion

If you’re drawn to tales of the paranormal, Texas offers no shortage of bone-chilling experiences. From haunted hospitals to ghost-infested hotels, the state’s rich and often bloody history has left behind a host of restless spirits. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or want to explore the supernatural side of Texas history, these haunted locations promise a memorable—if eerie—journey through the Lone Star State.

This article was written by Gina Stanley. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.