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Check out these local haunts to visit in Texas for BIG-size scares.
Texas has a rich history influenced by the diverse cultures and countries that shaped our great state’s spirit and the “spirits” that many believe are still around. Whether stately hotels, sanitariums, or shot-gun shacks, many locales are known for those who stayed well beyond their welcome and lives. Below is a glimpse of a ghost town or two and local haunts to visit in Texas. Some are year-round haunted houses.
In July 2022, while on a pet-friendly destination assignment in Mesquite, TX, I was staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites, where I stumbled on the 2022 Texas Haunters Convention (a Halloween & Costume Expo). The convention was in the Convention Center adjacent to the hotel, so I decided to check it out. It was pet-friendly, so I took my two dogs, paid the $10 entry fee, and strolled around. To my amazement, a little creepy, but I liked it.
Related: North Texas State Parks To Visit
Texas Haunters Convention 2022 at Mesquite, TX Convention Center. Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
Local Haunts To Visit In Texas
Obviously, the most popular time to visit haunted houses and haunted places is on or around Halloween, but some of these haunted spots are open year-round every day. Why, because they are haunted, and they don’t wait for Halloween to scare the living daylights out of you!! Follow these haunted places and towns in Texas for a haunted road trip.
Related: Texas Road Trips With A View
Texas Haunters Convention 2022 at Mesquite, TX Convention Center. Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
Central Texas / Texas Hill Country
Magnolia Hotel – Sequin
Traveling to Seguin anytime soon? You could stay in the historic and haunted Magnolia Hotel. This unique spot has been voted one of the most haunted bed and breakfasts in Texas and featured in Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Files, and PBS Strange Town.
Hotel Driskill – Austin
To book a room at The Haunted Driskill Hotel, you’ll need to spend $723 and up a night!
Jacob’s Well – Wimberley
Jacob’s Well in the Texas Hill Country is known for exceptional diving and has claimed many victims over the years. Stories abound of those left behind in the underwater caverns. This story is from 2017. But there is a book out about Ghosthunting San Antonio, Austin, and the Texas Hill Country
Faust Hotel – New Braunfels
I’ve read where people have said The Faust Hotel in New Braunfels is haunted and that they’ve heard sounds of children playing. But nothing about this is on the website.
North Texas
Dark Hour Haunted House – Plano
I think you’ll scream often – that’s what it said on the website. Check out Dark Hour in Plano.
Moeller Road – Electra
Locals and travelers avoid this dark and lonely drive for fear of a witch’s curse. Drive Moeller Road if you dare!
The Stockyards Hotel – Fort Worth
One of the oldest hotels in Fort Worth is located right on the main drag in the Stockyards. Built in 1907, The Stockyards Hotel is a sight to see. You can walk to the right off the street to view it. Ask someone to tell you the story of why people say it’s haunted. And, if you dare, ask to stay in one of the haunted hotel rooms.
Miss Molly’s Hotel – Fort Worth Stockyards
Is Miss Molly’s Hotel In Fort Worth Haunted? People say it is!
That’s what they say. The owners and staff say Miss Molly’s Hotel is considered one of the most haunted places in Fort Worth. Complete with the shadow of the girl in a wedding dress. Do you dare stay there?
Haunted Shadows Lake Trail – The Colony
On the shores of Lake Lewisville, the calm waters morph into creepiness as the sun goes down. The water spirits come to life hunting for fresh victims… or so the legend goes. Haunted Shadows Lake Trail opens in September.
The Old Alton Bridge, aka Goatman’s Bridge
A historic iron truss bridge connecting Denton and Copper Canyon is known as the Old Alton Bridge or Goatman’s Bridge. Take I-35 towards Denton. Exit 458A toward Farm to Market Rd 2181/Swisher Rd. Take Teasley Dr and Teasley Ln to Old Alton Rd.
The Haunted Hill House – Mineral Wells
Known as “The Most Haunted.” Stay overnight for some big scares and big prices – $425-$550 a night. Check out The Haunted Hill House if you dare.
Hill House Manor – Gainesville
Check out Hill House Manor
West Texas
Shafter Lake – Andrews
A genuinely spooky legend centers on the victims of a traveling salesman’s poisonous “cures” to the ongoing smallpox epidemic.
Hell’s Gate – near Lubbock
A hot spot for psychics and ghost hunters, this cemetery seemingly hosts far more than the earthly remains of its inhabitants.
The Lights at Marfa
No self-respecting lover of the unknown doesn’t know of the mysterious lights hovering over Marfa. UFO? Otherworldly maneuvers? Imagination? All of these are referenced in many discussions.
East Texas
Caddo Lake
This house is located on Caddo Lake and is said to be haunted. I went on a day-long tour, and it felt so spooky. Think what it would be like on a night tour. Very scary, I would think. The tour I took is no longer in business. Be sure to google “local tour guide on Caddo Lake.”
Southeast Texas
La Carafe Wine Bar – Downtown Houston
La Carafe is the oldest building in downtown Houston. Bartenders and guests think this bar is haunted. Not sure it’s still open, but the building still stands, and there’s a story – La Carafe.
Patterson Road – Downtown Houston
If you find yourself on Patterson Road in Houston, make sure you listen as there may be a ghostly figure trying to hitch a ride …but don’t pick anyone up!! The bridge on Patterson Road runs between Highway 6 and Eldridge.
Check out Houston Ghost Tours.
Hotel Galvez. Photo Credit: Visit Galveston
Hotel Galvez – Galveston
Hotel Galvez in Galveston is haunted and offers haunted ghost tours. That’s what I heard, anyway.
South Texas
USS Lexington – Corpus Christi
There was a tour in October 2021. Not sure if it will be back for 2022. USS Lexington
Presidio La Bahia – Goliad
Home to the Goliad massacre in Texas Revolution, it’s not surprising that this finds its way onto our list. It’s been said it’s haunted – you be the judge.
Owl Creek Farm – San Antonio
Haunted Hike at the Owl Creek Farm every weekend in October.
Devil’s Backbone Tavern – Fischer (San Antonio)
This spirited house seems to host a few extra spirits though seemingly friendly ones. Maybe ghosts can still imbibe?
13th Floor Haunted House – San Antonio
Slide into this haunted house at 13th Floor Haunted House.
Check each site before heading out on your local haunted Texas road trip. And, don’t forget to bring a flashlight!
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