Deep in the heart of Texas, beneath the vast skies and amongst the sprawling landscapes, lie stories that chill the bone and stir the soul.
In fact, Texas has been voted the most haunted state in the entire US!
From the eerie glow of ghost lights on deserted roads to the sight of ghostly figures in historic hotels, Texas holds many secrets that cannot be explained.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 most haunted places in Texas.
Prepare to encounter tales of love lost, battles fiercely fought and spirits that refuse to rest.
There’s even one place where a piano mysteriously plays by itself!
Visit these places at your own risk. They’re pretty spooky…
1. The Grove, Jefferson
The Grove is a historic home located in the small town of Jefferson. This town has a big reputation for ghostly tales.
Known for being one of Texas’s most haunted spots, The Grove has a rich history that dates back to 1861.
It’s famous for its spooky occurrences which include ghost sightings, unexplained sounds and mysterious cold spots that chill visitors to the bone.
Many people have reported seeing the ghost of a woman dressed in white who seems to like wandering around the gardens. She is thought to be the original owner, Minerva Fox Stilley.
There are also tales of lights going on and off mysteriously and objects moving on their own inside the house. It’s pretty eerie!
Many people believe that the spirits are the former residents of The Grove who loved it dearly.
2. White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is a scenic area located in Dallas. It’s known for its beautiful park and peaceful water views.
It’s a popular spot for picnics, hiking and enjoying nature but it also has a spooky side that makes it one of the most haunted places in Texas.
The most famous ghost story from White Rock Lake is about the “Lady of the Lake.”
According to local legend, she’s the spirit of a young woman who drowned in the lake in the 1930s.
People have reported seeing her at night, soaking wet and asking for a ride home, only to disappear from the car, leaving behind a wet seat.
Others have heard eerie whispers and seen strange lights floating over the water.
3. Historic Bowers Mansion
The Historic Bowers Mansion, located in the city of Palestine, is a grand house with a story that goes back to the 19th century.
Known for its beautiful architecture and as a symbol of the wealth that the railroad brought to the area, it also has another, spookier reputation.
The mansion is said to be haunted following a series of suspicious deaths that occurred at the home starting in the 1950s.
Visitors and those who have worked on the property tell tales of seeing the ghost of a woman wandering through the rooms.
She is believed to be a former resident, Mary Bowers, who was murdered by her husband.
Others have heard the sound of footsteps and voices echoing through the halls when no one else is around.
Some even claim to have felt a ghostly touch or seen objects move on their own.
4. Bragg Road
Bragg Road, also known as the “Ghost Road,” is a spooky stretch of road located in the Big Thicket of Southeast Texas, near the small town of Saratoga.
This long, dark road is famous for its mysterious light which is often seen floating or flickering in the distance at night.
Legend has it that the light is the spirit of a railroad worker who lost his head in an accident and now searches for it with a lantern.
Many visitors have come to Bragg Road to see this mysterious light and have reported strange feelings of being watched and sudden chills.
The road is surrounded by a dense forest which adds to the eerie atmosphere.
5. La Carafe
La Carafe, situated in the historic heart of Houston on Congress Street, is not just any old bar.
Located inside the oldest building in Houston which dates back to 1857, La Carafe has a rich history and a reputation for being haunted.
This cozy, candlelit spot is famous for its ghostly occurrences, with staff often reporting mysterious sounds, like footsteps when no one is there and ghostly figures appearing in the windows.
Bartenders have also reported drinks falling off shelves all by themselves. There’s even reportedly a ghost that likes to push women down the stairs!
The building’s old walls, which have stood since the 19th century, seem to hold the spirits of Houston’s past.
People come not just for the drinks and the inviting atmosphere but also for the chance to encounter something supernatural.
6. Hotel Galvez
The Hotel Galvez, now known as Grand Galvez, is a stunning hotel in Galveston built in the early 1900s.
Located along the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel is famous not just for its beautiful views and historic charm but also for its ghostly guests.
One of the most well-known spirits is the “Lovelorn Lady,” a woman who stayed in room 501, waiting for her sailor love to return from sea, only to learn of his death.
Heartbroken, she is said to have taken her own life in the hotel and now wanders the halls, especially around room 501.
Guests and staff have reported seeing her ghostly figure, feeling sudden cold spots and hearing unexplained noises.
Some have even captured photos of orbs and strange lights.
7. USS Lexington
The USS Lexington, known as “The Blue Ghost,” is an aircraft carrier museum located in Corpus Christi.
This historic ship served in World War II and has become a symbol of American resilience and strength.
But there’s more to the Lexington than its military past. It’s also famous for being haunted.
Visitors and staff have reported seeing ghostly sailors who served on the ship, hearing unexplained noises and experiencing sudden drops in temperature.
The most famous ghost is that of a young sailor named Charlie, who is said to still perform his duties on the ship.
People have seen tools moving on their own and heard voices calling out, with no one in sight.
8. Presidio La Bahía
Presidio La Bahía is a historic fort located in Goliad. It’s steeped in Texas history and is widely known for its role in the Texas Revolution including the tragic Goliad Massacre.
This fort, with its thick stone walls and quiet courtyards, is not just a monument to the past – it’s also considered to be one of the most haunted places in Texas.
People say that the spirits of soldiers who died here still linger.
Visitors have reported hearing ghostly footsteps, seeing shadowy figures walking the ramparts and even hearing the sounds of battle cries and muskets firing in the night.
Some have also seen the ghost of a young woman searching for her lost love among the fallen soldiers.
The chapel, where many soldiers were held before being executed, is said to be particularly active with paranormal occurrences.
9. The Alamo
The Alamo is a famous historic site located in the heart of San Antonio.
It’s best known for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. This key event in the Texas Revolution saw a small group of Texans fight bravely against Mexican forces.
Today, it’s not just a monument representing Texas’ fight for independence but is also considered one of the most haunted places in Texas.
Visitors and staff have reported seeing ghosts of fallen soldiers, hearing the sounds of battle and feeling sudden, unexplained chills.
Some even say they’ve seen a figure in a Mexican General’s uniform who is believed to be the spirit of one of General Santa Ana’s men.
Others have heard the eerie sound of a child crying which is thought to be the ghost of a boy who lost his parents during the siege.
10. Magnolia Hotel
The Magnolia Hotel in Seguin is a historic site that dates back to the 1840s, making it one of the oldest hotels in the state.
It’s famous not just for its age but also for its ghostly residents which has earned it a spot on the list of Texas’s most haunted places.
Over the years, the hotel has been everything from a jail to a speakeasy and it has seen its fair share of history, including some tragic events.
People who visit the Magnolia Hotel report seeing the spirits of former guests and townspeople, including a little girl named Emma, who is said to play in the rooms.
There’s also the ghost of a man named Wilhelm, who is often seen looking out of the windows.
Visitors have heard unexplained noises, felt sudden cold spots and even seen objects move on their own.
The owner has also reported disconnected telephone lines ringing!
11. Littlefield House
The Littlefield House is a striking Victorian mansion located on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin.
This historic house is known for its beautiful architecture and as the former home of Civil War veteran George Littlefield who was a prominent figure in Texas history.
But there’s more to Littlefield House than just its past, it’s also famous for being haunted.
People say that the ghost of Alice Littlefield, George’s wife, still roams the halls.
She was known to be very reclusive later in her life, and now, students and visitors often report hearing piano music coming from inside the house, even when it’s empty.
Others have seen curtains moving when there’s no breeze and felt a mysterious presence.
12. The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel is a famous hotel located right in the heart of Austin. It’s known for its stunning architecture and luxurious rooms.
But it’s not just its beauty that makes it stand out. It’s also one of the most haunted places in Texas.
Built in 1886 by cattle baron Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel has seen a lot of history including some spooky stories.
Guests and staff have reported seeing the ghost of Colonel Driskill himself. Others claim they can smell the scent of his cigar smoke when no one is around.
Another ghost, a young boy who tragically fell down the grand staircase, is said to be heard bouncing a ball along the halls.
People have also experienced sudden chills, flickering lights and the feeling of being watched.
13. The Ghost Town in Terlingua
The Ghost Town in Terlingua sits near the Mexican border in the Chihuahuan Desert.
This abandoned mining town was once bustling with life in the early 1900s due to mercury mining.
But now it’s known for its eerie silence and haunting atmosphere.
As one of the most haunted places in Texas, Terlingua holds the stories of miners and their families who lived and died under harsh conditions.
Visitors to the ghost town have reported seeing ghostly figures in old buildings, hearing whispers in the wind and feeling sudden drops in temperature.
The most active spots include the town’s old cemetery, where the graves of miners rest, and the ruins of the mining structures.
People also say that at night, you can sometimes see ghostly lights moving around. These are believed to be the spirits of miners still wandering the town.
