Texas is a land of vast deserts, big skies, and more than its fair share of strange, spooky, and downright chilling attractions. If you’ve got a taste for the eerie, the dark, or the unexplained, the Lone Star State offers a treasure trove of places to explore.
From haunted hotels to cursed roads, here are 11 creepy and macabre spots to visit in Texas.
1. The Haunted Hotel Galvez – Galveston
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Gulf,” Hotel Galvez isn’t just historic — it’s haunted. Guests report flickering lights, unexplained whispers, and sightings of a ghostly bride who allegedly died waiting for her fiancé to return from sea. Stay the night if you dare, but don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just a room service bill.
2. Yorktown Memorial Hospital – Yorktown
This abandoned Catholic hospital is said to be one of the most haunted spots in Texas. Now empty and decaying, the halls are rumored to echo with the voices of former patients and priests. Paranormal investigators have captured EVPs, shadows, and full-body apparitions. It’s a favorite for thrill-seekers and ghost hunters.
3. The Goatman’s Bridge – Denton
Also known as Old Alton Bridge, this 1930s iron truss bridge is shrouded in local legend. The story goes that a goat farmer was lynched here by the KKK, and ever since, his vengeful spirit — half-man, half—goat—roams the area. Visitors report strange lights, growling sounds, and sudden cold spots. It’s a paranormal hotspot with a terrifying reputation.
4. The Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells
Currently undergoing renovation, the Baker Hotel once hosted the rich and famous — and now allegedly plays host to their spirits.
Built in 1929, this luxurious but decaying structure has become synonymous with ghost sightings, especially on the seventh floor. Shadow figures, strange mists, and phantom voices are par for the course.
5. Elm Street House – Gainesville
Forget Freddy Krueger — the real nightmare may be in this historic Gainesville home. Known among locals for its disturbing energy, the house has been the site of countless paranormal reports, including disembodied voices and furniture moving on its own. It’s private property now, but stories of the house’s dark history still circulate widely.
6. La Llorona’s Creek – San Antonio
The legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman who drowned her children and now wanders rivers and creeks in mourning, is strong in Texas folklore. One such location is along the San Antonio River, where late-night walkers have claimed to hear wails echoing across the water. Is it just the wind, or is she calling out for her lost children?
7. Marfa Lights – Marfa
These mysterious orbs of light appear randomly in the West Texas desert, and no one knows exactly why. Some say they’re ghosts, others believe they’re extraterrestrial. Either way, the Marfa Lights have fascinated and terrified visitors for decades. Bring a camera, but don’t expect an explanation.
8. The Devil’s Backbone – Hill Country
A scenic drive by day and a haunted hellscape by night. The Devil’s Backbone, a limestone ridge in the Texas Hill Country, is filled with ghost stories — from phantom Confederate soldiers to spectral Native Americans and even a wandering wolf spirit. Locals recommend keeping your windows rolled up after dark.
9. The Texas Killing Fields – League City
This stretch of land between Houston and Galveston has earned a dark reputation for a string of unsolved murders dating back to the 1970s. More than 30 bodies of young women have been found here. Despite various investigations, many cases remain open — and the land carries a heavy, unsettling energy.
10. The Munster Mansion – Waxahachie
An exact replica of the house from The Munsters TV show, this private home is both a quirky homage and a little eerie.
With its gothic decor and vintage horror memorabilia, it straddles the line between kitschy and creepy. Tours are available during special events, making it a must for fans of spooky pop culture.
11. The Catfish Plantation – Waxahachie
This Southern restaurant may serve comfort food, but its spiritual residents aren’t always comforting. Built in a former house, the Catfish Plantation is allegedly haunted by several spirits, including a bride who never made it to the altar and a former owner.
Servers and patrons have witnessed flying objects, cold spots, and ghostly figures — all while trying to enjoy a plate of fried catfish.
Conclusion
Texas offers more than just cowboy culture and BBQ — it’s also a haven for those drawn to the haunted and horrific. Whether you’re chasing ghosts, legends, or unexplained phenomena, these 11 creepy and macabre destinations will give you the chills in all the right ways. Just remember to pack your courage… and maybe a flashlight.
