Oklahoma is a land rich with Native American history, old frontier towns, and a past marked by intense storms, battles, and tragedy.
It’s no wonder that ghost stories and haunted locations are deeply woven into the fabric of the state. Across its plains and small towns, there are places so steeped in eerie encounters that even skeptics feel a chill.
If you have a taste for the paranormal — or simply love a spine-tingling adventure — these five haunted locations in Oklahoma will leave you haunted long after you’ve left.
1. The Skirvin Hotel — Oklahoma City
Standing tall since 1911, the Skirvin Hotel is a historic luxury hotel, and one of the most notoriously haunted places in the state. Legend has it that “Effie,” a housekeeper who supposedly had an affair with the hotel’s founder, still lingers within the walls. After being locked away to hide the scandal, she allegedly jumped to her death from a window — and guests say she never really left.
Visitors report hearing unexplained crying sounds, seeing doors slam shut on their own, and even feeling unseen hands touch them in the night. Some NBA players have even refused to stay here, citing terrifying overnight experiences.
2. The Stone Lion Inn — Guthrie
Once a grand family home and later a funeral home, the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie has a history that seems tailor-made for a haunting. The spirit of a young girl named Augusta, who allegedly died of a medicine overdose in the house, is said to roam its halls. Guests have reported hearing a child’s laughter, toys moving on their own, and even feeling small footsteps on the bed while they sleep.
Today, the Stone Lion operates as a charming bed-and-breakfast — and also hosts murder mystery weekends where paranormal encounters are often just as real as the scripted drama.
3. Fort Reno — El Reno
Originally built in the late 1800s as a military post during the Indian Wars, Fort Reno has a long, turbulent history of battles, prisoner-of-war camps, and tragic deaths. It’s no surprise that it is rumored to be one of the most active haunted sites in Oklahoma.
Witnesses have described seeing ghostly soldiers still marching across the grounds, hearing disembodied voices shouting military commands, and even encountering spectral figures on horseback. Paranormal investigators flock to Fort Reno, and many leave with chilling evidence of the unseen.
4. Overholser Mansion — Oklahoma City
Built in 1903, the Overholser Mansion was the lavish home of Henry Overholser, known as the “Father of Oklahoma City.” Though beautifully preserved, the house carries with it an undeniably eerie energy.
Tour guides and visitors alike have reported seeing shadowy figures peeking around corners, hearing footsteps in empty hallways, and catching fleeting glimpses of a woman in Victorian clothing — believed to be the spirit of Mrs. Overholser herself. The stillness of the mansion, combined with its faded grandeur, makes for an unsettling yet fascinating visit.
5. Belvidere Mansion — Claremore
An opulent Victorian mansion built in the early 1900s, the Belvidere Mansion has endured decades of change, decay, and revival — and some say its original occupants never truly left. Staff and visitors have spoken of cold spots, flickering lights, and even seeing apparitions dressed in turn-of-the-century attire.
The spirit of Pattie Bayless, the original lady of the house, is said to be especially active, watching over the mansion even in the afterlife. Today, the Belvidere operates as a museum and event space, but for those sensitive to the paranormal, it still feels like you’re never quite alone.
What Makes Oklahoma So Haunted?
Oklahoma’s rich, often violent history — from Native American displacement to Civil War battles, deadly tornadoes, and Wild West outlaws — has left emotional scars on the land. Many believe that such tragedies leave behind residual energy, explaining the high number of haunted locations.
Whether it’s the solemn halls of a historic fort or the faded splendor of an old mansion, Oklahoma’s haunted sites provide a tangible connection to its storied past, offering visitors a chance to experience history in a way that is chillingly real.
Tips for Visiting Haunted Places
- Be respectful: Whether you believe in ghosts or not, treat these places with reverence — they are part of Oklahoma’s heritage.
- Bring a camera or voice recorder: You might catch something unusual!
- Join a ghost tour: Local guides often offer fascinating stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Paranormal or not, many of these locations are old and can be physically hazardous.
- Trust your instincts: If a place feels wrong, listen to your gut.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma’s most haunted places aren’t just about ghost stories — they’re windows into the deep, often emotional history of the state.
Whether you come for the thrill, the history, or the hope of a ghostly encounter, these five locations promise an experience you won’t soon forget.
