Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and historic landmarks. However, there is another side to Austin that is not as well-known: its haunted places. From hotels and restaurants to private homes and university buildings, Austin has its fair share of spooky stories and paranormal activity.
Some of the most famous haunted places in Austin include the Driskill Hotel, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who fell to her death down the hotel’s grand staircase. The Littlefield House on the University of Texas campus is another popular spot for ghost hunters, with reports of strange noises and sightings of a woman in a white dress. Other haunted places in Austin include the Inn at Pearl Street, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, and the Clay Pit restaurant.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, exploring Austin’s haunted places can be a thrilling and spine-tingling experience. Many tour companies offer ghost tours of the city, taking visitors to some of the most haunted spots and sharing the stories and legends behind them. So, if you’re feeling brave, why not venture out and discover the most haunted places in Austin for yourself?
The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in downtown Austin, Texas. It was built in 1886 by Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron who wanted to create a grand hotel that would rival the best in Europe. The hotel is known for its opulent decor, elegant architecture, and its haunted history.
Haunted History
The Driskill Hotel has a long and storied history that has been the subject of many ghost stories and legends. One of the most famous legends is the story of the Senator’s Daughter. According to local lore, a young girl fell to her death on the grand staircase of the hotel in the late 1800s. Guests of the hotel have reported seeing her ghostly apparition running up and down the staircase.
Another popular legend is the story of Sam Houston, the former governor of Texas. It is said that his ghost haunts room 525, where he stayed during his visits to Austin. The room is now known as the Sam Houston Suite and is a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
Ghosts of The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel is said to be haunted by a number of ghosts and spirits. One of the most commonly reported apparitions is that of a woman in a blue dress. She is often seen wandering the halls of the hotel and is believed to be the ghost of a former guest.
Another common sighting is that of a man smoking a cigar in the hotel’s bar. The ghost is believed to be that of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself, who was a cigar smoker during his lifetime.
Paranormal Activity
The Driskill Hotel is known for its paranormal activity, with many guests reporting strange occurrences during their stay. Some guests have reported hearing strange noises, such as footsteps and whispers, coming from empty rooms. Others have reported seeing objects move on their own or feeling a cold breeze in their room.
One of the most tragic events in the hotel’s history was the suicide of Comptroller Robert Marshall Love. Love shot himself in the head in his room at the hotel in 1891. Guests have reported feeling a strange presence in the room where Love died and some have even reported seeing his ghostly apparition.
In conclusion, The Driskill Hotel is a beautiful and historic hotel with a haunted past. Its rich history, elegant architecture, and paranormal activity make it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Austin, Texas. The cemetery was established in the 1850s and is the final resting place of more than 23,000 people. The cemetery is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. However, it is also known for its spooky sightings and apparitions at night.
Spooky Sightings
Many visitors have reported feeling uneasy while visiting Oakwood Cemetery. Some have reported feeling like they were being watched by unseen spirits. Others have reported hearing strange noises and feeling cold spots. These spooky sightings have led many to believe that the cemetery is haunted.
Apparitions at Night
One of the most common sightings at Oakwood Cemetery is apparitions at night. Many visitors have reported seeing orbs and other unexplained phenomena. Some have even reported seeing full-bodied apparitions wandering the cemetery at night. These sightings have led many to believe that the spirits of the deceased are still present in the cemetery.
While there is no concrete evidence of paranormal activity at Oakwood Cemetery, the spooky sightings and apparitions at night have made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a visit to Oakwood Cemetery is sure to be an interesting and unique experience.
Littlefield House
The Littlefield House is a historic Victorian mansion located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Built in 1893 by George Littlefield, a Civil War soldier and banker, the house has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Austin.
Ghost of Alice
The most famous ghost associated with the Littlefield House is that of Alice Littlefield, George’s wife. According to legend, George locked Alice in the attic after she became agoraphobic and refused to leave the house. She died in the attic and her ghost is said to haunt the house to this day. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied footsteps and feeling an eerie presence in the attic.
Paranormal Incidents
Many paranormal incidents have been reported at the Littlefield House over the years. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots, hearing strange noises, and seeing apparitions. Some have even reported being pushed or touched by unseen forces.
In one incident, a computer log at the house’s security desk recorded the front door opening and closing repeatedly, even though no one was seen entering or leaving the house.
Despite the reports of paranormal activity, the Littlefield House remains a popular attraction for visitors to the University of Texas at Austin. Its rich history and beautiful architecture make it a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s haunted past.
The Omni Austin Hotel
The Omni Austin Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Austin. While it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, it is also known to be one of the most haunted places in the city.
The Haunting of Room 525
One of the most well-known haunted spots in the hotel is Room 525. It is said that a young man named Jack committed suicide in this room by jumping off the balcony. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported feeling an eerie presence and hearing strange noises, such as footsteps and knocking on the door, even when no one is there.
Ghost of The Bride
Another ghost that is said to haunt the Omni Austin Hotel is the ghost of a bride named Emily. Legend has it that Emily was staying at the hotel on her wedding night when her groom never showed up. Heartbroken, she took her own life in one of the hotel rooms. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly figure in a white wedding dress wandering the halls of the hotel, searching for her lost love.
Despite the reported hauntings, the Omni Austin Hotel remains a popular destination for travelers looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of Austin. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at the Omni Austin Hotel is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Inn at Pearl Street
The Inn at Pearl Street is a boutique hotel located in Austin, Texas, and is considered one of the city’s most haunted places. The original building was commissioned by Judge Charles A. Wilcox in the late 19th century, and it has since been renovated to become a posh hotel with vintage settings and delicate inlays.
Ghostly Encounters
Many guests and staff members have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and sightings of ghostly apparitions. Some guests have even claimed to have felt a presence in their rooms or seen a woman in a white dress walking through the hallways.
One of the most famous ghostly encounters at the Inn at Pearl Street involves a phantom woman who is said to haunt the third floor. According to legend, the woman was a former resident of the house who died tragically and has since been unable to leave. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the halls or standing at the foot of their beds.
Haunted Past
The Inn at Pearl Street has a long and storied history, and many believe that its haunted past is due to the tragedies that have occurred within its walls. In addition to the phantom woman, there have been reports of other ghostly apparitions, including the ghost of a former owner and the spirit of a young girl.
Despite its haunted reputation, the Inn at Pearl Street remains a popular destination for visitors to Austin. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying the hotel’s unique charm and historical significance.
Other Haunted Locations
In addition to the haunted locations previously mentioned, there are several other places in Austin that are rumored to be haunted. Here are a few of them:
Buffalo Billiards
Located on Sixth Street, Buffalo Billiards is a popular spot for live music and billiards. However, some visitors claim to have experienced paranormal activity while at the bar. According to legend, the building was once a morgue, and the spirits of the deceased still haunt the establishment. Some patrons have reported seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and hearing unexplained noises.
Clay Pit
Clay Pit is a restaurant located in the historic Bertram Building on Brazos Street. The building dates back to the 1850s and has a rich history. Some say that the ghost of a former resident still lingers there. Visitors have reported seeing strange shadows and hearing unexplained noises. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghostly figure of a man in the basement.
The Tavern
The Tavern is a historic bar on 12th Street that has been serving drinks since 1933. It is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former bartender who died in the building. Visitors have reported seeing glasses move on their own, hearing footsteps, and feeling a cold breeze. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghostly figure of a man behind the bar.
While these are just a few of the many rumored haunted locations in Austin, they are some of the most popular. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visiting these places can be a fun and spooky experience.
Conclusion
Austin is a city with a rich history and plenty of spooky stories to tell. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, there’s no denying the eerie feeling that can be experienced at some of the city’s most haunted locations. From the Driskill Hotel to the Oakwood Cemetery Annex, Austin has plenty of places where ghostly specters are said to roam.
While some of these stories may be based on historical fact, others may be the result of overactive imaginations or urban legends. However, the fact remains that many people have reported strange occurrences at these locations, and the stories persist to this day.
Whether you’re looking for a scare or just interested in the history of the city, exploring Austin’s haunted places can be a fun and fascinating experience. Just be sure to bring a friend or two, as some of these locations can be quite spooky after dark.
With Halloween just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore Austin’s haunted side. So grab your flashlight and your bravest friends, and get ready to experience the paranormal activity that is said to haunt some of the city’s most famous locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most haunted places to visit in Austin?
Austin is known for its haunted places, and some of the most popular ones to visit include the Driskill Hotel, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Littlefield House. Other notable haunted spots include the Texas Capitol building, the Paramount Theatre, and the Moonlight Tower.
Is the Driskill Hotel considered to be haunted?
Yes, the Driskill Hotel is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Austin. Built in 1886, the hotel is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the ghost of a young girl who fell to her death from the grand staircase, and the ghost of Colonel Driskill himself, who is said to haunt the hotel’s bar.
What is the history behind the haunted Governor’s Mansion in Austin?
The Governor’s Mansion is one of the most historic buildings in Austin, and it has a long and storied history. It was built in 1856 and has served as the official residence of every Texas governor since then. Over the years, several tragic events have occurred at the mansion, including a fire in 2008 that caused extensive damage.
What are some spooky ghost stories associated with the University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the ghost of a young woman who committed suicide in the tower of the Main Building, and the ghost of a construction worker who fell to his death during the building of the Littlefield Fountain.
Are there any guided tours of haunted places in Austin?
Yes, there are several guided tours of haunted places in Austin, including the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, the Haunted Austin Walking Tour, and the Austin Ghost Tours. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and legends of Austin’s haunted places.
What are some precautions to take when visiting haunted places in Austin?
When visiting haunted places in Austin, it’s important to respect the history and the spirits that may be present. Visitors should be respectful, avoid provoking any spirits, and avoid trespassing on private property. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend or to take a guided tour for safety.
