Texas is known for its rich history, diverse culture, Ghost stories, and stunning landscapes. However, hidden among the bustling cities and scenic towns are abandoned places that hold a mysterious and eerie charm. These abandoned places tell stories of their past inhabitants and leave visitors with a sense of curiosity and wonder.
As I journey through the vast expanse of Texas, I am drawn not to the vibrancy of its thriving cities, but to the desolate beauty of its abandoned corners. The echoes of the past resonate through these forsaken structures, each scar and fracture like a bookmark in the annals of time.
I am not here to trespass but to uncover the untold tales etched into the walls of these 12 creepy abandoned places. The solemn silence that hangs in these places is not merely emptiness, but a tangible testament to the ephemeral nature of existence.
12 Creepy Abandoned Places in Texas Worth Visit
If you’re looking to explore some off-the-beaten-path locations in Texas, Urban Exploration here are 12 creepy abandoned places that you must visit.
1. The Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells, TX
Nestled in the small town of Mineral Wells, Texas, the Baker Hotel stands as a testament to its glorious past. Once a luxurious destination for celebrities and high society members in the early 1900s, this historic gem has weathered the test of time.
Despite its current state of abandonment, the hotel exudes an eerie beauty with its dilapidated walls and broken windows, leaving visitors captivated by its haunting allure.
2. Terlingua Ghost Town – Terlingua, TX
Deep within the vast and remote desert of West Texas lies the ghostly remnants of Terlingua, a town that once thrived on the prosperity of its mining industry. However, a devastating flood in 1942 and the subsequent decline of mining operations led to the abandonment of this once-vibrant community.
As holiday season visitors wander through the abandoned buildings, they are transported back in time, imagining the bustling streets and the stories that unfolded in this desolate yet intriguing ghost town.
3. Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, KY
While not technically located in Texas, the infamous Waverly Hills Sanatorium remains an iconic destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. Operating as a tuberculosis hospital in the early 1900s, this abandoned hospital has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. It is also called the” Resident Ghosts.“
Stories of patient mistreatment and unexplained deaths have shrouded the sanatorium in a veil of mystery, drawing those brave enough to explore its dark corridors and uncover its chilling secrets.
4. Bone Church – Schulenburg, TX
Nestled within the confines of a cemetery in Schulenburg, Texas, lies the peculiar St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, known to locals as the “Bone Church.” This small chapel pays a haunting tribute to over 2,000 deceased individuals, as it is adorned with carefully arranged bones and skulls.
These macabre decorations serve as a solemn reminder of those who lost their lives in a nearby war and were laid to rest in unmarked graves, creating an atmosphere that invokes both curiosity and unease.
5. Old City Jail – San Antonio, TX
Constructed in the year 1876, the Old City Jail of San Antonio, Texas, holds within its walls the echoes of a dark and violent past. Once home to some of the most notorious criminals in the history of the state, this abandoned prison now stands as a museum.
Where visitors can delve into the eerie tales of former inmates and the ghostly apparitions that are said to still roam the premises. From chilling whispers to ghostly sightings, the Old City Jail offers a glimpse into the haunting history of this forsaken institution.
6. Devil’s Backbone Tavern – Fischer, TX
Once a popular stagecoach stop that catered to weary travelers, the Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Fischer, Texas, holds a long and storied history. Legend has it that the abandoned building is haunted by the spirit of its former owner. Who continues to make her presence known through unexplained noises and sightings of a ghostly woman in white.
As guests savor a cold drink within the tavern’s walls, they can’t help but wonder if they will catch a glimpse of the paranormal activity that has left many in awe.
7. Presidio La Bahia – Goliad, TX
Standing as a testament to the tumultuous past of the Texas Revolution, the abandoned Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, Texas, carries the weight of history within its walls. This once crucial fort played a significant role in several battles, with the ghosts of fallen soldiers said to still haunt its grounds.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, immersing themselves in the rich history of the fort while keeping a watchful eye out for any ghostly apparitions that may cross their path.
8. Bryan’s Bridge – Austin, TX
Situated in the heart of the Texan capital, Austin, Bryan’s Bridge is an abandoned structure steeped in an eerie atmosphere and shrouded in tales of paranormal activity. Local lore tells the tragic story of a young girl who met her untimely demise on the bridge, and many believe her spirit still lingers in this haunting location.
As visitors traverse the bridge, some claim to have experienced inexplicable occurrences, adding to the mystique and allure of this ghostly landmark.
9. Blue Ghost Tunnel – San Antonio, TX
Originally constructed as a railway tunnel in the late 1800s, the Blue Ghost Tunnel in San Antonio, Texas, has gained a reputation for its eerie and unsettling ambiance. Tragic train accidents that occurred within its depths have led to rumors of the tunnel being haunted by the spirits of those who lost their lives.
Brave visitors can embark on a guided tour through the dark and damp tunnel. They must be prepared for the eerie presence and unexplained noises that have left many feeling a shiver down their spine.
10. Yorktown Memorial Hospital – Yorktown, TX
Yorktown Memorial Hospital, an abandoned institution with a dark and ominous past, is said to be haunted by the tormented spirits of former patients. Stories of unethical experiments and patient mistreatment linger within the walls of this eerie building, creating an unsettling atmosphere that persists to this day.
Visitors who dare to explore the abandoned hospital on a guided tour may find themselves feeling uneasy or even physically ill. As they navigate its haunted halls, witnessing firsthand the remnants of a haunting history.
11. Aldridge Sawmill (Zavalla) – Zavalla, TX
Once a bustling sawmill, the abandoned site of Aldridge Sawmill in Zavalla, Texas, now stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory. Visitors have reported witnessing apparitions and hearing strange noises. The phantom sound of saws running, despite the mill having been closed for decades.
The site’s eerie ambiance is further amplified by the presence of a cemetery, where former workers were laid to rest. It adds to the spine-tingling atmosphere that surrounds this ghostly location.
12. Spaghetti Warehouse – Houston, TX
Although not technically abandoned, the Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston, Texas, is renowned for its creepy vibes and ghostly sightings. Rumors persist that the building, once a warehouse, served as a morgue in its past life, and the lingering spirits of former workers still roam within its walls.
Many patrons have reported encountering strange shadows and experiencing an inexplicable chill in certain areas of the restaurant, adding an air of intrigue to their dining experience.
How to claim abandoned property in Texas?
Overall, Texas has a rich history filled with abandoned places that have become popular destinations for thrill-seekers and ghost hunters alike. But what about the legality of claiming abandoned property in Texas? And how long does it take for a property to be considered abandoned in the state?
In Texas, there is no specific law regarding claiming abandoned property. However, there are laws in place that determine how an abandoned property can be claimed and by whom. If a property is left unattended for an extended period, it may be considered “derelict” or “abandoned,” meaning that the owner has given up all rights to the property.
How long does it take for a property to be considered abandoned in Texas?
According to state law, if the owner of the property has not occupied or maintained it for at least three years, it can be considered abandoned. However, this can differ if there is a written lease agreement in place. In that case, the abandonment period may vary depending on the terms outlined in the lease.
Conclusion
While Texas has numerous creepy abandoned places to explore, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding abandoned property and running away in the state.
If you come across an abandoned property, be sure to research and follow proper legal procedures before claiming it as your own. And remember, running away is not illegal in Texas, but it can have consequences for minors and their guardians.
So stay safe and follow the laws when exploring these 12 creepy abandoned places in Texas.