If old cemeteries, crumbling buildings, and Texas legends send shivers down your spine—in the best way—then a Dallas ghost town road trip might be your perfect weekend escape. For history buffs and curious travelers, these forgotten places offer a hauntingly beautiful window into Texas’s past.
Many of these ghost towns once bustled with trains, oil drills, or frontier dreams. Today, they stand silent but not forgotten—full of echoes and charm. This guide takes you deep into the dusty backroads around Dallas to uncover the best ghost town adventures waiting just a few hours away.
Why Ghost Town Road Trips Near Dallas Are Perfect for History Lovers
North and Central Texas were once dotted with railroad towns, oil camps, and farming communities—some now entirely abandoned. Others live on through relics, ruins, and a handful of residents keeping their story alive.
Each ghost town offers its own kind of history: frontier violence, boomtown busts, immigrant enclaves, or civil war drama. These places are perfect for photography, storytelling, and experiencing a side of Texas few ever see. And since most are within a two- to three-hour drive, you can explore multiple towns in a weekend.
Best Ghost Town Road Trips Near Dallas
1. Thurber, TX – A Coal Mining Relic
Once the largest coal-mining town in Texas, Thurber had over 10,000 residents in the late 1800s. Today, only a handful of buildings remain—most famously the smokestack and the old company store, now a museum and restaurant.
Address: I-20 Exit 367, Thurber, TX 76485
Hours: Museum open Thurs–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: Free – $5 donation suggested
Famous For: Texas’s most famous company ghost town
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab lunch at The SmokeStack Restaurant—built inside the original mercantile.
2. Belle Plain, TX – College Town Turned Ruin
Established in the 1870s, Belle Plain was once home to Belle Plain College. After the railroad bypassed it, the town vanished. What remains is a crumbling school ruin and graveyard—a must-see for lovers of abandoned academia.
Address: County Rd 122, near Baird, TX
Hours: Open access; visit during daylight
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Forgotten frontier college ruins
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring sturdy shoes—the site is grassy, uneven, and delightfully overgrown.
3. Tehuacana, TX – Haunted Hilltop History
Still inhabited but largely empty, Tehuacana is best known for the crumbling campus of Trinity University (built in 1869). It’s rich with Civil War-era history and eerie architecture. Legend says the hill is haunted by past students.
Address: FM 246, Tehuacana, TX 76686
Hours: Public roads only; no official tours
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Ghostly university ruins and Civil War relics
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at sunset for photos—golden light + stone ruins = magic.
4. Old Cleburne – A Forgotten District
Modern Cleburne thrives today, but its original settlement sits quietly with remnants of pioneer life, abandoned mills, and traces of the original Santa Fe depot. Look for ghost signs and old paths along Buffalo Creek.
Address: Buffalo Creek area, Cleburne, TX
Hours: Outdoor ruins; accessible all day
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Overlooked origin of a major Texas town
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask locals about the original townsite and be respectful—some structures are on private land.
5. Jefferson, TX – Historic & Haunted
Unlike others on this list, Jefferson isn’t abandoned—but it’s steeped in ghost town energy. Once a major river port, it fell into decline after the Civil War. Many claim it’s the most haunted town in Texas, with dozens of historic buildings and ghost tours.
Address: Jefferson, TX 75657
Hours: Daily, self-guided or guided tours
Approx Cost: $10–$25 for ghost tours
Famous For: Paranormal legends and preserved Victorian charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Take the Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk—it’s both spooky and deeply historical.
6. Indian Gap, TX – A True Modern Ghost Town
With just a few residents left, Indian Gap is quiet, eerie, and entirely uncommercialized. Abandoned homes, a general store, and an old school still stand—a true ghost town vibe without the tourist fluff.
Address: Indian Gap Rd, Indian Gap, TX 76464
Hours: All day; self-guided only
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Undisturbed ghost town with authentic decay
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Respect boundaries—some areas are privately owned. This one’s about quiet observation.
7. Trinidad, TX – Railroad Ghost Town
This small, nearly forgotten railroad town saw boom years in the early 1900s but declined fast. Today, you can find old train bridges, depots, and rusting buildings just off Highway 31.
Address: Hwy 31, Trinidad, TX 75163
Hours: Drive-by viewing best during daylight
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Railroad legacy and faded Americana
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine with a stop in nearby Malakoff for antiques and local stories.
Packing Tips for Ghost Town Road Trips
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground
- Refillable water bottle
- Flashlight (some areas are dark or covered)
- Hat & sunscreen
- Road map or GPS (signal is unreliable in remote areas)
- Camera or drone (where legal)
- Portable phone charger
- Bug spray (especially in grassy or wooded ruins)
- Notebook for sketching or journaling
- Snacks—these areas are remote
Where to Eat Along the Ghost Trail
1. The Smokestack – Thurber, TX
This quirky restaurant is built inside the old Thurber company store and serves home-style meals in a rustic setting surrounded by mining history.
Address: 239 Private Rd 741, Mingus, TX
Hours: Mon–Sun, 7 AM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18 per person
Famous For: Chicken-fried steak and pies in a historic setting
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask your server for a mini-tour of the building’s history.
2. Riverport Barbecue – Jefferson, TX
Classic Texas BBQ with a historic twist. Located in a vintage storefront just steps from the town’s haunted district.
Address: 201 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX
Hours: Thurs–Sun, 11 AM – 7 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$25 per person
Famous For: Brisket and ribs with local legend on the side
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab takeout and eat near the old port for a scenic, ghostly meal.
3. Farmhouse Café – Cleburne, TX
Modern farmhouse ambiance meets old-school Southern comfort food. Great for breakfast before hitting your next ghost town.
Address: 615 N Main St, Cleburne, TX
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 2 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20 per person
Famous For: Biscuits, pancakes, and nostalgic décor
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive early—locals love this spot and lines form fast on weekends.
Where to Stay on a Spooky Road Trip
1. The Excelsior House Hotel – Jefferson, TX
This vintage hotel is charming, luxurious—and allegedly haunted. Built in the 1850s, it’s perfect for history buffs seeking a spirited stay.
Address: 211 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $120–$175 per night
Famous For: Historic elegance and ghostly tales
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request Room 215—the most famous haunted room.
2. Liberty Hotel – Cleburne, TX
A beautifully restored historic hotel with vintage charm, located near the original townsite. Offers easy access to old mills and ghost signs.
Address: 205 S Caddo St, Cleburne, TX
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $110–$150 per night
Famous For: Historic character and walking distance to downtown relics
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit the 4th floor—locals whisper about unexplained flickering lights.
3. Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast – Brownwood, TX
If you detour west, this B&B near ghost town routes offers rustic cabins, private hot tubs, and creative breakfasts. A peaceful base between eerie explorations.
Address: 650 Morelock Ln, Brownwood, TX
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $160–$225 per night
Famous For: Romantic, secluded cabins perfect for ghost hunters
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a telescope—no light pollution here for night sky watchers.
Local Ghost Town Tips for Travelers
- Respect private property—don’t enter boarded buildings without permission
- Bring extra water—many ghost towns lack services
- Download offline maps in advance
- Be aware of snakes and wasps in ruins
- Start early—some towns are best explored in daylight
- Ask locals for directions—many sites are unmarked
- Never explore alone; bring a buddy for safety
Final Conclusion
The ghost towns around Dallas aren’t just empty places—they’re echoes of Texas’s past, filled with grit, ambition, and sometimes, mystery. For history lovers, these road trips offer more than eerie vibes—they offer connection to the people who built, lived, and vanished from these forgotten corners.
So grab your camera, lace up your boots, and take a journey into history. The roads may be dusty, but the stories will stay with you forever.
