Looking to add a little thrill to your next Texas road trip? Abilene may be known for its Western heritage and small-town charm, but it also holds some of West Texas’s creepiest legends and haunted hideaways. From long-forgotten cemeteries and abandoned military posts to ghost-ridden schools and eerie roadside towns, the region is packed with paranormal tales waiting to be explored.
If you love the idea of dark skies, strange whispers, and the thrill of discovering haunted spots by car, these ghostly destinations make for the perfect spooky road trip around Abilene.
Why Abilene Is a Great Hub for Haunted Road Trips
Abilene sits in a region rich with frontier history—places where battles were fought, outlaws roamed, and settlers lived hard lives. That history has left behind not just artifacts, but stories… and sometimes spirits. With open roads, minimal traffic, and eerie landscapes, it’s an ideal base for ghost hunters, folklore fans, and road trippers looking for the unexplained.
Each location on this list offers an unsettling mix of history and mystery—some well-known, others hidden in plain sight. So fill up your tank, bring a flashlight, and prepare for the unexpected.
Haunted Destinations Near Abilene for Ghostly Road Trips
1. Fort Phantom Hill
Perhaps the most famous haunted site in the Abilene area, Fort Phantom Hill is the ruins of an 1850s U.S. Army post. Locals speak of shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps, and flickering lights with no source. It’s beautiful and eerie—especially near sunset.
Address: 10818 FM 600, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Ghost sightings and crumbling stone chimneys
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit right before dusk when the temperature drops and the stories feel more real.
2. Buffalo Gap Historic Village
This pioneer town-turned-museum is rich with 1800s buildings and lingering spirits. Staff and guests have reported voices, doors closing on their own, and cold spots. The old schoolhouse and jailhouse are especially active.
Address: 133 N William St, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508
Hours: Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM; Sun, 1–5 PM
Approx Cost: $7 adults
Famous For: Old West spirits and unexplained sounds
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask about the haunted tours or nighttime ghost walks during Halloween season.
3. Oakwood Cemetery
One of Abilene’s oldest cemeteries, Oakwood is said to be the final resting place of multiple Civil War veterans, early settlers, and a few whose stories are unknown. Locals report glowing figures, sudden breezes, and muffled voices after dark.
Address: 1818 N Treadaway Blvd, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Classic haunted cemetery lore
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit respectfully—this is still an active cemetery with real family ties.
4. Anson Lights (Anson, TX)
Just 25 minutes north of Abilene, the Anson Lights are a long-time legend. Park at the crossroads near the cemetery, flash your headlights three times, and wait. Locals say a mysterious light will appear, sometimes moving toward your car.
Address: County Rd 387 & County Rd 370, Anson, TX 79501
Hours: Best after 9 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Ghostly orb sightings and unexplained lights
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay quiet and patient—it may take a few minutes for the light to appear.
5. Cisco Ghost Town Ruins
Once a thriving oil town, Cisco has long stretches of abandoned buildings, empty storefronts, and the remnants of lives lived fast and faded hard. It’s not officially haunted, but the silence and decay tell stories all their own.
Address: Ave D & W 10th St, Cisco, TX 76437
Hours: Accessible anytime
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Deserted streets and forgotten souls
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Drive slowly and keep your camera ready—you never know what might peek out from behind a window.
6. Old Taylor County Jail
Though not open to the public, this now-abandoned jail in downtown Abilene is the site of numerous ghost stories and unsettling sounds. Locals say it’s one of the most haunted spots in town.
Address: 201 Oak St, Abilene, TX 79602 (exterior only)
Hours: View from outside
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Paranormal whispers and cold spots
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a voice recorder or EMF reader if you’re into ghost hunting.
7. Wooten Hotel
Now a private apartment complex, the Wooten was once Abilene’s tallest and most elegant hotel. Some residents still report ghostly guests wandering the halls, slamming doors, or watching them sleep.
Address: 302 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Tenants only—view from street
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Haunted hotel legends and historic mystery
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop by at night to take a photo—some say strange lights appear in the windows.
Spooky Eats to Try on Your Haunted Road Trip
1. Candies by Vletas
One of Abilene’s oldest businesses, this candy shop feels frozen in time. Some say the building is haunted by former owners—though it’s just as sweet as it is spooky.
Address: 1201 N 1st St, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–5:30 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$20
Famous For: Historic setting and handmade treats
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try their chocolate-covered almonds, and ask staff about any eerie tales.
2. Vagabond Pizza
Known for its creative pies and eclectic decor, Vagabond has an old-school charm that fits right into a ghost-themed evening.
Address: 1056 N 2nd St, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Wed–Sat, 5 PM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Wood-fired pizza with downtown vibes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit outside after dark and plan your next haunted stop.
3. The Local
A cozy coffeehouse with historic charm and occasional creaks and whispers—especially when the place is empty. Perfect for a chill road trip break.
Address: 250 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Mon–Sat, 7 AM–6 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$15
Famous For: Local coffee, old building vibes
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your journal or camera—it’s a great atmospheric spot to reflect on your spooky travels.
Where to Stay for a Haunted Road Trip in Abilene
1. Sayles Ranch Guesthouses
Quirky and filled with vintage pieces, these boutique guesthouses give off old-world vibes—perfect for a spooky-but-stylish stay.
Address: 1001 Sayles Blvd, Abilene, TX 79605
Hours: Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $150–$250 per night
Famous For: Themed rooms and historic charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for one of the older, antiques-filled rooms if you’re hoping for ghostly vibes.
2. The Inn at Abilene
A bed and breakfast inside a restored historic home—cozy, classic, and potentially haunted. Several guests have reported strange feelings and sounds.
Address: 1333 N 2nd St, Abilene, TX 79601
Hours: Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $120–$180 per night
Famous For: Vintage ambiance and ghost stories
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask your host if they’ve heard the piano play itself at night…
3. Courtyard by Marriott Abilene Downtown
If you want modern comfort while still being close to downtown’s haunted spots, this hotel is a great base for late-night ghost walks.
Address: 4350 Ridgemont Dr, Abilene, TX 79606
Hours: Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 12 PM
Approx Cost: $110–$160 per night
Famous For: Comfort and proximity to haunted hot spots
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk to the Wooten Hotel or Oakwood Cemetery from here—it’s spooky fun on foot.
Packing Tips for a Haunted Road Trip Near Abilene
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Portable phone charger
- Voice recorder or EMF app
- Notebook for ghost sightings
- Map of rural roads and historic markers
- Water and snacks for remote stops
- Camera for capturing odd lights or shadows
- Blanket and bug spray for outdoor night visits
- Extra layer for chilly ghost tours
- Open mind (and maybe a dash of courage)
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
Fall: Best time for ghost tours and Halloween events
Full Moon Nights: Add extra eerie lighting to cemetery visits
Locals Know: Ask shopkeepers and innkeepers for hidden stories
Drive Safe: Many haunted spots are on remote, unlit roads
Respect the Dead: Be kind and cautious at cemeteries and ruins
Stay Quiet: Spirits don’t love loud voices or bright lights
Bring Friends: It’s always more fun (and safer) with a spooky crew
Final Thoughts: Chase Ghosts, Create Memories
A haunted road trip near Abilene isn’t just about getting scared—it’s about diving deep into history, uncovering forgotten places, and feeling the goosebumps that only a real ghost story can give you. With wide-open roads, starry skies, and mysterious stops along the way, this kind of adventure sticks with you.
So roll down your windows, cue up your spooky playlist, and follow the whispers of West Texas. Your next haunted road trip starts here.
