Ready to trade scenic routes for spine-tingling stories? A spooky road trip from Midland, Texas offers just the right blend of eerie legends, haunted towns, and places locals say you should never visit after dark. If you’re into ghost stories, paranormal encounters, or simply chasing the chills, Midland’s surrounding areas are home to mysterious hotels, forgotten graveyards, and shadowy corners where history lingers a little too long.
This haunted road trip guide uncovers West Texas’s creepiest destinations—all within a few hours’ drive from Midland.
Why Midland Is Perfect for a Haunted Road Trip
West Texas is rich in frontier history, abandoned oil towns, and legends passed down for generations. The wide-open desert and desolate highways only add to the spooky vibe. Midland’s central location makes it a great base for ghost hunters, history buffs, and curious travelers seeking haunted encounters and unsettling tales.
Whether you’re a believer or just love dark tourism, these places deliver haunting stories and atmospheric stops that make for unforgettable road trip memories.
7 Haunted Places Near Midland, Texas
1. The Yucca Theatre – Midland
Though beautifully restored, this historic 1929 venue is said to be haunted by its original owner and past performers. Staff and visitors have reported mysterious footsteps, voices, and flickering lights during late-night rehearsals.
Address: 208 N Colorado St, Midland, TX
Hours: Event-based (check schedule)
Approx Cost: Varies by event
Famous For: Ghostly sightings and stage-side whispers
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Take a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a late show—you might feel a cold breeze or hear unexplained noises near the balcony.
2. Old Midland County Jail (Demolished, but Haunted Site)
Though no longer standing, locals still speak of eerie energy and unexplained events on the lot where Midland’s old jail once stood. In its day, the jail held notorious criminals, and guards reported hearing screams long after lights were out.
Address: Near Texas Ave & Main St, Midland, TX
Hours: Public sidewalk access only
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Hauntings that continue even after demolition
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at dusk for an extra eerie atmosphere, and ask older locals about stories from the 1960s.
3. Odessa’s White-Painted Woman – Ector Theater
Just 20 miles from Midland, the historic Ector Theater in Odessa is home to the legend of a woman in white who appears backstage. She’s rumored to have been a jilted performer who died during a performance. Staff have seen her figure vanish into walls.
Address: 500 N Texas Ave, Odessa, TX
Hours: Event-based
Approx Cost: Varies
Famous For: Apparitions in white and paranormal activity backstage
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a show during Halloween season—ushers sometimes share the latest ghost sightings.
4. Big Spring’s Hotel Settles
One of West Texas’s most elegant hotels also happens to be one of its most haunted. Hotel Settles, restored to 1930s glory, reportedly houses spirits of former guests and staff. Common sightings include a bellboy who vanishes and phantom footsteps in empty halls.
Address: 200 E 3rd St, Big Spring, TX
Hours: 24/7 (hotel)
Approx Cost: Rooms from $150+
Famous For: Ghostly encounters in Room 214 and the grand staircase
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a high-floor room and explore alone at night—the atmosphere becomes extra spooky after midnight.
5. Marfa Lights Viewing Area
About 2.5 hours from Midland, this desert phenomenon draws skeptics and believers alike. Strange lights appear at random across the horizon—unexplained for decades. Some think they’re spirits of lost travelers, while others blame desert gases.
Address: US-90, 9 miles east of Marfa, TX
Hours: Dusk to midnight (best viewing)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Mysterious lights that float, blink, and move erratically
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring binoculars and camp chairs—stay at least 30 minutes for your best chance to see activity.
6. Howard County Courthouse – Big Spring
This 1930s building still serves the county but carries a reputation for paranormal activity. Janitors have reported strange whispers, shadows, and cold spots in the basement. Some believe it’s the spirit of an accused man wrongfully convicted.
Address: 300 S Main St, Big Spring, TX
Hours: Weekdays: 8am–5pm
Approx Cost: Free (exterior viewing)
Famous For: Haunted basement and spectral noises
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit on weekends when the building is empty—it’s creepier without courthouse chatter.
7. Baker Ranch Cemetery (Ghost Town Stop)
On the outskirts of Midland lies an abandoned family cemetery near a forgotten ranching town. Markers date back to the 1800s, and locals claim to see ghostly figures walking the dirt road. It’s remote, quiet, and very eerie.
Address: Off SH-349 (ask locals for directions)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Apparitions and cold spots in the windless desert
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go in pairs—cell service is spotty, and stories suggest visitors sometimes feel “watched.”
Packing Tips for a Haunted Road Trip Near Midland
Flashlight or headlamp for dark paths and abandoned sites
Camera with night vision or long exposure for ghost photography
Notebook to document any unusual activity or stories
Digital voice recorder (if you’re into EVP sessions)
Layers for nighttime chills
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
Cell phone with offline maps or backup power bank
Respectful attitude—don’t disturb graves or enter restricted buildings
Hand sanitizer and wipes for dusty or remote stops
Basic first-aid kit
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Fall (especially October) is the best time for ghost tours and haunted road trips
Visit historical societies for deeper stories and town legends
Some locations are private or have restricted access—be respectful and cautious
Bring cash—some guided ghost tours or small-town museums don’t accept cards
Avoid locations after heavy rain—dirt roads can become impassable
Night visits are creepier but also less safe—always go with a buddy
Ask locals about additional spots—many ghost stories are passed down verbally
Bring layers—West Texas nights can drop quickly in temperature
Conclusion: Embrace the Hauntings of West Texas
A spooky road trip near Midland isn’t just about ghosts—it’s about forgotten towns, eerie silences, and stories that linger long after the engine shuts off. Whether you’re chasing apparitions or just love history with a twist, these haunted places deliver more than a scare—they offer connection to Texas’s deeper, darker past.
So load up your gear, cue the eerie playlist, and prepare for encounters that will haunt your road trip scrapbook—in the best way.
