If you crave the thrill of the unexplained, Texas has a story (or ten) to tell. Just a short drive from Dallas lie some of the Lone Star State’s most chilling legends — from haunted hotels and ghostly bridges to restless cemeteries and towns with reputations for the paranormal. Whether you believe in spirits or simply love a good scare, these eerie spots are perfect for adding goosebumps to your next road trip.
This guide takes you through the most haunted road trip destinations near Dallas — ideal for thrill seekers, ghost hunters, and curious road trippers alike. Grab your flashlight, turn down the lights, and get ready to hit the road… if you dare.
Why Explore Haunted Places Near Dallas?
North Texas is more than cowboy boots and BBQ — it’s also filled with haunted legends and eerie history that linger in old hotels, forgotten cemeteries, and creaking bridges. These ghostly places combine historical significance with supernatural folklore, creating destinations that are as educational as they are spine-tingling.
Whether you’re a paranormal investigator, thrill seeker, or just love a unique road trip, haunted sites offer a one-of-a-kind adventure. They’re usually low-cost or free to visit, and many are tied to real Texas events, infamous figures, or tragic tales. Plus, they’re incredibly photogenic — making them ideal for content creators and night-time explorers. A haunted road trip near Dallas isn’t just a scare — it’s a story waiting to be told.
Haunted Road Trip Destinations Near Dallas
These haunted destinations near Dallas blend ghost stories with real history, offering the perfect mix of thrill and curiosity. Whether you’re into eerie atmospheres, abandoned ruins, or legendary hauntings, each of these places promises a road trip to remember — if you’re brave enough.
1. Goatman’s Bridge (Denton)
Also known as Old Alton Bridge, this iron truss bridge from 1884 is infamous for its chilling legend of a demonic goat-headed figure said to roam the area. Visitors report strange lights, footsteps, and aggressive energy — especially after dark. The legend stems from the 1930s, when a Black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn was allegedly lynched here. Locals say his spirit — or something darker — never left.
Address: 3100 Swisher Rd, Denton, TX 76208
Hours: Open 24/7 (daytime strongly recommended for safety)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Goatman legend, ghost sightings, and eerie forest path
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a flashlight and explore in pairs. The trail is rough at night and full of twisted trees and shadows — perfect for ghostly encounters.
2. The Baker Hotel (Mineral Wells)
Once a luxurious resort in the 1920s, The Baker Hotel is now one of Texas’ most notorious haunted buildings. Though currently under renovation, the towering, shuttered structure still draws ghost hunters who report voices, cold spots, and sightings of a red-headed woman who reportedly jumped to her death. From former guests to long-gone employees, many believe the spirits of Mineral Wells’ glamorous — and grim — past still linger within its 14 stories.
Address: 200 E Hubbard St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Hours: Exterior viewable anytime; interior closed to public during renovations
Approx Cost: Free to view; future tours planned post-renovation
Famous For: Apparitions, disembodied voices, and decades of paranormal reports
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit at dusk for moody photos and walk around the perimeter — even the exterior gives off an undeniable, eerie energy.
3. Jefferson Hotel (Jefferson)
Known as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas, the Jefferson Hotel in East Texas has earned a reputation among ghost hunters and paranormal TV shows. Guests frequently report flickering lights, disembodied whispers, footsteps in empty hallways, and even locked doors opening on their own. Each room has its own eerie backstory, and staff lean into the hotel’s haunted reputation with themed decor and ghost journals left for guests.
Address: 124 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Hours: Open daily for lodging; tours available by request
Approx Cost: Rooms start at $100+ per night
Famous For: High volume of guest-reported paranormal activity
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Room 19 is considered the most haunted — book it if you dare, and document your night in the guest logbook.
4. Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards are more than historic — they’re haunted. From former cowboys who never left to outlaws whose spirits still roam the saloons, this area buzzes with ghost stories. The Stockyards Hotel, Miss Molly’s Bed & Breakfast, and the basement of the Exchange Building are all sites of reported paranormal activity. Apparitions, cold spots, and flickering lights are common — especially after the last longhorn drives of the day.
Address: 131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hours: Open daily; best visited evenings for tours
Approx Cost: Free to explore; ghost tours ~$15–$25
Famous For: Haunted hotels, Wild West ghosts, and historic saloon sightings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Join a guided ghost tour to explore behind-the-scenes areas not open to the public — and hear stories of gunfights, gambling, and ghosts.
5. Screaming Bridge (Arlington)
Tucked into River Legacy Park, this small, nondescript bridge has a terrifying reputation. Locals claim that in the 1960s, a group of teens died in a fiery crash at the site, and that their screams can still be heard echoing in the night. The original bridge is now blocked off and hard to access, which only adds to the mystery. Visitors report phantom headlights, disembodied screams, and sudden cold drafts — even in the summer heat.
Address: 701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006 (entrance to River Legacy Park)
Hours: Sunrise to sunset (access after hours discouraged)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Local ghost legend involving fatal car crash and residual screams
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: If you go at night (not recommended solo), park legally and be respectful. The area is patrolled, and the bridge’s location is hidden in brush.
6. Hill House Manor (Gainesville)
Hill House Manor is a paranormal investigator’s dream. Located just over an hour north of Dallas, this seemingly ordinary house has a not-so-ordinary reputation. Visitors and overnight guests have reported whispers, footsteps, shadow figures, and full-bodied apparitions. The house is known for its interactive spirits — many of whom are said to respond to voice recorders and EMF devices. Private ghost hunts and overnight stays are available by reservation only.
Address: 501 W Olive St, Gainesville, TX 76240
Hours: By appointment only
Approx Cost: Private investigations start at ~$200 per group
Famous For: Documented paranormal activity and overnight ghost hunts
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your own ghost-hunting gear or rent during your visit. The more respectful you are, the more active the night may become.
7. Haunted Hill House (Mineral Wells)
If you’re serious about the paranormal, Haunted Hill House is not for the faint of heart. Just blocks from The Baker Hotel, this 1890s home has been featured on numerous paranormal shows for its intense activity. Visitors report growls, scratches, shadow figures, and even physical attacks. Once a brothel and rumored to be a site of dark rituals, it’s now a hotspot for ghost hunters seeking extreme encounters. Overnight investigations are allowed — but many don’t make it till morning.
Address: 501 N Oak Ave, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Hours: By reservation only
Approx Cost: $200–$300 per overnight (up to 8 guests)
Famous For: Aggressive spirits, demonic reports, and extreme hauntings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sleep is optional. Bring cameras, audio gear, and never provoke — this house has a reputation for pushing limits.
8. Oakwood Cemetery (Fort Worth)
One of the oldest cemeteries in Texas, Oakwood Cemetery holds more than 60,000 graves — and countless stories. Established in 1879, it’s the final resting place of cowboys, Confederate soldiers, notorious criminals, and pioneer families. Visitors report shadowy figures, sudden chills, and strange whispers, particularly near the older sections. The cemetery is also known for its peaceful beauty, with winding paths, ancient oaks, and elaborate Victorian-era headstones.
Address: 701 Grand Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Historic graves, ghostly sightings, and haunted tours
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for atmospheric lighting and quieter surroundings. Ghost tours are occasionally offered in October — book early.
9. White Rock Lake Lady (Dallas)
One of Dallas’s most enduring urban legends, the Lady of White Rock Lake is said to be the ghost of a young woman who appears soaking wet along the roadside — often asking for a ride home. Drivers claim she vanishes from their car before reaching the address she gives. The tale dates back to the 1930s and has been retold through generations. Whether fact or folklore, many locals avoid the lake at night… just in case.
Address: 8300 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Urban legend of a vanishing hitchhiker in a white dress
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: The most reported sightings occur near the old boat launch and along Lawther Drive — go late, but never alone.
10. Old Mill in Valley View
Hidden deep in the woods of Valley View lies the crumbling remains of an old mill — long abandoned, yet steeped in legend. Local lore tells of workers who died on site and whose spirits never left. Visitors report unsettling silence, sudden drops in temperature, and the feeling of being watched. The mill is off the beaten path, and its decaying structure adds to the eeriness. While it’s not widely advertised, ghost hunters and urban explorers frequently seek it out.
Address: Near 106 S Lee St, Valley View, TX 76272 (exact location unlisted)
Hours: Not maintained or officially open — visit with caution
Approx Cost: Free (public access not guaranteed)
Famous For: Abandoned structure, ghost sightings, and off-grid mystery
For More Info: No official site; local ghost forums contain directions
Tip: This is more of an urban legend spot — respect private property boundaries, go in groups, and never enter the structure alone or after dark.
Tips for a Haunted Road Trip
Visiting haunted destinations adds excitement to your road trip — but a little planning ensures it’s memorable for the right reasons. Here’s how to prepare:
Visit during dusk or night (when allowed): Paranormal activity is often reported after dark, but always check if nighttime access is legal and safe.
Bring ghost-hunting gear: A flashlight, EMF meter, voice recorder, infrared camera, and extra batteries can enhance the experience — or help capture something unexplained.
Dress for the terrain: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bring layers — many sites are outdoors or in old buildings.
Respect local laws and property lines: Some places are private or restricted after hours. Never trespass or disturb historical landmarks.
Document everything: Keep a journal or voice notes of any odd sounds, feelings, or sightings. Many believe ghosts interact more when acknowledged respectfully.
Final Thoughts: Dare to Explore the Unknown
Whether you’re a skeptic, believer, or just looking for a thrill, there’s something undeniably magnetic about haunted places. These haunted road trip destinations near Dallas offer more than spooky stories — they connect us with the past, with local legends, and maybe even with something beyond our understanding.
From ghost towns to shadowy bridges and haunted mansions, each location dares you to step closer, stay longer, and see what stirs after dark. So grab your gear, choose your route, and remember: the road ahead might be haunted… but that’s exactly the point.
