Famous Haunted Spots in Austin Texas
Austin might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of haunted places, but if you know where to look, the Texas capitol has its fair share of eerie corners and ghostly tales waiting to be discovered. This fall, as the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, you can explore historic buildings with mysterious pasts, wander streets whispered to be haunted, and uncover stories that might make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of the most spine-tingling attractions, haunted sites, and chilling experiences Austin has to offer.
The Driskill Hotel
Step inside one of Austin’s most haunted landmarks, a Romanesque-style hotel built in 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Named for its original owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill, the hotel is said to be watched over by his lingering spirit, often glimpsed peering out over the corner of Sixth and Brazos Streets as if keeping a silent guard over the city below. Wander through its shadowed halls and historic rooms, and make your way to the legendary Driskill Bar—where the echoes of the past seem almost alive. Patrons have reported brushes with the ghost of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who reportedly still roams the bar, raising a spectral glass much like he did in life. Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill seeker, the Driskill offers chills that are as real as its storied past.
Oakwood Cemetery
Austin’s oldest cemetery hides more than just gravestones—it’s said to be haunted by restless spirits. While Oakwood’s records date back to the mid-1800s, some believe the first souls laid to rest here were victims of the notorious Great Raid of 1840. On quiet nights, visitors have glimpsed ghostly orbs drifting between the tombs, felt icy chills along empty paths, and sensed unseen eyes watching their every move. For those daring enough to wander its shadowed corners, Oakwood Cemetery offers a truly chilling Halloween experience.
Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill
Moonshine sits on Red River Street, near Waller Creek and the Colorado River, a site once plagued by deadly floods in the early 1900s. Legend has it that some of those lost to the waters never moved on, choosing instead to haunt the building where they met their fate. Guests have reported ghostly taps on their shoulders, the clatter of bottles falling without cause, and cold shivers running down their spines as they dine. Once a lively saloon and domino parlor, Moonshine now serves Southern comfort food and moonshine flights—but keep your eyes open… you may not be the only one enjoying a drink.
Littlefield House
Built in 1893 by Civil War Captain George Littlefield, the grand Victorian Littlefield House is steeped in chilling legend. Stories say George would lock his wife, Alice, in the attic whenever he traveled, fearing she might be kidnapped in his absence. While the family denies these tales, locals whisper that her ghost can still be glimpsed from the second-story windows, gazing out into the night. Both Alice and George were laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, but the house—and its lingering spirits—remain part of Austin’s eerie history. Now owned by the University of Texas and closed to the public, the grounds are still open for brave visitors to explore… if they dare.
Texas State Capitol Building
Completed in 1882, the Texas State Capitol stands as both an iconic landmark and a stunning architectural treasure. But behind its grand halls and historic chambers, the building is rumored to host spirits who ignore calendars and schedules, appearing to visitors and politicians alike throughout the year. Ghostly sightings include Comptroller Robert Marshall Love, often glimpsed during the free public tours, while unexplained handprints mysteriously appear on the windows—only to vanish and reemerge, no matter how many times the glass is replaced. For those wandering its corridors, the Capitol offers more than history—it offers a touch of the supernatural.
Millet Opera House
The Millett Opera House is famous for its lingering spirits, most notably Priscilla, an opera singer who tragically fell from the catwalk just before her wedding. Many visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghostly figure in the building’s elevator at night, clad in a flowing white gown. Some claim she even knocks objects from people’s hands, adding an extra chill to the historic venue. While the Millett isn’t open to the public on a regular basis, brave souls can check the website for special events or arrange a private tour—if they dare to encounter Priscilla’s restless spirit firsthand.
