DFW's Most Haunted Places
Though most ghosts are a surprise, DFW's best haunts surprise you even with their locations. From a man crushed by an elephant at the zoo to a traditional haunted hotel, this area is chock full of spirits. Start exploring DFW's most haunted — and most unlikely — places this Halloween for chills, thrills and a great time.
Miss Molly's Hotel
109 W. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
(817) 626-1522
www.missmollyshotel.com/Price: from $100 a night/ghosts stay for freeMiss Molly's Bed & Breakfast is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Fort Worth. Located in the middle of Fort Worth's historic Stockyards, Miss Molly's is a favorite location for ghost busters and Wild West romantics. Originally named The Palace Rooms, Miss Molly's began as an upscale boarding house. In 1910, the prim Victorian style house filled a need for a growing city and economy. Almost 20 years later it became a speakeasy during Prohibition and was renamed The Oasis. By the 1940s, The Oasis fell on hard times and became a bordello. Cowboys weary from herding cattle rounded up whiskey and wild women instead. In recent years several tragic entities from the 1940s and 1950s have appeared to psychics and paranormal investigative teams. Murdered prostitutes and a woman who died of lung disease came out of the woodwork. To add even more intrigue to the story, many of the entities were unaware they were ghosts. Guests have reported seeing pretty female apparitions at the foot of their bed, especially in the Cattlemen's Room. One reporter woke up to find a lovely blonde entity visiting him. The owners frequently see a little girl who probably died from typhoid or some other virulent disease of the 19th century. Manifestations seem to run amuck at the B&B. Guests feel cold spots, find their belongings in odd places, discover coins on furniture, smell strange perfumes in the rooms and hallways and see unexplained shadows and lights. The fun part is that you can actually stay in this haunted house.
109 W. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
(817) 626-1522
www.missmollyshotel.com/Price: from $100 a night/ghosts stay for freeMiss Molly's Bed & Breakfast is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Fort Worth. Located in the middle of Fort Worth's historic Stockyards, Miss Molly's is a favorite location for ghost busters and Wild West romantics. Originally named The Palace Rooms, Miss Molly's began as an upscale boarding house. In 1910, the prim Victorian style house filled a need for a growing city and economy. Almost 20 years later it became a speakeasy during Prohibition and was renamed The Oasis. By the 1940s, The Oasis fell on hard times and became a bordello. Cowboys weary from herding cattle rounded up whiskey and wild women instead. In recent years several tragic entities from the 1940s and 1950s have appeared to psychics and paranormal investigative teams. Murdered prostitutes and a woman who died of lung disease came out of the woodwork. To add even more intrigue to the story, many of the entities were unaware they were ghosts. Guests have reported seeing pretty female apparitions at the foot of their bed, especially in the Cattlemen's Room. One reporter woke up to find a lovely blonde entity visiting him. The owners frequently see a little girl who probably died from typhoid or some other virulent disease of the 19th century. Manifestations seem to run amuck at the B&B. Guests feel cold spots, find their belongings in odd places, discover coins on furniture, smell strange perfumes in the rooms and hallways and see unexplained shadows and lights. The fun part is that you can actually stay in this haunted house.
Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
(817) 759-7555
www.fortworthzoo.org/
Price: $12 adults 13 and older/$9 children 3 to 12/free toddlers 2 and younger/$9 seniors 65 and older/$5 parking per vehicle/$40 per person for the spooky sleepoverThe Fort Worth Zoo is listed as one of the prestigious top five zoos in America in the "USA Travel Guide," but only a handful of people know it may be haunted. Among ghost aficionados, the haunting is the elephant in the room, almost literally. Elephant trainer Michael A. Bell's tragic death in 1987 occurred as he attempted to move a four-ton bull elephant and two females into a larger pen. Bell was crushed when the male asserted his dominance. Since the incident, many claim to have spotted the ghost of a man walking near the elephant and zebra areas of the zoo. Another inexplicable ghost is the 19th-century woman dressed in white and carrying a parasol. She paces slowly back and forth in front of the zoo café.
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
(817) 759-7555
www.fortworthzoo.org/
Price: $12 adults 13 and older/$9 children 3 to 12/free toddlers 2 and younger/$9 seniors 65 and older/$5 parking per vehicle/$40 per person for the spooky sleepoverThe Fort Worth Zoo is listed as one of the prestigious top five zoos in America in the "USA Travel Guide," but only a handful of people know it may be haunted. Among ghost aficionados, the haunting is the elephant in the room, almost literally. Elephant trainer Michael A. Bell's tragic death in 1987 occurred as he attempted to move a four-ton bull elephant and two females into a larger pen. Bell was crushed when the male asserted his dominance. Since the incident, many claim to have spotted the ghost of a man walking near the elephant and zebra areas of the zoo. Another inexplicable ghost is the 19th-century woman dressed in white and carrying a parasol. She paces slowly back and forth in front of the zoo café.
Sons of Hermann Hall
3414 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 747-4422
www.sonsofhermann.comPrice: $5 swing dance cover chargeLocated in the legendary Deep Ellum district, the haunted Dallas chapter of the Sons of Hermann Hall is still alive. Fabulous live music, swing dancing, electric campfire jams and a great bar bring locals and visitors alike. The Hall is also known for spirits of a different kind. For years dedicated volunteers and patrons have reported seeing and hearing apparitions. Some have heard bowling sounds in the closed alley downstairs only to discover an empty room when investigating. Others have encountered falling paintings and doors slamming on their own. Those who see dead people have reported a ghost couple, while others hear distant sounds of children laughing. The Hall is part of the nation's oldest fraternal benefit society Sons of Hermann Hall and has been an important part of the community for years. Perhaps that is why the ghost children are laughing, while others are playing and the ghost couple visits. The main upstairs ballroom is a special hangout for the apparitions. On Sept. 26, 2010, FWParanormal investigated the ghosts and lived to tell about it. The group has a video with cool ghost-buster gadgets that measure cold spots and energy. They also took photographs with orbs that were not visible to the naked eye.
3414 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 747-4422
www.sonsofhermann.comPrice: $5 swing dance cover chargeLocated in the legendary Deep Ellum district, the haunted Dallas chapter of the Sons of Hermann Hall is still alive. Fabulous live music, swing dancing, electric campfire jams and a great bar bring locals and visitors alike. The Hall is also known for spirits of a different kind. For years dedicated volunteers and patrons have reported seeing and hearing apparitions. Some have heard bowling sounds in the closed alley downstairs only to discover an empty room when investigating. Others have encountered falling paintings and doors slamming on their own. Those who see dead people have reported a ghost couple, while others hear distant sounds of children laughing. The Hall is part of the nation's oldest fraternal benefit society Sons of Hermann Hall and has been an important part of the community for years. Perhaps that is why the ghost children are laughing, while others are playing and the ghost couple visits. The main upstairs ballroom is a special hangout for the apparitions. On Sept. 26, 2010, FWParanormal investigated the ghosts and lived to tell about it. The group has a video with cool ghost-buster gadgets that measure cold spots and energy. They also took photographs with orbs that were not visible to the naked eye.
Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Road to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 265-3356
www.sixflags.com/Price: $59.99 general admission/$42.99 children shorter than 48 inches/$39.99 Fright Fest online tickets/$59.99 2013 season passesThe Arlington-based Six Flags Over Texas has many urban legend ghost stories swirling around it. Many ghost hunters believe this is the most haunted place in Texas. Ghosts have been spotted at the Music Mill, The Palace, The Candy Store and in open areas of the park like the Log Ride. One apparition named Annie is a young girl who haunts the Candy Store near the Texas Giant. In the early 1900s an 8-year-old girl drowned in Johnson's Creek, and it is said her ghost wanders along the railroad tracks or stays in the historic house at the park. Originally, it was an old farmhouse that was moved to Six Flags. Employees have reported problems with keeping the Candy Store door locked, the lights going on and off and the upstairs curtain being opened and closed. Many guards make jokes about "Annie being playful." Visit the Haunted Six Flags Over Texas forum and enjoy the employees ghostly stories of cold spots, entities, being touched by something while alone, seeing an entity of an old man in overalls standing on the stage at The Palace and other scary tales. In the '80s there was a ghost named Angus who was thought to be one of the men building The Palace who fell to his death. An employee shared that, one evening as she closed down The Palace, but returned to get something to find the popcorn machine on and full of hot popcorn. Actors shared that doors slammed and lights turned on and off while they were alone. Another employee during the '90s and his boss also saw Angus. A light operator said he spied Angus, but the ghost disappeared when he looked down to call the manager. He was described as an old man with white hair and a beard wearing coveralls. In 2008, Stockyards Paranormal Investigations conducted an investigation accompanied by two Six Flags public relations employees. Their report describes spirit encounters in great detail including seeing entities and recording electronic voice phenomena.
2201 Road to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 265-3356
www.sixflags.com/Price: $59.99 general admission/$42.99 children shorter than 48 inches/$39.99 Fright Fest online tickets/$59.99 2013 season passesThe Arlington-based Six Flags Over Texas has many urban legend ghost stories swirling around it. Many ghost hunters believe this is the most haunted place in Texas. Ghosts have been spotted at the Music Mill, The Palace, The Candy Store and in open areas of the park like the Log Ride. One apparition named Annie is a young girl who haunts the Candy Store near the Texas Giant. In the early 1900s an 8-year-old girl drowned in Johnson's Creek, and it is said her ghost wanders along the railroad tracks or stays in the historic house at the park. Originally, it was an old farmhouse that was moved to Six Flags. Employees have reported problems with keeping the Candy Store door locked, the lights going on and off and the upstairs curtain being opened and closed. Many guards make jokes about "Annie being playful." Visit the Haunted Six Flags Over Texas forum and enjoy the employees ghostly stories of cold spots, entities, being touched by something while alone, seeing an entity of an old man in overalls standing on the stage at The Palace and other scary tales. In the '80s there was a ghost named Angus who was thought to be one of the men building The Palace who fell to his death. An employee shared that, one evening as she closed down The Palace, but returned to get something to find the popcorn machine on and full of hot popcorn. Actors shared that doors slammed and lights turned on and off while they were alone. Another employee during the '90s and his boss also saw Angus. A light operator said he spied Angus, but the ghost disappeared when he looked down to call the manager. He was described as an old man with white hair and a beard wearing coveralls. In 2008, Stockyards Paranormal Investigations conducted an investigation accompanied by two Six Flags public relations employees. Their report describes spirit encounters in great detail including seeing entities and recording electronic voice phenomena.
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
1515 S. Harwood
Dallas, TX 75215-1273
(214) 421-5141
www.dallasheritagevillage.orgPrice: $9 adult/$7 seniors/$5 child 4 to 12 yearsDallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is the most comprehensive collection of 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes in Texas. One of its most impressive buildings, the Millermore Mansion, is considered haunted by paranormals. During the 1800s, before vaccinations for many dangerous infectious diseases, people often died in their homes. The first hospital in Dallas opened in 1894, so prior to that time, children suffering from pneumonia, small pox, diphtheria and other serious diseases stayed at home. For years, consistent reporting of a female ghost in the second floor area near the nursery and sickroom have surfaced. Melissa Prycer, the director of education at Dallas Heritage Village, said there was not any historical evidence of a murder or death by natural causes in the Millermore. However, she continued, "In the former Law Office Building there was a gang related murder in the 1920s." Rumors continue that employees and guests have felt a sudden drop in temperature in the upstairs nursery. Visitors, staff and docents have also felt a presence in the past 25 years. Many people claim to see the female apparition.
1515 S. Harwood
Dallas, TX 75215-1273
(214) 421-5141
www.dallasheritagevillage.orgPrice: $9 adult/$7 seniors/$5 child 4 to 12 yearsDallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is the most comprehensive collection of 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes in Texas. One of its most impressive buildings, the Millermore Mansion, is considered haunted by paranormals. During the 1800s, before vaccinations for many dangerous infectious diseases, people often died in their homes. The first hospital in Dallas opened in 1894, so prior to that time, children suffering from pneumonia, small pox, diphtheria and other serious diseases stayed at home. For years, consistent reporting of a female ghost in the second floor area near the nursery and sickroom have surfaced. Melissa Prycer, the director of education at Dallas Heritage Village, said there was not any historical evidence of a murder or death by natural causes in the Millermore. However, she continued, "In the former Law Office Building there was a gang related murder in the 1920s." Rumors continue that employees and guests have felt a sudden drop in temperature in the upstairs nursery. Visitors, staff and docents have also felt a presence in the past 25 years. Many people claim to see the female apparition.
Marilee Vergati, is an international award winning art director and writer. As a native Dallasite and fifth generation Texan, she brings a unique insight to her beloved state, its events, arts, ecology and people. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
