Spooky season is here! North Texas is full of history, and with it comes some scary stories to keep you up at night.
Here’s some of the most famously haunted locations in North Texas:
The Adolphus Hotel
The Adolphus Hotel, one of Texas' most prestigious establishments, has been a symbol of luxury and comfort since it was built in 1912 by famed beer mogul Adolphus Busch. However, along with its grandeur, the historic hotel is also known for its ghostly legends.
Guests frequently report eerie experiences, particularly during the night, such as hearing heavy footsteps outside their rooms or the faint sound of a piano or big band music from a bygone era. When security investigates, they find empty hallways and no music playing. Additionally, both guests and staff often describe the unsettling sensation of being watched or followed, sometimes accompanied by doors slamming shut without explanation.
White Rock Lake
One of the most famous hauntings in Dallas is the tale of the Lady of the Lake at White Rock Lake. Numerous locals claim to have had eerie encounters with this mysterious figure, with their stories sharing striking similarities.
According to whiterocklake.org, the legend of the Lady of the Lake was first documented in 1943 by Anne Clark. In her story, The Ghost of White Rock, a young couple parked by the lake’s shore saw a woman in white approaching when they turned on their headlights. Beside her was a young girl, both drenched, their white dresses clinging to them as if soaked through.
The woman reportedly climbed into the rumble seat of their car and gave an address in Oak Cliff. But when the couple turned to ask for directions, they found the seat empty and wet. Determined to learn more, they drove to the address, where they were met by a man who said:
“This is a very strange thing. You are the third couple who has come to me with this story. Three weeks ago, while sailing on White Rock Lake, my daughter drowned.”
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge, more ominously known as Goatman’s Bridge, is regarded as one of the creepiest spots in North Texas. Legends of trolls, fairies, and even the Devil himself are said to haunt the area, with some claiming the bridge serves as a portal to Hell.
In a 2017 Halloween episode of Ghost Adventures, the Travel Channel crew had a chilling experience at the bridge. They reportedly encountered signs of cult activity and witchcraft scattered around the site. The investigators were greeted by a menacing atmosphere — Zak felt as if he were being suffocated, Aaron was violently thrown by an unseen force and eerie footage captured a pair of glowing red eyes lurking at the forest's edge.
Ranch 111
In her book Haunted Plano, Mary Jacobs explores chilling local legends, including tales of alleged Devil worship, human sacrifices, animal mutilations, witches’ covens, and satanic cults. One such location is Ranch 111, which was rumored to have once been an abandoned Scout camp.
Today, the area has been developed into a residential subdivision, the Firewheel Golf Course, and One-Eleven Park in Garland. But before its transformation, Ranch 111 was a popular spot for thrill-seeking teens who would gather there after dark in search of adventure. Susan Jantz recalls one such visit with friends in the early 1980s, where they experienced something truly unsettling.
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