The Story Behind The Most Haunted Place In Nevada Will Give You Nightmares
By Beth|Published August 03, 2016
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Nevada has its fair share of haunted places. From abandoned buildings to eerie hotels, some of these sites could easily be the feature of a horror film. Bonnie Springs Ranch might just take the cake for the most haunted place in Nevada. Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this theme park has a much darker story than its western-themed buildings may suggest. Learn more about why this particular place has drawn in so many paranormal investigations.
In the red rock canyon of southern Nevada lies a ranch attraction that is equal parts beautiful and haunted. The ranch was established in the mid-nineteenth century because of the oasis formed by the natural springs. Wagon trains traveling on the Old Spanish Trail would make frequent stops here. This ariel view shows Bonnie Springs Ranch from the Spring Mountains.
By the 1950s, 115 acres of canyon land had been purchased, including the old ranch. Prior to this purchase, the only buildings that existed were a three-room house and abandoned bar. The bar was reopened, a stable was added to the property, and the ranch began welcoming the public by 1954.
In the 70s, "Old Nevada" opened up as something of a western theme park and tourist attraction. The addition of a schoolhouse, wedding chapel, saloon, wax museum, and staged gun fights gives the area the appearance of an old mining town.
A 50-room motel was added to the property in 1989. This encourages visitors to stay in this pseudo-town, but with that comes the risk of encountering the paranormal. There have been enough ghost sightings at the Bonnie Springs Ranch to launch a series of paranormal investigations. In fact, you can even sign up for a haunted tour complete with various tracking equipment and specialized cameras.
The seemingly-friendly attractions, such as the miniature train and playground, have a few disturbingly creepy stories associated with them. Many have reported seeing a little girl standing near the schoolhouse, while others notice that the merry-go-round starts spinning on a day without even a trace of wind.
Inside the wax museum, visitors have claimed to see some of the figures start to move, and even appear to be breathing. You can only imagine how seeing any of these figures move on their own would send someone running out as quickly as possible. Countless EVPs (electronic voice phenomenon) have been performed in the wax museum, and many with evidence of haunted spirits dwelling among the wax figures.
While it’s difficult to prove the existence of haunted spirits, there’s no denying that this ranch has spooked more than a few visitors in its time. Have you visited Bonnie Springs Ranch? We’d love to hear about your experience there. For more nearby haunted places, be sure to check out These 11 Places In Nevada That Make It The Most Terrifying, Spookiest State.
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