Not Many People Realize These 6 Little Known Haunted Places In Arizona Exist
By Monica Spencer|Published September 01, 2017
×
Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Getting goosebumps in Arizona could mean one of several things: you experienced the vastness of the Grand Canyon for the first time, you felt a chill while hiking the Peaks, or you might have experienced a run in with a ghost. Some people have their doubts about that last one, but when you consider that Arizona has had one violent past, spotting a ghost or two shouldn’t be that surprising. While we all know of some pretty famous haunted spots (Jerome, anyone?), there are some places that are lesser known. Today, we’re going to check out a few of these places. Let’s take a look!
Located in downtown Globe, this old county jail looks exactly like what you would expect of a small town jail. Messages scratched into concrete walls, dim lighting, and sparse accommodations make this place both sterile and spooky. The jail operated from 1910 to 1981 and is rumored to be haunted by some of its former inmates. You can find details about touring the jail on their Facebook page.
It probably says something when the inn’s website explicitly states that exorcisms and Ouija boards are not allowed on the premises. This little bed and breakfast sits in the hills of Old Bisbee and may be one of the most haunted buildings in town, if not the state. The inn’s owner and guests have noted never quite feeling alone here.
One of the oldest restaurants in Arizona, the Palace dates back to the 1870s when Arizona was just starting to be settled by Americans. With Prescott’s history of violence as part of the frontier, it’s no wonder this place is thought to be haunted and featured in ghost hunting shows. It is supposedly haunted by former patrons and workers, including brothel workers who hang out in the upstairs area.
This living history museum sits on the northern outskirts of Phoenix and is the permanent home to some historic and reconstructed buildings from Arizona’s territorial days. With all these old buildings, furniture, and trinkets comes some spooky encounters with ghosts. Employees have noted witnessing various ghosts within the town, including in the jail and school house.
Part of a state historic park of the same name, Riordan Mansion was the 1904 home to brother lumber barons. It is said to be haunted by a ghostly woman, who may have been the wife to one of the brothers. During Halloween, the park usually hosts a spooky event that explores the historical and fantastical stories that have taken place here.
A once prominent gold mine and boomtown of the Old West, this place is considered to be the permanent home to spirits who refuse to leave. Like many other towns of Arizona’s territorial history, Vulture City and its mine were violent places that often relied on vigilante justice in its early days. Eighteen men were hanged from the town’s "hanging tree" and some people believe miners continue to linger here. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can always check out their seasonal tours during the cooler months.
