10 Haunted Spots in the Old West To Visit – If You Dare!

Nothing captures our imagination quite like the Wild West – except maybe ghost stories. Outlaws, shootouts, saloons, and all kinds of illicit entertainment could only be made more interesting by throwing in some paranormal activity. These haunted places in the Old West combine real history and ghostly legends that continue to fascinate travelers today. That's why we made this list of Old West hangouts with the most haunting reputations:

1. Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee: A Haunted Landmark of the Old West

The Copper Queen is the longest-running hotel in Arizona. It was built to host an influx of visitors due to the nearby copper mine. The most famous ghostly resident here was a prostitute who fell in love with one of her customers. Her love was unrequited, and she killed herself in the hotel. Now, her presence is strongly felt on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the hotel on the west side. Today, the Copper Queen Hotel remains open to guests year-round and even offers themed ghost tours every weekend.

2. St. James Hotel, Cimarron: Step Inside a Haunted Old West Icon

This historic hotel was a Wild West landmark and saw many murders during its decades of operation. Notable guests included Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Black Jack Ketchum. There are several spirits in residence here, including the original owner's wife and young son, two young girls, a cowboy, and other spirits who still seem to be traveling the Santa Fe Trail that passed the hotel. The hotel now welcomes modern guests with a restaurant and saloon, while maintaining much of its 19th-century charm.

3. The Dumas Brothel, Butte: Explore One of the Old West’s Haunted Sites

Opening in 1890 and closing in 1982, the Dumas Brothel was the longest-running brothel in U.S. history. You can only imagine how much human drama must have unfurled behind these walls. The brothel is rumored to be haunted by many spirits, most notably Elinore Knott. Ms. Knott was supposedly working at the brothel when she decided to run away with one of her (married) customers. She waited for him there, but he never arrived. She committed suicide with sleeping pills and alcohol, and was found the next day. Today, the Dumas Brothel operates as a museum offering ghost tours and historic exhibits about Butte’s mining past.

4. The Alamo, San Antonio: Discover the Haunted History of Texas

Places where so much occurred and passions were so strong are often magnets for paranormal activity. 200 Texans and 1600 Mexican soldiers died in battle here. One of the stories is that the ghost of a little boy appears in the gift shop window, especially in the wintertime. Another one actually claims that John Wayne himself haunts The Alamo, quoting his famous lines. There are many, many more. When visiting, you can explore The Alamo daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – admission is free.

5. Piper's Opera House, Virginia City: A Haunted Old West Theater

It seems like this opera house was so much fun that many patrons never wanted to leave. Psychics report feeling a strange force pulling them toward the stage. The restored opera house continues to host live performances and guided ghost tours.

6. Lincoln, New Mexico: Explore the Haunted Heart of the Old West

This small town was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Wild West. The Lincoln County Courthouse (pictured) is one of many places in New Mexico that Billy the Kid has been known to haunt. This is where Billy was sentenced to hang for his part in the Lincoln County War, only to escape, killing both of his jailers. Today, visitors can explore the Lincoln Historic Site, which features 17 preserved buildings and a museum dedicated to the life of Abraham Lincoln. Read more about one of my favorite haunted places in New Mexico.

7. Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City: A Haunted Historic Gem of the Old West

This luxurious hotel was once called the "Queen of the Mines." It sat abandoned for years before its '90s renovation seemed to bring back some of its old guests. Visitors have reported hearing and seeing phantom partiers from the hotel's heyday. A rarely seen "Lady in Blue" supposedly haunts the room directly beneath the clock. The Geiser Grand is open for overnight stays, and guests can request a guided ghost tour at the front desk.

8. White Eagle Saloon & Hotel, Portland: Haunted History in the Old West

Legends abound at this popular bar in Portland. Most of the ghosts here had connections to the bar's days as a brothel. Guests can now stay on the 2nd floor, which had been closed for years due to paranormal activity. Located near the Mississippi Avenue arts district, this McMenamins-owned saloon also serves classic pub fare and local craft beers.

9. Yellow Jacket Mine, Storey: A Haunted Relic of the Old West

The worst mine disaster in Nevada's history caused at least 35 deaths, though the actual number could be much higher. This catastrophe may have led to several spirits haunting the mine. The site itself is closed to the public for safety reasons, but visitors can learn more at the nearby Comstock Historic District in Virginia City.

10. Silver Cliff, Colorado: Explore the Haunted Sites of the Old West

The history of this town dates back to the 1870s, when it was founded to house workers at the nearby mines. Mysterious orbs that float around the town cemetery are well-documented and have been investigated for decades. The Silver Cliff Cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours, though visitors hoping to glimpse the orbs often visit after sunset.

Do you know any other stories of the haunted Old West? Let us know through this nomination page. Want to learn more about haunted history? Check out the most haunted places in all 50 states.

Ready to map out your own spooky road trip? Use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to customize your haunted adventure!