Houston is a city filled with history, and where there's history, there's often a haunting. From eerie libraries to ghostly hotels, Houston is home to some seriously spooky spots. If you're into ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, or just love a good thrill, here are five haunted places in Houston you can still visit today.
1. The Julia Ideson Building
Location: 550 McKinney Street
The Julia Ideson Building, part of the Houston Public Library system, opened in 1926. Its Spanish Renaissance-style architecture is charming by day—but at night, it's a different story.
Visitors and staff report hearing violin music echoing through the halls, attributed to Jacob Frank Cramer, a former caretaker who loved to play. His ghost is often seen wandering the library with his faithful dog. Footsteps and strange noises have also been reported in areas closed to the public.
How to Visit: The building is open for public tours and houses archival collections. It's a beautiful place to explore even if you're not ghost hunting.
2. The Hotel Icon
Location: 220 Main Street
Originally built in 1911 as the Union National Bank, the Hotel Icon now serves as a luxury boutique hotel. But some guests leave with more than they bargained for.
Numerous stories involve ghostly figures, particularly in the hallways and older parts of the building. Guests report cold spots, disembodied footsteps, and even sightings of apparitions dressed in early 20th-century attire. Some say these spirits are former bank employees or guests who never checked out.
How to Visit: You can book a stay at the hotel to experience the atmosphere firsthand. Even if you’re just grabbing dinner at their on-site restaurant, you might feel a chill.
3. Jefferson Davis Hospital
Location: 1101 Elder Street
Built in 1924 over a Confederate cemetery, Jefferson Davis Hospital has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in Houston. During its time as a hospital, it saw countless deaths, adding to the spooky lore.
When it was abandoned, locals reported ghostly doctors and nurses roaming the halls. Sounds of phantom footsteps and disembodied whispers were common. Now, the building has been converted into the Elder Street Artist Lofts, but the eerie vibes persist.
How to Visit: You can't enter the residential spaces, but the building is still worth a visit for ghost enthusiasts. Some historical tours of Houston include it as a stop.
4. Rice Hotel (Post Rice Lofts)
Location: 909 Texas Avenue
This historic hotel hosted John F. Kennedy the night before his assassination, and many believe it holds lingering energy from that moment in history. Stories of ghostly figures and unexplained whispers are common, particularly on the upper floors and in the hallways.
Residents of the Post Rice Lofts, which now occupy the building, have also reported strange occurrences, from flickering lights to the sound of muffled conversations when no one else is around.
How to Visit: The building is residential, but some public areas and nearby restaurants let you soak up the ambiance.
5. Glenwood Cemetery
Location: 2525 Washington Avenue
This historic cemetery, established in 1871, is the final resting place for many of Houston’s notable figures. Its serene beauty is accompanied by a chilling reputation for ghostly apparitions and orbs of light appearing after dark.
Visitors often report a heavy, eerie feeling, especially near the older gravesites. The sound of footsteps and faint whispers have been noted when no one else is around. Despite its spooky reputation, the cemetery remains a peaceful place to reflect on Houston’s history.
How to Visit: Glenwood is open to visitors during the day. It's a popular spot for history buffs and paranormal seekers alike.
Respect the History and the Hauntings
While these locations are fascinating, remember to visit respectfully. Many are active businesses or residences, so don’t trespass or disrupt others. If you’re new to ghost hunting, bring a camera or voice recorder—you never know what you might capture.
So, are you ready to explore Houston’s haunted side? Grab some friends, a flashlight, and your nerve. These spots are waiting to send a chill down your spine.
