Highway Haunts: 7 Paranormal Pit Stops in the Silver State
The perfect paranormal road trip awaits you in one of the wildest states in the U.S.—Nevada.
This state is brimming with haunted history and strange wonders, earning it a reputation among paranormal enthusiasts as one of the most haunted parts of the country. Here are seven must-see pit stops recommended by a professional paranormal investigator.
Nevada State Prison
The historic Nevada State Prison looms near the outskirts of Carson City, Nevada’s state capital. Popular among history lovers and ghost hunters alike, the prison was built in 1862 and played a pivotal role in Nevada’s early history. Since its closure in 2012, day and night tours have been developed to help educate visitors—and keep their well-known ghosts company. If you’re on the ghost tour, take pictures in sets of three—with the flash on! You never know what you might capture lurking in the dark.
Stokes Castle
An abandoned Roman-style castle towering over the high desert? Nevada’s got it. Stokes Castle has stood proudly above the tiny mountain town of Austin since 1897, when railroad magnate Anson Phelps Stokes built it as a summer home. It was only occupied for one month before being abandoned, but this grand structure still haunts the landscape 130 years later. Visit at night for an incredible view of the starry Nevada skies (and maybe a chance to see a UFO or two).
Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Amid Nevada’s desert hills lie the remains of the 165-year-old Fort Churchill State Historical Park. Built by the U.S. Army in 1861 to protect settlers, the fort has been in a state of arrested decay since 1869. Take a stroll by the dilapidated structures or pay your respects at the nearby cemetery—just don’t be surprised if a spirit crosses your path. Don’t let the potential ghosts scare you, but do be cautious of rattlesnakes.
Silver Terrace Cemetery
Virginia City is filled to the brim with paranormal attractions, but there’s no better place to start than Silver Terrace Cemetery. Life on the Comstock was often short-lived, but Silver Terrace did a great job of honoring the diverse—and often very wealthy—inhabitants of Virginia City. Join a tour or take a walk among the elaborate plots on your own, but make sure to greet any paranormal pals you might meet along the way.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Visit during Hauntober—Virginia City’s month-long October celebration—and catch the Silver Terrace’s special Halloween tour.
The Washoe Club
Stroll down Virginia City’s C Street to The Washoe Club, a bucket-list destination for lovers of the weird and unusual and a ghost hunter’s playground. This historic saloon originally served as the meeting place for the city’s elites—who are rumored to haunt the building to this day. Book a late-night ghost hunt and take time to stop by the haunted museum and the famous spiral staircase. Spend some time alone in “The Crypt” if you’re looking for an extra spooky experience.
Mackay Mansion
Before leaving Virginia City, one more must-see for paranormal adventurers is Mackay Mansion. This 1859 manor was built for John Mackay, a Comstock silver baron, and has a fascinating history. Lately, however, it’s best known for housing many of the city’s lost souls. Investigate the mansion’s paranormal activity for a scary good time and a chance to come face-to-face with the spectral lady of the house, Mrs. Mackay. The upstairs is known for electronic voice phenomena (EVP). Bring a digital voice recorder to capture any ghostly voices.
The Clown Motel
You couldn’t miss The Clown Motel while driving through Tonopah if you tried: This haunted, clown-themed motel is adorned with bright, comical caricatures. Popular among ghost hunters for its extreme haunts, The Clown Motel also neighbors the equally haunted Old Tonopah Cemetery, making this pit stop a paranormal two-for-one. Pop in to check out the lobby’s impressive collection of clown figurines, or stay the night to experience the area’s otherworldly visitors on a more personal level.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Looking for a paranormal meal? Down the road from The Clown Motel is the Mizpah Hotel, which serves delicious food in a historically haunted atmosphere.
Amanda D. Paulson is a paranormal investigator, researcher, and content creator based in the Pacific Northwest. She runs Pretty Fn Spooky, a blog where she shares fascinating history and spooky adventures.
