The 8 Most Haunted Places In Nevada

Ghosts and hauntings mean different things for different people. Some scoff, but for many, stories of ghosts and terrifying happenings gets their adrenaline pumping in the best way. They even actively seek out paranormal stories and places. Thankfully, Nevada has these in spades. Even away from the bright lights of Las Vegas, the Silver State’s long history offers paranormal enthusiasts a glut of options. Nevada calls itself “the weirdest, wildest west” and aims to scare. The state even sponsors a “paranormal passport,” tied to many of its most famous haunted places! So bring your flashlight and we’ll explore the eight most haunted places in Nevada.

The Clown Motel & Old Tonopah Cemetery

Let’s begin with a double feature. Located right next to each other, the brightly lit Clown Motel and Old Tonopah Cemetery — which dates back to the 1900s — certainly set the stage for an interesting night. Locals and the hotel’s owner believe some of the spirits of those buried in the cemetery like to visit the hotel. Anything to liven up the afterlife, right?

Both the owner and guests at the hotel have heard footsteps, voices and conversations in empty rooms, and creepy laughs. Guests frequently report cold spots, phantom knocking, and whispers. One guest even reported the sensation of being poked in the middle of the night while no one else was in the room. However, most guests report no feelings of danger or malice, and believe it’s just the old miners from next door checking in. The owner also boasts that he’s collected and displayed over 2,000 clowns in the lobby, which just increases the creepy factor for many.

Contact Information

521 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049

(775) 624-9098

Visitors can peruse the clown-filled lobby anytime and themed rooms are available for booking. When exploring the historic cemetery, please be respectful — it is still in use for current residents. The oldest graves are marked by rough white stones and clearly stand out from the rest of the cemetery.

The Mizpah Hotel

Built in 1907, the Mizpah Hotel was once referred to as “the finest stone hotel in the desert.” Frequent renovations have updated the hotel to maintain this claim, introducing modern amenities while preserving its historic grandeur. However, it also hosts Nevada’s most famous ghost and enough people experience her presence for the hotel to be named one of the top haunted hotels in America by USA Today.

The Lady in Red frequently drops in on guests, particularly the men. Thought to be the spirit of Evelyn May Johnston, the Lady in Red is what remains of a woman presumably murdered on the fifth floor of the hotel. Conflicting stories argue over her story. Some say she was a lady of the night strangled by a jealous client, while some assert she was the mistress of a powerful man caught with another. However, the stories agree on the outcome — she died, and in the attack, her pearl necklace broke.

Men now report her whispering sweet nothings in their ears while they sleep. Some even find pearls tucked under their pillows. A gift, taken from the Lady in Red’s scattered necklace? Sounds better than a chocolate, honestly.

Contact Information

100 N. Main St., Tonopah, NV 89049

(855) 337-3030

Guests can request to stay on the fifth floor or in Room 502, the Lady in Red’s room. Ghost hunting events occur frequently, scheduled by both the hotel and third parties.

Overland Hotel & Saloon

Pioche boasts a… colorful history. The town used to house a great many miners, but decidedly fewer men interested in enforcing the law. In its earliest days, violence reigned and 72 people died at the hands of another before anyone died of natural causes. Because of this, Pioche is called “Nevada’s liveliest ghost town.”

The Overland Hotel & Saloon first welcomed guests in 1863. The hotel thrived against the town’s backdrop of rowdy miners and violence and featured everything from a gambling house to a bowling alley within its walls. A fire destroyed a third of Pioche, including the Overland, in 1946. It reopened in 1948 as a dance hall and saloon, made of more fire-resistant concrete and brick.

Guests and employees at the hotel report frequent ghost sightings. Shadowy figures slam doors, shake guests awake, and stomp through the hallways. Room 10 is especially active, though more faint-hearted guests can ask for a ghost-free room.

Contact Information

662 Main St, Pioche, NV 89043

(775) 962-5895

When booking a room, let the front desk know your preferred level of ghostly activity! If you’re just passing through, make sure to stop for a drink or a bite to eat at the historic saloon.

Pioneer Saloon

Pioneer Saloon holds the record as the oldest bar in southern Nevada! Opened in 1913, the saloon is now among Nevada’s state register of historical places. It still features its original stamped tin walls, and — if the stories are true — plays host to a variety of ghosts it’s collected over the years.

Several ghost stories haunt the Pioneer Saloon. One dates back to 1915, just two years after the saloon opened, and features a gambler named Paul Coski. He and the dealer of the card game he had joined each accused the other of cheating. The dealer pulled his gun, Coski died, and the saloon received three bullet holes in its wall from the shots that missed. You can still see those holes today, and many patrons have reported seeing Coski at the bar or poker tables after closing.

Other reported ghosts include a miner in a cowboy hat who just wants to hang out at the bar, the owner of the saloon who died mid-drink, and a lady ghost haunting the women’s bathroom. There are also rumors that either Clark Gable or Carole Lombard’s spirits visit the Pioneer Saloon. It’s said that Clark Gable waited at the saloon for news about Carole Lombard’s fate after her plane crashed into the nearby Potosi Mountain.

Contact Information

310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019

(702) 674-6809

The saloon welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday, offering a Texas twist on American classics.

Middlegate Station

Initially built as a stop along the Pony Express, Middlegate Station offered riders a place to rest, eat, and change their horse before continuing their breakneck journey across the country. The Pony Express system only lasted about 18 months, thanks to the invention of the telegraph. However, Middlegate Station continued on, operating as a stage and freight station until the early 1900s.

Today, Middlegate Station serves as a bar, cafe, motel, and the only gas station for 50 miles in either direction. Guests staying at the motel have heard the stomp of boots and phantom knocking on the wooden boardwalk in front of the rooms. Perhaps the worn-out Pony Express riders are still looking for a place to rest.

Contact Information

42500 Austin Hwy, Fallon, NV 89406

(775) 423-7134

In addition to ghosts, gas, and a cozy bed, Middlegate Station’s restaurant features the Monster Burger Challenge. So even if you don’t see a ghost, you can still find a monster!

Silver Queen Hotel

The Silver Queen Hotel boasts the title of both the oldest hotel in Virginia City and the most haunted hotel in Virginia City. Built in 1876, the Silver Queen still offers a variety of amenities to guests, such as comfortable rooms, 100-mile views, an overall vintage and historical vibe, a huge portrait made from silver dollar coins, a crypt-turned-chapel, and a ghost.

Many guests report seeing the vision of a woman lingering at the top of the long main staircase. Just as many have reported hearing rattling door knobs, voices, and the sound of footsteps on wooden floors. However, the entirety of the Silver Queen Hotel is carpeted. These experiences are tied to “Rosie,” the hotel’s resident ghost. She once lived and conducted business in the hotel, but tragically slit her wrists in Room 11’s bathtub and died. Her spirit still roams the halls and guests can request to stay in her room, if they’re brave enough.

Contact Information

28 North C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-0440

Check into a room at the Silver Queen Hotel for your best chance at seeing Rosie, but the authentic 1870s saloon and chapel are worth a visit even if you’re just passing through.

Washoe Club

Another Virginia City haunt, the Washoe Club hosted the newly rich miners and businessmen. The club helped residents blow off steam and, like any good VIP destination, had a number of secret exits for patrons’ discretion. The Washoe Club remains in operation as a unique and historical bar, with spirits aplenty — of both the alcoholic and supernatural kinds.

Three ghosts are said to haunt the club. Atop the stunning staircase — which is actually the longest freestanding spiral staircase ever built — many visitors have seen Lena, or the Lady in Blue. The Crypt used to serve as a holding room for dead bodies awaiting burial when the ground thawed and now is a hotspot for cold spots and dark figures. Lastly, a mischievous prospector plagues the bar. He’s known for snatching unattended drinks and toppling barstools, as well as opening the front door for women patrons. Some bartenders will leave him a shot of whiskey after closing the bar. The glass is always empty in the morning.

Contact Information

112 South C Street, Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-4467

Belly up to the bar for a specialty drink in the expertly restored saloon, or enjoy one of the daily ghost tours through the historic building. In addition, those brave enough can book an overnight paranormal experience that includes access to the upper floors, the staircase, and the Crypt.

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Zak Bagans, the long-time host of the Discovery Channel’s “Ghost Adventures,” has built a reputation among haunted places and artifacts. In 2017, he brought this interest home to Las Vegas when he purchased a mansion built in 1938 and transformed it into an amazing collection of haunted items.

Even the mansion itself is reputedly haunted by past residents and a history of occult activity. Some guests report seeing a cloaked figure pass through closed doors. The Haunted Museum includes over 30 rooms packed to the gills with cursed objects, totems, and ephemera. The Dybbuk Box, the Death Van of Dr. Death, Charles Manson’s bone fragments, and the original staircase from Indiana’s Demon House all haunt the halls of the museum.

Contact Information

600 East Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104

(702) 444-0744

This treasure trove of bone-chilling items is yours for the perusing every day but Tuesdays. Entry requires an admission fee and medical waiver. Brave souls who want a truly terrifying experience can join the Late Night Flashlight Ghost Tour Experience.

Summary

Once home to a symphony of siren calls for miners in search of valuable ore, Nevada hosts more than its fair share of paranormal happenings. The Silver State’s colorful history plays out between the ghost towns, haunted saloons, and tragic stories found throughout the state. We’ve only scratched the surface here — many more haunted sites await your visit!