After hearing the news, she hung herself in a room on the 5th floor. The sub used to be a tourist attraction for over 50 years. After a tragic bout of plague and crop failure, the settlement was abandoned in 1812. The Officer's Quarters are said to be haunted. Actually, according to a report, the ghost is a craftsman named Herbert who passed away at age 74 in his workshop. If you park outside by the Incarnate Ward entrance, when you enter, climb the broken escalator and the place will be right there. EVER! (Submitted by Callum Swift). The Baker Hotel was briefly resurrected by a group of local investors a few years later, but its fortunes failed to improve, and it closed its doors for good in 1972, turning into yet another example of abandoned places in Texas. The years have not been kind to the Futuro Home in Royse City; the interior is gutted and graffiti-covered, and the exterior has been subject to the elements, although an unknown party saw fit to slap a fresh coat of orange paint on it a few years ago, giving a more modern taste to one of the strangest abandoned places in Texas. The now-long-gone Aquarena. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. 617 IH 35 North When shes not staring at her phone and reading social media captions for the thousandth time, you can find her: reading a book in a shallow section of the river (slathered in sunscreen, of course), enjoying a craft beer at alocal breweryor Unicycle Football game, baking decadent cupcakes in her kitchen or knitting in a cozy pile of blankets. For decades, Aquarena Springs showed off the rich abundance of nature in the San Marcos area, while also offering up a heaping helping of Texas weird to visitors. What are some highly rated abandoned buildings near San Marcos, TX? Meant to be an innovation for the future, sadly, many of this sit as just another example of interesting abandoned places in Texas. Visit at your own risk, and make sure to carry a first aid kit. I just happened to see something come through my newsfeed over Fb, I bookmarked it, found my schedule open, so headed east to check it out. With the onset of the Great Depression, however, the towns population was cut in half by 1930. A sign dangling loosely from a crooked wire gate reminds curious visitors that the site is private property, although the low brick wall surrounding the parcel poses little challenge to anyone determined to enter the grounds. Students and faculty have reported paranormal activity ever since. The Best 10 Haunted Houses near San Marcos, TX 78666 Sort:Recommended Price 1. Legend has it that a woman was murdered there in the 1960's and an unsuspecting maid walked in on the murderer as he was escaping out the fire escape You may experience the phantom smell of pipe smoke, and hear footsteps in the audiovisual room. Its closure in 1980 was evidence of the declining fortunes of the petroleum industry that inspired the theaters name; with oil prices down sharply, many Texas-based drilling companies were forced to shed workers and even shutter operations. That's why Aurora Cemetery is so creepy: nobody knows exactly what to expect from it. People claim that items move around on their own volition and people claim to see lights when there is no one there. portalId: "5317100", Read more 0 Buda Antique Mall His widow Julia remained in the home until 1912, when the property changed hands (as it would several more times in the century to come). According to the legend, a woman was badly burned and disfigured in a house fire, and began to haunt the woods near the bridge. $750,000 2 beds 2 baths 1209 sqft House for sale 2104 Hunter Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666 #Big Yard +2 more Reimagine this home! Youngblood in 1879 when he brought his family and a covered wagon full of merchandise to the area about 20 miles southwest of Pecos. I lived in Los Angeles for five years prior to returning home to TX. Customers and employees alike have reported seeing and hearing paranormal activity throughout the building (but primarily on the second floor). Staples, TX (8.3 mi.) Toyah finds its inception as a trading post for large local ranchers, however, before long Toyah had a post office. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Every Halloween, the Jefferson Railway does a themed train ride that people of all ages can enjoy. My friend and I had fun and felt it was interesting and spooky enough to earn our $2.". Located in Big Bend National Park on the southern border of Texas, the now-abandoned Mariscal Mine was once a major source of cinnabar ore that provided nearly one-fourth of the mercury produced in the U.S. between 1900 and 1943. formId: "a9576402-3ef9-46a1-958d-d0c75d4b7bf6" You can do just that here in Bastrop, Texas, because the set of 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' has been converted into a motel! Following a $1.5 million renovation, the historic site now includes a museum and event space. 1. Killer Urbex Note: It is important to note that many of these locations are in an extremely delicate state. People also searched for these near San Marcos: What are people saying about haunted houses near San Marcos, TX? Four vacant, graffiti-covered structures remain on the site, located at Southton and Farm roads in San Antonio. A three-year renovation plan for the hotel was recently announced, with the goal of reopening it with 157 guest rooms, so if you want to see it in its original form, youd better hurry. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Old Alton Bridge in Denton is scary enough to spook even the biggest skeptics. & 27 mins. Not Many People Realize These 11 Little Known Haunted Places In Texas Exist, Stay Away From Texas Most Haunted Street After Dark Or You May Be Sorry, One Of The Top Ten Haunted Hotels In The Country Is Right Here In Texas, You Can Visit One Of The Most Haunted Hotels In Texas For Free This Halloween, The 10 Scariest Haunted Houses In Texas We Dare You To Visit This Halloween, Here Are The 12 Best Places To Spot A Ghost In Texas, The Story Behind Texas Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares, 6 Truly Terrifying Ghost Stories That Prove San Antonio Is The Most Haunted City In Texas. Texas is a massive state, which means there's lots to explore and that includes an abundance of abandoned places! The town of Waco found itself thrust into the global spotlight in February 1993, when Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh led a compound full of followers in a 51-day standoff with state and federal law enforcement. In addition a worker who was killed during the construction of the Alamodome is also said to haunt the halls. The facility offered an alternative to traditional psychiatric treatment at the time, which confined mentally ill individuals to small cells for the majority of their day. Locals have supposedly heard the wailings of a woman near the San Marcos River headwaters, the suspected location of the Gerys ruined cabin, since the days of San Marcos de Neve (1809-1812). Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City In Texas Even Exists, We Dare You To Take This Road Trip To Texas Most Abandoned Places, You Probably Didnt Know The Sinister Stories Behind These 13 Abandoned Places In Texas, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned Theater Hidden in Texas, A Mysterious Trail In Texas Will Take You To The Original Mariscal Mine Ruins, Visit The Ruins Of An Abandoned WWI Fort Near Galveston, Texas, Explore The Strange Ruins Of Hot Wells Hotel, An Abandoned Spa And Resort In Texas, Visit These 9 Creepy Ghost Towns In Texas At Your Own Risk. Constructed in 1672 by the Spanish government, St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos passed through a few hands, until eventually coming into the possession of the U.S. military. She lost two of her children in the fire, which drove her to a state of insanity and rage. DHanis soon added a school, post office and a grand Catholic church, St. Dominic, where residents attended mass led by a priest imported from one of Castros other settlements. Probably the most well-known spooky San Marcos tale revolves around a soldier who had a promise to keep. If you stay at the Jefferson, come prepared to stay up all night, because these ghosts like to cause a lot of ruckus. People have reported seeing floating heads watching them in the pizza parlour. That's precisely the case with Water Wonderland in West Texas, and the drone footage captured there is unbelievable. A decade later, a group of investors that included Fritz Zedler purchased the operation and added a cotton gin. The home, which he dubbed Walnut Ridge, was designed by architect James Riely Gordon; tragically, Miller died less than a year after construction was completed. After a second fire in 1914, Aldridge apparently decided to exit the lumber industry, leaving the companys vice president (who happened to be his brother) in charge of operations. Since he was unable to pay his tab, his name still remains in the computer log. Crying women, running children's footsteps, and loud thumps can be heard; lights and toilets will activate on their own; and children who reside here are said to occasionally see and play with children's spirits. Franciscan missionaries probably first saw the river on St. Mark's Day in 1709. Very little of the church building remains today, with only the grave markers of its cemetery providing evidence that it existed in that location. San Marcos is fortunate to have many neighborhoods rich in historic value and citizens committed to retaining the City's heritage. These buildings once housed thriving businesses, homes, and attractions, but now we can only speculate about the memories made as nature devours the man-made structures. VINTAGE PARKS: Remembering Playland Park and other old Texas theme parks Now the theme park is no longer host to Ralph and other attractions, but instead, is a crumbling reminder of what once. Location: Texas 79045 Distance from San Antonio: ~ 10 hrs. We recommend both theOsprey Packs Daylitefor sling backpacks or theMardingtop Tactical Backpackfor a standard two-strap backpack. So the story goes, she and her daughter were killed by soldiers in the 1940s. Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park 67 Haunted Houses Founded at the turn of the 20th century, the mine primarily employed Mexican immigrants who crossed the border to escape the ongoing revolution. Lights flicker and the trap door opens by itself at times. Business continued largely unchanged until a third and final fire in 1919 finally drove Aldridge Lumber Company out of business for good. Residents who live near the San Pedro Cemetery (or who have illegally visited the cemetery after visiting hours) have said they hear babies crying, hence the nickname Cry Baby Cemetery. I lived in Los Angeles for five years prior to returning home to TX. Knowing the story of the Confederate soldier, he brushed it off and kept exploring. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the states wealth of abandoned places is no exception. The thought of UFOs existing might be laughable to some, but the possibility of there being even a shred of truth behind the legends is enough to keep the fear factor alive. It is said that strange lights are often seen coming out of the tower. In addition there are apparently ghostly children who play on the stairs. A lesser-known unsettling story is that of the Nightmare Man. Needless to say, there is no restaurant on Thompson Island. Ramsey apparently hung himself, has been seen there and is often blamed for turning the lights on and off by themselves. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :). The desolate structures are located on the parks south side, requiring travel down unpaved, poorly-maintained roads and across dry stream beds, so taking a vehicle with four-wheel drive is recommended. The original Spanish settlement, Villa de San Marcos de Neve, established in 1809 at the Camino Real river crossing, was abandoned in 1812. If youre on the hunt for one of the best abandoned places in Texas, this is a great option. The distinctive star-shaped fortification is known for housing hundreds of Native American prisoners and ruthless European soldiers. Get the latest news, guides and updates, straight to your inbox. The Branch Davidians opened fire on the agents, who retreated and sought reinforcement from the FBI, state law enforcement and even the U.S. military. The California Street site has since been targeted for redevelopment as multifamily housing units, but the propertys haunting history lives on in the legends still passed along by longtime Wichita Falls residents. . Nowadays, the once-famed resort is an environmental education center, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Similar to the Mariscal Mine, the skeleton of the Aldridge Sawmill represents a once-thriving industry stalwart that was abandoned and left to decay decades ago. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff . The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. One is Doyle Hall where a ghostly nun turns on the showers. We celebrated my daughter's 13th birthday here with a double feature of Beetlejuice and the 1950's classic House on Haunted Hill. Built on the banks of the San Marcos River by John and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman in 1874, the Zedler Mill complex originally consisted of a grist mill and saw mill as well as a stone dam across the river. This place is a hot spot for cryptid activity. 1 of 56 San Marcos-native Andy Heatwole photographed the abandoned Aquarena Springs theme park and resort between 2005 and 2012. There have been newspaper articles written about this hotel's ghost. I know this may be a dated question, but for the lack of entertaining things to do in San Marcos this is what Im looking for. Alternatively, check outour comprehensive guidefor far more options, tips, and tricks. Others say theyve heard strange noises and have had technical issues while in the building at night. What are some of the most famous abandoned places in Texas? The old jail house on Fredericksburg st. Closed down in 1937 and at one point held a female serial killer that killed herself on Halloween night by hanging herself from one of the bars. Just think about how many people died thereif you choose to spend the night, you're in for a fright! The former girls' summer camp was shut down after a deranged counselor murdered all of the campers - you just might see some of them for yourself. What are some truly creepy abandoned places in Texas . The Gerys were charged with blasphemy, heresy, witchcraft and consorting with the devil. From phantom nurses who whisper in your ear and smell like peppermint, to lockers opening by themselves and personal objects being moved during the night, Gary Job Corps is the focus of too many strange stories to write! April 26, 2016. For more about obtaining permission to explore abandoned places in Texas, check out our guide Explore Abandoned Buildings: How To Get Permission. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. and it's really something you have to see and experience. Numerous sightings of a little boy in period clothing roaming the apartment complex. Glass-bottom boats at Aquarena Springs theme resort, which was purchased by Texas State University in 1994, date to 1946. Texas is immensely beautiful, but it also has a rich history thats created a foundation for some pretty terrifying places. The fate of the theaters remains is equally precarious, with nature and the possibility of demolition constantly threatening its demise. 17. Specifics on the locations are not given purposefully to ensure the abandoned places in Texas stay as vandalism and destruction-free as possible. According to reports, the north bedroom is haunted by former governor Pendleton Murrah's nineteen year old nephew. It was built as a film set for the 1980 film Popeye and was later abandoned,according to aprevious report. Learn more on the ghosts at the haunted Yorktown Hospital. These are the best haunted houses for kids near San Marcos, TX: See more haunted houses for kids near San Marcos, TX. (Submitted by Callum Swift), Cemeteries near San Marcos, TX Scan this QR code to download the app now. Share it with us in the comments! It is rumoured to be haunted by those who were kept there prior to their burial, and were unable to move on. In many places, zoning laws prevented their construction, and the oil crisis of the 1970s made plastic and other petroleum-based building materials prohibitively expensive. If you click on the words "Tundra Village" above, you'll find a haunting video with awesome aerial footage of the entire neighborhood. Each and every time I've visited, I've spotted a warm, yellow glow at the end of the road. Armed with decades of experience in the mill industry, Zedler bought out his partners in 1888 and replaced them with his oldest son, with his two younger sons joining the company a few years later. The San Marcos River Entity Luling, Texas 20.3 miles from Kyle, TX. All Rights Reserved. Find museums in San Marcos, TX, Caribbean Apartments - Willow Run Apartments. There is an 1898 hearse that is said to open by itself, and books are sometimes rearranged in the library. Ive seen a few places on the internet but I want to know REAL places where you guys have felt creepy (or good) spirits around that I should check out. Bat City Scaregrounds was every bit as terrifyingly fun as anything I've seen. Abandoned places in general are eerie, but especially those that look as if they could've been inhabited minutes before. The existing administration building, built in 1927, is strikingly similar to the building it replaced. A haunted location: Old Main in San Marcos, Texas. Kyle, TX (9.6 mi.) Lively music provided by the Comanche Ramblers, a string ensemble based in Fort Stockton, accompanied dances and other events held in the hotels spacious ballroom. Jan. 16, 2018 33 A church-turned-house is currently for sale in San Marcos, complete with vaulted ceilings and late-Gothic Revival architecture. San Marcos (/ s n m r k s / SAN MAR-ks) is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas, United States.The city is a part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area.San Marcos's limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe Counties, as well.San Marcos is on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.Its population was 44,894 at the 2010 census and 67,553 at the . Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. Named for one of Castros favorite employees, the town was established in 1847 and originally consisted of several dozen families living in ramshackle mesquite dwellings. With hundreds of vacant buildings, abandoned infrastructure and other interesting sites to visit, it can be hard to narrow down your choices to a manageable list. Facebook Twitter. Thompson Island Bridge is said to be a favorite spot for the spirit of a Confederate soldier. . For a complete breakdown, please view ourheadlamp buyers guide. Motorists passing by a desolate field on Texas Loop 285 and Texas 133 Spur in Quanah are sure to notice the sagging skeleton of a massive movie screen, which is all that remains of the towns once-booming Chief Drive-In Theater. Rumored to once have been a brothel, the tavern is believed to be haunted by a murdered prostitute named Emily. Once a thriving trading post and hub of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, the town of Toyah is little more than a ghost town today, with fewer than 100 residents living among dozens of abandoned and crumbling buildings, including the community's former high school. There's probably a good reason its used by a bank because humans sense its not habitable at night. Now those same attractions have been aged by time. Several well-documented visits by paranormal investigators reported unexplained rushes of cold air, strange noises and even visual apparitions, adding to the sense of eerie mystery surrounding the abandoned sanitarium. Influenced by the eras fascination with science fiction, these prefabricated homes were intended to provide durable, inexpensive housing suitable for virtually any environment. Will you be his next victim? Theme parks before Six Flags and Houston's old AstroWorld, were much simpler and featured things like swimming pigs. For laws that specifically relate to Texas, please click here. The Texas Legislature officially designated San Marcos in 1848, and after that, the population soared. The building is privately owned, so you risk a trespassing charge if you attempt to explore the property, but you can get a pretty good view of the legendary hotel from the sidewalk in front of it. The Youngblood Trading Post expanded to include a hotel as well as a retail store, and the towns continued growth led to the construction of the A.M. Fields Hotel as well as additional restaurants and saloons. At least that's how it was for now-closed Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. From ghost towns to decaying buildings, spots slowly being reclaimed by nature to haunted icons (hello, Alamo! Today, the site is marked by signs warning of potential exposure to mercury radiation, although visitors dont face any major risk from the trace elements remaining on the property. Once a thriving trading post and hub of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, the town of Toyah is little more than a ghost town today, with fewer than 100 residents living among dozens of abandoned and crumbling buildings, including the communitys former high school. After World War II ended in 1945 and nearby Fort Wolters was shuttered a year later, the towns population declined significantly, and its hospitality industry soon followed. The Pike House was burned down by two arsonists, drawing a large crowd to the scene, in 2007. According to legend, the man lived in a nearby cabin and had made a promise with Once a 1920s electric cotton gin and now a Tex-Mex restaurant, Adobe Verde is the home of Frank, a ghost who likes to play pranks. The actual jail portion appears to be untouched since it was abandoned, allowing visitors to explore the heavy,rusty iron doors and bed frames of every dark cell. San Marcos, TX 78666 #Big Yard +6 more Reimagine this home! Emily Morgan Hotel, San Antonio. Despite its dilapidated appearance, local residents insist that the home is still occupied. The Luling Economic Development Corporation purchased the neglected property in 2002, and in 2007 the Zedler Mill Foundation was created to preserve and restore the site. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. It used to be a pharmacy before one of the workers met his/her unfortunate demise by falling down a gaping elevator shaft. The property has been abandoned for at least 25 years, though the official date of the facilitys closure is uncertain. highfivehilary 3 yr. ago These are some abandoned buildings with a large number of reviews near San Marcos, TX: Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling (316 reviews), Heavenly Moving and Storage (254 reviews). Find more respirator options inour in-depth guide. The books were then burned and nailed to the wall of the room where the pledge died. Fewer than 50 of these eye-catching pod-style homes remain in existence today, with some in better condition than others. Seventy-six members of the religious group lost their lives in the siege, and most of the buildings were gutted by fire and later razed. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. At the Holt Center, you may experience a similar feeling. Legend says that the ghoulish figure of a woman haunts the parking lot. The Alamo is easily one of the most haunted landmarks in Texas. In the main administration building, which was built in 1922, there is said to be a spirit of a little boy playing with a bouncng ball on the 3rd floor. Uhland, TX (10.6 mi.) Four crumbling concrete structures remain on the land, along with the pond that provided water to the mills massive boilers. Across campus in the Texas State theatre building, there is a legend of a man named Ramsey. All "abandoned buildings" results in San Marcos, Texas, "Worth going to while your BBQ digests. Although no body was ever found, a blood-soaked room indicated that something had gone seriously amiss at the Camberley Gunter Hotel. Haunted by the former owner who committed suicide there. This is a review for haunted houses near San Marcos, TX: "I am a middle aged woman with a childlike fascination for amusement parks and haunted houses. Freedman Ranch in San Marcos is home to over 50 decomposing bodies. Neat, but definitely eerie. Situated at the headwaters of San Marcos River, Aquarena Springs was a popular resort featuring a sky ride, submarine theater and glass-bottom boat tours with program of swimming performances. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? Bat City Scaregrounds was every bit as terrifyingly", "Oct 28 is Emma's Birthday so Magnolia Hotel decided to open the doors to celebrate! The mine closed permanently in 1943, with much of its infrastructure auctioned off for cash, including the mercury-containing bricks from its furnace. These are some highly rated abandoned buildings near San Marcos, TX: What are some abandoned buildings with a large number of reviews near San Marcos, TX? Lots of ghosts seen by the kids in barracks as well as the house aides, it was formerly an Air Force base. The antiques mall is rumoured to be haunted by four spirits, including a ghostly cat and a female presence that is attached to an armoire located at the rear of the store. Today, many of the vacant buildings look eerily similar to the way they did when the last patients exited, with peeling yellow paint and faded images of Winnie the Pooh and other characters still adorning the walls of the empty, echoing hallways and darkened rooms. It may have been damaged when Hurricane Ike roared through the region in 2008, but today its screen has been torn from its wooden scaffolding, which is rotting and leaning precariously. Urban exploration of abandoned places in Texas is no fun if one of your hands is occupied with a flashlight. Emily Morgan Hotel Flickr/Rob Albright }); We here at Killer Urbex have noted a distinct lack of guides to dead malls and zombie malls.