Austin Paranormal Hotspots Offer Screams And Thrills

AUSTIN, TX — For avid ghost hunters, every day is Halloween and Austin is a hotbed of paranormal phenomena. For the rest of us, we're perfectly happy avoiding ghost encounters or designating them to a single day in the year. Whatever your preference, it's fun learning about ghost lore and experiencing another aspect of Austin's uniqueness. Check out five of the city's most popular (and haunted) places to visit.

1. Texas State Capitol: Having been murdered in his first-floor office in 1903, Comptroller Robert Marshall Love is said to walk the promenade of the capitol to this day. As one of the most well-known haunted spaces in Austin, sightings describe a man wearing a top hat and walking the halls of the capitol, seemingly unaware or unfazed by those who witness his presence. Another ghost rumored to haunt the capitol is the mysterious woman known only as the Lady In Red. While her identity is unknown, theories exist that she carried on a love affair with an unknown man who held a position at the State Capitol. Most sightings have taken place after hours, however, maybe if you pay close attention, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the lady who haunts the corridors of the building that dates back to the late 1880's.
2. Oakwood Cemetery: Founded in the 1850's, Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place to over 23,000 people including early settlers who died during a Comanche attack. If you're brave enough to stroll the 40 acres of sacred grounds, you'll notice the distinct feeling of uneasiness that comes over you as you make your way through the labyrinth of headstones that span over the course of a century. Visitors have recounted stories of seeing spirits emerge from mist only and disappear just as quickly. Ghosts of children laughing can be heard and on occasion have been seen playing among the headstones of Oakwood Cemetery.
3. The Driskill: Famous as one of Austin's most haunted locations, you wouldn't imagine The Driskill Hotel would hold that distinction with its elegant and beautiful aesthetic and its history of welcoming some of the most prominent figures from the world's stage. While several tales of terror have been told from those who have witnessed ghost sightings firsthand, it's said that room 525 has seen the most paranormal activity by visitors. Perhaps as a result of two separate deaths that occurred in the same room exactly 20 years apart.
4. Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill: As one of the oldest buildings Austin, what is now the Moonshine Patio Grill is known as one of the most haunted places in the city. The building was erected before the 1900's and was frequented by locals as a popular gathering spot. Within proximity to Waller Creek and the Colorado River, the area was prone to flooding and claimed the lives of countless people in its more than 100 years history. Many have experienced hauntings from those who perished in floodwaters, and visitors to the Moonshine have shared stories of being tapped or touched by unseen spirits. Sightings of floating objects are another classic tale of paranormal encounters at the Moonshine.
5. St. Edward's University: Across the vast campus of St. Edward's, you'll learn about the various stories of scary encounters, including the chilling tale of a 12-year-old named Danielle who reveals herself to dorm residents asking if they'd like to play. One of the university's most haunted buildings is said to be the theatre building where multiple ghosts haunt visitors. Campus visitors have also seen the ghost of a man that is said to have fallen to his death, along with another who was trampled to death by a horse and carriage.