The Ghosts of Glen Rose, TX
Haunted Places in Glen Rose, TX
Glen Rose, Texas, a charming town steeped in history, is no stranger to eerie tales and rumored hauntings. Nestled in picturesque settings and boasting a rich past, this small Texan town offers a surprising number of haunted locations, sure to send shivers down the spines of even the most hardened paranormal enthusiasts. From legendary apparitions to unsettling occurrences, Glen Rose holds secrets that continue to intrigue and bewilder both locals and visitors alike.
1. The Historic Glen Hotel
Perhaps one of the most well-known haunted sites in Glen Rose, The Historic Glen Hotel stands as a beacon of history and mystery. Back in 1928, Glen Rose was considered a hotspot for health and wellness. The hotel offered restful accommodations and amenities to those who sought out health benefits from the mineral baths. The hotel has been closed for years now but not before visitors and guests reported spectral sightings and ethereal figures wandering the hallways. Before it closed, many reported disembodied voices and footsteps, strange knocking sounds, and unexplained changes in temperature.
When friends and I were in town, the Glen Hotel had been closed for some time, and was not accessible for a paranormal investigation. We did sit out in the front porch area to do some investigating but traffic noise interfered quite a bit. We had some hits on the rempod and other equipment but we debunked it as being interference from the maintenance worker’s walkie talkie. There is a tree growing within the hotel so my guess is it won’t be accessible for investigating anytime soon.
2. The Dinosaur Valley State Park
While known mainly for its extraordinary fossilized footprints from the prehistoric era, the Dinosaur Valley State Park is also known for a few ghost stories. I have heard about those stories for years but I have yet to visit the park for myself. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and laughter, and also seeing a shadow or two. Considering dinosaur tracks from 2000 years ago, it isn’t a huge stretch of the imagination that there could be a spirit or two lurking about.
3. Oakdale Park Campground
Established in 1925 as a campground and motor court, Oakdale is one of the only private RV parks in the country listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For nearly 100 years, Oakdale has shown hospitality to so many guests and events.
There are rumors of a ghostly caretaker who wanders the property still doing his job for all of these years. Guests have also reported the sounds of ghostly children, and the apparition of an elderly man. If you are brave enough to check it out for yourself, I would love to hear about your experiences.
4. The Barnard's Mill Art Museum
The Barnard's Mill, an art museum housed in a centuries-old gristmill, has an eerie reputation that matches its quaint exterior. Legend tells of a young woman who tragically lost her life within the mill's walls, and her spirit is said to linger, forever searching for peace. Disturbed paintings, objects mysteriously moving, and an inexplicable feeling of being watched have all been reported by staff and visitors alike. The spirit of the young woman seems to be wielding an otherworldly influence on the museum's artwork, adding an unsettling touch to an already haunting experience.
Built in 1860 by George Barnard, the mill was initially a water-powered gristmill and then a steam powered burr mill. The mill changed hands sand it was sold to Dr. J. J. Hannah in 1943. Dr. Hannah turned it into a health spa with mineral water. It later became the Marks-English Hospital and Clinic, was sold to Richard H. Moore in 1979, who subsequently turned the mill over to the Somervell History Foundation in 2005.
Ghost stories include seeing apparitions of former employees of the mill, Dr. Hannah, and possibly even former patients of the hospital. Reports from visitors include the feeling of being watched, light anomalies and shadows darting about, and hearing footsteps when no one is there.
5. The Glen Rose Cemetery
No list of haunted places in Glen Rose would be complete without mentioning the Glen Rose Cemetery. With gravestones dating back centuries, this serene burial ground is said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity. Ghostly orbs, eerie whispers, and inexplicable cold spots are just a few of the reports made by those who have dared to explore its hallowed grounds after sunset. Locals believe that the spirits of the departed continue to reside in this sacred resting place, occasionally making their presence known to the living.
Glen Rose, Texas, proves to be a town where history blends seamlessly with the paranormal. From grand hotels to peaceful cemeteries, each location holds its own chilling tale for those daring enough to delve into the mysteries that surround them. Whether you are a believer, skeptic, or simply curious, these haunted places beckon you to experience the inexplicable and uncover the secrets hidden within this quaint Texan town.
6. Inn on the River
Just steps from the scenic banks of the Paluxy River, this cozy inn serves as the perfect home base for those seeking the unique combination of relaxation and supernatural experiences. The Inn on the River was originally the main building of the Snyder Sanitarium. Established by Dr. George P Snyder, he offered patients the benefits of the mineral baths and magnetic treatments, wholesome food, and a therapeutic environment. Upon Dr. Snyder's death in 1942, his brother-in-law bought the sanitarium and continued to run the the sanitarium until the early 1970s. The buildings then became boarding houses for construction crews working on the Comanche Peak nuclear plant.
Now, the inn features comfortable rooms and a lovely breakfast. Should you choose to stay at the inn, you may be front and center for some peculiar happenings. Reports of paranormal activity include phantom scents of perfume and tobacco, light anomalies, sudden drops in temperature, and disembodied voices, footsteps, and laughter. When my friends and I stayed there, I had a few hits on the rempod when it was lying on the bed. I didn’t hear or see anything but the rempod was fairly active for about 20 minutes. It was quiet for the remainder of the evening so your guess is as good as mine.
Final Thoughts
Glen Rose may be a small town, but its rich history and supernatural charm make it an exciting destination for travelers seeking a hauntingly good time. So pack your bags, gather your ghost-hunting gear, and get ready for an adventure that combines culture, history, and just a hint of the otherworldly!