13 Most Haunted Places of Phoenix, Arizona
Are you looking for the most haunted places in Phoenix, Arizona?
If you’re a fan of the paranormal, looking for a thrilling adventure, and enjoy discovering haunted places, the capital of Arizona should definitely be on your bucket list! For centuries, people have reported strange phenomena occurring near or around particular places. Whether it’s an eerie presence felt in an abandoned building or inexplicable noises emanating from beyond the grave—these locations are known to possess something truly unique.
The southwest is one of the most haunted regions in America. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or just want to give your little ones a good fright, these haunted hotspots are sure to deliver!
We will explore some of the most notorious spooky spots throughout Phoenix from 2023 onwards. Our team has compiled a comprehensive range of must-see destinations that are sure to tantalize any haunter hunter’s curiosity—from well-known ghost towns to historic sites with old tales to tell! So pull up those covers and get ready for an exciting supernatural tour through some of Arizona’s most haunted locales.
Things To Do In Haunted Phoenix
1. The Mystery Castle
The Mystery Castle is probably one of the most famous haunted spots in Phoenix. Built by Boyce Luther Gulley in the 1930s, it was meant as a surprise for his daughter, Mary Lou, who ask her father to build her a castle as they were fond of building sand castles together.
Gulley started gathering anything he could find to use as construction materials, including mountain pebbles, boxcar siding, pieces of old phone poles, car rims, and railroad lines, motivated by his daughter’s desire for a real-life sandcastle. He started constructing while rummaging among landfills and abandoned buildings without knowing which day would be his last.
Before his family could move in, Boyce Gully passed away in 1945. While Mary Lou was an adult now, she was allowed to continue her fantasy thanks to her father. Until her passing in 2010, she shared her home by providing tours of her cherished Mystery Castle.
Today, it’s known as one of the most haunted places in Phoenix, Arizona and is said to be inhabited by ghosts of Gulley’s family members who died tragically before he ever returned home. It has even been featured on multiple paranormal shows due to its eerie history and spooky vibes.
➡️Check out their site for tour information
2. The Rosson House Museum
Another well-known haunted site in Phoenix is The Rosson House Museum. This three-story Victorian house was built in 1895 and has been rumored to be haunted since its construction.
As an assistant surgeon for the American Army, Dr. Roland Rosson relocated to the Arizona Territory in 1875. Block 14 of the original Phoenix townsite, which would eventually become the location of the famous Rosson House, was bought by Rosson and his family in 1882. The Victorian-style home was among Phoenix’s most opulent when it was finished in 1895.
Just outside the Rosson House, one of the museum’s caregivers was fatally shot in the early 1980s. The slain caretaker now haunts the Rosson House Museum and has been spotted by both staff members and visitors.
One may say that the caretaker’s spirit is a little naughty. Doors have accidentally locked for employees, and objects have suddenly been moved across the museum. There aren’t many personnel at the Rosson House because it’s a tiny, pleasant place. The museum also has a fireplace, and both visitors and staff have noticed a strange heat coming from it even though it is seldom, if ever, utilized.
Visitors have reported seeing dark figures roaming the halls, hearing strange noises coming from empty rooms, and feeling an icy chill that lingers around certain areas of the house. If you’re brave enough, check out one of their ghost tours for an extra spooky experience!
3. Pioneer Living History Museum
The Pioneer Arizona Foundation was founded in 1956 by a group of Arizona natives who were interested in the history of their state. The foundation was worried about how the area’s rapid expansion and development would inevitably result in the loss of some of the most priceless historical artifacts, some of which had already been destroyed.
The Pioneer Arizona Foundation concentrated on structures constructed between 1863 and 1912. In a barren section of North Phoenix, they purchased a 90-acre parcel. The organization moved and restored the structures using contributions. To teach visitors and locals in the Phoenix region about pioneer life, it was planned to rebuild a town center that looked like it did in the early days of the Old West.
Pioneer Village is inhabited by a variety of spirits. Many of the old buildings appear to be haunted by their own spirits. Two ghosts frequently haunt the Telephone Museum and Saloon. In the saloon, a cowboy’s ghost loiters at the end of the bar. There is a ghost that enjoys turning on the electronics and fiddling with the switchboards at the Telephone Museum. The church is inhabited by a man and a female ghost.
One of Pioneer Village’s earliest buildings is the Merritt Farm. Before it was given to the museum, the Merritt family owned the farm for two generations. At least nine ghosts, most likely relatives and acquaintances of the Merritt family, reside on the property. The ghost that has been seen the most frequently by both staff and visitors is a mother cradling a baby. Others include a small boy and girl as well as an elderly guy who dislikes guests.
The village has many other buildings, with many of those claiming their own ghosts as spirits do attach themselves to places they are familiar with, even if moved to another location. Definitely a must do if your looking to see the most haunted places in Phoenix, Arizona.
Things To Do For Free In Haunted Phoenix
4. St. Mary’s Basilica
In Phoenix, St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest Catholic church. It was the second-oldest church in the entire city and the sole Catholic parish in Phoenix up until 1924.
One well-known anecdote concerning St. Mary’s Basilica involves a man strolling down Monroe Street in 1893. Around midnight on a very peaceful night, he maintains, he was out walking when he came upon the chapel.
He noticed two white-clad female beings standing around 20 feet away from him. But both of the figures, he saw, were headless. He took a closer look and immediately felt the desire to flee. However, the man claims that he remained immobile because of his terror.
These female apparitions have been seen since, but no one is sure if they are spirits or an omen.
5. Melinda’s Alley
The Melinda’s Alley is situated in the heart of Phoenix, directly behind the Renaissance Hotel. The locals are aware of the hidden entrance leading to the speakeasy with the same name.
We don’t know for sure who she was or where she came from; all we know is that she was a lively and attractive woman. She had her share of encounters with the law. She was also hated by other women who believed she used her beauty and charm to seduce their husbands.
Everyone has a different version of what transpired leading up to her death, and all of them are contradictory. Melinda was killed, though, and that is the only detail that has not changed.
People believe that Melinda’s ghost still haunts the alley where she was murdered over a century ago, giving it the name “Melinda’s Alley.” Look for the beautiful mural dedicated to her
Unusual and Unique Things To Do In Haunted Phoenix
6. Phoenix Bat Cave
On their annual trek south to Mexico, between 10,000 and 20,000 bats stop in Phoenix every year from May through October. They congregate in the “cave” throughout the day to relax and sleep. However, they appear and fill the sky at night.
7. Hanny’s
Currently, Hanny’s is a restaurant that was formerly a shop with some unusual modifications. The structure was initially built in 1947 as a retail store. Hanny’s was acquired by the city after it closed, and used the building as a training hall for the local fire department.
Although it is now a fine dining restaurant, this structure has preserved a lot of its past. But they have also decided to add some of the most odd art features. There are peculiar bathrooms, the elevator shaft is now made of glass, and a basement entrance where you can see dolls that seem to be reenacting Jesus’s last supper.
Haunted Places In Phoenix, AZ: FAQs
Are There Haunted Hotels in Phoenix, Arizona?
8. Hotel San Carlos
In its heyday, the 1928-built boutique hotel attracted many stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, from the likes of Clark Gable to Marilyn Monroe. However, despite having guest lists as illustrious as that, the Hotel San Carlos is still most frequently mentioned for its rumored haunting past.
One of Phoenix’s most intriguing ghost stories is the tragic death of a young woman by the name of Leone Jensen.
Just a few weeks after the hotel’s debut, on May 27, 1928, a 22-year-old lady the local press referred to as a “beautiful blonde” plunged to her death from the seven-story building into the street below.
There are several, speculative explanations for what prompted Jensen to check into room 720 and not check out. Most revolve around a terrible break up between either a hotel staff member or a secret lover. Since her passing, other witnesses have claimed to have witnessed a woman in white briefly standing at the foot of their beds.
Being in the heart of the downtown district, you’ll want to stay at this hotel. On top of being one of the most well known haunted places in Phoenix, Arizona, you’ll be close to other haunted locations and other great sight seeing locations.
🏨➡️Book your room here, and ask for room 720!
Are There Haunted Restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona?
9. The Stockyards
Philip Tovrea and his freshly widowed mother Helen took over the restaurant when his father passed away. Sadly, a fire destroyed the building in 1953, and a new one was constructed in its place.
The decorations were overseen by Helen Tovrea. She apparently grew so devoted to the location that, according to lore, her spirit is still said to haunt Stockyard today. Helen hung a portrait of a woman in red when she was decorating.
It is now thought that she channels her spirit via the artwork, bringing it to life. Some even claim to have seen a lady’s face in the women’s restroom, while others claim to have seen a woman coming through the bar wearing a red dress.
10. Lon’s at Hermosa Inn
The “Casa Hermosa,” built by cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee in 1935, operated as Lon’s residence, private art gallery, and gambling establishment. Lon’s former house and painting studio are now the Hermosa Inn.
The original structure is now home to the well known restaurant, Lon’s. Lon’s original artwork, posters, and even a few of his photos are used to adorn the restaurant.
The restaurant where he formerly had his studio appears to be where his spirit likes to hang out. Lon Megargee’s shadow and silhouette have allegedly been seen by customers and personnel at Lon’s at Hermosa.
11. The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory is a single structure that was once two. They were formerly houses known as the Cole Mansion and Baker House when they were constructed in the 1920s. The two homes were joined with the purpose of becoming a commercial property twenty years after they were built.
People claim that a woman was shot and killed in the basement and that a man was slain as he slept. Both the upstairs and basement are filled with screams and sobbing. People reported experiencing chilly spots and hearing their names being spoken while no one else was nearby.
Are There Haunted Bars in Phoenix, Arizona?
12. Casey Moore’s Oyster Bar
This popular hangout for residents of Tempe and students from Arizona State University is rumored to be haunted by three spirits. According to legend, William and Mary Moeur, the home’s first owners, never left. A man and lady wearing attire from the turn of the century have been spotted floating up the stairs, according to witnesses. Long after the restaurant has closed, neighbors have reported hearing loud music and seeing a couple dancing on the second level through the windows.
13. Four Peaks Brewing Company
In addition to being a mainstay of Arizona’s craft beer scene, Four Peaks Brewery also a haunted bar. According to historical study done by staff members on the 100-year-old brick structure, people have perished within its walls.
It’s likely that those ghosts are roaming the area, moving brewing equipment, creating eerie noises, and even interacting with workers.
Four Peaks holds ghost brewery tours throughout the month of October to provide the general public a greater understanding of this eerie occurrence.
👻➡️Need some ghost hunting equipment of your own? Check out our essentials guide here!
🚗➡️Need help getting around? Rent a car here!
What Are The Best Ghost Tours in Phoenix, Arizona?
👻➡️Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
In the old west, there is bound to be a ghost story or two. This one-of-a-kind tour in Phoenix will go on a journey through the seedier parts of the city and reveal its history of real-life crimes. The tour will be led by a historian who has done extensive study on the greatest spots based on their historical and spooky reputations.
One of our favorite tours, we really enjoyed getting to enjoy the local pubs, grab a drink and hear some amazing tales.
👻➡️Phoenix Murders and Mysteries Ghost Tour
This is a bus trip that takes you through the darkest side of Phoenix’s past. Learn about some of Phoenix’s most notorious crimes and haunted locations. Along the trip, the guide will show you images of the murders and some ghostly activity that was captured on video. The tour you’ve been waiting for if you enjoy real crime and the paranormal.
👻➡️Phoenix Ghosts Haunted Dark History Walking Tour
On this ghost tour, explore the downtown area while learning about Phoenix’s eerie past. Visit some of the city’s creepiest spots with a small group, including the Hotel San Carlos, the gothic Rosson House Museum, and the basement of Hanny’s.
Another one of our favorite tour, a smooth and easy walk getting some of the major hot spots.
Conclusion: Haunted Places of Phoenix, Arizona in 2023
With so many different places to explore, whether you’re a skeptic or true believer, there’s no denying that these haunted places in Phoenix, Arizona will give you the chills. Do some research before you go – many of these locations offer tours led by local historians who can share even more chilling details about the hauntings. And if you get too scared, remember that daylight always comes eventually.
