The 7 Spookiest Road Trips in Texas With Abandoned Landmarks

Texas is full of wide-open roads and small towns with more history than you might expect. Some of that history lingers in places left behind, abandoned buildings, ghost towns, and roadside landmarks that feel a little eerie when you visit. I’ve pulled together a few road trip ideas that combine scenic drives with stops that will give you a chill.

1. Terlingua Ghost Town (Big Bend Region)

Few places in Texas embody the solitude of the desert quite like Terlingua Ghost Town. I remember the quiet crunch of gravel beneath my feet as I wandered past rock walls that have stood for over a century. The grave markers, some with handwritten names, told silent stories of miners and families who once called this town home.

During the late 1800s, Terlingua thrived with the mercury mining boom. When the mines closed, the town emptied, leaving behind stone ruins and weathered wood structures scattered across the landscape. Sunsets here stretch for miles, washing the ruins in reds and golds that make everything seem otherworldly.

Tourists today find a blend of gritty history and stark beauty. It’s not unusual to feel a shiver as the sun dips behind the mountains, especially if you pause at the hillside cemetery. If you take the drive through Big Bend, consider stopping during the golden hour for a dose of quiet reflection and a different kind of Texas adventure.

2. Old Toyah High School (Reeves County)

If you have ever wondered what a nearly forgotten Texas small town looks like, Old Toyah High School is a stop that hits home. The building still stands along the lonely stretch of I-20, windows missing and walls marked by time. It’s the kind of place you notice from your car and feel compelled to see up close, though I wouldn’t suggest going inside.

Toyah itself has dwindled over the decades, with the school acting as a kind of ghostly sentry over what remains. Weeds have overtaken what was once a playground, and the lot feels far removed from any signs of life. There’s no school bell ringing here, just the soft whistle of wind through broken glass.

From the highway, it’s easy to sense the town’s faded pride and the passage of generations. Stopping for a photo, I always feel the weight of former students’ laughter lingering in the air, mixed with the hush that settles over these forgotten parts of Texas.

3. Clifton Mill Ruins (Bosque County)

The remains of the Clifton Mill hide just off a winding Hill Country road, and I stumbled upon them one afternoon while driving along the Bosque River. The stone walls, some still standing, others collapsed into the earth, speak to the area’s 19th-century roots. Moss and wildflowers grow where flour was once milled for the region.

It’s a spot that makes you slow down and listen to the river, feeling the presence of those who worked here generations before us. Walking among the ruins, you can almost imagine the steady rhythm of millstones and the chatter of workers as wagons arrived with grain. Now, only the occasional birdcall breaks the quiet.

A visit here offers a peaceful contrast to busier stops, and the solitude can border on spooky if you catch it at dusk. For anyone who enjoys history with a touch of mystery, Clifton Mill’s remains are a perfect detour off the main road in Texas.

4. The Baker Hotel (Mineral Wells)

Standing in front of the Baker Hotel, I always feel like I’m visiting a chapter from Texas history frozen in time. The massive building dominates the skyline, its faded architecture hinting at decades of glamour and hardship. Built in 1929, it once drew guests from across the country for its mineral water baths and grand events.

Now, the hallways echo only with stories, though restoration is actively underway with plans to reopen in 2026. For now, the towering shell remains closed to the public, but its empty windows and peeling paint keep the legend alive. Locals still share tales of unexplained footsteps and lights, fueling its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Texas.

Even from the street, it’s hard not to pause. Chandeliers, ballrooms, and marble remain inside, but it’s the silence and scale that stay with you long after you leave.

5. Ghost Town of Barstow (Ward County)

Barstow once had bustling farms and vineyards, but today, all that’s left are the bones of buildings and memories. My first visit here felt almost like stepping onto a movie set, the streets are quiet, and nature is slowly taking over. The few remaining structures cast long shadows as the sun sinks low on the horizon.

There’s a sense of stubbornness in the empty shells of houses and the scattered farm equipment rusting in the grass. Barstow’s heyday ended when irrigation issues led most people to move away. The silence is thick, interrupted only by the wind rattling through broken fences.

Walking these roads, you get an unfiltered look at decline and resilience. The contrast between the open sky and the ruined town makes you reflect on how quickly fortunes can change in Texas. For those who appreciate history, this is a stop that stays with you long after you drive away.

6. Jefferson’s Old Structures (East Texas)

Jefferson, in East Texas, is famous for its well-kept historic downtown, but step outside the center and you’ll find another side. Here, abandoned warehouses sit quietly among the trees, and forgotten rail lines snake through the grass. Walking through this area, you sense the rhythm of a once-busy shipping town now slowed to a near halt.

I found the contrast striking, the bustle of Main Street isn’t far, but here, nature is slowly swallowing industry. Some of the decaying brickwork still carries faded signs from an earlier era. The air feels thicker, and shadows from the piney woods seem to stretch just a bit longer.

If you’re up for a walk, explore these out-of-the-way buildings. They offer a stark reminder of how quickly the world moves on. It’s equal parts fascinating and haunting, a true slice of East Texas history left waiting for curious road trippers.

7. Presidio La Bahía Outbuildings (Goliad)

The main fort at Presidio La Bahía in Goliad draws plenty of visitors, but the crumbling outbuildings nearby deserve a look of their own. As I walked among these forgotten structures, I felt the weight of centuries pressing in. Their cracked stone and leaning walls stand in contrast to the perfectly preserved fort nearby.

Texas history echoes loudly in this place. The outbuildings, once used for storage and shelter, now host only the occasional stray cat or bird. Low live oaks drape shadows across the broken roofs, and the morning air feels cooler than expected for South Texas.

It’s easy to get caught in a quiet moment here, considering the lives that once passed through these walls. A road trip through Goliad offers plenty to see, but these humble ruins add a layer of depth I didn’t expect. They remind you that even in a state known for bold stories, some chapters quietly fade into the landscape.