Most Haunted Places in Nevada: 13 Silver State Spirits

Welcome to the 13 most haunted places in Nevada! 

The Silver State isn’t just about slot machines and neon lights. From the whispers in abandoned mining camps to the shadowy figures roaming grand old casinos, Nevada has a whole different kind of high stakes. 

Test your luck with the 13 most haunted places in Nevada:

Mountain View Cemetery

Reno

Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, dating back to the 19th century, is known as one of the most haunted places in Nevada. Civil War veterans and early Reno pioneers are also buried here, each carrying stories and secrets. 

The creepiest stuff happens in the cemetery’s older sections. Shadowy figures are seen between gravestones, giving ghost hunters plenty to document. 

Interesting Fact: Dawn Wells, the beloved Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island, is buried here. 

The Clown Motel

Tonopah

The Clown Motel is, no joke, one of the most haunted places in Nevada. 

The motel was established in 1985 by Leona and Leroy David to honor their father, Clarence David, a devoted clown collector who perished in the 1942 Belmont Mine Fire. 

Starting with Clarence’s original collection of 150 clown figurines in the lobby, the motel now holds over 4,000 clown statues and memorabilia. The clowns are said to act as vessels for the spirits of the miners, which come to life and haunt the motel. Each room features creepy clown art, with faces staring down at guests as they try to sleep. Some guests have heard disembodied voices saying phrases like “we mined” and “we died that day.”

Beyond its quirky clown-themed decor, the motel’s weirdness is heightened by its location right beside the Old Tonopah Cemetery. This cemetery contains the graves of miners and other residents who died in mining accidents or from the plague. Apparitions of minors, men in period clothing, and ghostly clowns carrying balloons have been seen.

Most Haunted Rooms at The Clown Motel:

• Room 108: A spirit called The Trickster is said to haunt this room, whispering, taking belongings, and moving objects to unfamiliar places. This mischievous spirit reportedly crosses over from the cemetery, appearing as a clown to interact playfully (yet chillingly) with visitors. Other guests have described terrifying experiences, such as waking up to a towering, nearly 7-foot-tall clown figure looming at the foot of their bed!
• Room 111: This room was where a terminally ill man spent his final days, hoping not to burden his family. Each morning, he noticed a shadow in his room and begged it to kill him, but his request was denied. Frustrated, he eventually ended his life in the motel’s parking lot, leaving behind a lingering presence in Room 111.
• Room 210: A man from Arizona, suffering from chronic back pain, stopped at the Clown Motel and stayed in this room, only to wake up the next morning feeling remarkably pain-free. Convinced the motel’s spirits had cured him, he continued living there for over 6 years until he passed away in the very room where he found relief.
• Room 214: This room was once occupied by Melvin Dummar, a close associate of the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, who originally stayed for a single night but didn’t leave for nearly three years. A spirit who took a liking to Dummar continues to check in on Room 214, frustrated by his absence. Known for turning lights on and off and hiding guests’ things, this spirit often makes its presence known to new visitors.

The Mizpah Hotel

Tonopah

The Mizpah Hotel stands close to Tonopah’s Old Cemetery and The Clown Motel, and it is just a short walk away, separating the two. This proximity to the cemetery is often linked to the high paranormal activity at both sites, as many of Tonopah’s early residents and miners rest nearby.

Legend surrounds the Mizpah:

• The Lady in Red: The Mizpah’s most famous ghost, she is believed to have been a prostitute, murdered by a lover—a jealous ex-boyfriend or a husband who unexpectedly returned from work or traveled to find her with another man. She’s frequently seen on the fifth floor in a red dress, leaving behind a faint scent of perfume. Cold spots and flickering lights usually happen just before she appears.
• Two Bank Robbers: These ill-fated thieves were shot during an argument with their co-conspirator during an attempted heist. Their ghosts haunt the basement, where visitors and staff often feel intense cold chills and strange sensations when passing through.
• Ghostly Children: Two spectral children are known to haunt the third floor, playing pranks on guests. They are most commonly seen in rooms and hallways, where they leave guests with an eerie yet mischievous presence.
• Unknown Soldier: A mysterious soldier is seen on the third and fourth floors. Though little is known about his life or death, he has been spotted by guests and staff for years.
• Senator Key Pittman: U.S. Senator Key Pittman allegedly died in the hotel in 1940. Legend says that to delay the announcement of his death until after the election, he was kept on ice in a bathtub in one of the rooms. 

Tonopah Cemetery

Tonopah

Tonopah Cemetery, established in 1901, is a slice of history that also happens to be one of the most haunted places in Nevada. 

Many buried here died in tragic events, including the deadly Tonopah Plague of 1905. Visitors describe feeling a deep chill and the sensation of being watched as they wander through the cemetery.

Among the notable graves is that of Big Bill Murphy, who heroically died in the 1911 Belmont Mine Fire while rescuing trapped miners. 

Tonopah itself once had a bustling red-light district near the historic Tonopah Cemetery, where several brothels operated. Visitors near these grounds have reported hearing faint whispers and strange noises, attributing the disturbances to the sheriff’s restless spirit.

Famous Burials:

• Bina Verrault: Along with her friend Izella Mason Browne, Bina operated a Love Syndicate in New York City, posing as wealthy widows to seduce affluent men, amassing $100,000 in gifts and money (equivalent to about $2.5 million today). After being arrested, Bina fled during her trial and eventually died of alcoholism in Tonopah. She is said to haunt the Visitor’s Center at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park.
• George “Devil” Davis: The first African American in Tonopah, George was a beloved political leader and community figure known for his humor and pranks. He owned the Eureka Saloon and was well-regarded by the community. However, he had a darker side, as witnesses reported he was an abusive husband. On June 22, 1907, his wife, Ruth, shot him in the back. Ruth served one year for his killing. George is rumored to still play pranks at the Tonopah Liquor Company, where staff occasionally report mischievous disturbances.
• The Marojevich Brothers: Brothers John and William Marojevich were both killed in a mine accident at the Belmont Mine, on February 23, 1911. The tragic event claimed the lives of 17 miners.
• Big Bill Murphy: A local hero who died in the Belmont Mine Fire of 1911 while attempting to save others. On his last trip, from which he never returned, Big Bill said, “Well, boys, I have made two trips, and I am nearly all in, but I will try again.” His grave draws attention as visitors often feel a presence nearby, inspiring both respect and reverence.
• Tom Logan: Sheriff Thomas Logan is believed to haunt the grounds after his tragic death in a brothel shootout. Unarmed and in his nightclothes, Logan was killed outside a brothel in Manhattan, Nevada, possibly due to a long-standing feud or a romantic entanglement that led to jealousy. 
• The Merten Brothers: 3 brothers (Albert John Murteo, Samuel Murton, and William Henry Murton) died within 2 years of each other. Albert died of typhoid fever in September 1908, Samuel was killed in an accident in the Montana Tonopah Mine in April 1909, and William died of heart failure in July 1910. 

Visitors can explore the Old Tonopah Cemetery with a self-guided walking tour, available at local hotels and museums, which offers a glimpse into the lives (and ghosts) of early Tonopah residents.

The Pioneer Saloon

Goodsprings

The Pioneer Saloon, located 30 miles south of Las Vegas, is one of the most haunted places in Nevada and steeped in Wild West history. 

Built in 1913 from stamped tin sourced from Sears, it was an Old West watering hole for miners and gamblers seeking fortune…or, sometimes, confrontation. 

Evidence of these intense encounters still remains in the bullet holes preserved in the saloon’s walls, relics of a 1915 card game gone wrong when a miner was shot for cheating. 

This saloon also became the somber waiting site for Clark Gable in 1942 as he awaited news on the plane crash that killed his wife, actress Carole Lombard, on nearby Mount Potosi. 

This is said to be where Gable drank himself stupid awaiting news of his wife’s death, passing out and burning holes in the bartop with cigarettes that slipped from his fingers. Tragically, Lombard died in the crash but has been seen wandering the Saloon to console her distraught husband. 

The cigarette burns left by Gable’s mishandled Marlboros remain visible along the cherrywood bar top.

Carole Lombard isn’t the only haunt at the Pioneer Saloon, however:

• Paul Coski: a physically formidable man with a reputation for taking on any two men at once. Coski was supposedly sent six feet under by 2 bullets when caught cheating at cards one night. His coroner’s report still hangs on a wall in the tavern, and his spirit is said to appear in darker corners of the saloon, bleeding from his side.
• The Lady in Red: A female apparition often seen in a red dress, believed to be a former performer who met a tragic end. She is known to leave behind a faint scent of perfume and is often associated with cold spots and flickering lights. 
• The Bartender: A phantom bartender who silently appears at the bar before vanishing.

La Palazza Mansion

Las Vegas

La Palazza Mansion in Las Vegas is famed as one of the most haunted places in Nevada. 

Built in the early 1970s, this mansion allegedly has ties to organized crime, with rumors swirling that it served as a hideout for mob figures like Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, a notorious criminal.

Secret room drains for blood disposal and reports of brutal events contribute to its violent reputation. The mansion’s hauntings are a result of the violent acts that took place within its walls.

The Ghost of the Bookkeeper

An apparition of an older woman in oversized sunglasses has been reported on the porch, often smoking cigarettes. Said to be the mob boss’s bookkeeper, or in another version, his relatives or mother, she was rumored to manage finances from a secluded attic room.

Known for her abrasive personality, drinking scotch, and cigar-smoking habits, something only men did at that time, and, according to whispers, she may have been involved in activities leading up to the notorious murder-room incidents.

Secret Rooms and Murder Sites

The mansion is also rumored to have hidden rooms that have been accidentally discovered by guests. These hidden spaces cleared out during recent renovations, were said to host violent events, with bloodstains still visible on some walls. 

Some rooms, decorated entirely in white, featured drains in the floor, potentially to dispose of the evidence, suggesting they may have been used for private gatherings and mob dealings hosted by the unknown mob boss.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Las Vegas

On February 10, 1981, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino suffered a catastrophe when Philip Bruch Cline, a drugged-out busboy, set a curtain on fire on the 8th floor. 

The fire quickly spread, tragically taking eight lives and injuring 350 others. The hotel paid $23 million in settlements, and Cline was sentenced to life in prison. 

Since then, hostile shadows in the hallways and unexplained noises have become part of the hotel’s haunting legacy​.

The Westgate, formerly the International Hotel, is also deeply connected to Elvis Presley, who performed an astounding 837 consecutive shows here during the 1970s.

Even today, staff and guests claim to spot his apparition or hear his music. Wayne Newton, a close friend of Elvis’s, once saw what he believed was The King’s spirit on the balcony during a tribute ceremony.

Elvis has allegedly been spotted on the upper-floor hallways of the resort, including the Elvis Suite, a 5,000-square-foot space on the 30th floor—as well as backstage at the International Theater, where legendary entertainer Barry Manilow currently entertains sold-out crowds.

The Mob Museum

Las Vegas

The Mob Museum, officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, stands as one of the most haunted places in Nevada.

The museum, located in a former federal courthouse, showcases artifacts connected to America’s criminal underworld. Paranormal activity here likely stems from the artifacts themselves, many of which are associated with violent events. 

Visitors report hearing phantom footsteps, slamming doors, and eerie sounds of gunfire. The St. Valentine’s Day MassacreWall, for instance, exudes a disturbing energy, with some visitors feeling nauseated and even physically pushed when nearby​.

The Valentine’s Day Massacre, one of the most notorious gangland killings in American history, took place at 2122 North Clark Street in Chicago. On February 14, 1929, 7 members of Chicago’s North Side Gang were brutally gunned down by Al Capone’s men. The violent act was meant to eliminate rivals and solidify Capone’s control over the city’s organized crime.

Haunted Must-See’s:

• Second-floor Courtroom: This is where arrested mobsters once faced trial and the sight of many supernatural encounters reported by guests.
• Hallways: Visitors often experience cold spots and sights of shadowy figures lurking in the hallways.
• The Barber Chair: This chilling exhibit showcases the barber chair where famed mobster Albert Anastasia was murdered. Many believe it retains the negative energy from his brutal killing.

Goldfield Hotel

Goldfield

Built in 1908, the Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada, once stood as a beacon of luxury, welcoming elite guests… you know, shady politicians, dirty bankers, and wanted outlaws. 

Its 154 lavish rooms, complete with telephones, heating, and electric lighting, were all considered extravagances for the time.

• Elizabeth’s Tragic Tale: The most famous ghost, Elizabeth, was said to be a favored companion of the hotel’s owner, George Wingfield. When she became pregnant, Wingfield allegedly confined Elizabeth to Room 109 until she gave birth, then disposed of their child down a mine shaft. Paranormal enthusiasts claim that the baby’s cries can still be heard echoing up the shaft, and Room 109 is known for its freezing cold air. Many visitors feel an overwhelming sadness upon entering or burst into tears for no reason. A tobacco odor is linked to Wingfield’s ghost.
• Virginia’s Lost Love: Virginia is seen near the staircase, eternally searching for her lost love. Legend has it that they were separated under tragic circumstances, and she returns to the stairs where she last saw him. Some see her shadow on the stairs or feel an intense chill as they pass, while others hear faint, sorrowful whispers.
• Other Spirits: Other reported apparitions include a woman who hanged herself and a man who leaped from the roof. There’s also The Stabber, a mysterious figure said to attack those crossing the threshold with a knife, never inflicting physical harm.

Old Washoe Club

Virginia City

The Old Washoe Club, established in the 1860s, was once the exclusive meeting spot for Nevada’s wealthiest during the Comstock Lode silver boom. 

Located in Virginia City, which saw rapid growth thanks to one of the richest silver discoveries in American history, the club became known as the Millionaires Club. Members, including John Mackay and President Ulysses S. Grant, enjoyed luxuries like a grand library, marble-adorned rooms, a piano-shaped reading room, and opulent decor. 

After the silver boom waned, the club declined, ultimately closing in 1897. Today, the Old Washoe Club operates as a museum.

Hauntings:

• The Lady in Blue: Often spotted on the spiral staircase, Lena is said to be a former resident, possibly a murdered woman in a Victorian blue dress. Visitors report seeing her, and photos sometimes capture mists or unexplained figures near the staircase.
• The Prospector: At the bar, a spirit believed to be an old prospector causes playful chaos by moving bar stools, swinging doors open, and sometimes mysteriously “drinking” from left-out shots of bourbon​.
• Young Spirits: On the third floor, visitors occasionally see or feel a shy child. Some report faint laughter or small touches, possibly from young spirits tied to the building’s use as a makeshift morgue during harsh winters.

The Old Washoe Club offers daily tours and overnight paranormal investigations.

Gold Hill Hotel

Virginia City

As one of Nevada’s oldest places to sleep, the Gold Hill Hotel has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1861. Located near the infamous Yellow Jacket Mine, this historic hotel has long been associated with tales of tragedy and is known as one of the most haunted places in Nevada.

Gold Hill Hotel Hauntings:

• The Miners: The Gold Hill Hotel, built directly above a mine that suffered a devastating fire in 1869, is haunted by the spirits of approximately 35 miners who died in the blaze. Their bodies were never recovered, and their presence is especially felt near the old miner’s cabin behind the property.
• Rosie: A woman in white believed to be a former guest who checked in with the intent to commit suicide after being cheated on. Known as Rosie, her spirit is often accompanied by the scent of roses, and visitors report personal items being mysteriously moved or hidden.
• William: Associated with Room 5, William is thought to be one of the miners lost in the 1869 fire. Guests experience his presence through the smell of tobacco and report playful tricks, like finding themselves locked out of their rooms.

Silver Queen Hotel

Virginia City

Established in 1876, the Silver Queen Hotel in Virginia City is yet another leftover of Nevada’s silver rush days, complete with a classic Old West exterior that reflects the spirit of the era.

Originally a hotel with an attached brothel, the Silver Queen has seen a lot of death over the years and is now considered one of the most haunted locations in Nevada. Today, its vintage allure is preserved, with brass beds and a grand portrait made from 3,261 silver dollars, a nod to Virginia City’s mining history.

Central to the hotel’s hauntings is Rosie, a young prostitute from the brothel. According to local lore, Rosie tragically committed suicide in Room 11.

Guests and staff alike have had encounters with Rosie’s ghost, describing her raspy disembodied voice, rattling doorknobs, and the light sound of footsteps in empty hallways. Some visitors claim to hear her cries, particularly near the bathtub where she took her life.​

Hoover Dam

Boulder City

The Hoover Dam, standing at a towering 70 stories along the Nevada-Arizona border, was completed in 1935 and remains one of the most haunted places in Nevada. Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and named after President Herbert Hoover, the Dam is synonymous with Nevada.

Death By Construction

During The Hoover Dam’s construction, 112 workers died due to falls, accidents, and suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from gas-powered vehicles in the tight tunnels. It said that some workers’ bodies were entombed in the concrete, remaining part of the structure forever. 

Visitors and workers frequently report cold spots, voices, and even apparitions of men in 1930s-era work clothes wandering through the powerhouses and hallways. One specific spirit, believed to be Patrick Tierney, the first fatality, has been seen in his electrician’s gear near restricted areas.​

Jumpers

Adding to the Dam’s haunted reputation is the fact that over 100 people have reportedly jumped to their deaths from the Dam since its opening, with sightings of these tragic figures reliving their last moments in the Dam’s deserted areas at night. 

Lake Mead

When the Hoover Dam was constructed, it led to the creation of Lake Mead. Founded in 1865 by Mormon settlers who mistakenly thought they were in Utah, the small town of St. Thomas would eventually be submerged by the lake’s rising waters.

Had they known their true location, they likely would have settled elsewhere, avoiding this eventual tragedy. Although it was actually Nevada’s demand for back taxes that drove most residents to leave once they realized they were within Nevada’s borders, it was the Dam’s construction that ultimately sealed St. Thomas’s fate.

Despite government buyouts, some residents resisted leaving, with at least 3 tragically drowning as the waters rose. The last resident, Hugh Lord, paddled away in 1938, setting his flooded home on fire as he departed.

Over the years, droughts in 1945, 1963, and 2012 have revealed the eerie remnants of St. Thomas, its 19th-century structures standing as reminders of the town swallowed by Lake Mead. 

The emotional weight of being forced from their homes is said to have left an imprint on Hoover Dam itself, which is now a popular tourist site featuring a visitor center and guided tours.

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