Welcome to Oklahoma, where its intricate history and vast landscapes have led to tales of Native American legends, Wild West escapades, and dramatic civil strife. However, did you know that within this rich narrative lurk stories darker and more chilling than any campfire tale? That’s right, from renowned hotels where guests never checked out to battlefields that still echo with the cries of long-forgotten soldiers, the Sooner State harbors some of the nation’s most spine-tingling haunted sites.
Below we explore several of Oklahoma’s, arguably, scariest destinations that are believed by many to be haunted by the ghosts of previous generations. Visit each destination’s website for more information about visitation hours and private ghost tours.
5 Most Haunted Destinations in Oklahoma
Here are some of the many ghost stories you’ll hear from Oklahoma’s spookiest spots.
#1 The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City
Oilman W.B. Skirvin built the Skirvin Hotel in 1910 to be the best Southwest hotel. The luxurious hotel opened in 1911 with two 10-story towers with 224 rooms, was one of the first buildings in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to have air conditioning, then called “iced air,” running ice water in each room, a 500-person ballroom, and imported Austrian chandeliers costing over $100,000 each.
As the ambassadress to Luxembourg and Washington’s “Hostess with the Mostess,” portrayed in “Call Me Madam,” Skirvin’s daughter Perl Mesta made the hotel famous.
A third wing brought the building to 14 stories and 525 rooms in 1930.
The Oklahoma showplace was a popular Prohibition speakeasy. During this time, W.B. Skirvin allegedly had an affair with a hotel maid. Legend has it that the maid conceived and was locked in a hotel room on the top floor to avoid scandal. Still kept in the room after her child was born, the desolate girl became depressed. She grabbed the baby and threw herself out the window, half-delusional.
Although the maid’s name is unknown, her ghost haunts the Skirvin Hotel and former employees called “Effie”. The old hotel closed in 1988, but former guests reported trouble sleeping due to a child crying.
As a woman with loose morals, Effie often propositioned men in their rooms alone. Others have seen a naked woman in the shower. One man said an invisible entity sexually assaulted him during his stay.
In 2016, Lakers forward Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Ron Artest) claimed a ghost attacked him at the Skirvin.
Staff and guests reported other strange noises and events, such as the maid’s cart disappearing down the hall.
Hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1979. The building sat empty for nearly 15 years after closing in 1988. Now fully restored, the historic hotel welcomes guests.
#2 Guthrie’s Stone Lion Inn
Built back in 1907 by F.E. Houghton, the Stone Lion Inn was once the home to the Houghtons and their 12 kids. Unfortunately, F.E.’s wife, Augusta, died on the premises from whooping cough with her death believed to be the cause of a tragic mistake made by her nurse.
In 1986, the property was purchased by Becky Luker who restored the home to its former glory. Many believe that it’s these renovations that awoke the house’s sleeping spirits. Which, in turn, opened the door to numerous paranormal experiences – namely inexplicable noises and mysterious footsteps began to be heard throughout the house.
Evidently, the home’s third floor is where much of the ghostly activity takes place. Becky told family and friends that her son’s toys would be found scattered across the room just moments after being tidied up.
Hotel guests have had their fair share of scares with many reporting to see the apparition of Augusta and F.E. during their stays. Many guests have also reported strange phenomena, including items moving on their own and strange knocking sounds.
One interesting thing to note is that before Becky purchased the Stone Lion and transformed it to a bed and breakfast, is that it was a funeral home for many decades. So a lot of soulless bodies and countless spirits have passed through what was once Guthrie’s most expensive home.
#3 Fort Washita
One of Oklahoma’s most historical sites, Fort Washita, built back in the reconstruction era of the 1800s, was once an important military establishment. The fort served as protection during various stages of reconstruction throughout western states.
The fort was strategically positioned along popular trading routes – the Texas Road and Old Preston Trail. It also served a crucial role following the 1830 Indian Removal Act in keeping rival Indian tribes and Texas militia members from attacking Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Indians.
The fort has a long history of paranormal interactions. Charles Colbert, a Chickasaw Indian who was deeded the property, mysteriously lost 32 dogs. The next residents, Dr. Steele and his sister, reported inexplicable ghost-related events that many believe led to her mental breakdown.
A 16-year-old Hispanic boy’s corpse was found in 1965 with a major injury to his skull.
Aunt Jane is the ghost of a black woman believed to have been spying on Confederates and beheaded for her betrayal. Some say Aunt Jane is a white woman who was beheaded by bandits. Yet a third story tells of a beheading due to a husband’s jealous rage.
You can visit Fort Washita’s museum during normal business hours, but if you’re looking for a more ominous experience, sign-up for a ghost tour.
#4 101 Miller Ranch
Commonly called 101 Ranch, the property was originally built in 1881 by George Washington Miller – a renown Oklahoma rancher with approximately 100,000 acres of land at the time. Miller died in 1903 and the ranch was turned into a trust for his three sons. The boys eventually expanded on their fathers empire by creating an electric plant, cannery, dairy, and tannery on the property.
Once called the “greatest diversified farm on earth” gained significant fame in the early 1900s from wild west shows. Notably figures, like Geronimo, would perform for locals, go on tour, and even put on a show for King George V and Queen Mary.
In the 1920s financial struggles and the Great Depression put the show out of business. By 1941, the majority of the property was acquired by the Federal Farm Security Administration.
Ghostly spirits are regularly seen roaming the property at night. The nearby ‘old highway’ is another hotspot for ghost activity in the late evenings.
#5 The Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum was founded in Tulsa in 1949 by Thomas Gilcrease, a Scots-Irish, French, and Muscogee (Creek) Indian descent man who grew up on the Creek Nation territory. Gilcrease gained his wealth from the oil discovered on his land allotment.
The museum is famous for housing one of the largest collections of American West art plus significant historical documents and artifacts. Gilcrease himself began the collection shortly after a 1925 trip to Europe where he discovered his love for art.
In the 1950s Gilcrease found himself facing financial difficulties, at which point the City of Tulsa acquired his collection and renamed it the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art.
The property has many stories that are other worldly. Many say Thomas himself still wanders the grounds. In fact, his ghost has been seen all over the property and commonly in the gardens, which is believed to be his favorite spot on the entire estate.
There are reports of children roaming the halls, laughing and playing. Others have heard men arguing and strange whispers.
Guests have reported late-night banging noises, doors slamming, and temperature fluctuations.
Some investigators have suggested as many as seven different spirits call the Gilcrease estate home.
Tulsa University owns and manages the property today.
