by SANTA FE, N.M. – Known for its stunning deserts, rich Native American heritage, and vibrant art scene, New Mexico also has a darker side that fascinates thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. The Land of Enchantment is home to historic cemeteries, haunted hotels, and eerie landscapes that carry unsettling legends. If you’re someone who enjoys ghost stories and chilling adventures, here are 10 creepy and macabre places in New Mexico you won’t want to miss.
1. St. James Hotel, Cimarron
Built in the 19th century, the St. James Hotel is infamous for its violent Wild West history. With more than two dozen gunfights taking place inside its walls, the hotel’s past left behind restless spirits. Guests report ghostly apparitions, cold spots, and unexplained noises, and one particular room is said to be so haunted that it remains permanently locked. The property even appeared on Unsolved Mysteries, cementing its status as one of New Mexico’s most haunted destinations.
2. Dawson Cemetery, Near Cimarron
The only trace of a once-thriving mining town, Dawson Cemetery is haunted by tragedy. In the early 1900s, two catastrophic mining explosions killed hundreds of workers. Today, visitors describe seeing mysterious lights among the headstones and ghostly miners wandering the grounds. The cemetery stands as both a historic landmark and a deeply eerie site for those who visit at dusk.
3. La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe
In downtown Santa Fe, the historic La Fonda on the Plaza has gained a reputation for paranormal activity. One of its most famous spirits is Judge John Slough, who was murdered in the hotel during the 1860s. Guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, eerie whispers, and unsettling encounters in hallways and rooms. The location remains a popular stop for ghost tours in Santa Fe.
4. Double Eagle Restaurant, Mesilla
The Double Eagle Restaurant is known for fine dining—and for its ghostly patrons. The building was once the site of a tragic love story that ended in murder. Since then, visitors have reported hearing whispers, seeing objects move on their own, and feeling sudden chills. The restaurant embraces its haunted reputation, drawing paranormal investigators and curious diners alike.
5. Haunted Hill, Albuquerque
In the Sandia foothills, Haunted Hill is linked to unsettling legends. Some stories suggest a recluse lured victims here decades ago, and visitors claim to hear screams, phantom footsteps, and even see shadowy figures at night. Whether you believe the tales or not, the eerie setting makes Haunted Hill a chilling stop for adventure seekers.
6. Hotel Parq Central, Albuquerque
Once a hospital and later a psychiatric facility, Hotel Parq Central has a long, unsettling history. Guests have reported seeing ghostly nurses, hearing unexplained footsteps, and experiencing cold drafts in empty hallways. Despite its modern renovations, the building’s past continues to attract those intrigued by paranormal mysteries.
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7. Herzstein Museum, Clayton
Located in a quiet town, the Herzstein Museum has become known for strange paranormal activity. Visitors and staff report objects being moved, odd noises, and poltergeist-like behavior. Paranormal investigators who have visited the site documented strange phenomena, solidifying its place among New Mexico’s lesser-known haunted spots.
8. Dona Ana County Courthouse & Jail, Las Cruces
According to River City Omaha, The abandoned Dona Ana County Courthouse and Jail has a violent past and a reputation for intense paranormal encounters. Cold spots, shadowy figures, and even physical scratches have been reported. The site has been featured on Ghost Adventures, and many believe its history of crime and punishment left behind an unsettling spiritual imprint.
9. Painted Lady Bed & Brew, Albuquerque
This quirky bed and breakfast once served as a saloon and brothel. Now known as the Painted Lady Bed & Brew, it blends hospitality with ghost stories. Guests have reported seeing a mysterious female spirit and even a mischievous beer-drinking ghost. It’s a must-visit for travelers seeking both charm and chills.
10. Bisti Badlands, Near Farmington
The Bisti Badlands are among New Mexico’s most otherworldly landscapes. Steeped in Native American legend, the area is considered sacred but also carries an eerie reputation. Visitors describe the landscape as haunting, especially at night, when strange shapes and shadows add to its unsettling atmosphere. It is one of the state’s most unnerving natural wonders.
Why These Spots Capture New Mexico’s Dark Allure
From ghostly hotels to tragic cemeteries and unsettling landscapes, New Mexico’s history and geography combine to create a unique environment for paranormal legends. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, these places highlight the state’s balance of beauty and mystery.
Would you dare visit any of these haunted spots in New Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
