During our recent trip to Austin, Texas, we booked a walking ghost tour with Austin Ghosts. We wanted to explore a different part of downtown and needed a professional tour guide to walk with us.
The Omni Hotel
We were instructed to meet our guide at 7 pm on the front steps of the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin. He would be carrying a lantern.
Arriving a little before 7, we stood on the steps, chatting with another participant. In a few minutes, we saw a gentleman carrying a lantern walking towards us.
Approaching the steps, he introduced himself as our guide, Michael. After a brief review regarding the tour, we were on our way.
Our first stop was our meeting place – the Omni Hotel.
The Omni Hotel is nineteen stories tall and is located at the corner of Brazos and E. 7th Street.
Michael shared the story of Jack, a traveling salesman who lost his life in a horrific accident of his own making. Jack continues to reside at the Omni, haunting guests.
Notice the glass on the upper right side of the photo. This is inside the building. Dirt on the glass or ?? I don’t recall seeing it when we were there.
The Driskill Hotel
Our next stop was the nearby Driskill Hotel. Founded by Colonel Jesse Driskill, this historic hotel has been part of Austin’s history since 1886. Known for its magnificent architecture and history, it is known as home-away-from-home to U.S. presidents, movie stars, and other notable guests.
It is also home to the ghosts of a jilted bride, a young child, and Colonel Driskill. Michael shared stories of mysterious cigar smoke in the lobby and bar, and a woman in a wedding dress, weeping in the hallways.
One of the saddest ghost stories we heard was Samantha’s. This child ghost, who passed at the Driskill in a horrific accident, continues to bounce a ball down the stairs while guests are sleeping.
Buffalo Billiards
Continuing our tour, we paused on 6th Street in front of Buffalo Billiards, located in the former Missouri Hotel building. Built in 1861, it was the first boarding house in Austin, and a favorite place for cowboys and salesmen passing through the area. In 1999, Buffalo Billiards converted the old hotel into a pool hall and bar. A popular spot for both locals and visitors, they closed their doors in 2020.
It was also popular with the spirits that remained in the building after the boarding house closed. Our guide, Michael, shared several stories about Freddy, a mischievous ghost looking for attention. We also learned about the lady in white, who stood on the stairs and stared at the guests before vanishing.
The Haunted Morgue
Leaving Buffalo Billiards, we turned left on Brazos and continued towards 5th Street.
Stopping just past the corner of 5th and Brazos, Michael informed us that the corner building, currently a bar, was a morgue in the early 1900’s.
We walked a little further, stopping between the bar and the adjoining pizza restaurant.
He then shared the story of the frustrated mortician during a period when large groups of people were dying due to an epidemic.
One day, when the mortician was alone, he decided to take a body to the shop next door and use their furnace to cremate it. After the police arrived, they didn’t stop him.
The basement of the old morgue is a hot spot for paranormal activity, with several active ghosts, including a friendly gentleman.
The bar located upstairs in the former morgue is haunted by the ghost of a child, who leaves small handprints on the bar.
The Paramount Theatre
Our next stop was the Paramount Theatre, where we heard about a projectionist who passed while working. And his passion for treats!
The Texas Capitol
After a stop at the relocated Walter Tipps building, we continued walking towards the Old Capitol site, across the street from the current Texas Capitol. Both sites have ghosts, and Michael shared several stories with us.
From serial killers and love affairs to a haunted gift shop and late-night janitors cleaning up after a messy spirit, we discovered that the ghosts are busy at the Texas Capitol.
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Saint Mary Cathedral
Our tour concluded with the story of a church haunted by the ghost of a bride in mourning, who played the organ.
Worshipers who come to the church to pray alone have heard sad melodies playing on the organ when no one is seated on the bench.
Others have seen drops of blood related to the mystery of the groom’s death.
We enjoyed our time exploring the haunted places in Austin. It was perfect for an evening stroll!
If you are visiting the area, we recommend you book a tour with Austin Ghost Tours
Peggy Staver, the author of this blog, is a freelance writer specializing in outdoor recreation and hospitality. You can contact her at peggystaver.com. Photos were taken by Photography by Andreas. Visit his portfolio here.
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