| We invite those who have knowledge of these areas and those not listed here to write us THANK YOU to all who have written us concerning these places. Disclaimer - most abandoned places are probably still owned by someone, may prohibit trespassers, and are checked periodically by the police. Many of these structures could be deteriorated, just not safe to venture into. |
| Austin: Old Lookout Tower - Located in south Austin. Supposedly this can be found by parking in a church lot (that has a huge white cross visible from a distance), and walking through a little path off the parking lot. (There have been deer stands in this forest so be careful in case hunters are around). It is an unfinished concrete structure, with platforms that have collapsed. Travis State School - Built in 1933, originally called the Austin State School Farm Colony, which taught the mentally retarded to be self-sufficient. It closed in 1996, and has almost 60 buildings still on the property. We have been told there is a learning center on the grounds. (We invite those who know about this place to correct us). Austin State Hospital - Construction began in 1857 and was completed in 1861. Many of the other structures have been demolished. This hospital is still in operation, for mental health treatment. Cisco: Laguna Hotel - It's not really all that abandoned, the building houses the Chamber of Commerce, but is owned by a local community college. Some floors are used as storage but there is supposed to be other floors and rooms that are empty. The lobby still houses the old front desk. Dallas: LBJ House - This update was given to us by one of our web friends: "Well, I have sad news, as of today's date August 20th, 2006, I can say that the LBJ house is no longer there, the lot is there. All but one of the buildings have been demolished. The metal garage/workshop building. The area is easily accessible from Valley View park, there is a bike trail with a bridge that leads from Valley View park. Once you cross over the bridge, you will see the way into the area." We're not sure of the exact story of the LBJ house, but rumors flew about this house from everything from sacrifices to murder. We always appreciate reader feedback if you know more about the history of this house. Parkland Hospital (Old) - Also called "Woodlawn", it is located at Maple and Oak Lawn Avenue, the old Parkland closed in 1974. We've heard that it is now boarded up tighter than a drum, but we've heard that people can still find a way to explore the interior. We have been told by several urban explorers that the interior looks as if no one has cleaned it out. Old hospital beds and medical apparatus are all over the place. Although one of the last large developable tracts of land in Oak Lawn, part of the old hospital is designated as a Dallas landmark. The lawn fronting Oak Lawn and Maple is a "no build zone". But as far back as April 2007, we have heard that a developer has purchased the hospital property, for a complete re-do and new buildings. Eastland: Connellee, or Village Hotel - Work might be going on at this hotel, since we have been told plywood has been taken from the windows. Fort Worth: Swift Meat Packing Plant - (updated Oct. 2007): One of our web friends has written us to give additional information. The plant is still standing, but is in a very run down condition. Part of the plant succumbed to fire in 1973. The main office building was home to Spaghetti Warehouse, which closed about four years ago. For more information on the haunted aspects of this plant, please visit our "Texas Haunted Places" page. WARNING: There is alot of gang activity here, and not a safe place to go in to explore. (thanks, Sniffles, for this update!) Gail: Gail School - According to the Handbook of Texas Online, the town of Gail is located on U.S. Highway 180 in central Borden County. In the early 1990s Gail was still the county seat, had a population of 202, and had 8 businesses. We've been told it's a virtual ghost town now, but an old school house is still there, which is in a complete shambles and loaded with debris. Houston: Jefferson Davis Hospital - We should remove this one since it has been converted into artist lofts and now houses families. But this former hospital was the subject of many ghostly tales and supernatural occurances, so we will keep it listed for 'historical' value. (historical spooky/abandoned value, we should say!) Astrodome - Recently used by hurricane evacuees, need we say more? Plaza Hotel - Ten floors, we don't know much more. Plainview: Plainveiw Hilton - Still intact, but with buckled floors in the ballroom. The Hilton supposedly served as low income housing at one time. Microwave antennas on the roof are rentals from a company. Mineral Wells: Baker Hotel - Recognized in 1982 by the National Register of Historic Places, a dedicated Preservation group is working towards restoring this great hotel to its former glory. The Baker Hotel can also be found on our Haunted Hotels page. PLEASE do not attempt to enter this building to explore. It is private property and you will be prosecuted if found there. There are several groups that are very much involved in preserving the Baker and 'thrill-seekers' who enter the building just make things worse for all those involved with the Baker. Read this page from a great Investigation group: NO TRESPASSING ! and honor their wishes. Rusk: Rusk State Hospital - Originally a state prison, Rusk was converted into an asylum in 1919. This hospital was a facility for African Americans with mental illness, having a population of over 2,400 in 1946, but was downsized to a population of 442 in 1992. Santa Ana: Santa Ana Clinic - Behind or next to a Dairy Queen (we don't know the exact address). Supposedly this building is burned out with unsafe floors. Outside, there is the general rubble, old medical machines. food trays and lounge chairs around the grounds. San Antonio: Charter Behavioral Health - Closed in or around 2000, this complex still has working plumbing and maybe some electricity. It looks as if people just walked out one day and never returned. Fully equipped with medical equipment, gurneys, phones, security stations, cameras, etc. Lone Star Brewery - We were told about this place in 2002, if anyone knows if it's still empty or what's been done to it, let us know. San Antonio State Hospital - No info on whether this is still in operation as a mental health facility, or closed. Merchants Ice & Cold Storage Co. - Built in 1900, one of the buildings has been turned into a warehouse club called "Fuel", and supposedly the rest of the complex will be turned into a communications hub. It's in the warehouse district, of course. San Marcos: Pike House Fraternity House - Burned down April 9, 2007 by arsonists. Formerly a boy's dormitory, then a military hospital and finally a fraternity house, this place of course has several areas that could be structurally unsafe (collapsing ceilings, etc). The building has alot of haunted stories surrounding it. For the haunted aspect of this "Animal House", see our Texas Hauntings page. Check out this page for beautiful exterior photos of the buildings and grounds. Terrell: Terrell State Hospital - No information available as of yet. Waco: Waco Government Building - Yep, it's U.S. Property, right along with the "No Trespassing" signs. Located off Rt. 35 in Waco, of course. Wichita Falls: Wichita Falls State Hospital - No information available as of yet. Other Abandoned Places but not sure of exact locations: Toilet Factory: Closed in 2002, we were told that all sorts of plumbing supplies, pedestal sinks and toilets have been left there, including personal items such as photographs and books. Power to the building must still be on, since machinery works when buttons are pushed. Skateboarders have a good-sized setup there. Contact Mina at mina@texashauntsociety.com if you have updates or wish to tell us of other places not listed here yet. |
| "She said 'Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side'" ~ Lou Reed |
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