10 Places in Oklahoma City You May Not Have Realized Were Haunted

Haunted Places in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, like many cities, has a number of places that are rumored to be haunted. Whether you believe the legends or not, it’s still interesting to hear the stories of those who’ve had experiences at these places. Take a look at these 10 places in Oklahoma City that are claimed to be haunted.

1. The Skirvin Hilton Hotel

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is a historic hotel located in downtown Oklahoma City. It is said to be haunted by a ghost named Effie, who is rumored to have been a maid who worked at the hotel in the early 20th century. Effie is said to haunt the tenth floor of the hotel, and many guests have reported strange occurrences, such as footsteps and doors opening and closing on their own.

2. The Overholser Mansion 

A team of paranormal investigators has actually done some research in the home and experienced  strange phenomenon such as moving shadows and audible steps going up the staircase.  With their electronic devices, they were even able to pick up what sounded like laughing as well as names.  It is believed that the ghosts that reside there are members of the Overholser family, as several of them died in the house.

3.Edmond Central Middle School

Built in 1956, the building is rumored to have been built over or around a 19th century burial ground. People today report seeing apparitions wearing outfits that you’d see straight out of the Victorian Era. One of the ghost’s favorite pastimes is occasionally turning on music.

4. The Governor’s Mansion

Many former Oklahoma governors and their families could tell you some chilling stories about this place.  One of those stories comes from Frank Keating’s sons reportedly seeing one of the mansion’s ghosts, “Murray”, walk by while watching TV in the basement. 

Even Gov. Keating’s wife, Cathy, stated how the ghost liked to trip people while walking on the staircase.  Strange phenomena has been reportedly all the way back to Oklahoma’s 9th governor, William H. Murray, who talks about the whispers of ghosts that could be heard from inside the house.

5. The Oklahoma State Capitol

The Oklahoma State Capitol is the state capitol building of Oklahoma and is located in downtown Oklahoma City. It is said to be haunted by a ghost named Sam, who was a janitor at the capitol building in the early 20th century. Sam is said to haunt the capitol building, and many visitors have reported seeing a ghostly figure or feeling a presence there.

6. Oklahoma City Zoo Aquatic Facility

Named one of the top 100 Zoos in the U.S., it is also one of the oldest Zoo’s in the region. People have occasionally reported a female ghost with long hair wandering around in the aquatic facility. No one really knows her name or what the story is behind her, but enough zoo staff have reported seeing her that there are no shortage of believers.

7. Gabriella’s Italian Grill

Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, Gabriella’s Italian Grill is a popular eatery in Oklahoma. It also happens to be one of the most haunted places in the city; the building itself dates back to the Prohibition era and was once home to The County Line Barbecue Restaurant. The building has had a long history, functioning as both a dance hall and gambling den, and even serving as a brothel.

There is at least one ghost said to be haunting the premises, and many believe it to be the spirit of a man named Russell. In life, Russell was apparently quite the playboy, which likely led to his untimely demise at the hands of a jealous husband. Those who cross paths with Russell report hearing voices, and witnessing wine glasses and cups being thrown off racks in the kitchen.

8. Belle Isle Shopping Center

Before it was a shopping center, there was a power plant that resided on the property. In 1995, 12 year-old Tia Jones fell to her death after visiting the abandoned building one night with friends. Even though the plant was demolished in 1999, witnesses who frequent the new stores in place on the property still report strange noises and feel bursts of cold air pass by while seeing shadows.

9. Langston’s Western Wear

Formerly a dance hall and bar that was constructed in 1919, Langston’s Western Wear is now the home of a large selection of work wear, coy hats, boots, jeans, etc. It is supposedly haunted by the spirits of two sisters, Patty and Rose, who used to perform as dancers there long before it was ever a Western store.

It is said that Patty was shot and killed by her boyfriend. Her sister, Rose, was so devastated that she ended up hanging herself in the building. Since that time, lots of strange things have been happening in the building that can’t be explained.

10. Puckett’s Body Shop

A body shop isn’t your typical go-to when looking for haunted places. However, this body shop located on 29th Street is the exception. This place became well-known when surveillance footage starting revealing apparitions. The owner believes it could be the spirit of Tracy Martin, a lady who was killed in a car accident only a few short hours before the video captured the phenomenon.

Overall, Oklahoma City has a number of places that are rumored to be haunted. While the veracity of these hauntings is difficult to confirm, many people believe that these places are indeed haunted and have had strange experiences there. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s haunted history, be sure to check out these places and talk to the locals who spend a lot of time there.

Have you encountered any strange experiences at these places?  Perhaps somewhere else in OKC?  Tell us about it below!