You Can Hunt For Ghosts Overnight At The Oldest, Most Haunted Hotel In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 22, 2019
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Every old building is bound to have a ghost story or two. Whether or not a shred of truth can be found behind the rumors, hauntings and history seem to go hand-in-hand. That’s especially true for Magnolia Hotel in Seguin, which is the oldest hotel in Texas. Its past is riddled with Comanche raids, serial killers, and years of vacancy, a combination of unfortunate events practically guaranteeing the presence of paranormal activity. Those who are brave enough can spend a night locked inside the ancient building to hunt for ghosts. Here’s how:
Originally a two-room log cabin, Magnolia Hotel was built in the 1840s by the co-founder of Seguin, Texas Ranger James Campbell. He was brutally ambushed by Comanches, and the property was sold and transformed into a hotel shortly thereafter.
After being vacant for over 20 years, the hotel was placed on a list of the most endangered buildings in Texas. Erin and Jim Ghedi purchased the hotel in 2013 to begin the noble yet painstaking process of restoring it.
Featured on several shows including Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures," there's no denying how much paranormal activity takes place within these walls. Antique furniture and relics from bygone eras not only add to the ambiance, but also serve as conduits through which spirits can manifest.
Even the biggest skeptics will find themselves captivated by the tour. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the saloon, dining area, and several other rooms, recounting stories of tragedy and celebration alike that took place over the years.
The ghost hunt is on March 2, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. After being introduced to the hotel's 15 resident ghosts, participants will be officially locked in with no means to escape.
You'll be split into two small groups, one of which will investigate while the other observes via surveillance cameras. Halfway through the night, the teams will switch so that everyone gets the full ghost hunting experience.
High-tech equipment such as EMF meters detect even the slightest deviations from normalcy. When that cold wind makes the hair on your neck stand at attention, rest assured the device will confirm a spectral presence.
Just in case you're still a non-believer, this photo should clear up any doubts. Head on over to the hotel's website and browse through an extensive gallery of irrefutable evidence.