New Mexico’s Top 5 Most Haunted
Ghosts, apparitions, unexplained movements, cries—these are the types of paranormal activity you’ll find in New Mexico’s most haunted locations. New Mexico hosts a slew of haunted places, ranging from 19th century hotels to abandoned towns. The landmarks below certainly make the top of the list—so you don’t want to get caught after dark at these places. Or do you?
1. The KiMo Theater
Albuquerque, NM
Located in Albuquerque, The KiMo Theater takes the number one spot. Several tragedies occurred here, but the most infamous was a boiler explosion in 1951 which killed seven people. This included a young boy, who is said to cause disturbances in the theater. Workers now leave gifts for the boy prior to shows so he does not mess with the show or guests. Who knows what might happen if he doesn’t get his bribe?
2. St. James Hotel
Cimarron, NM
A hotel that truly pays homage to the old west, St. James Hotel is also home to a shocking amount of ghostly encounters. The hotel was built in 1880 and holds a violent history, having had 26 documented murders within its walls. Mary Lambert, wife of owner Henn Lambert, lingers in the hotel along with her young son, Johnnie. Other young child-like ghosts have been reported, along with an old man who likes to play tricks with guests. Perhaps the most famous ghost, however, occupies room #18, a card player who was killed before he collected his winnings. He is said to be evil and has been known to knock over guests and swing the chandelier. Because of this, room #18 is no longer open to guests.
3. Dawson Cemetery
Dawson, NM
This mining town was booming in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but after two coal mining accidents within 10 years left almost 400 dead, the town became known for death and destruction. It comes as no surprise that at Dawson Cemetery you’ll find restless spirits walking the graveyard and maybe even miner’s helmet lights. I don’t know about you, but just the thought of this place gives me goosebumps.
4. Santa Fe State Penitentiary
Santa Fe, NM
Now a dark tourist hotspot, the Santa Fe State Penitentiary holds an eerie, bone-chilling past. The site of a bloody and violent riot in 1980, in which inmates attacked and tortured officers and other inmates, killing 33, makes the prison an infamous place. You used to be able to take tours, even paranormal tours, through the sinister halls. However, it is unclear if tours are ongoing. If you do and can visit, just be careful that you aren’t followed by the shadowy figures that are known to occupy the prison.
5. The La Fonda Hotel
Santa Fe, NM
A hotel that housed all types of people, from trappers and traders to soldiers and politicians, the La Fonda inevitably became a place of deadly disputes and violence. Although today it boasts beauty and old world charm, its haunting past lingers. A ghostly figure is said to wander through the dining room, and the Honorable Judge Slough is believed to walk the halls. Reports of a tall man dressed in a long black coat is also part of the lore of the hotel—do you dare stay a night here?
