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Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada
In the remote desert town of Tonopah stands one of Nevada’s most famous haunted landmarks: the Mizpah Hotel. Built in 1907 and named after the Mizpah chapter in Genesis, the hotel once symbolized wealth, prestige, and the rush of the mining boom. But beneath the luxury and grandeur lies a long legacy of tragedy—and some say, ghostly residents who never checked out.
The most famous of these spirits is the "Lady in Red," believed to be the ghost of a prostitute who was murdered on the fifth floor by a jealous lover or enraged client. Many guests who have stayed in room 502 report eerie sensations—perfume in the air, doors opening and closing, soft whispers, and even a gentle caress on the cheek. The Lady in Red is said to be a benevolent presence, watching over the hotel as if still bound by her past profession.
But she is not alone. Staff and guests have also reported sightings of two young ghostly children playing in the hallways, believed to have died under mysterious circumstances. Another spirit is that of a shadowy miner who roams the basement and elevator shaft, keeping silent company in the dark.
The Mizpah Hotel fell into disrepair after World War II and stood vacant for years. But in 2011, it was lovingly restored and reopened, offering both luxurious accommodations and paranormal intrigue. Today, the hotel embraces its haunted history, even offering "haunted room" bookings for thrill-seeking guests who want a chance encounter with its permanent residents.
Visitors report cold spots, disembodied voices, flickering lights, and even full apparitions. Paranormal investigators from across the country have walked its creaky floors, and the hotel has been featured on multiple ghost-hunting shows, including *Ghost Adventures* and *The Dead Files.*
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Mizpah Hotel is a living monument to Nevada’s wild past—where miners, madams, and mystery still echo through the halls.
Address: 100 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049
Phone: (775) 482-3030
Website: www.themizpahhotel.com
Guided tours are not regularly scheduled, but staff are happy to share stories, and special ghost-themed events are held throughout the year.
