The Haunting of Piper’s Opera House in Nevada

Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada

Photo: Wikipedia

Nestled high in the hills of Virginia City, Piper’s Opera House isn’t just a relic of the Wild West — it’s one of the most iconic haunted theaters in America. Built in the 1880s after two earlier versions were destroyed by fire, this historic venue has hosted legends like Mark Twain and Lillie Langtry, all while building a reputation for its ghostly residents.

Visitors and staff alike have reported unexplained footsteps echoing through empty hallways, shadowy figures flitting behind stage curtains, and the overwhelming feeling of being watched. The balcony is especially active — many believe a former actor or patron never left, still enjoying the show from the best seat in the house.

One of the most chilling tales involves a woman in period dress who appears during rehearsals, silently watching from the back rows before vanishing without a trace. Lights flicker, props move on their own, and cold spots plague certain areas of the building no matter the season.

Today, Piper’s Opera House continues to hold performances, tours, and ghost investigations — embracing its spirited legacy. Whether you're there for the history or the hauntings, one thing’s for sure: the curtain never really falls at Piper’s.

Address: 12 B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440
Website: pipersoperahouse.com
Tours: Offered regularly — check the site for hours and ghost investigation dates.

Whether you come for the legends or linger for the ghosts, Piper’s Opera House reminds us that in Virginia City… the past never truly dies.

The Haunting of the Mizpah Hotel

Photo: Wikipedia

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.

The Haunting of the Gold Hill Hotel

Gold Hill Hotel – Storey County, Virginia City, Nevada

Photograph ©Jake Slagle

Known as the oldest hotel in Virginia City, the Gold Hill Hotel and Saloon was built in 1859 and was originally known as the Riese House. The place changed hands many times and renovations and building additions were made by many of the owners.

In a building that has been standing for nearly one hundred and fifty years and with renovations and additions being made many times, it is hardly any wonder that there are claims of a haunting.

As with most hauntings, many of the common reports are made there; lights turning on and off on their own, objects going missing only to magically reappear in places that were already searched and the ever common phantom footsteps. Also reported here are the sounds of children running, giggling and playing in the hallways late at night and the strong, sudden scents of tobacco, roses and chocolate chip cookies!

Address:
1540 Main Street
Virginia City, Nevada 89440
(775) 847-0111
Website

RELATED LINKS:
Ghost Picture at the Gold Hill Hotel

The Haunting of Mackay Mansion

Mackay Mansion –Storey County, Virginia City, Nevada

Photograph ©ericy102

Address:
129 South D. Street
Virginia City, Nevada 89440
(775) 847-0336
Website

Built in 1859 by George Hearst, a mining superintendent, the Mackay Mansion was originally the “Gould and Curry Office” At that time, this building served as a mining agency and lodgings for Mr. Hearst.

George Hearst stayed in the house for a short time and then moved on. It was then that John Mackay moved in. Originating from Ireland, John Mackay immigrated to the state of New York in 1831, where he began working as a ship building apprentice at the age of sixteen. Fours years later, John Mackay left his job in New York, boarded a steamer and traveled on to San Francisco in hopes of making his fortune in the California gold mines. Unfortunately he found that mining was grueling work for little money so he moved on to Virginia City, hoping to make some money from the silver strike.

In the silver mines, John gained recognition for his woodworking skills and this in turn, brought him stock in the mines that he was helping to develop.

John then began buying up claims and from 1866-1869 he was in control of the Kentuck Mine, as well as, the Hale and Norcross, Belcher Mines, and the Gould and Curry Office.

In the early 1870’s, John moved into the Mackay Mansion and teamed up with a man named James Fair. These two men later became known for discovering the largest silver deposit in North America.

John, who was extremely wealthy by this point, spent most of his time helping the needy. In 1902, John died at the age of seventy, on his way to London on business.

Today, the Mackay Mansion still stands proudly, giving tours and teaching the history of John and the mining world that once ruled Virginia City. Inside this beautiful home is the silver set made for John’s wife, the first “working” bathroom in Virginia City, and ghosts….yes, I said ghosts!

One of the spirits to haunt the Mansion is that of a small child dressed in white. Here’s an interesting story about this apparitions: The Mackay Mansion doesn’t usually allow overnight guests, however, an exception was made for Johnny Depp while he was shooting the movie “Dead Man”. Johnny reported seeing this ghostly child during his stay, as well as, hearing it playing in the room across the hall!

Also reported in this house is the apparition of a former Colonel who makes an appearance in the kitchen, often seen sitting at the table. This specter may also be responsible for the sounds of footsteps going up and down the stairs and unexplainable noises that come from the third floor.