7 Most Haunted Places in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, New Mexico, thrums with a history that whispers tales of the supernatural from every corner, beckoning the brave to explore its most haunted locales. From the shadows of ancient buildings to the eerie corridors of historic landmarks, the city offers a chilling adventure for those seeking encounters with the paranormal. Adventurers and skeptics alike will find this guide to Albuquerque’s spookiest sites a thrilling addition to their must-visit list, where the past lingers and the present may never feel quite the same again.

If you are doing any kind of paranormal investigation here, you might want to take a look at our ghost hunting equipment list. Locations like this get a reputation because they are high activity and you don’t need much to see for yourself.

Kimo Theatre

The Kimo Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands as an enduring symbol of the city’s cultural heritage, but beyond its architectural charm lies a spine-tingling narrative that has cemented its reputation as a haunted landmark. Constructed in 1927, the Pueblo Deco picture palace became the talk of the town, a jewel in the city’s crown. The theater’s name, “KiMo” (literally meaning “mountain lion” in Tewa), also suggests a spirit of strength and mystery.

As the story goes, in 1951, tragedy struck when a young boy named Bobby Darnall met his untimely demise in a ghastly accident. The six-year-old was attending a film with his family when an explosive device, meant to enhance the onscreen action, malfunctioned, claiming his life. From that day on, whispers of Bobby’s restless spirit began to echo through the theater’s halls.

Performers and patrons alike have reported uncanny occurrences, from unexplained noises to flickering lights. The tales often paint a picture of a mischievous phantom, one that has a penchant for playing pranks on the living. Some say that Bobby’s ghost has a soft spot for the stage, often seen in the empty auditorium or heard giggling in the wings.

To appease the playful spirit, it has become a tradition for cast members of productions at the Kimo Theatre to offer a small tribute or token—often donuts—placed near a shrine dedicated to Bobby. This ritual is said to ensure smooth performances without any spectral interruptions. It’s as if the offerings lay the groundwork for a temporary truce between the earthly performers and the otherworldly audience member.

The Kimo Theatre, now more than just a venue for the arts, serves as a bridge to the unknown, a place where the veil between the living and the dead seems as thin as a stage curtain. Its haunted history is a badge of honor, a story told time and again, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating structure. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the legend of Bobby Darnall ensures that the Kimo Theatre remains a place where history and mystery dance hand in hand, and every creak of the seats, every whisper of the wind, holds the potential of being more than just a quirk of an old building.

So I was chilling at the KiMo Theatre, and outta nowhere, lights started flickering and I heard weird noises—folks say it’s the ghost of little Bobby playing pranks since that accident back in the day. Super creepy, but kinda cool.

Albuquerque Press Club

Nestled in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Albuquerque Press Club inhabits a building that whispers tales of the past with every creak of its wooden floors. This historic structure, often known as the “Whittlesey House,” stands as a monument to the bygone days of journalism and camaraderie among the local media.

Built in 1903 by architect Charles F. Whittlesey, the log cabin-style building has served as a gathering spot for journalists and a nexus for news since its inception as the Press Club in the 1960s. However, the stories that cling to its aged timber suggest that some former members may have never truly departed.

Over the years, the Albuquerque Press Club has become synonymous with spectral sightings and eerie occurrences. Members and guests often speak of unexplained footsteps echoing through empty rooms, and the sudden chill that descends without a draft in sight. Some have even reported encounters with a ghostly woman, believed by many to be the spirit of a former caretaker who can’t seem to cut ties with the beloved building.

As legend has it, this ethereal caretaker does more than just walk the halls; she’s known to keep a watchful eye on the goings-on at the club, ensuring that the storied past of this institution continues to be honored by all who enter. Whether it’s the clink of glasses at the bar or the murmur of conversation by the fireplace, the Albuquerque Press Club remains a place where the past is always present, and the stories of yesteryear are just as important as today’s headlines.

With its legacy of laughter, debates, and the enduring pursuit of truth, the Albuquerque Press Club stands as a testament to the city’s rich history—a cornerstone of the community where the ghosts of journalism past serve as eternal patrons, ensuring that the club’s storied history is never forgotten.

I was chilling at the Press Club last night when I felt this icy draft and saw a ghostly lady floating by the bar, no joke. It freaked me out—I noped out of there real quick!

Hotel Andaluz

The storied walls of Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, New Mexico, whisper tales of the supernatural, echoing through the halls like hushed secrets. Built in the 1930s by a then-budding hotelier, Conrad Hilton, the establishment, which was the fourth jewel in Hilton’s crown, welcomed its first guests in 1939. In the early 2000s, the hotel underwent a transformation and reemerged as the Hotel Andaluz, earning itself a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

As the years rolled on, not all the guests checked out, or so the stories go. The Hotel Andaluz is said to be home to spectral residents, with claims of ghostly encounters that would make even the bravest souls’ blood run cold. The hotel’s haunted reputation hinges on the specter of a woman whose presence is often felt in the lobby and on the upper echelons, particularly on the seventh floor. She is said to be a restless spirit, her demeanor one of unease, as though she’s perpetually waiting for a rendezvous that never occurs.

Another haunt is said to linger on the fourth floor, though details of this apparition are as elusive as a wisp of smoke. While skeptics may turn a blind eye, dismissing these tales as nothing more than flights of fancy, many steadfastly believe that the Hotel Andaluz plays host to the otherworldly. The air of mystery that shrouds the hotel is as thick as pea soup, and whether it’s the whisper of a long-lost love or the echo of a bygone era, the allure of the Hotel Andaluz’s ghost stories continues to draw the curious and the brave.

I heard that the Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque has some ghostly guests that never left, and folks say there’s a lady ghost who hangs around the seventh floor, waiting for someone who never shows up. Gives me the chills just thinking about it!

Old Bernalillo County Courthouse

The Old Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands as a beacon for ghost hunters and those intrigued by the supernatural. Built in 1926, the courthouse has borne witness to the ebb and flow of justice for nearly a century. But it’s not just the living that roam its hallowed halls; a spectral presence casts a long shadow over this historic edifice.

Legend whispers of a ghostly little girl clad in a school uniform, her blonde braids a haunting reminder of a life cut short. Those who have crossed paths with her speak of an eerie chill that grips the spine, a silent testament to her ethereal wanderings. She is not alone in her hauntings, as witnesses report unexplained cold spots, a mysterious dance of lights flickering on and off, and an old law book that appears to have taken flight, hurling itself down the corridor with an unseen force.

The courthouse’s basement, a trove of history and secrets, became a hotbed for paranormal activity in 2003. A group of community servants, intent on cleaning the bowels of the building, found themselves the collective audience to the inexplicable. Taped boxes, once secure and undisturbed, were discovered open, their contents strewn about as if by mischievous hands.

The courthouse’s walls are steeped in stories, a testament to Bernalillo County’s rich past. Since its establishment on January 8, 1852, during the era of Mexican rule, the county has been a tapestry of cultural shifts and historical milestones. The courthouse itself may have been named after the Spanish family Bernal, adding another layer to its storied legacy.

This location’s eerie allure and haunted history are immortalized in literature, with a dedicated chapter in the book Haunted Albuquerque, where the courthouse holds a place of honor among the city’s most chilling tales. Albuquerque’s own KiMo Theater adds to the city’s ghostly narrative, where a young life was tragically snuffed out in a 1951 water heater explosion, and where the crew still leaves out donuts for the departed soul.

From its inception through the arrival of the railroad in 1880 to the modern-day, Albuquerque has been a melting pot of the ordinary and the otherworldly. The Old Bernalillo County Courthouse, with its haunted history and spectral inhabitants, remains an indelible mark on the city’s heart, a place where the past is never truly gone, and the echoes of yesteryear are heard in the whispers of the present.

The old courthouse in Albuquerque is straight-up haunted, especially the basement where folks have seen this little girl ghost just wandering around like she’s stuck in time or something. And get this, there are these super chilly spots and lights that flicker out of nowhere, even books that fly across the room when no one’s around!

Ghost Tour Of Old Town Albuquerque

The Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque stands as a beacon for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, shedding light on the city’s darker past since its inception in 2001. As New Mexico’s longest-running and most renowned ghost walk, the tour has etched its name into the annals of Albuquerque’s tourist attractions, inviting guests to tread the cobblestone steps where the echoes of yesteryear linger in the air.

The tour’s birthplace, the heart of historic Old Town, provides a picturesque backdrop for the spine-tingling tales spun by professional guides. These raconteurs, armed with a treasure trove of stories, bring to life the eyebrow-raising narratives of the spirits that purportedly roam the area. The Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque prides itself on the eyewitness accounts it shares, painting a spectral picture of the residents who, even in death, refuse to leave their beloved locale.

With accolades such as the 2023 Badge of Excellence and a string of Travelers’ Choice Awards, the tour has solidified its reputation as a must-see attraction. It’s no flash in the pan, having consistently garnered Certificates of Excellence for nine consecutive years. The Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque’s acclaim is not confined to local recognition; it has also captured the imagination of a national audience, with features on the Travel Channel and other popular media outlets.

The tour carves a path through Old Town’s scenic streets, allowing guests to sit a spell at various stops and soak in the haunting accounts. The blend of chills and chuckles makes this an ideal outing for families and friends who crave a dash of the supernatural. The Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque doesn’t just trade on its storied past—it invites guests to walk hand in hand with history, ensuring that the spirits of Old Town are more than just a footnote in Albuquerque’s tapestry.

As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and while imitators have tried to capture the magic of the original, the Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque remains the gold standard for ghost walks in the city. With a clarion call of “Reservations Required!” they beckon the brave to secure their tickets and witness the enthralling experience firsthand. Whether it’s the lore of the afterlife or the allure of Albuquerque’s storied streets, the Ghost Tour of Old Town continues to be a ghostly gathering that’s not to be missed.

I was on the Ghost Tour in Old Town Albuquerque when the guide told us about a lady in a long black dress who’s been seen floating through the plaza, her face all sorrowful, like she’s still waiting for someone from way back when. It gave me the chills just standing there, imagining her sad eyes watching us from the shadows.

High Noon Restaurant And Saloon

High Noon Restaurant and Saloon in Albuquerque, NM, stands as a beacon of haunted tales and supernatural encounters. Nestled in the heart of historic Old Town, this establishment does not just serve up great steaks; it dishes out an array of ghost stories that could send shivers down the spine of even the most skeptical visitor.

When the restaurant threw open its doors in July of 1974, it breathed new life into a building steeped in over 300 years of history. The structure, which dates back to between 1750 and 1785, has seen its fair share of passersby and residents, leaving some to speculate that a few of these souls never quite moved on.

Patrons and staff alike have whispered tales of eerie encounters and ghostly sightings. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of unseen hands giving gentle nudges, mysterious shadows flitting through the dining areas, or the faint echoes of voices from a time long past. High Noon doesn’t just have skeletons in its closet—it has spirits that refuse to be confined to the annals of history.

The restaurant openly embraces its haunted reputation. This allure of the paranormal is part of what draws the curious and the brave to its doors. High Noon even tips its hat to these otherworldly residents, inviting guests to come and see if they might be the ones the spirits wish to reach out to. The establishment has not only made a name for itself through its culinary delights but has also become a hotspot for ghost hunters and those fascinated by the supernatural.

The ghostly allure of High Noon was compelling enough to catch the eye of the Travel Channel, which featured the restaurant in an episode that showcased its spectral residents. Guests are encouraged to enjoy clips from the episode, perhaps as a teaser of what they might experience during their visit.

Despite the eerie tales, High Noon maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere, with the Villa family ensuring that every guest is treated to New Mexican charm and hospitality. Whether stopping by for a drink, a meal, or a chance to rub elbows with the afterlife, High Noon Restaurant and Saloon remains a place where history and the hereafter sit at the same table.

So, I was chowing down on some steak at High Noon when I felt a chill, like someone was watching me, but no one was there. Later, a glass just slid off the table all by itself—I nearly choked on my drink!

Luna Mansion

Nestled within the heart of Los Lunas, a mere stone’s throw from Albuquerque, stands the storied Luna Mansion. A testament to New Mexico’s rich history, this grand abode has garnered a reputation that sends shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike. Its “haunted” legacy whispers through the aged walls, echoing tales of the supernatural.

The mansion, named after the influential Luna family, has been a cornerstone of the community since its construction in the early 20th century. With its opulent design and storied past, the Luna Mansion has become more than just a building; it’s a character in its own right, with each room telling a chapter of a ghostly narrative.

Visitors often report eerie occurrences that defy explanation. Doors creak and inexplicably slam shut, leaving even the most skeptical with a sense of unease. The kitchen, in particular, is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Witnesses claim to have seen doors flapping to and fro with no earthly hand to move them. It’s as if the mansion itself breathes a spectral sigh, stirring with the energies of bygone eras.

The most chilling accounts come from those who feel a presence—an invisible companion that shares their space. Some say it’s as though eyes follow your every move, watching from the shadows. This unsettling sensation, often described as a “sixth sense,” grips visitors with an intangible dread. It’s clear that within the walls of the Luna Mansion, the past is ever-present, refusing to be forgotten.

The mansion’s haunted legacy is not just a tale of ghosts and ghouls; it’s a mosaic of history and mystery. Each unexplained whisper and wayward chill is a thread in the fabric of the mansion’s enigmatic allure. And for those brave enough to venture through its doors, the Luna Mansion offers a glimpse into the otherworldly, where the veil between the living and the departed seems perilously thin.

In the embrace of the Luna Mansion, one can’t help but feel part of a story much larger than themselves—a narrative steeped in the supernatural, where every creaking floorboard and fleeting shadow tells of a “haunted” legacy that endures.

I was exploring in the Luna Mansion kitchen when the cupboard doors started banging all by themselves, and I swear I felt a chill that wasn’t from any draft.