Deep in the heart of Nevada’s desert, nestled along the historic U.S. Route 95, stands one of America’s most beguiling treasures: the Mizpah Hotel. This century-old establishment in the once-booming mining town of Tonopah is more than just a stopover; it’s a gateway to the past, a luxurious relic of Nevada’s silver rush, and, for those who dare to believe, one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. Ghost hunters, history lovers, and curious travelers alike are drawn to its opulent halls, drawn by whispers of its storied past—and by those who might still dwell there, long after the lights go out.
The History
Rise From the Dust: The Birth of the Mizpah Hotel
The early 1900s were a time of great prosperity in Tonopah, Nevada. Following the discovery of silver by prospector Jim Butler in 1900, the once-barren desert town exploded into a bustling hub of miners, entrepreneurs, and opportunists eager to carve out their fortune. Amid this prosperity, the Mizpah Hotel was brought to life.
Constructed in 1907, the Mizpah quickly became a beacon of luxury and innovation in the American West. At five stories tall, it was the tallest building in Nevada until 1929 and touted itself as the “finest stone hotel in the desert.” Designed in the elegant Classical Revival style and built with steel, concrete, and granite, it was an architectural marvel for its time. The hotel even featured state-of-the-art amenities including electric elevators and steam heat—rare luxuries in that era.
A Gathering Place for the Legends
Throughout the early 20th century, the Mizpah Hotel was the social and political epicenter of Tonopah. It attracted wealthy investors, businessmen, miners, and political figures. Stories abound that famous figures such as Wyatt Earp and even Howard Hughes passed through its lavish corridors. The hotel also offered a welcome respite to weary travelers and miners seeking comfort and company in the Nevada wilderness.
The name “Mizpah” itself is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “watchtower” or “emotional bond”—a fitting emblem for a place where fortunes were won, secrets were kept, and legacies were born.
Decline and Resurrection
As the silver boom waned in the mid-20th century, so too did Tonopah’s population and its proud establishments. The Mizpah Hotel eventually closed its doors in the late 1990s, falling into a sleep that lasted over a decade. But in 2011, Fred and Nancy Cline, vintners from Sonoma, California and long-time lovers of historic architecture, purchased the aging building and began a painstaking restoration.
Today, the Mizpah has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur, complete with vintage décor and period furnishings, while also incorporating modern comforts. It’s a monument to the past that feels both timeless and present—a beautifully preserved slice of Western history that welcomes guests once again.
The Haunt
The Lady in Red: A Timeless Resident
No discussion of the Mizpah Hotel would be complete without mentioning its most famous specter: the Lady in Red. According to legend, this spirit is the ghost of a woman who lived—and tragically died—on the fifth floor during the hotel’s early years. A lady of the evening, she was said to be romantically involved with a powerful man who either discovered her affair or grew paranoid. The story ends with her murder—stabbed and left to die in one of the upper floor rooms, her crimson dress soaked in blood.
Guests and staff alike have reported numerous encounters with the Lady in Red. She is most commonly seen walking the hallways of the fifth floor, often described as a beautiful woman in a scarlet gown, emitting a faint floral scent. Some have claimed to hear soft whispering in empty corridors, or to feel a gentle brush on their cheeks—almost like a kiss—while alone in their rooms.
Room 502 is said to be the epicenter of her energy, and many brave ghost hunters request this room specifically in hopes of an encounter. Items in the room have reportedly moved on their own, and cold spots are frequently detected—even in the heat of a Nevada summer.
Other Ghostly Guests Who Checked In—And Never Left
While the Lady in Red is the most famous, the Mizpah Hotel reportedly houses multiple spirits. Some guests recount hearing phantom children laughing and running through the halls late at night, especially on the second and third floors. Yet, when investigated, no children are to be found.
Staff members have long reported the presence of three mischievous apparitions known as “The Miners.” Said to be spectral versions of men who may have suffered fate below ground, these entities are rumored to tamper with objects, knock on doors, and cause electronics to flicker inexplicably. Paranormal investigators have even captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) in empty rooms that seem to echo deep voices speaking in gruff tones.
In the basement, where vaults and mining equipment are stored, some have reported feelings of extreme unease, shadows darting across walls, and lights turning on and off on their own. The hotel’s antique elevator often opens and closes its doors with no one inside, as though preparing for spectral passengers.
Real Investigations and Documented Phenomena
The Mizpah Hotel has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, including teams from well-known television programs and independent ghost hunting organizations. Documented activity includes temperature fluctuations, EMF (electromagnetic field) spikes, unexplained battery drainage, photographs showing orbs and specters, and disembodied whispering captured on audio recorders.
Guests frequently write about their experiences in the guestbooks and reviews. A common thread among these testimonials is a feeling of being watched—particularly in the stairwells and hallways after dark. Paranormal tourism has become an important part of the Mizpah’s second life, turning it into a must-visit for investigators and thrill-seekers.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and History Buffs
If it’s true that the past leaves echoes, then the Mizpah Hotel is a symphony of haunted whispers and gilded memories. From the preserved opulence of its early-20th-century architecture to its rich, sometimes tragic tapestry of human experiences, this historic landmark is unlike any other.
For ghost hunters, this isn’t just a pretty hotel with a ghost story or two—it’s a living museum of the unexplained. Whether you’re a hardcore investigator armed with the latest in paranormal tech, or simply a traveler looking for a thrilling night’s stay, the Mizpah offers you a rare chance to brush shoulders with history—and perhaps, history’s inhabitants.
Book a night. Wander its velvet-draped corridors. Pause at the antique bar for a drink and listen closely—you just might hear a whisper from beyond. And if you’re truly brave, request Room 502. But don’t be surprised if you end your stay with more questions than answers, and a story or two that will haunt you in the best—or creepiest—way possible.