Four of Little Rock's Most Haunted Places

Little Rock is rich in history year-round, but when October rolls in, that history comes with a spooky twist.

Founded in 1821, Little Rock has had more than two centuries to collect its share of ghost stories, whispered legends, and lingering spirits. From historic homes to eerie landmarks, these haunted sites offer a chilling glimpse into the city’s storied past.

1. Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum offers a deep dive into Arkansas history, all within the building where much of that history was made. Built in 1833, it served as Arkansas’ first capitol, and its House of Representatives Chamber hosted lawmakers through the turbulent decades before and after the Civil War. As you wander among the Victorian-era desks, keep an eye out. Some visitors say the chamber still has a few legislators who never left.

The exterior of the old state house museum with large white columns in a courtyard with a fountain.

2. Mount Holly Cemetery

Nicknamed the “Westminster of Arkansas,” Mount Holly Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Arkansans. Founded in 1843, it holds the remains of individuals from every military conflict ranging from the American Revolution to the Gulf War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery’s impressive monuments make it a peaceful spot for reflection. But while its grounds are serene by day, tales of eerie sightings have earned it a reputation for ghostly activity. Nighttime visitors have reported shadowy figures drifting through the gates and mysterious shapes that disappear without a trace.

A gret grave stone with a metal plaque in the middle with flower accents in the Mount Holly Cemetery.

3. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

If hauntings are born of conflict and sorrow, few places in Arkansas rival the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Originally the state’s first arsenal, this historic building has served as a Confederate and Union outpost, a hospital, a science museum, and now a military history museum. It’s also the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, whose military legacy looms large. But it isn’t the living who leave the strongest impression here. Guests have reported cold spots, disembodied voices, and flickering lights in the tower. Some say that if you stand still long enough, you’ll hear whispered prayers from those who never made it home.

The exterior of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History with a veterans statue out front.

4. The Empress of Little Rock

Also known as the Hornibrook Mansion, The Empress of Little Rock is one of the city’s premier bed and breakfasts, but it’s not just guests who check in. Built in 1888 by James Hornibrook, the mansion boasts stunning Victorian architecture with a chilling backstory. Hornibrook died under mysterious circumstances just two years after moving in, and reports of strange happenings have followed ever since. Guests have spotted a well-dressed man watching silently from the top of the staircase. Other apparitions, including a woman in pink and a figure dressed like a sea captain, have also been seen wandering the halls. As you climb the grand staircase to your room, listen closely. You may not be walking alone.

The exterior of The Empress of Little Rock which is a victorian style house that's been turned into a ned and breakfast.

Close Encounters of the Culinary Kind

Ghost hunting works up an appetite, and luckily in Little Rock, a great meal is never far away. Whether you’re downtown, exploring historic neighborhoods such as Hillcrest or the Heights, you’ll find plenty of spots to refuel. From classic Southern comfort food and wood-fired pizzas to farm-to-table cafés and sweet bakeries, the city’s dining scene offers something for every craving. After your haunted adventures, treat yourself to a hearty dinner, a cozy café, or a lively neighborhood bar. In Little Rock, the food is just as memorable as the ghosts.

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