Craft Supernatural Horror in Reno, Nevada

The Biggest Little City with the biggest little ghosts

A cartoon of cute ghosts writing spooky stories in Reno, Nevada

Far from the neon glare of Vegas, Reno, Nevada carries a different kind of tension, quieter, dustier, and closer to the edge. Known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno blends casino lights with long stretches of empty road, forgotten mining towns, and strange stories buried in desert silence.

Explore the historic halls of the Washoe County Courthouse, once the divorce capital of America and rumored to hold its share of secrets, or visit the haunting exhibits at the Nevada Historical Society, where dusty artifacts and century-old documents seem to hum with residual energy. Get plenty of spooky insight when planning your horror writing in Reno.

Dust, Dice, and 5 Unsettling Facts from Reno

In the 1970s, a string of strange disappearances occurred near the Truckee River. While most were dismissed as accidents, some locals believe the river hides something, or someone, that doesn’t like to let go.
The now-closed Mapes Hotel, once a hotspot for celebrities and politicians, was rumored to be cursed before its demolition. Stories included elevators moving on their own and cries echoing from sealed-off rooms.
Deep in Rancho San Rafael Park, hikers have reported encountering strange geometric symbols etched into rocks and trees. Some believe these mark old settler routes, while others tie them to more occult origins.
During a renovation of an old apartment building near Midtown, workers uncovered a sealed brick room with no entrance. No records of the space existed, and the room has since been resealed, at the request of the property owner.
A local legend speaks of the "Whistler of Hidden Valley,” a figure seen at dusk near the treeline who emits a high, eerie whistle. Those who hear it often experience vivid nightmares in the nights that follow.

A photo of now demolished Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada

Haunted and Historic Sites in Reno

Reno's landscape is dotted with eerie landmarks and storied locales that beckon those intrigued by the supernatural and the peculiar.

This map is for entertainment purposes only. If you go, stay safe, be smart, and obey local laws ☠️

Reno Horror Writing Prompts

While driving past the outskirts of Reno at night, your character sees dozens of vintage slot machines glowing in the sand, half-buried in the dirt. One begins spinning as they pass, and the sound follows them for miles.
At a motel near Virginia Street, your protagonist notices the vending machine sells nothing but mismatched hotel key cards. When they insert one into their room door, it opens to a hallway that doesn’t exist on the building’s floor plan.
Exploring the ruins of an old mining town north of Reno, your character finds a chapel where the pews are turned backward and the altar is missing. In its place is a circle of ash and a skull sealed in glass.
While hiking near the Truckee River, your character stumbles across a campfire ring surrounded by shoes. Each pair is upright, laced tight, and steaming, though the ashes are long cold.
Your character visits an antique store on the edge of town where every item is labeled with a price, and a name. One item has their last name listed, and when they ask the owner, she says, “We were just waiting for you to come back.”
While touring a museum of the Old West, your protagonist hears something moving behind the taxidermy buffalo. Pulling it aside reveals a crawlspace, and inside, walls lined with broken revolvers and fresh, bloody bandages.

Got a twisted idea for a writing prompt? Send it in and we’ll credit you if it’s featured!

What Strange Questions Haunt the Streets of Reno?

Yes. The Washoe Club and Reno Riverside Hotel have both been linked to ghost sightings and strange noises, especially around the Truckee River walk at night.
No. The original hospital was demolished, but the land and former grounds in Sparks remain a source of eerie speculation, with rumors of unmarked graves and spiritual unrest.
Local lore speaks of Tahoe Tessie, a cryptid creature said to dwell in the lake’s depths. Some also claim strange lights appear over the water late at night, perfect for speculative or cosmic horror.
Yes. Stephen King’s Desperation takes place in a fictional town along the I-80 corridor, heavily inspired by Nevada’s desert atmosphere and sense of isolation.
Reno offers seasonal ghost tours through the Reno Historical Society and haunted house events like Slaughterhouse Reno. Both are great for research and inspiration.
Virginia City, just 40 minutes away, is filled with haunted saloons, mining tunnels, and ghost stories, making it a must-visit for horror writers in the area.

Craft Supernatural Horror in Reno, Nevada

The Biggest Little City with the biggest little ghosts

Dust, Dice, and 5 Unsettling Facts from Reno

Haunted and Historic Sites in Reno

Reno's landscape is dotted with eerie landmarks and storied locales that beckon those intrigued by the supernatural and the peculiar.

While driving past the outskirts of Reno at night, your character sees dozens of vintage slot machines glowing in the sand, half-buried in the dirt. One begins spinning as they pass, and the sound follows them for miles.

At a motel near Virginia Street, your protagonist notices the vending machine sells nothing but mismatched hotel key cards. When they insert one into their room door, it opens to a hallway that doesn’t exist on the building’s floor plan.

Exploring the ruins of an old mining town north of Reno, your character finds a chapel where the pews are turned backward and the altar is missing. In its place is a circle of ash and a skull sealed in glass.

While hiking near the Truckee River, your character stumbles across a campfire ring surrounded by shoes. Each pair is upright, laced tight, and steaming, though the ashes are long cold.

Your character visits an antique store on the edge of town where every item is labeled with a price, and a name. One item has their last name listed, and when they ask the owner, she says, “We were just waiting for you to come back.”

While touring a museum of the Old West, your protagonist hears something moving behind the taxidermy buffalo. Pulling it aside reveals a crawlspace, and inside, walls lined with broken revolvers and fresh, bloody bandages.

Got a twisted idea for a writing prompt? Send it in and we’ll credit you if it’s featured!

What Strange Questions Haunt the Streets of Reno?

Desert Winds Carry More Than Dust

Venture into more creepy locales or check out upcoming horror events to see if Christina Escamilla and her team are haunting Reno, Nevada.

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LEARN

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Craft Supernatural Horror in Reno, Nevada

The Biggest Little City with the biggest little ghosts

Dust, Dice, and 5 Unsettling Facts from Reno

Haunted and Historic Sites in Reno

Reno's landscape is dotted with eerie landmarks and storied locales that beckon those intrigued by the supernatural and the peculiar.

While driving past the outskirts of Reno at night, your character sees dozens of vintage slot machines glowing in the sand, half-buried in the dirt. One begins spinning as they pass, and the sound follows them for miles.

At a motel near Virginia Street, your protagonist notices the vending machine sells nothing but mismatched hotel key cards. When they insert one into their room door, it opens to a hallway that doesn’t exist on the building’s floor plan.

Exploring the ruins of an old mining town north of Reno, your character finds a chapel where the pews are turned backward and the altar is missing. In its place is a circle of ash and a skull sealed in glass.

While hiking near the Truckee River, your character stumbles across a campfire ring surrounded by shoes. Each pair is upright, laced tight, and steaming, though the ashes are long cold.

Your character visits an antique store on the edge of town where every item is labeled with a price, and a name. One item has their last name listed, and when they ask the owner, she says, “We were just waiting for you to come back.”

While touring a museum of the Old West, your protagonist hears something moving behind the taxidermy buffalo. Pulling it aside reveals a crawlspace, and inside, walls lined with broken revolvers and fresh, bloody bandages.

Got a twisted idea for a writing prompt? Send it in and we’ll credit you if it’s featured!

What Strange Questions Haunt the Streets of Reno?

Are there any haunted locations in downtown Reno?

Is the Nevada State Hospital still standing?

What urban legends are tied to Lake Tahoe near Reno?

Has Reno inspired any horror films or books?

Are there ghost tours or Halloween events in Reno?

What nearby places outside Reno are good for horror research?

Desert Winds Carry More Than Dust

Venture into more creepy locales or check out upcoming horror events to see if Christina Escamilla and her team are haunting Reno, Nevada.

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