The Ghosts of Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville is a lovely city in the Northwest quadrant of Arkansas with a population of roughly 100,000 residents. Known for being the home of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville offers residents and visitors an abundance of nature, culture, history, and entertainment.
On my most recent trip, I was visiting one of my brothers and my adorable niece for Thanksgiving. I’ve been to Fayetteville before so, this time, I wanted a hotel with history, character, and hopefully a ghost or two. I started researching my hotel options and I came across the perfect place.
Inn at the Mill
Johnson Mill sign
Haunted Hotspots & Paranormal Vibes
The Inn at the Mill
The Inn at the Mill in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a charming historic boutique hotel that perfectly marries old-world charm with modern comfort. This beautifully restored 19th-century grist mill offers guests a unique experience steeped in local history and Southern hospitality.
The Johnson Mill was established in 1835 and it is believed to be the oldest business in Arkansas. In 1862 the Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge would see the Mill burned by Confederate troops. The Mill was rebuilt a few years later and it served the community as an operating mill well into the 20th century. It was abandoned for a while however it was eventually renovated into Inn at the Mill (IATM).
IATM grounds
IATM king room
The inn rests on grounds once bustling with mill workers and their families. Over the decades, the echoes of the past have lingered—guests and staff report mysterious footsteps, flickering lights, and occasional cold spots that send a chill down your spine. Some say the spirit of a former mill supervisor, who tragically died in an on-site accident, still roams the halls, watching over the property.
For travelers who favor experiences over material goods, the Inn at the Mill offers an immersive stay full of local flavor, beautiful nature views, and a hint of mystery. Whether you’re on a ghost-hunting trip or just soaking up the culture and history, the Inn provides a cozy, character-rich backdrop for your Arkansas adventure.
IATM grounds
IATM historic marker
The front desk clerk was super friendly and seemed eager to talk about the paranormal when I asked. Apparently housekeeping has mentioned some experiences in all areas of the hotel that could not be explained. Reports include seeing partial apparitions and visual anomalies, hearing things, and experiencing phantom smells.
No one knows who it is exactly however I personally got the feeling one is male and that there is at least one female entity. One theory from staff is that at least one entity is one of the owners of the mill. Upon researching the mill, I found the names John Truesdale, Jacob Queener (J. Q.) Johnson and William Mays as previous owners. It was Johnson and Mays who rebuilt the mill after it was burned by Confederate troops.
IATM grounds
IATM grounds
If you’re a fan of haunted history mixed with rustic charm, the Haunted Inn at the Mill in Fayetteville, Arkansas, should be on your paranormal radar. Nestled in a historic mill building dating back to the 19th century, this inn offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and spine-tingling ghost stories.
Inn at Carnall Hall
Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Inn at Carnal Hall stands as one of the city’s most intriguing historic inns—known as much for its chilling hauntings as for its comfort and charm. Originally built as a women’s dormitory for the University of Arkansas, the building's rich history is infused with stories that attract paranormal enthusiasts from far and wide.
Inn at Carnall Hall
Ella Carnall
Beginning as a women’s dorm in 1905, it later became a fraternity house, then was the location of university offices and classrooms, It ultimately opened as the Inn at Carnall Hall in 2003. The story behind the alleged haunting is that a professor by the name of Ella Carnall died of typhoid and she is believed to be the apparition that is seen in the hallways.
Guests at the Carnall Hall Inn often whisper about unexplained footsteps echoing through the halls, doors mysteriously opening and closing, and sudden drops in temperature. Some have reported seeing shadowy figures gliding past windows or feeling unseen presences in the quiet corners of the old building.
Inn at Carnall Hall lobby
Inn at Carnall Hall historic photo
Upon check in, I asked for the most haunted room in the hotel. I kid you not……he said “to the basement you go!” I had a good chuckle and Kiddo and I happily headed to the elevator. During our stay I conducted a sweep during the day to look for high EMF. On our first night I placed a rempod on the floor at the foot of the bed. It was quiet until close to midnight, then it went of several times. I asked a series of questions but the rempod reaction did not seem to be direct responses. After about 25 minutes, the rempod went silent for the remainder of the night. I have no idea what created that 25-minute spike.
The inn’s eerie ambiance is heightened by its classic architecture, creaky wooden floors, and vintage furnishings—all preserved to reflect its storied past. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, staying overnight at the Carnall Hall Inn offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and spine-tingling suspense.
Inn at Carnall Hall king room
Inn at Carnall Hall basement hallway
For paranormal travelers eager to explore Fayetteville’s supernatural side, Carnall Hall is the perfect base. Its location places you right in the buzz of the city, just minutes away from local music venues, historic sites, and eateries serving up the best Southern flavors. At Ghosts & Getaways, we curate experiences that dive deep into destinations like this, where history and the supernatural meet, making every stay unforgettable.
Confederate Cemetery
The Confederate Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a hauntingly beautiful site steeped in Civil War history. It serves as the final resting place for many Confederate soldiers who fought in the region and who perished at the Battle of Pea Ridge and the Battle of Prairie Grove. The cemetery's weathered headstones, arranged in neat rows beneath towering oak trees, create an atmosphere thick with reflection and reverence.
For paranormal enthusiasts, the Confederate Cemetery offers more than history—it’s a place where the past feels layered and alive. Visitors have reported a range of eerie experiences, from the faint sounds of distant battle cries to shadowy figures moving among the graves at twilight. The restless spirits of soldiers, forever tied to their battleground, make this spot a poignant stop on any dark tourism itinerary in Arkansas.
The Walker Family Cemetery
The Walker Family Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a quiet historic site that offers a glimpse into local heritage and Walker Family Cemetery genealogy. Nestled among the rolling hills of Northwest Arkansas, this small family plot reflects the region’s early settler history, with tombstones dating back to the 19th century. Visitors often find the site peaceful, perfect for reflection and appreciation of the stories embedded in the faded inscriptions.
David Walker and his family are one of the community's founding families after moving into the area in 1830. Mr. Walker was a successful attorney as well as a farmer. He served as a prosecutor, state senator, and Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, and his family is credited with influencing the development of the community. His wife, Jane Washington Walker, was a descendant of George Washington and is also buried there along with several other family members.
I am told that the wooded area behind the Walker Family Cemetery is a source of ghostly sounds and apparitions, one story being of a bride that died tragically on her wedding day. Why she is in the woods is anyone's guess but, after seeing the area, I imagine it is dark and rather spooky at night.
For paranormal enthusiasts, the Walker Family Cemetery holds a subtle allure. Amidst the moss-covered stones and weathered graves, you might feel a connection to the past, where whispers of Fayetteville’s founding families seem to linger on the breeze. While not widely known for intense hauntings, the cemetery’s age and atmosphere contribute a gentle, eerie charm that makes it a worthwhile stop for those intrigued by history mingled with a touch of the supernatural.
Combine your visit here with a stroll through Fayetteville’s historic downtown or a hike along the nearby trails of the Ozark Mountains, and you get a blend of nature, culture, and a dash of mystery. Whether you’re a local history buff, a curious traveler, or a paranormal investigator, the Walker Family Cemetery offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s rich with stories waiting to be uncovered.
Washington County Courthouse
Other Historic Places in Town
Historic Washington County Courthouse - this is the 5th county courthouse. The fate of the 1st courthouse is unknown, the 2nd was destroyed by fire, the 3rd burned in 1862 during the Civil War, and the 4th was demolished in 1905. The current courthouse came into service in 1989.
Old Main
Old Main - It is the first permanent building to be erected on the Arkansas Industrial University campus, and is the oldest building still standing on campus.
Headquarters House - It was the home of Judge Jonas M. Tebberts, and was Federal Colonel M. LaRue Harrison's headquarters during attack on Fayetteville in 1863. The house still shows scars from the attack including a hole in one of the doors from the attack.
Stone House - It was built in 1847 and was home of David Walker. It was later home to Stephen K Stone. During the Civil War, the house show scars after being struck by Confederate cannon fire.
Headquarters House
Stone House
Fayetteville is a city that has a great deal of history. If you are a history lover like me, you may end up making multiple trips to this great place. There is so much more to Arkansas so I absolutely plan on spending more time there. Do you have any ghost stories to share? If so, please comment. I want to hear about it!
Make this beautiful day count!
Annette