happyly approved

J. Lorraine Ghost Town

14219 Littig Rd., Manor, 78653

Hours vary, see website

$$

fun-paid-activities

If you want to explore a ghost town right outside of where you live, look no further than the J.Lorraine Ghost Town outside of Austin city limits. 

Located 20-30 minutes outside of city limits, this little western-inspired “theme park” is a campy and cooky gem. Situated on 4.5 acres with a “tavern” stocked with beers, sodas, water, snacks, and a damn good veggie burger (they also have regular burgers, corn dogs, and tots too), it’s an amusing way to spend a Saturday. It's an added bonus when the older owners remind you that your credit card statement will read "A Shady Deal," for all ghost town purchases. And did we mention the prices, even for Austin, are very reasonable!

The kids, esepcially the little ones and those with active imaginations will love visiting the small jailhouse, dancing around the stage, and exploring the “Giant Maze.” (Honestly, this could win over even the crankiest of teens, too.) If you love a good competition, there’s also human foosball – which is more fun than it should be – horseshoes, tetherball, and more.  

This spot offers a fun-filled experience that everyone will enjoy! Could even make for a pretty unique date idea or group outing.

Note: Typically, the ghost town is only open Friday-Sunday, but make sure to check the website as hours can change and they do host private events from time to time. Also, dogs are not allowed as two old pups roam the area – usually found sunbathing outside the tavern awaiting pets from all the dog-lovers.

Features

Good for All Ages Has Food Horseshoe Pits
Thoughtfully captured by:
Sarah M Marloff
Sarah Marloff is an award-winning journalist who’s written extensively on women’s and LGBTQ rights, housing, and women in entertainment. Her work has appeared in The Austin Chronicle, The Counter, Washington City Paper, Curbed, and more. After spending her twenties working as both a preschool teacher and a long-time nanny, she knows a thing or two about what makes kids thrive. When she’s not writing, she’s either practicing yoga or exploring the great outdoors with her wife and trusty sidekick, Sid Vicious the Chiweenie.
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