Adventures in Ghost Town

Yesterday, I took my boys back to visit J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor and this time we actually went inside!  Which really, if you're going to review a place, is the way to go.  Located just 12.5 miles northeast of Austin, J. Lorraine Ghost Town is a re-created version of a town that once stood just a few miles from present day Manor, Texas. According to the Facebook page, the town was a neutral territory for outlaws and lawmen alike until it was burned by outraged moral citizens from nearby.

Ghost Town is officially open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and if you visit on those days you can often enjoy live music and movies on the big outdoor screen. As long as the town has not been rented for an event, Ghost Town is free and open to the public. (Last time we stopped by, the town had been rented for a wedding, which is why we couldn't go in). If you visit during the week, you will be able to wander around the town, but there will likely be no staff on-site and some doors may be locked. When we went yesterday, we had the place entirely to ourselves.  The boys had a great time peeking inside "abandoned" buildings, even playing the piano inside the deserted Saloon!

In addition to the many buildings, there is a wooden playscape and a maze made of fences.  The maze is conveniently located next to restrooms, which I recommend visiting before heading into the "cute little maze" as you may be surprised at just how long it takes you to find your way out of there!

For more information about Ghost Town, visit the website or the Facebook page. For information about upcoming free movie screenings, email jlorrainetx@aol.com. For information about upcoming events, call Melanie at 512-922-2683.  It would be a good idea to check that the facility has not been rented for an event before heading over there.  You are free to visit and roam around, even when no one is on site, they just ask that you not bring beer or wine on the property.

J. Lorraine Ghost Town
14219 Littig Road
Manor, Texas 78653
For directions, go here.