Home of “Locked In Fear” & “Grinch's Lair”
The Historic Anderson County Jail—a 1931 landmark reimagined as an immersive art space, paranormal destination, film location, and unique event venue.
A genuine 1931 jail that never truly emptied. Across the years, the Texas Jailhouse has opened its cells for frights, festivities, ghost hunts, and gatherings.
Our flagship haunt—three floors, 21 jail cells, and nowhere to hide. Navigate eerie jail cells, dark corridors, and immersive scares designed to thrill at every turn.
Inspired from "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" By Dr. Seuss, The Texas Jailhouse goes green for the holidays with this festive, mischievous, adaptation, walk-through the whole family will enjoy.
Book the building after dark. Bring your team and your gear and investigate one of the most storied structures in East Texas.
A one-of-a-kind backdrop for parties, film and photo shoots, fundraisers and gatherings. Unforgettable by design.
Tickets available online & at the door · Cash and card accepted at the gate
Holiday Events
Grab reserved event tickets for a specific date and time to assure entrance.
Arrive, get processed, and wait for your group to be called into the block.
Enjoy your Texas Jailhouse event!
Paranormal Investigations
Grab a date for your overnight ghost hunt.
Arrive, get processed, receive your door code, smart device, and jail tour.
Set up your gear and buckle up. Tonight, you meet those who never check out!
From frontier county seat to one of Palestine's most unforgettable landmarks — scroll the story of the Historic Anderson County Jail.
Anderson County is established in the young State of Texas, with Palestine as its county seat.
Frontier TexasAn earlier jail is built on this very ground at 704 Ave A — the predecessor to the building standing today.
Original StructureThe current jail is constructed in striking art-deco style, replacing the aging 1880s facility on the same site.
Built To LastThe jail serves the county until the current facility opens less than a mile away on Lacy Street.
End Of An EraAfter renovations the building is used for juvenile detention before closing its doors for good.
Doors CloseThe jailhouse is formally recognized for its history and architecture — building #98000692.
Officially HistoricReopened as a creative event space, paranormal hotspot, and film-shoot location, keeping Palestine's fascinating East Texas history alive.
A New Sentence
Every experience inside this genuine 1931 jail is historically memorable.
Views from inside a real 1931 jail. Every panel can hold a photo or a short video clip.
Cam 01
First Floor Staircase
Cam 02
Second Floor Cage
Cam 03
Catwalk
Cam 04
Visitation
CAM 5
CELL 21
Cam 06
Third Floor Suite
Cam 07
Locked In Fear
Cam 08
Locked In Fear Psych Ward
Cam 09
Locked In Fear
Cam 10
Grinch's Lair Living Room
Cam 12
Who Crew Cam
Tickets are available online and at the door. Reserve online for the fastest entry on busy nights.
704 Ave A, Palestine, TX 75801 · Free parking on site.
Locked In Fear runs through the Halloween season; Grinch's Lair opens for the holidays. Dates & hours posted before each season.
903-373-7384 · soniamartinez@txjailhouse.com
Locked In Fear is built to genuinely frighten — expect intense scares, low light, loud sounds and live actors. It's designed for older kids, teens and adults who want a real haunt.
The Grinch's Lair is designed to delight — thousands of lights, dozens of trees, snow caves and zany holiday decor the whole family will love.
The Texas Jailhouse lets the parent or guardian use their own discretion in this decision.
Locked In Fear has a strict no-touch policy. Don't touch our actors. Our actors don't touch you.
The Grinch's Lair has photo moments with Mr. Grinch — guests can hug him and pose for silly photos.
The Locked In Fear walk-through usually takes 25–30 minutes — not including the entrance line.
Yes — a unique venue for parties, meetings, film or music video shoots, and paranormal investigations. Availability is limited, so book early! Call 903-373-7384 to talk dates.
Yes. The Historic Anderson County Jail is proud to be recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and is lovingly preserved.