After nearly 15 years as part of Galveston’s historic Strand district, two themed attractions—Haunted Mayfield Manor and Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast are set to shut down. Owner Craig Corbell says cruise ship crowds, parking shortages, and changing visitor patterns have made it challenging to keep the doors open.
Two long-running tourist attractions on Galveston’s Strand—Haunted Mayfield Manor and Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast—will close Sept. 9 after years of declining attendance, their owner said.
Haunted Mayfield Manor offers a spooky experience, while Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast provides a thrilling adventure! Legends of the Gulf Coast, two themed attractions located in the historic Butterowe building in Galveston, will close on September 9 after over ten years of operation.
Craig Corbell, the owner who has managed the attractions for the last four years, pointed to decreasing attendance, limited parking, and the difficulties in drawing visitors from the primary Strand thoroughfare as significant factors behind the decision.
Situated next to each other in a structure that previously functioned as a temporary morgue following the devastating hurricane of 1900, Haunted Mayfield Manor provided a classic haunted house experience, whereas Pirates! offered a different adventure. Stories from the Gulf Coast intertwine historical facts and captivating tales surrounding the notorious Jean Lafitte. Corbell noted that, although they remain popular among some tourists, attendance has declined in the past year.
“Individuals stroll along the Strand, yet persuading them to navigate that small half block through the square proves to be quite a challenge,” Corbell remarked. “We’ve taken every possible step to achieve that.”
Corbell, along with other local business owners, views the influx of cruise ship passengers as a complex issue. Despite the arrival of new terminals and larger ships that usher in thousands of visitors to the island each day, a significant number of cruise passengers tend to remain within the waterfront area before reboarding.
Devon Scott, the founder of the Lone Star Flight Club, shared in a recent Facebook post that several longtime visitors are now steering clear of Galveston during the busiest cruise times.
Tony Lyles, CEO of Visit Galveston, reported that overall visitation is aligning with projections; however, the city is facing new challenges, including a plateau in hotel tax revenue and minor declines this year. National travel forecasts indicate a potential slowdown in tourism growth, influenced by economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures.
Corbell, the owner of Dolphin Baywatch Tours, observed that although certain businesses are facing challenges—such as his harbor cruises, which have decreased by approximately 20 percent—his nighttime Haunted Harbor tours have experienced significant growth. He is in the process of restoring a historic paddle wheeler for sunset cruises and is considering birding trips on a different vessel.
Nonetheless, the upcoming closures signify a setback for the Strand's diverse appeal to visitors. The attractions are available for purchase for $99,000 each, presenting an appealing turnkey option for interested buyers.
In a significant development, Galveston’s cruise industry is anticipated to experience substantial growth over the next two decades, with projections indicating over 9 million embarkations and debarkations each year by 2045, as outlined in a report from the Port of Galveston.
With the expansion of the port's terminals, parking, and public spaces, city leaders are optimistic that the advantages will ultimately extend to smaller, locally owned attractions — including those like Haunted Mayfield Manor and the pirate museum, which may soon fade into memory.
