Haunted Hotels in Montana You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Montana with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Montana with haunted hotels
17 Haunted Hotels Found in Montana
Copper King Mansion
219 W Granite St, Butte, MT 59701
The Copper King Mansion, once home to industrialist William A. Clark, is famously haunted. Many believe Clark himself, or members of his family, linger. One story tells of a shadowy figure, possibly Clark, seen in his former study. Another involves children's laughter or crying heard when no children are present. Cold spots, objects moving, and unexplained odors (like cigar smoke) are commonly reported by both guests staying overnight and tour visitors, fitting its grand and complex history.
The Miner's Hotel
10 W Park St, Butte, MT 59701
Located in Butte, a city rich with mining history and associated lore, The Miner's Hotel is sometimes associated with general paranormal claims linked to the town's past tragedies. While specific detailed ghost stories *about this particular modern hotel* are less prominent than those of older Butte establishments, some guests sensitive to such things report feelings of unease or presence, often attributed to the land's history rather than the building itself. The 'haunting' is more atmospheric and linked to Butte's collective memory of difficult mining times.
Grand Union Hotel
1 Grand Union Square, Fort Benton, MT 59442
As Montana's oldest hotel, the Grand Union possesses a rich history and associated ghost stories. One often reported spirit is that of a cowboy or stagecoach driver accidentally shot within the hotel. He's reportedly seen in mirrors or felt as a cold presence. Another tale involves a maid who fell tragically from a balcony; her apparition is sometimes sighted. Staff have mentioned strange occurrences, like flickering lights and objects moving slightly, especially during quiet hours.
Hotel Arvon
118 1st Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59401
Hotel Arvon, situated in a revitalized historic building in Great Falls, occasionally receives comments about paranormal experiences. Given its location and age, some guests attribute feelings of unease or momentary strange sensations to possible residual energy from the building's previous life as a warehouse or from the older history of the area. Reports are generally mild, such as odd noises or a fleeting sense of presence, rather than distinct apparitions.
The Pollard Hotel
2 N Broadway Ave, Red Lodge, MT 59068
The Pollard Hotel, operating since the late 19th century, is said to harbor a few resident spirits. One commonly reported ghost is a friendly woman in Victorian attire, sometimes seen in guest rooms or hallways. Another is more mischievous, associated with the basement bar area, where staff have reported items moving on their own, lights flickering, and faint laughter or music from a bygone era. Some believe these are spirits of former patrons or staff tied to the hotel's long history.
Sacajawea Hotel
5 N Main St, Three Forks, MT 59752, USA
The Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, built in 1910 by John Q. Adams, is believed to be haunted by multiple entities. John Q. Adams himself is frequently reported by guests and staff, perceived as still overseeing the operations, sometimes seen walking hallways or felt lurking in rooms. His presence is described as an "active" or "intelligent" haunting, capable of interacting with the living. Another prominent spirit is that of a former maid, considered a "residual" haunting. She repeatedly appears, vanishing into a third-floor wall where a linen closet once stood, seemingly unaware of the present time. Reports include feeling an "icy presence" associated with her. The disturbances caused by these spirits have apparently been significant enough to warrant police investigations on several occasions due to reports of boisterous or unexplained activity.
Belton Chalet
12575 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936
As one of the original Great Northern Railway chalets for Glacier National Park, the Belton Chalet has over a century of history. Staff and guests sometimes report experiences suggesting lingering spirits from its early days. These include hearing footsteps on wooden floors when no one is visible, doors creaking open or shut independently, and momentary feelings of cold drafts or presence, especially in older sections of the building. The activity is generally described as gentle and non-threatening, perhaps echoes of past travelers.
Fort Peck Hotel
175 S Missouri Ave, Fort Peck, MT 59223
Built to house workers and dignitaries during the massive Fort Peck Dam project, this hotel is steeped in history. Ghost stories often revolve around figures from that era. Apparitions dressed in 1930s clothing have reportedly been seen, particularly a woman often spotted near the old ballroom or specific guest rooms. Disembodied voices and sounds of old-time music are also reported, evoking the bustling atmosphere of its construction-era heyday.
Chico Hot Springs Lodge & Ranch
163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065
Chico Hot Springs is known for paranormal activity. One prominent spirit is the 'Lady in White,' often associated with Percie Knowles, one of the original owners. Her presence is linked to odd occurrences, like a specific rocking chair always turning to face a window regardless of where it's moved. Guests and staff also report phantom sounds, such as crashing pots and pans from the kitchen late at night when no one is present, and sightings including a partial female form seen hovering over a piano in one of the lounges.
Boulder Hot Springs Inn and Spa
31 Hot Springs Rd, Boulder, MT 59632
Boulder Hot Springs is known for numerous ghostly encounters, most notably 'Simone,' believed to be the spirit of a prostitute murdered at the inn. She is often reported in specific rooms and hallways, sometimes leaving the scent of perfume. Other paranormal activity includes unexplained noises, voices, cold spots, and doors opening/closing on their own. The building served as a hospital in the past, leading to speculation that many spirits could linger from times of illness and death.
Kempton Hotel
202 Stebbins St, Terry, MT 59349
The Kempton Hotel is reputed to host several spirits. One frequently mentioned is a former female owner, sometimes perceived as watching over the place. Another is a 'Man in Black,' a shadowy figure occasionally seen in halls or rooms. Guests have reported classic ghostly encounters: feeling unseen presences, cold spots, hearing footsteps, and doors opening or closing slightly on their own, fitting for a building over a century old.
Many Glacier Hotel
1 Many Glacier Rd, Browning, MT 59417
While less documented for hauntings than others, some tales speak of unusual occurrences, particularly in winter when the hotel is largely empty. These include unexplained noises like faint music or voices carried on the wind when no one is around, and a sense of presence in empty rooms. Some attribute this to the vast wilderness and isolation, while others speculate about spirits connected to the dramatic landscape or history of early park visitors.
Dude Rancher Lodge
415 N 29th St, Billings, MT 59101
The Dude Rancher Lodge is rumored to be haunted, with stories focusing on specific rooms (like 224 or 226) and the kitchen area. One common tale involves the spirit of a former owner or long-term resident who passed away on the property. Staff and guests have mentioned activity like TVs turning on/off, unexplained noises (like pots moving in the kitchen), and sightings of shadowy figures, particularly late at night.
Stanton Creek Lodge
27415 US-2, Essex, MT 59916
Stories around Stanton Creek Lodge often speak of a pervasive feeling of being watched, especially in more isolated cabins or during off-season quiet periods. Local lore hints at spirits connected to early settlers or railroad workers who faced harsh conditions in the area. Some accounts mention indistinct figures seen fleetingly outdoors or unexplained sounds, blending with the natural noises of the surrounding forest near Glacier National Park.
Bonanza Inn
103 W Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755
Located in historic Virginia City, known for its preserved ghost town atmosphere, the Bonanza Inn (part of Heritage Accommodations) naturally carries tales of hauntings. Guests report encounters typical of such old buildings: hearing footsteps in empty halls, disembodied voices or whispers, and feelings of being watched. Given Virginia City's rough gold rush past, including vigilante justice and untimely deaths, it is believed many unrestful spirits remain connected to the town and its buildings like the Bonanza.
Lincoln Hotel
306 Main St, Lincoln, MT 59639
The Lincoln Hotel, like many small-town Montana establishments, is enveloped in local ghost stories. Being in a town connected to wilderness and history (including being near where the Unabomber was found), narratives often blend local legends. Reports speak of typical 'old hotel' phenomena: hearing indistinct conversations or movement in adjacent empty rooms, seeing fleeting shadows, or having personal items slightly moved. These are often linked to past residents or transient figures from Lincoln's history.
Hotel Metlen
5 S Railroad St, Dillon, MT 59725
The Hotel Metlen has reports centering around specific areas. Room 19 is often cited as particularly active, with guests feeling watched or experiencing temperature drops. The downstairs bar is another hotspot where apparitions, including a lady believed to be a former madam, have been reported, alongside unexplained sounds after hours. These stories contribute to its reputation as one of Dillon's haunted landmarks.
Haunted History of Montana
Underneath the Big Sky, the rugged landscapes of Montana hold the violent and untamed history of the American West. This was a land of gold rushes, where boomtowns like Virginia City and Butte sprang up overnight, filled with prospectors, outlaws, gamblers, and settlers seeking their fortune. Where law was scarce, vigilante justice was swift and brutal, leaving a legacy of restless spirits and tales of ghostly figures still seeking retribution.
The treasure that gave Montana its nickname, "The Treasure State," often came at a deadly price. The perilous conditions in the copper and gold mines claimed thousands of lives, and their spirits are said to linger deep within the earth and in the ghost towns they left behind. From the spectral miners of Garnet to the tragic ladies of the night in Butte's historic brothels, Montana's haunted history is a raw and authentic echo of the Wild West.
Other Haunted Attractions in Montana
- Virginia City & Nevada City: These are not just ghost towns; they are living, breathing museums where the entire community is a preserved piece of the 1860s gold rush. Nearly every building has a ghost story, with reports of spectral figures in the old opera house, phantom card games in the saloons, and the lingering presence of the five men hanged by the Vigilantes. Official Website
- Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex (Deer Lodge): This imposing stone fortress operated as a territorial prison for over a century and was the site of numerous riots, murders, and immense suffering. It's now a hotspot for paranormal investigators, who report full-bodied apparitions in the cellblocks, disembodied screams, and the terrifying feeling of being locked in with the prison's most violent former inmates. Official Website
- Garnet Ghost Town: As one of the most impressively preserved ghost towns in the country, Garnet offers a chilling glimpse into the past. The spirits of the miners and their families are said to remain, with visitors reporting the sounds of phantom piano music from the Kelly Saloon and seeing figures in the windows of the abandoned homes, especially during the silent, snowy winter months. Official Website
- The Dumas Brothel Museum (Butte): Operating for 92 years, the Dumas was America's longest-running brothel and is now a museum with a haunted reputation. Its most famous ghost is Elinore, a madam who took her own life in the 1950s. Her tragic spirit is often seen looking out of her second-story window, and visitors report sudden cold spots, disembodied whispers, and even being touched by unseen hands. More Info
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Montana
- Plan for a Road Trip: Montana is vast, and its most haunted destinations are often hours apart. Embrace the drive, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and give yourself plenty of time to explore the spooky backroads.
- Check for Seasonal Access: Many of Montana's best ghost towns, like Garnet, are at high elevations and can be closed or inaccessible during the long, snowy winter. Always check road conditions and operating hours before you go, especially between October and May.
- Embrace the Silence: In a remote ghost town at dusk, the quiet can be absolute. This is the perfect environment for a paranormal investigation, where every creak of a floorboard or whisper on the wind stands out.
- Visit a Historic Saloon: Pull up a chair in a bar where cowboys and miners drank over a century ago. Not only is the history palpable, but the local bartenders are often the keepers of the town's best and most chilling ghost stories.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Montana
Are haunted hotels in Montana safe to stay in? Absolutely! They are historic, often beautifully restored properties that offer a safe and authentic glimpse into the Old West. Their resident spirits are part of the frontier experience, adding to the charm and history.
What is the most haunted hotel in Montana? Montana is dotted with historic hotels from its gold rush and railroad days, and many of them claim to have spirits. It's difficult to name just one, as entire towns like Virginia City and Fort Benton are famous for their multiple haunted establishments.
Do haunted hotels in Montana offer ghost tours? Many of Montana's most haunted hotels are the main attractions on local ghost tours, particularly in well-preserved towns like Virginia City and Butte. These tours are the best way to learn the specific legends of the area's most famous ghosts.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Montana? Most historic hotels are family-friendly. The stories of the Wild West can be a thrilling and educational adventure for older kids, but the themes of vigilante justice and mining tragedies might be too intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Montana? Late summer and early fall (August-September) are perfect, offering beautiful weather for exploring remote ghost towns. For a truly spooky atmosphere, a visit in October offers crisp air, fewer crowds, and a perfect setting for a frontier ghost story.