Haunted Hotels in Wyoming You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Wyoming with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Wyoming with haunted hotels
10 Haunted Hotels Found in Wyoming
The Wort Hotel
50 N Glenwood St, Jackson, WY 83001, United States
The Wort Hotel harbors more than one resident spirit. In 1964, two young sisters, guests at the hotel, were tragically killed by an employee. Since then, visitors have reported hearing the sounds of children giggling and running in the hallways. Another presence is believed to be Bob Tomingas, a former hotel engineer from the 1950s. Regarded as benevolent, Bob's spirit reportedly makes his presence known by placing tools to highlight mechanical issues or playfully rearranging items in the maintenance area.
The Historic Occidental Hotel
10 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834, United States
The Occidental Hotel is renowned as one of Wyoming's most haunted locations, with origins potentially tied to its rowdy frontier past, complete with original bullet holes still visible in the saloon. Guests and staff frequently report supernatural occurrences, most notably involving 'Emily,' the spirit of a young girl believed to have died from cholera within the hotel. Her laughter and playful antics are often reported. Beyond Emily, other entities seem to linger. Apparitions resembling cowboys and even President Teddy Roosevelt have been sighted, particularly near the library, second floor, and the dimly lit back staircase. Visitors describe unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices calling out names, objects moving independently, and the unsettling sensation of an invisible presence joining them in bed. The high concentration of paranormal claims solidifies its reputation as a nexus of spectral activity.
Sheridan Inn
856 Broadway St, Sheridan, WY 82801, United States
The Sheridan Inn is famously haunted by the benevolent spirit of 'Miss Kate' Arnold, a dedicated employee who worked and lived at the Inn for 64 years. Before her passing in 1968, she requested her ashes be returned to the hotel, and they are said to be interred within the wall of her former room on the third floor. Staff and guests report feeling Miss Kate's presence almost daily through flickering lights, doors opening and closing inexplicably, and a general sense of being watched over. Her deep connection to the Inn seems to keep her spirit tethered, acting as a spectral guardian. While not malicious, her constant presence makes for intriguing and sometimes startling encounters for those staying at this historic Wyoming establishment.
TA Guest Ranch
28627 Old Highway 87, Buffalo, WY 82834
The TA Ranch is considered haunted due to its pivotal role as the site of a violent siege during the Johnson County War in April 1892. During this conflict, cattle barons and their hired guns were besieged by local settlers and lawmen. Lives were lost during and preceding the siege, including Nate Champion at a nearby ranch whose death escalated tensions leading to the standoff at the TA Ranch. Bullet holes from the fight are still visible in the ranch buildings. It is believed that spirits connected to these violent events may linger on the property, contributing to its haunted reputation.
Irma Hotel
1192 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414, United States
The Irma Hotel is known for its 'friendly ghosts'. Several spirits are reported, including a benevolent figure believed to be Irma Cody Garlow, Buffalo Bill's daughter, often sensed or seen in her former room (Room 16), particularly near her rocking chair. Another spectral resident is an apparent Cavalry Soldier, whose lower half is occasionally seen, associated with disturbances in Room 35 like faucets turning on. Even Buffalo Bill himself is rumored to make appearances, sometimes spotted in the hallways or enjoying the historic bar he established. Staff in the dining room have reported phantom guests appearing and disappearing. Paranormal investigators note heightened activity in Room 20, Buffalo Bill's former suite. Despite the various accounts, the prevailing atmosphere is one of harmless spectral company.
Old Faithful Inn
3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
A popular legend associated with the Old Faithful Inn tells of a 'Headless Bride.' The story goes that a couple staying at the Inn had a terrible argument, after which the husband stormed out. Later, the bride was found decapitated in her bathroom. Her head was eventually discovered in the Crow's Nest area of the Inn. Guests have since reported sightings of a figure in a white dress descending from the Crow’s Nest, holding her head under her arm. However, park sources state this tale is entirely fabricated, though it remains a well-known story connected to the Inn.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
2 Mammoth Hotel Avenue, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Reports from Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel include phenomena such as lights flickering, doors moving on their own, and feelings of being watched or touched. Guests and employees have also reported seeing shadowy figures and full-bodied apparitions from different eras. A notable presence is believed to be the spirit of a young girl named 'Emily', potentially connected to a nearby grave in Fort Yellowstone Cemetery, evidenced by sounds of childlike footsteps and laughter when no children are present.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
235 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Some park staff have mentioned a lead porter who is still working at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel in spirit form. Dressed in early 1900s clothing, he's been rumored to appear and offer to help people who are having trouble getting their luggage to the second floor. Apparently, he also provides tips on trails to explore in Yellowstone.
Historic Virginian Hotel
404 Lincoln Hwy, Medicine Bow, WY 82329, United States
The Historic Virginian Hotel is known for paranormal activity, believed to stem from its long history including shootings and intense emotional events. Guests and staff report experiencing unexplained cold spots throughout the building. Apparitions have allegedly been seen, and phantom music from past eras is sometimes heard. Additionally, one particular spirit is said to interact with the environment by moving items, especially noted in guest rooms and the restaurant.
The Historic Plains Hotel
1600 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States
The Historic Plains Hotel is said to be haunted due to tragic past events. Reports suggest multiple entities reside within, stemming from incidents like a murder-suicide where a bride was allegedly murdered by her new husband who then took his own life, and possibly another murder involving a victim being pushed from a window. Guests and staff report unexplained phenomena, attributing them to these restless spirits.
Haunted History of Wyoming
Welcome to Wyoming, the "Cowboy State," where the untamed spirit of the American West is still very much alive—and in some cases, undead. The state's history is a rugged tale of gunslingers, outlaws, railroad expansion, and bloody conflicts on the vast frontier. The harsh conditions and lawless nature of life in the 19th century meant that death was a constant companion, leaving behind a host of restless spirits who still roam the high plains and historic towns.
The folklore of Wyoming is rich with the ghosts of its most famous and infamous characters. The spirits of outlaws like Butch Cassidy, who had hideouts across the state, are said to still be on the run, while the ghosts of soldiers from the Indian Wars and the thousands of pioneers who perished on the Oregon Trail are forever tied to the land. The state's history of rough frontier justice and its many preserved ghost towns have ensured that the Wild West's spectral population is still thriving.
Other Haunted Attractions in Wyoming
- Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins): This imposing stone fortress, which operated from 1901 to 1981, was known for its harsh conditions, riots, and executions. Now a museum, it is a major hotspot for paranormal activity, with reports of shadowy figures, disembodied screams, and cell doors slamming shut on their own. The spirit of a murderer named Frank Wigfall, who was hanged inside, is said to be particularly active. Official Website
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site: As one of the most significant posts of the 19th-century American West, Fort Laramie served as a fur trading post, a military garrison, and a crucial stop on the pioneer trails. Its restored buildings are said to be haunted by numerous spirits, including a spectral cavalry officer on a phantom horse and a mysterious "Lady in Green" who is often seen looking out the windows of the old post hospital. Official Website
- South Pass City State Historic Site: This is one of the most authentic and remote gold rush ghost towns in the country. Once a bustling town on the Oregon Trail, it was quickly abandoned when the gold ran out. The spirits of the miners and their families are said to remain, with visitors reporting seeing apparitions in the windows of the old saloon and hearing phantom footsteps on the dusty main street. Official Website
- Heart Mountain Interpretive Center (Powell): This site preserves the history of the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, where over 14,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. The immense sorrow and injustice of the camp have left a deep spiritual mark on the land. Visitors and staff have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness and seeing the ghostly apparitions of former internees still walking the grounds of the former camp. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Wyoming
- Embrace the Drive: Wyoming is the least populated state in the contiguous U.S., and its most haunted sites are often hours apart. Make a road trip out of it and enjoy the stunning, and sometimes spooky, wide-open spaces between destinations.
- Check for Seasonal Closures: Many of Wyoming's historic sites and ghost towns, like South Pass City, are at high altitudes and may have limited hours or be inaccessible due to snow during the long, harsh winter. Always check conditions before you travel.
- Listen to the Silence: In the vast emptiness of the Wyoming landscape, especially in a ghost town at dusk, the silence can be profound. 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 stool in a place that once served cowboys, miners, and outlaws, like the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo. The history is palpable, and the bartenders often know the best local ghost stories.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Wyoming
Are haunted hotels in Wyoming safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely! They are historic and often beautifully restored properties that offer a safe and authentic glimpse into the Old West. Their resident ghosts are part of the true frontier experience.
What is the most haunted hotel in Wyoming? Wyoming has many historic hotels from its days as a railroad and ranching hub, and many have well-known spirits. From the famous Occidental Hotel to inns in Cheyenne and Laramie, you'll find plenty of establishments with ghostly gunslingers and spectral ladies of the night.
Do haunted hotels in Wyoming offer ghost tours? Many of Wyoming's most haunted locations, like the Frontier Prison, offer their own guided ghost tours. In historic towns like Cheyenne or Buffalo, local tour companies often feature the most haunted hotels as part of their spooky narratives.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Wyoming? Most historic hotels are family-friendly. The stories of the Wild West, cowboys, and pioneers can be a thrilling and educational adventure for older kids and teens interested in American history.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Wyoming? Late summer and early fall (August-October) are ideal, offering pleasant weather for exploring ghost towns and historic sites before the winter snows arrive. The spooky atmosphere of a historic frontier town in October is hard to beat.