Montana, known for its rugged beauty and wide-open spaces, is also home to a fascinating collection of creepy and macabre spots. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, eerie historical sites, or places with a dark past, this state has plenty to offer. Here are 11 creepy and macabre places in Montana that are sure to pique your curiosity.
1. The Old Montana Prison (Deer Lodge)
The Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge is one of the most famous and haunted spots in the state. Built in 1871, it housed notorious criminals, and many believe the prison is haunted by former inmates. You can take a guided tour through the prison, exploring the cells, gallows, and the former warden’s home. The eerie atmosphere and chilling tales make this a must-visit for those interested in the creepy and macabre.
2. The Mansfield Mausoleum (Helena)
The Mansfield Mausoleum in Helena is a hauntingly beautiful yet eerie structure located in the local cemetery. Built in 1901, it houses the remains of William H. Mansfield and his family. The towering mausoleum is shrouded in mystery, with rumors swirling about ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences at night. It’s a perfect blend of eerie history and macabre architecture, making it a fascinating site for those with a love for the dark side of history.
3. The Ghost Town of Garnet
Garnet is a well-preserved ghost town that sits quietly in the mountains near Missoula. Once a thriving mining community, it was abandoned in the 1940s and is now a state park. Visitors can walk through the remnants of old buildings, abandoned mines, and even visit the old cemetery. Many believe the town is haunted by former residents, making it a spooky and atmospheric place to explore.
4. The Custer Battlefield (Crow Agency)
The site of the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, is one of Montana’s most historically significant—and macabre—locations. The battlefield is located near Crow Agency, where Custer and his soldiers met their end in 1876. Many visitors claim to hear strange sounds, including whispers and footsteps, in the area. The eerie vibe, combined with the somber history of the battle, makes this a must-see for anyone interested in the macabre.
5. The Great Falls Ghost Tour
For a truly spine-chilling experience, take the Great Falls Ghost Tour, which explores some of the most haunted locations in the city. The tour includes stops at sites such as the historic O’Haire Motor Inn, which is said to be haunted by former guests, and the former Montana Power Building. The stories of ghostly encounters and the eerie atmosphere of these locations make this a must-do for fans of the supernatural.
6. The Sleeping Giant (Billings)
The Sleeping Giant is a massive rock formation near Billings that resembles a giant lying on his back. While the formation itself is impressive, the legend behind it adds a spooky element to the site. According to local Native American legend, the giant was once a warrior who fell into a deep sleep, and his spirit is said to haunt the area. Visitors often experience a strange sense of unease while gazing at the formation, making it a perfect spot for those intrigued by eerie legends.
7. The Last Chance Gulch (Helena)
Helena’s Last Chance Gulch is a historic area that once served as a gold mining district in the late 1800s. Today, it’s a bustling downtown area, but the ghostly presence of the past lingers. Locals report seeing strange figures and hearing footsteps in the area, particularly around the old saloons and buildings that date back to the gold rush days. It’s said to be haunted by the spirits of miners who never struck it rich, making it a chilling spot for anyone interested in the macabre.
8. The Butte’s Miners’ Union Hall (Butte)
Butte, known for its rich mining history, is also home to the eerie Miners’ Union Hall. The building, constructed in the early 1900s, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of miners who died in the many workplace accidents that occurred during the town’s mining heyday. The Union Hall now hosts occasional tours and events, where visitors can learn about the ghost stories associated with the hall, as well as the dark history of Butte’s mining industry.
9. The Missoula Mausoleum (Missoula)
The Missoula Mausoleum is an eerie and beautiful place that attracts those fascinated by the macabre. This massive, old structure is the final resting place of several prominent families from Missoula’s past. The mausoleum is rumored to be haunted, with many visitors reporting strange feelings, shadowy figures, and unexplained noises. Its Gothic architecture and the mysterious atmosphere make it an excellent spot for those looking for a chilling experience.
10. The Helena Vigilante Cemetery
Helena’s Vigilante Cemetery is a resting place for those involved in the notorious vigilante justice of the 1860s, when a group of settlers took the law into their own hands and executed criminals in the area. Many of these criminals were buried in the cemetery, and some believe their restless spirits remain. Visitors can walk among the gravestones and learn about the violent history of the area, adding an eerie element to this historic site.
11. The Anaconda Smelter Stack (Anaconda)
The Anaconda Smelter Stack is a towering relic of Montana’s industrial past. Once part of one of the largest copper smelters in the world, the smelter is now abandoned, leaving behind a massive, 585-foot smokestack. The surrounding area is now overgrown with vegetation, and the site has a hauntingly desolate feel. The smelter is a stark reminder of the dark side of the state’s industrial history and is often cited as one of the most chillingly atmospheric locations in Montana.
Montana’s rich history, combined with its wild, rugged landscape, makes it an ideal place for those interested in the creepy and macabre. From haunted buildings to eerie ghost towns and unsettling historical sites, there’s no shortage of spooky locations to explore. Whether you’re looking for ghost stories, dark legends, or just a spine-tingling adventure, these 11 places will not disappoint.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.hotels.com/go/usa/quirky-things-to-see-montana
[2] https://southwestmt.com/blog/5-haunted-places-montana/
[3] https://www.montanahauntedhouses.com
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc9seLDMOWw
[5] https://southwestmt.com/ghosts/haunted-places/
