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Southwest Montana is full of history, from the expedition of Lewis and Clark to the boom and bust of the gold rush. There are plenty of stories to be told about how this region came to be, which means there are more than a few skeletons in its closet. For a spooky excursion that takes you to Southwest Montana’s most iconic sites and gets you up close and personal with some of its most paranormal hot spots, include this route on your next fall getaway:
Begin in Butte, exploring what was once known as “the richest hill on Earth.” Cradled by the Boulder and Highlands mountain ranges, Butte is the perfect gateway to the outdoors, with plenty of options for adventure right at your fingertips. This mining community also brims with history, from the mines themselves to the people who made the journey to Montana to chase a fortune. With this much history, there’s bound to be some good ghost stories to tell, so if you’re looking for some fun after sundown, make sure to check out the Spooks and Spirits Haunted Tours through downtown Butte to experience some of the town’s verified hauntings firsthand.
Today’s adventures take you to Anaconda, but before you set out on your journey west, pay a visit to the World Museum of Mining and take the Orphan Girl Underground Tour to see the Orphan Girl Mine’s original shaft station and Orphan Girl vein — one of the only exposed veins in North America that’s viewable to the public. After you resurface, grab some lunch and wander among the historic Victorian-style homes that were once inhabited by Butte’s most notorious miners. Want a closer look? Head to the Copper King Mansion for a tour of mining tycoon William Clark’s mansion. Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, head toward Anaconda. Stop by the historic Washoe Theater — an extravagant movie theater featuring Art Deco ornamentation. Then head out to see Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park, home to one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. After some dinner downtown, visit Gunslinger Gulch for a ghost tour to learn about the hauntings of this abandoned community turned guest ranch.
Today, fuel up before the day’s adventures at local favorite The Sweet Spot, a coffee shop and bakery serving up a homemade cinnamon roll of the day. Then, take Interstate 15 south to Highway 278 to reach Bannack State Park — Montana’s most well-preserved ghost town, with a main street boasting more than 50 buildings to explore. Make sure to stop by the Hotel Meade, which has been said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl. After touring the town, make your way to Dillon for lunch at La Fiesta Mexicana Taco Bus, a hometown favorite. Then stop by Beaverhead County Museum to learn about the rich history of Southwest Montana, from the frontier days to the gold rush. End the night at the historic Hotel Metlen & Bar, which is rumored to be haunted by a few friendly ghosts.
