DISCOVER THE MOST HAUNTED PLACES IN WYOMING: YOUR COMPLETE PARANORMAL GUIDE

Introduction: Wyoming’s Haunted Heritage

Wyoming, the Cowboy State, is steeped in Wild West history—a land of outlaws, gold rushes, frontier justice, and untamed territories. From its abandoned ghost towns to its historic prisons and grand hotels, Wyoming’s turbulent past has left behind more than just legends. The spirits of gunslingers, miners, prisoners, and pioneers are said to still walk these grounds, making Wyoming one of America’s most paranormally active states.

This comprehensive guide will take you through Wyoming’s most haunted locations, sharing the chilling stories, documented paranormal activity, and practical visitor information you need to explore these supernatural sites.

HISTORIC HOTELS & INNS

1. THE HISTORIC OCCIDENTAL HOTEL – Buffalo

Address: 10 N. Main St., Buffalo, Wyoming

Built: 1880

The History: The Historic Occidental Hotel stands as one of Wyoming’s oldest continuously operating establishments. Originally starting as a saloon, it evolved into a grand hotel that welcomed some of the most notorious and famous figures of the Old West, including Butch Cassidy and President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Haunting: The Occidental Hotel is most famously haunted by a young girl named Emily, who died of cholera in the 1900s. Guests and staff report:

• Seeing a girl in a white dress walking through the hallways
• Hearing the sound of children’s laughter and footsteps
• Objects moving on their own
• Cold spots throughout the building
• The apparition of Emily appearing in guest rooms, particularly on the upper floors

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Best Time to Visit: The hotel offers rooms year-round. October is particularly atmospheric for paranormal enthusiasts.

Ghost Tour Availability: The hotel is part of various Wyoming ghost tours

2. THE SHERIDAN INN – Sheridan

Address: 856 Broadway, Sheridan, Wyoming

Built: 1893

The History: Once called “the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco,” the Sheridan Inn opened with 200 electric lights—a marvel for its time. Buffalo Bill Cody was involved from its inception, led the grand opening celebration, and even owned the establishment for a time. He famously held auditions for his Wild West show on the front lawn.

The Haunting – Miss Kate Arnold: The most famous spirit at the Sheridan Inn is Catherine B. “Miss Kate” Arnold, who arrived in Sheridan from Virginia in 1901 at age 22. She worked at the inn for 64 years as a seamstress, desk clerk, housekeeper, hostess, and self-appointed night watchman. When she died in 1968, her final wish was to return to the Sheridan Inn. Her ashes were cremated and interred in the wall of her third-floor room—Room 306.

Documented Paranormal Activity:

• Lights turning on and off by themselves, especially on the third floor
• Doors opening and closing without explanation
• Moving cold spots, particularly in Miss Kate’s former room
• Footsteps heard throughout the inn when no one is present
• Windows showing lights at 2:00 AM when the building is closed and empty
• The sound of the midnight whistle that once signaled lights-out
• Candles being extinguished, just as Miss Kate did every night in life
• Equipment malfunctions, especially amplifiers during rock concerts (Miss Kate reportedly disliked rock music)
• Staff and guests hearing “Good night” when bidding Miss Kate farewell

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Visitor Information: The Sheridan Inn is open today with 22 rooms available for overnight stays, all themed around Buffalo Bill and characters from his life. Room 306 is dedicated to Miss Kate Arnold and includes her favorite rocking chair next to the wall where her ashes rest.

Contact: Visit their website for bookings and restaurant information

Notable: The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of Wyoming’s most authentically haunted locations.

3. THE IRMA HOTEL – Cody

Address: 1192 Sheridan Ave, Cody, Wyoming

Built: 1902

The History: Buffalo Bill Cody built this hotel and named it after his youngest daughter, Irma Louise Cody. The hotel features an ornate cherrywood bar that was a gift to Buffalo Bill from Queen Victoria of England, valued at $100,000 at the time.

The Haunting: Multiple spirits are said to haunt the Irma Hotel:

• Buffalo Bill Cody himself is reported to roam the halls
• Irma Cody – Guests report seeing a female apparition in Room 16, her former room, sitting in the rocking chair
• The Legless Ghost – Perhaps the most unsettling spirit is a male apparition that appears to be missing the lower half of his body

Paranormal Activity:

• Phantom footsteps in the hallways
• Lights turning on and off at random
• Unexplained noises throughout the building
• Full-bodied apparitions seen by multiple witnesses
• Objects mysteriously moving

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Visitor Information: The Irma Hotel still operates as a hotel and restaurant. Guests can book overnight stays and possibly experience paranormal activity for themselves.

Best Rooms: Room 16 (Irma’s room) is particularly active

4. THE HISTORIC PLAINS HOTEL – Cheyenne

Address: 1600 Central Ave, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Built: 1911

The History: The Historic Plains Hotel has been a fixture of downtown Cheyenne for over a century. During its long history, the hotel has witnessed celebrations, tragedies, and dark deeds that have left paranormal imprints.

The Haunting – Rosie, The Vengeful Bride: The hotel’s most famous ghost is Rosie, a bride who spent her wedding night at the Plains Hotel. According to legend, after marrying earlier in the day, she discovered her new husband’s infidelity. In despair and rage, she either committed suicide or was murdered at the hotel. Her spirit is anything but peaceful.

Additional Spirits: The hotel is believed to host 3-4 different spirits, victims of both murder and suicide over the decades.

Paranormal Activity:

• Apparitions appearing in guest rooms
• Feelings of being watched
• Unexplained cold spots
• Electronic disturbances
• Phantom sounds of crying or arguing
• Objects moving on their own

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Visitor Information: The hotel operates today and welcomes guests who want to experience both luxury and a possible paranormal encounter.

5. THE VIRGINIAN HOTEL – Medicine Bow

Address: 404 Lincoln Hwy, Medicine Bow, Wyoming

Built: 1911

The Haunting – The Woman in Beige: The Virginian Hotel is home to one of Wyoming’s most tragic ghost stories. A woman dressed in beige waited at the hotel for her fiancé, who was traveling from the east to meet her. When he never arrived, overcome with grief and desperation, she jumped from her third-story window to her death.

Paranormal Activity:

• The woman in beige is frequently seen looking out the third-story window
• Her apparition appears both inside the hotel and outside on the grounds
• Guests report feeling overwhelming sadness near the third floor
• Unexplained sounds and cold spots throughout the building

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Atmosphere: The hotel maintains an eerie, spooky atmosphere even during daylight hours, making it a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts.

6. THE WORT HOTEL – Jackson

Address: 50 N Glenwood St, Jackson, Wyoming

Built: 1941

The History: Built by the Wort brothers, this was Jackson’s first luxury hotel, bringing elegance to the frontier town.

The Haunting – The Murdered Children: The hotel’s darkest tale involves two small children who were murdered on the property. Their spirits are said to remain, trapped in the location of their tragic deaths.

Paranormal Activity:

• Sightings of child-like apparitions
• The sound of children playing or crying
• Objects moving in rooms where the children appear
• Guests reporting feelings of sadness or unease
• Cold spots and electronic disturbances

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Note: The haunting bears a chilling resemblance to the Grady sisters from Stephen King’s “The Shining,” making this one of Wyoming’s more disturbing paranormal locations.

7. OLD FAITHFUL INN – Yellowstone National Park

Address: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Built: Main section in 1904, with additions in later years

The History: One of the most iconic lodges in America’s national park system, Old Faithful Inn was built near the famous geyser. The West Wing was constructed directly over unmarked graves—a discovery made only after construction was complete.

The Haunting – The Headless Bride: The inn’s most famous ghost is a headless bride who is said to haunt the crow’s nest (the upper observation area). According to legend, she was murdered by her unfaithful husband on their wedding night.

Additional Paranormal Activity:

• Multiple male spirits playing pranks on guests and staff
• A fire inspector witnessed paranormal activity firsthand
• Spirits disturbed by the West Wing construction appearing throughout the building
• Objects moving on their own
• Unexplained sounds and footsteps
• Apparitions seen in various sections of the massive lodge

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Visitor Information: The inn is open seasonally (typically May through October). Book well in advance as rooms fill quickly. The paranormal activity is reported year-round during operating season.

Notable: Being located in Yellowstone National Park, this combines natural wonder with supernatural phenomena.

PRISONS & PENITENTIARIES

8. WYOMING FRONTIER PRISON – Rawlins

Address: 500 W Walnut Street, Rawlins, Wyoming 82301

Phone: (307) 324-4422

Operational Years: 1901-1981

The History: Considered the most haunted building in Wyoming, the Wyoming Frontier Prison was designed by the same architects who created Alcatraz. Construction began in 1888, but funding issues delayed its opening until December 1901. The prison opened with 104 cells, no electricity, no running water, and inadequate heating—a death sentence in a climate where temperatures could reach -66°F.

During its 80 years of operation, approximately 13,500 people were incarcerated, including eleven women. The prison witnessed 14 executions: nine hangings and five deaths in the gas chamber. Overcrowding, brutal conditions, violence between inmates, and harsh treatment created an atmosphere of suffering and death.

Famous Inmates and Hauntings:

Andrew Pixley – The Laughing Killer: Convicted of murdering a circuit court judge’s children, Pixley was sentenced to death in the gas chamber. He holds the record for the longest gas chamber death—nearly seven minutes—and reportedly laughed the entire time. Today, candles placed in Pixley’s cell during ghost tours flicker intensely, emit strange glows, go out completely, then suddenly relight.

The Pie Lady Murder: One of the prison’s most enduring legends involves Esther, an older woman known as the “Pie Lady.” She regularly brought freshly baked pies to the prisoners, offering them both treats and spiritual messages. An inmate named Frank Wigfall, who particularly enjoyed her visits, was eventually paroled. He tracked her down, raped, and murdered her.

Upon being sentenced back to the prison, Wigfall was instantly hated by the other inmates who loved the Pie Lady. A group of six prisoners took justice into their own hands, hanging Wigfall with a rope over the second-floor balcony. Today, prisoners, guards, and paranormal investigators report seeing a spectral reenactment of this vigilante execution, with six ghostly figures repeatedly hanging Wigfall in full view.

Other Notable Paranormal Activity:

• The ghost of a man in a brimmed hat seen in the execution room
• An angry, threatening presence in certain cell blocks
• The dungeon house, built in 1906 for the most violent inmates, is a hotspot for dark energy
• Specific cells where visitors feel overwhelming dread
• The chapel with unexplained sounds and apparitions
• The former women’s section (only eleven women were ever incarcerated)
• Shadow figures moving through corridors
• Phantom voices, screams, and crying
• Unexplained footsteps, especially at night
• Cell doors opening and closing on their own
• Windows rattling without wind
• Benches being moved by unseen forces
• Visitors being touched, hair pulled, or pushed
• Electronic equipment malfunctions
• Temperature drops and cold spots

Featured On:

• Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” (captured compelling evidence including a camera moving on its own)
• Thrillist’s “Creepiest Places to Visit in Every State”
• Declared the most haunted location in Wyoming

Paranormal Activity Level: EXTREME (the highest in Wyoming)

Visitor Information:

Regular Tours:

• Summer Schedule (Memorial Day – Labor Day): Eight tours daily, every hour on the half-hour from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, seven days a week
• September – October: Reduced schedule
• Winter Schedule (November – May): Tours at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, Monday-Thursday only
• Tours last approximately 1 hour
• Pricing: Adults $15, Children (6-12) $12, Seniors (60+) $12

Haunted Tours: Special haunted Halloween tours return in late October. Check the website for specific dates.

Ghost Hunts: The prison hosts overnight ghost hunts with Haunted Rooms America (8 PM – 2 AM). These events are 18+ only with limited tickets. Participants use paranormal investigation equipment in the most active areas.

Museums & Gift Shop: Open during tour hours. Museum exhibits are free to explore at your own pace.

Important: You must take a guided tour to see the prison interior. Leashed dogs are welcome.

9. WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC SITE – Laramie

Address: 975 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, Wyoming

Operational Years: 1872-1901 (as prison)

The History: Built in 1872, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is one of the oldest buildings in Wyoming. It features two-foot-thick walls of hand-quarried limestone with red sunstone trim. It served as a federal penitentiary (1872-1890), then a state prison (1890-1901), and later became an agricultural experimentation station until the 1970s.

The Haunting – Julius Greenwelch, Inmate #338: The most famous ghost at the Territorial Prison is Julius Greenwelch, who murdered his wife (who was working at his favorite brothel) and received a life sentence. While imprisoned, he convinced officials to let him establish a cigar-making enterprise. He died in 1901, but his spirit remains.

Paranormal Activity:

• The strong smell of cigar smoke when Julius is present (despite smoking being prohibited)
• Apparitions in various areas of the prison
• Sounds of footsteps in empty corridors
• Cold spots throughout the facility
• Objects moving on their own
• Feelings of being watched

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Visitor Information: Located on 197 acres, the site offers:

• Restored historic buildings
• Museum exhibits
• Picnic area
• Nature trail
• Visitor center and gift shop
• “Convict identity” experience for visitors
• Self-guided tours
• Guided tours offered Thursday-Monday

Website: wyoparks.wyo.gov/places-to-go/wyoming-territorial-prison

THEATERS & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

10. THE ACME THEATRE – Shoshoni

Built: 1920s

The History: The Acme Theatre opened as a stage theater showing vaudeville and penny shows in the early 1930s before transitioning to a cinema.

The Haunting: For decades, theater patrons have reported seeing a ghostly male figure on the balcony watching shows and films. Ghost hunters believe he is a performer from the vaudeville era who loved the theater so much he never left.

Paranormal Activity:

• Full-bodied apparition of a man in period clothing on the balcony
• The ghost appears to be watching performances intently
• Witnesses report he seems benign and engaged with the show
• Cold spots in the balcony area
• Unexplained sounds during and after performances

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

11. THE ATLAS THEATRE – Cheyenne

Address: Downtown Cheyenne

Built: 1887 (original building)

The History: The building that houses the Atlas Theatre dates to 1887, originally serving as a confectionery shop and offices. It later became a theater and nightclub, closed in the 1960s, then reopened in 1966 for live productions.

The Haunting: The Atlas Theatre is one of Cheyenne’s most haunted locations, hosting multiple spirits:

• Two Young Boys – Seen in the second-story windows
• A Sad, Quiet Woman – Appears on the west side stairway
• Unknown Spirits – Contributing to the building’s haunted atmosphere

Paranormal Activity:

• Orbs captured in photographs
• Strange electrical activity and equipment malfunctions
• The boys’ apparitions clearly visible in windows
• The woman on the stairs appears melancholic
• Unexplained sounds throughout the building
• Cold spots and feelings of being watched

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Visitor Information: Check for live productions and special paranormal events.

BARS, RESTAURANTS & SALOONS

12. WONDER BAR – Casper

Address: 256 S Center St, Casper, Wyoming

Founded: 1914 (as a horse-friendly cowboy pool hall)

The History: Founded in 1914, Wonder Bar went through several iterations before clinching its signature name and location in the 1930s. During the Wild West era, the bar witnessed trouble and gunfire, as its patrons included famous outlaws. Over the years, increased neighborhood violence and even deaths on the premises led locals to believe the bar was cursed. After many name changes, it was sold and renovated in 2017, reopening as the Wonder Bar once again.

The Haunting: Two primary spirits haunt the establishment:

• A Cowboy – Dressed in period-appropriate Western attire
• A Lady in White – A female spirit in a white dress

Paranormal Activity:

• Lights turning on and off in the basement when no one is inside
• Employees feeling like someone is following them as they work
• Hearing phantom footsteps trailing behind staff members
• Unexplained noises throughout the building
• Apparitions of both the cowboy and the lady in white
• Objects moving on their own
• Cold spots

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Visitor Information: The bar is open and welcomes guests. Ask staff about their paranormal experiences.

13. THE COWBOY BAR – Jackson (or other Wyoming location)

The Haunting: The Cowboy Bar is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of outlaws and cattle rustlers who once hid from the law in the old saloon.

Paranormal Activity:

• Apparitions of men in Old West attire
• Sounds of spurs and boots on wooden floors
• Glasses moving on their own
• The feeling of being watched by unseen eyes
• Cold breezes with no source
• Phantom voices and laughter

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

14. MINERS AND STOCKMEN’S STEAKHOUSE AND SPIRITS – Hartville

Address: Main Street, Hartville, Wyoming

Built: 1862

The History: This is the oldest bar in Wyoming, operating continuously since 1862. The building’s walls have witnessed shootouts, prohibition-era bootlegging, renovations, and hauntings spanning over 160 years.

Paranormal Activity:

• The piano playing on its own accord
• The sound of boots shuffling behind patrons when no one is there
• Lights flickering without electrical explanation
• Unexplained voices and whispers
• Cold spots throughout the building
• Objects moving or disappearing
• The feeling of an unseen presence

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Visitor Information: Operating steakhouse and bar. Visit for both excellent food and potential paranormal encounters.

HISTORIC SITES & INSTITUTIONS

15. CHEYENNE DEPOT – Cheyenne

Address: 121 W 15th St, Cheyenne, Wyoming

The History: The Cheyenne Depot, easily recognizable by its signature clock tower, served as the former Union Pacific Depot. Today it houses the Cheyenne Depot Museum, a visitor center, and a restaurant. However, dozens of people have died in the railyard adjacent to the depot over the years—from accidents, murders, and other tragic causes.

Paranormal Activity:

• Apparitions of railroad workers from different eras
• Phantom sounds of trains and whistles
• Unexplained deaths and accidents creating residual hauntings
• Shadow figures near the railyard
• Cold spots inside the depot
• Feelings of being watched
• Electronic disturbances

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Visitor Information: The depot is open to visitors. The museum provides historical context for the location’s tragic past.

16. ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH – Cheyenne

Built: Bell tower completed in 1924

The History: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was the first church building constructed in the Wyoming Territory.

The Haunting – The Swedish Mason: According to legend, two Swedish masons were constructing the bell tower. One fell from the building and died. The other mason, fearing he would be blamed for the death, continued building the tower over the body rather than reporting the accident.

Paranormal Activity:

• Phantom organ music playing when the church is empty
• Strange whispers heard in the bell tower
• Odd lights ascending the stairs
• Church bells ringing when unscheduled
• The sound of construction or footsteps in the tower
• Cold spots, particularly near the tower

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

17. WYOMING SUPREME COURT BUILDING – Cheyenne

Built: 1930s

The Haunting – Judge Fred Blume: The building is haunted by the alleged ghost of Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Fred Blume, a German immigrant appointed in 1921 who served for 42 years. During his lifetime, he worked to translate Roman laws dating back to the 4th century into English—a painstaking labor of love. He died before completing his work, which many believe is why his spirit remains, still trying to finish his translations.

Paranormal Activity:

• Sightings of Judge Blume in his old office
• The sound of papers rustling when the office is empty
• Footsteps in hallways after hours
• Lights turning on in Blume’s former office
• Witnesses reporting seeing a man in period-appropriate judicial attire
• The feeling of a scholarly, determined presence

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate

Credibility: Local paranormal investigators consider this one of the more credible hauntings, with eyewitness accounts from trusted sources.

18. WYOMING STATE HOSPITAL – Evanston

The History: This former insane asylum represents one of the darkest chapters in Wyoming’s mental health treatment history. Like many institutions of its era, patients suffered under primitive conditions and brutal “treatments.”

The Haunting – The Hanging Woman: The hospital’s most disturbing haunting involves a woman who hanged herself. The hospital keeps a sheet over one specific window due to the overwhelming number of reports of people seeing her hanging there. Witnesses report seeing her ghostly form hanging in the window over and over again, every night—a residual haunting replaying her final, tragic moments.

Paranormal Activity:

• The repeated vision of the hanging woman in the window
• Screams and crying heard throughout the building
• Shadow figures moving through empty corridors
• The feeling of overwhelming despair
• Cold spots throughout the facility
• Electronic disturbances
• Objects moving on their own

Paranormal Activity Level: Extreme

Note: This location is intensely disturbing and not recommended for those sensitive to dark energy or tragic histories.

19. HEART MOUNTAIN RELOCATION CENTER – Near Cody

Operational Years: 1942-1945 (World War II Japanese internment camp)

The History: Heart Mountain Relocation Center was one of ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II. At its peak, it held over 10,000 people, making it Wyoming’s third-largest “city” at the time.

The Haunting: Heart Mountain is known for having two distinct paranormal patterns based on the time of day:

• Daytime: A friendly spirit regularly appears and even guides visitors around the building
• Nighttime: Shadow people emerge, creating a more sinister and threatening atmosphere

Additional Paranormal Activity:

• Phantom footsteps echoing through empty buildings
• Cold spots despite warm temperatures
• Unexplained noises—voices speaking in Japanese, crying, children playing
• Feelings of sadness and injustice
• Electronic disturbances
• Apparitions of former internees

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Visitor Information: Heart Mountain Interpretive Center is open to visitors. This is an important historical and educational site that respectfully honors those who were unjustly imprisoned.

20. FORT BRIDGER – Fort Bridger

Established: 1843

The History: Fort Bridger served as an important trading post and military fort along the emigrant trails. It witnessed conflicts, military operations, and the daily struggles of frontier life.

The Haunting: Fort Bridger is home to multiple spirits:

• Lost Soldiers – Apparitions of military personnel wandering the grounds, seemingly confused or searching for something
• Thornburgh, the Hero Dog – The most beloved spirit at Fort Bridger is Thornburgh, a dog who saved a child’s life and was awarded a medal of honor by the fort. After his death, he was buried at the fort with military honors. His ghost now watches over the cemetery.

Paranormal Activity:

• Soldiers in period uniforms seen walking the grounds
• The ghost of Thornburgh appearing near the cemetery
• Sounds of military drills and bugle calls
• Phantom barking
• Cold spots throughout the fort
• Feelings of being watched
• Unexplained footsteps

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

Visitor Information: Fort Bridger is a state historic site open to visitors. The cemetery where Thornburgh is buried is accessible.

LIBRARIES & PUBLIC BUILDING

21. SWEETWATER COUNTY LIBRARY – Green River

The History: The library’s haunted reputation stems from a horrifying discovery: it was built on the site of Green River’s first cemetery, established in 1892. During the 1920s, the Civil Works Administration relocated the burial grounds to Riverview Cemetery in a mass exhumation. However, the excavation was poorly executed, and not all remains were properly relocated.

The Haunting: The library is featured in the book “Ghosts on the Range: Eerie True Tales of Wyoming” and is considered one of Wyoming’s most actively haunted public buildings.

Paranormal Activity:

• Apparitions of people in period clothing
• Books flying off shelves or being moved
• Unexplained sounds—whispers, footsteps, crying
• Cold spots throughout the building
• Electronics malfunctioning
• Staff and patrons feeling touched by unseen hands
• The sensation of being watched
• Shadowy figures in the stacks

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Important Note: This is a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting burial grounds. Disturbed graves often result in paranormal activity.

22. HOT SPRINGS COUNTY LIBRARY – Thermopolis

The Haunting: This library has a helpful but unusual ghost who assists patrons in finding the perfect book—by throwing it at them.

Paranormal Activity:

• Books flying off shelves toward specific patrons
• The ghost seeming to respond to questions about book recommendations
• Other poltergeist activity involving books and library materials
• Staff reporting a generally benign but mischievous presence
• Cold spots near certain bookshelves

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate

Note: Despite the aggressive method, the ghost is considered friendly and helpful rather than malevolent.

GHOST TOWNS & ABANDONED PLACES

23. SOUTH PASS CITY STATE HISTORIC SITE

Location: Near Lander, Wyoming

History: South Pass City boomed during the gold rush era. The discovery of gold brought thousands of prospectors and settlers. The town was also significant in women’s suffrage history.

The Dark History – Polly Bartlett: South Pass City is home to one of Wyoming’s most horrifying true crime stories. Polly Bartlett and her father operated the Bartlette Inn, which still stands today. They are believed to have murdered at least 22 men who stopped at their establishment while traveling west. Victims were killed, robbed, and buried on the property.

Polly was eventually caught and imprisoned in the South Pass City jail, where she died before trial—some say she committed suicide, others claim she was murdered by vigilantes.

The Haunting:

• Apparitions of Polly Bartlett near the jail and inn
• The ghosts of her victims wandering the town
• Unexplained sounds of digging and screaming
• Cold spots, particularly near the jail
• Feelings of malevolence near the inn
• Shadow figures throughout the ghost town

Paranormal Activity Level: High

Highway 287 Hauntings: Highway 287 follows the original route of the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails over South Pass. This route has been haunted since the pioneer days:

• Phantom wagons and horses seen on the road
• Apparitions of emigrants and pioneers
• Unexplained lights moving alongside the highway
• Sounds of wagon wheels and travelers

Visitor Information: South Pass City is a state historic site open to visitors. The jail where Polly died can be toured.

24. WINTON – Ghost Town near Rock Springs

Established: 1910

Abandoned: Late 1930s

History: Established by the Megeath Mining Company, Winton experienced peak population of around 700 residents in the 1920s. Flu, pneumonia, and mining deaths caused a swift reduction in residents over the next decade, leading to complete abandonment.

The Haunting – The Following Light: Winton’s most notable paranormal phenomenon is a mysterious light that appears to follow investigators and hikers throughout the site. The light has been documented by multiple witnesses and appears regardless of weather conditions.

Paranormal Activity:

• The unexplained following light
• Apparitions of miners in work clothes
• Sounds of mining equipment
• Phantom coughing (possibly from miners who died of pneumonia)
• Cold spots in abandoned structures
• Feelings of being watched
• Electronic disturbances

Paranormal Activity Level: High

25. STANSBURY – Ghost Town near Rock Springs

Established: 1944

Abandoned: Late 1950s

History: Established by Captain Howard Stansbury, the town produced enough coal to employ 1,000 miners. It offered modern housing and community buildings. In 1955, tragedy struck when a mine collapsed, killing many miners. The mine closed in 1957, and by the late 1950s, Stansbury was completely abandoned.

The Haunting:

• The souls of the miners who died in the collapse
• Phantom sounds of the mine collapse replaying
• Apparitions of miners covered in coal dust
• Sounds of digging and pickaxes
• Screams and calls for help heard from empty mine shafts
• Cold spots throughout the abandoned town
• Feelings of desperation and fear

Paranormal Activity Level: Very High

Warning: Abandoned mines are extremely dangerous. Do not enter mine shafts or unstable structures.

26. POINT OF ROCKS STAGE STATION – Near Superior

Built: 1862

History: Point of Rocks Stage Station connected to the Overland Trail and served as a terminal for freight and stagecoach operations for the Union Pacific Railroad. Because the area was dominated by conflicts with Indigenous peoples, the site served as a safe haven for travelers. The vulnerable station survived attacks, attempted arson, robberies, and battles with outlaws like the notorious gunslinger Jack Slade.

The Haunting:

• Apparitions of stagecoach drivers and travelers
• Phantom sounds of horses and wagons
• Gunshots and yells from historic battles
• Shadow figures of Indigenous warriors and outlaws
• Cold spots throughout the station
• Unexplained lights

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

Preservation: In 1970, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

UNIQUE & UNUSUAL HAUNTINGS

27. THE IVY HOUSE – Casper

History: Once operating as a hotel, the Ivy House now serves as a self-care center. Despite the change in purpose, the building retains its original spirit—literally.

The Haunting – Mrs. [Name Unknown]: A former proprietor of the hotel, referred to as “Mrs.,” still watches over the establishment. She is considered a benevolent presence who cares about the wellbeing of those in the building.

Paranormal Activity:

• A maternal, protective presence felt throughout the building
• Objects being rearranged in helpful ways
• Feelings of comfort and safety
• Occasional apparition of a woman in period dress
• Unexplained sounds of someone tending to the building

Paranormal Activity Level: Low to Moderate

Note: This is considered one of Wyoming’s friendlier hauntings.

28. MASONIC TEMPLE BUILDINGS – Shoshoni and Riverton

History: Both Shoshoni and Riverton have former Masonic Temple buildings that are among the oldest in their respective towns and both exhibit paranormal behavior.

Riverton Masonic Temple (Main St. and Broadway Ave.): In the 1910s, the main floor was leased by a salesman/undertaker/coffin maker who used the coal chute in the back as a “body slide” for deliveries at any time of day.

Paranormal Activity:

• The elevator making unexpected stops in the basement (perhaps checking for “deliveries”)
• Apparition of the undertaker
• Phantom sounds of bodies being moved
• Cold spots in the basement
• Feelings of unease near the coal chute
• Electronic disturbances

Studio 402 (Across the street from Riverton Temple): Houses a transparent resident named Ellen, who appears in the salon.

Shoshoni Masonic Temple: Exhibits similar paranormal behaviors to its Riverton counterpart.

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate to High

29. RIVERTON MUSEUM – Riverton

History: The Riverton Museum documents Wind River Country’s history, including its paranormal tales.

The Haunting: The museum building itself is said to be haunted by:

• An old man who appears to be inspecting graves (if there’s cemetery connection)
• Two spirits fascinated by technology who play with copy machines and electronic devices
• The ghosts seem benign and curious about modern equipment

Paranormal Activity:

• Copy machines and computers turning on/off
• Papers mysteriously printing
• Electronic devices malfunctioning
• Apparitions near exhibits
• Cold spots
• Feelings of being watched

Paranormal Activity Level: Moderate

Visitor Information: The museum is open to visitors and even sells the book “Fremont Haunts,” researched and written by Riverton High School sophomores in 2017, which documents local hauntings.

30. BARTLETTE INN – South Pass City

Still Standing: Yes

History: The Bartlette Inn is the scene of Wyoming’s most prolific serial killings. Polly Bartlett and her father killed at least 22 men who stopped at the inn while traveling west.

The Haunting:

• Polly Bartlett’s aggressive spirit
• The ghosts of the 22+ murder victims
• Sounds of struggle and screaming
• Phantom digging sounds
• Cold spots throughout the inn
• Overwhelming feelings of dread and malevolence
• Apparitions of men in pioneer clothing
• Shadowy figures

Paranormal Activity Level: Extreme

Warning: This location carries extremely dark energy due to its history of serial murder. Not recommended for sensitive individuals.

PLANNING YOUR PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION

Best Times to Visit

October: The peak season for paranormal tourism in Wyoming. Many locations offer special haunted tours, extended hours, and Halloween events.

May-September: Best weather for outdoor ghost town exploration. Many historic sites have extended summer hours.

Winter (November-April): Lower tourist traffic means quieter investigations, but weather can be extreme. Some locations have limited hours or require reservations.

Recommended Gear for Ghost Hunting

Essential Equipment:

• EMF (Electromagnetic Field) detector
• Digital voice recorder for EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena)
• Full-spectrum camera or infrared camera
• Flashlights and backup batteries
• Notebook and pen for documentation
• Warm clothing (Wyoming’s paranormal hotspots can be cold)

Optional Advanced Equipment:

• Spirit box or ghost box
• Thermal imaging camera
• Motion sensors
• K-II meter

Safety Equipment:

• First aid kit
• Cell phone with full charge
• Buddy system—never investigate alone
• Flashlights
• Water and snacks

Safety Considerations

1. Always get permission before investigating private property
2. Never enter abandoned mines – they are deadly hazards
3. Watch for wildlife – Wyoming is home to bears, mountain lions, and other dangerous animals
4. Be aware of weather – Conditions can change rapidly
5. Respect the dead – Do not disturb gravesites or memorials
6. Travel in groups – Especially at night
7. Tell someone your plans – Always let someone know where you’re going

Etiquette for Paranormal Investigation

1. Be respectful – These are real places where real people lived, worked, and died
2. Ask permission – From both property owners and spirits
3. Don’t provoke – Aggressive investigation techniques can be dangerous
4. Leave no trace – Take all equipment and trash with you
5. Verify before sharing – Don’t spread unconfirmed stories or fake evidence
6. Support preservation – Many of these locations survive through tourism and donations

Ghost Tour Companies and Guided Experiences

Cheyenne Ghosts: Offers ghost tours in Cheyenne covering the Atlas Theatre, Plains Hotel, Cheyenne Depot, and more.

Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Frightseeing Tours: October tours covering haunted locations throughout Cheyenne.

Wyoming Frontier Prison Tours: Regular tours and special haunted tours in October. Overnight ghost hunts with paranormal investigation teams.

Haunted Rooms America: Conducts organized ghost hunts at the Wyoming Frontier Prison and other locations.

Various Hotels: Many haunted hotels offer their own ghost tours and overnight paranormal investigation packages.

Recommended Wyoming Ghost Tour Routes

Northern Wyoming Haunted Hotel Tour:

1. Sheridan Inn (Sheridan) – Miss Kate
2. Historic Occidental Hotel (Buffalo) – Emily
3. Irma Hotel (Cody) – Buffalo Bill and Irma

Prison & Justice Tour:

1. Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins) – Most haunted
2. Wyoming Territorial Prison (Laramie) – Julius Greenwelch
3. South Pass City (Near Lander) – Polly Bartlett

Cheyenne Historic District Tour:

1. Historic Plains Hotel – Rosie the Bride
2. Atlas Theatre – The Boys and the Woman
3. Cheyenne Depot – Railroad Spirits
4. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – The Swedish Mason
5. Wyoming Supreme Court Building – Judge Blume

Yellowstone Paranormal Experience:

1. Old Faithful Inn – The Headless Bride
2. Explore the park’s other historic buildings

Ghost Town Adventure:

1. South Pass City – Polly Bartlett
2. Winton – The Following Light
3. Stansbury – Mine Disaster Spirits
4. Point of Rocks Stage Station – Frontier Spirits

UNDERSTANDING WYOMING’S PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

Why Is Wyoming So Haunted?

Wyoming’s exceptionally high paranormal activity can be attributed to several factors:

1. Violent History:

• Wild West gunfights and lawlessness
• Native American conflicts
• Mining disasters
• Harsh frontier justice

2. Tragic Deaths:

• Extreme weather claiming lives
• Mining accidents
• Disease outbreaks (cholera, flu, pneumonia)
• Executions and murders

3. Emotional Energy:

• Desperation of gold rush prospectors
• Fear and suffering in prisons
• Grief of those separated from loved ones
• Injustice (Japanese internment, wrongful deaths)

4. Isolated Locations:

• Remote areas preserve historical energy
• Less urban development means less disruption
• Original buildings and structures still standing

5. Spiritual Significance:

• Native American sacred sites
• Pioneer trails (Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail)
• Sites of significant historical events

Types of Hauntings in Wyoming

Residual Hauntings: Repeated scenes playing like a recording (the Pie Lady execution, the hanging woman at the State Hospital)

Intelligent Hauntings: Spirits that interact with the living (Miss Kate, Judge Blume, the friendly daytime spirit at Heart Mountain)

Poltergeist Activity: Objects moving, lights flickering, electronic disturbances (common at many locations)

Shadow Figures: Dark humanoid shapes seen in peripheral vision (Heart Mountain at night, various prisons)

Crisis Apparitions: Spirits trapped at the moment of traumatic death (the Woman in Beige, Rosie the Bride)

Most Common Paranormal Phenomena

Based on reports from across Wyoming’s haunted locations:

1. Cold spots – Sudden temperature drops
2. Electronic disturbances – Lights flickering, equipment malfunctions
3. Phantom footsteps – Heard in nearly every haunted location
4. Apparitions – Full-bodied or partial manifestations
5. Unexplained sounds – Voices, crying, laughter, music
6. Physical sensations – Being touched, hair pulled, pushed
7. Smells – Cigar smoke (Julius), perfume, smoke, etc.
8. Emotional impressions – Sudden sadness, fear, or anger
9. Objects moving – Doors, books, personal items
10. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) – Voices captured on recordings

RESOURCES FOR PARANORMAL ENTHUSIASTS

Books About Wyoming’s Haunted History

• “Haunted Cheyenne” by Jill Pope
• “Ghosts on the Range: Eerie True Tales of Wyoming” (features Sweetwater County Library)
• “Fremont Haunts” by Riverton High School Sophomores (2017) – Available at Riverton Museum

Websites and Online Resources

• Travel Wyoming (travelwyoming.com) – Official tourism site with haunted locations
• Wyoming State Parks – Information on historic prisons and sites
• US Ghost Adventures – Ghost tour company with Wyoming locations
• Haunted Rooms America – Ghost hunts at Wyoming locations
• Individual location websites – Most haunted sites have official websites with history and tour information

Where to Stay

Many of Wyoming’s haunted hotels welcome overnight guests:

• Sheridan Inn, Sheridan
• Historic Occidental Hotel, Buffalo
• Irma Hotel, Cody
• Historic Plains Hotel, Cheyenne
• Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone (seasonal)

For the ultimate paranormal experience, specifically request haunted rooms (Room 306 at Sheridan Inn, Room 16 at Irma Hotel, etc.)

Museums and Visitor Centers

• Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum (Rawlins) – Tours and exhibits
• Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site (Laramie) – Self-guided and guided tours
• Cheyenne Depot Museum (Cheyenne) – Railroad history
• Heart Mountain Interpretive Center (Near Cody) – WWII internment camp history
• Riverton Museum (Riverton) – Local history and paranormal tales
• South Pass City State Historic Site – Gold rush town preservation

CONCLUSION: WYOMING’S HAUNTED LEGACY

Wyoming’s paranormal activity is more than just ghost stories—it’s a window into the state’s rich, often brutal history. Every haunting tells a story of real people who lived, loved, suffered, and died in this untamed frontier. From Miss Kate’s devoted service at the Sheridan Inn to the tortured souls of the Wyoming Frontier Prison, from the Woman in Beige waiting eternally for her lost love to the victims of Polly Bartlett’s murderous inn, these spirits remind us of Wyoming’s complex past.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious, Wyoming’s haunted locations offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with history in the most visceral way possible. The state’s commitment to historic preservation means many of these sites are accessible, well-maintained, and eager to share their stories—both historical and paranormal.

As you explore Wyoming’s haunted places, remember to approach each location with respect, an open mind, and a healthy dose of caution. The spirits that remain may be echoes of tragedy, manifestations of unfinished business, or simply souls so connected to these places that they chose never to leave.

Wyoming’s ghosts are waiting. Will you answer their call?

QUICK REFERENCE: TOP HAUNTED LOCATIONS BY CATEGORY

Most Haunted Overall:

1. Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins) – EXTREME
2. Wyoming State Hospital (Evanston) – EXTREME
3. Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone) – VERY HIGH

Best for Beginners:

1. Sheridan Inn – Friendly spirit
2. Riverton Museum – Benign activity
3. The Ivy House – Protective presence

Most Accessible:

1. Historic Plains Hotel (Cheyenne)
2. Sheridan Inn (Sheridan)
3. Cheyenne Depot (Cheyenne)

Most Intense/Experienced Investigators Only:

1. Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins)
2. Bartlette Inn (South Pass City)
3. Wyoming State Hospital (Evanston)

Best Overnight Experiences:

1. Sheridan Inn (Room 306)
2. Historic Occidental Hotel
3. Old Faithful Inn (seasonal)

Best Ghost Tours:

1. Wyoming Frontier Prison Tours
2. Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tours
3. Individual hotel ghost tours

Most Historic Significance:

1. Fort Bridger
2. Heart Mountain Relocation Center
3. Wyoming Territorial Prison