THERE ARE MORE THINGS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH, HORATIO, THAN ARE DREAMT OF IN YOUR PHILOSOPHY
Here on the blog, there are a variety of opinions about ghosts and the like. More opinions than there are writers, in fact, because my skepticism/belief in ghosts has a good deal to do with how dark the night is and how creepily the wind is blowing.
Whatever you believe about ghosts, there’s no denying that Southwest Montana has its fair share of stories of the dead-but-not-yet-departed. The tales of these ghostly denizens range from the tragic and terrifying to the touching and sweet.
Whether you’re the sort of person who thrills in experiencing the spectral or prefers to loudly (if unconvincingly) declare that you are don’t believe in superstitious nonsense, you’ll want to check out the sites and stories below.
One of the more tragic stories on this list is that of Dorothy Dunn, who lingers around the Hotel Meade in Bannack. Sixteen-year old Dunn drowned in a nearby dredge pond in 1916. Not long after, he closest friend saw an apparition in the Meade garbed in Dorothy’s distinctive blue dress.
From the specific to the uncertain, we head towards the Grant-Kohrs Ranch. A family ranch from 1859 to the 1970s, multiple generations lived and worked on the land before the National Parks Service took up stewardship in the 1970s. It’s not clear who exactly might be haunting the ranch or why, but workers and visitors report unexpected smells, the sounds of conversation when no one is around, doors opened that had been locked, and more…
The beautiful stained glass window in Helena’s Grandstreet Theater is the site of a peculiar type of haunting. The window of the former church was commissioned as a memorial to Clara Bicknell Hodgin, the minister’s wife who died in 1905. Although she only lived in Helena for a few years, Clara was a force of comfort and joy to many–especially children–in the community. Today actors and patrons frequently comment on the haunting presence of the window.
In the words of my boss, the Dumas Hotel in Butte is “super haunted, that place is terrifying.” The famous Dumas was a brothel from 1890 until 1982 and was the entrance to the notorious Venus Alley–Butte’s crime-ridden red light district. As a site of crime, suffering, and desperation, any visit to the Dumas carries with it a sense of weight. But over the years–both before and after the brothel closed–visitors also frequently report seeing the apparition of a woman descending the stairs.
As a gold rush town, Virginia City has its share of gristly tales and hauntings. But, one story stands out to me because it is something quite different. Visitors regularly report seeing a black-robed figure walking the streets of town, and guests at the Bonanza Inn encounter unexplained noises and ‘cloying’ smells. This might not be as terrifying as it first sounds. The Bonanza used to the hospital of the Sisters of Charity. Ellen Baumler, one of Montana’s premier public historians and ghost aficionado thinks the figure is probably Sister Irene, a nun beloved of the community who was one of the most active in looking after the welfare of the town’s residents. There is something comforting in thinking that the good sister is still making her rounds.
If you visit any of the places on the list, let us know what you felt, unless, like Scrooge from A Christmas Carol, you prefer to distrust your senses because “a little thing affects them. A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheats.” And shout to the spirits “You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. There’s more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!”
FALL IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA | EVENTS
We had an amazing summer in Southwest Montana: lovely weather, memorable events, and best of all – NO smoke! As you can imagine, it’s a little difficult to consider giving up such an incredible season … but, I suppose if something were to entice me to move on it would be pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather, and haunted encounters!
It’s time to dive into fall, and trust us we will be diving head first 🙂 As we start considering fall in Southwest Montana, our bucket list contains things like: a soak in our natural hot springs, a few hikes, a fishing trip in the Ruby or Madison Valleys, a fall road trip, and of course a ridiculous number of haunted events!
Here’s a quick hit list of Southwest Montana’s Haunted Encounters this year!
BUTTE’S HAUNTED TROLLEY | SPOOKS AND SPIRITS
Explore what goes “bump in the night” with this interactive tour of Butte’s verified hauntings. Learn about the murderers and murdered of the Mining City. This year, the tours are available for $50/ticket. These tours always sell out, make sure to get your tickets soon! Reservations for 2023 can be made here.
HAUNTED HELENA TOUR: GHOST GULCH | MONTANA HISTORY FOUNDATION
The Montana History Foundation has created a 2 hour PG-13 tour of Downtown Helena. The tour will include a journey through time as you peddle the Bert & Ernie’s Pub Trolley by the Myrna Loy, Cathedral of St. Helena, Grand Street Theatre, Reeder’s Alley and more! 2023 Reservations are Currently Sold Out.
WHITEHALL’S SCREAMS COME TRUE
Whitehall will be hosting a two weekend Halloween event that Travel Pulse Magazine ranked Montana’s Number One Haunted House! Join us October 19-21st, 26-28th, and 31st – this haunted house is sure to be worth the scare. The haunted house, hay maze and escape rooms will be hosted at the Whitehall community center.
BOULDER’S BIG ROCK FRIGHT NIGHT
In collaboration with Whitehall, Boulder will also be offering a two weekend Halloween event, taking place the 20-21st and 27-28th from 6-9pm. The entrance fee is $5. Join in the Halloween fun with activities for kids of all ages from the Fright Barn to the Great Pumpkin Party. They’ll also feature the Haunted Hoof Carousel, and the Sleep Hallows Haven!
EXPLORATIONWORKS! NIGHTMARE AFFAIR
Join us for the 16th Annual Nightmare Affair! This is the largest fundraiser for ExplorationWorks! of Helena. This year’s event will be hosted at the Great Northern Best Western Hotel on October 28, 2023 from 6-9pm. The night will include a silent and live auction, live music, a delicious dinner, wine, and science themed cocktails! Tickets go on Sale September 28th and can be purchased here.
OLD PRISON HAUNTED HOUSE
The Old Prison Museum in Deer Lodge is once again putting on the annual Haunted House! It’s an interactive haunted house, held on October 20-21st and 27-28th from 6pm to midnight, that you won’t want to miss. $10 admission fee for kids and $20 for adults.
BANNACK GHOST WALKS
Our annual Ghost Walks will be held on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. Two shows nightly at 7 and 9 pm. We take groups of 100 through the town at each show to see our “ghosts” reenact the events of Bannack’s past. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 12 and under. Call the park to make reservations, each show has a limit for attendees so make sure to reserve in advance! Remember to dress for the weather – it is usually quite chilly. Call the park (406-834-3413) for more information or visit the facebook page.
If you aren’t as excited about the haunted encounters, there is no reason not to enjoy fall on a tamer level!
FALL FESTIVALS
There are an array of Fall Festivals taking place across Southwest Montana, there is sure to be one to pique your interest!
INTRODUCING TANA – THE SOUTHWEST MONTANA ELF ON THE SHELF
Elf on the Shelf is a beloved tradition by many. At the beginning of December 2021, we found that Santa had sent one of his scout elves to Southwest Montana! We’ve received notice from the big man himself that Tana is on her way back to Southwest Montana – making her debut December 1, 2023! While we know she will be reporting back to the North Pole, we are having a great time sharing her many adventures from around the region!
When this cute little elf first started plotting her travels through Montana, we figured she probably needed a name. After a lively debate, we were stuck between Gem (for the precious stones found in the region), Tana (short for Montana), Jeanette (after Jeanette Rankin the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress) and Ginny (in honor of Montana’s second territorial capital, Virginia City). With a little help from our followers, we landed on the name Tana for our mischievous little scout elf.
As part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, children wake up each morning and rush to find their loyal scout elf somewhere in the house and discover what mischief they have gotten themselves into overnight. I don’t have to tell you, but it’s HARD to find such a small elf when you have 21,097 square miles to search! You can bet we’ve put more than a few miles in looking for Tana.
If we’ve learned anything thus far, it’s that Tana loves traveling and wants to explore as many Southwest Montana communities as possible before she returns to the North Pole.
In years past, Tana has explored quite a bit of Southwest Montana … even doing a little shopping on her travels. While in Southwest Montana, Tana has:
- gone shopping at the Patagonia Outlet and along the Helena Walking Mall
- taken a break at some of our micro-breweries
- immersed herself in the history of the region
- admired the artwork in our many galleries and museums
- made sure she was fully caffeinated at a coffee shop or two
- and even hit the trails at Thompson Park
While Tana has already covered a lot of ground, there are still plenty of adventures for her to have in Southwest Montana! Scroll through some of the places Tana has already explored!
Here’s to the Adventures of the Holiday Season and the New Year!
MADE IN MONTANA GIFT GUIDE | SOUTHWEST MONTANA
If you are anything like me, your gifting gets done at the absolute last minute as you struggle to find the perfect gift for each and every person on your list, hopefully this gift guide for Made in Montana products will make that process a little easier!
There are of course those on the list that tell you exactly what they are looking for … if only everyone was that easy! On the other hand, there is something so special about picking out that perfect gift for a loved one and seeing their face light up as they unwrap something they weren’t expecting. As I mentioned in the Baking with Wheat Montana post, there is pride to be found in shopping local and when possible taking that one step further to purchase Made in Montana products. Luckily for us, there is an extensive list of these products as well as local gift shops that can be found throughout Southwest Montana which offer the perfect gifts!
Most of these shops offer online ordering options, so don’t worry if you are not able to make it into the store! You’ll find everything from Montana designs and clothing to candles and pottery. You’ll even find some jerky, craft spirits and candy on the list!
WHERE TO SHOP FOR MONTANA MADE GIFTS
ENNIS MERCANTILE – ENNIS
The Ennis Mercantile represents a collective of artists and designers that are based in Montana’s beautiful Big Sky Country. The products offered for sale rang from one of a kind art to everyday items like soaps and shirts. Stop by the mercantile to see what incredible items are available!
MONTANA MADE & THE LILLIEPAD BOUTIQUE – DEER LODGE
Located on Main Street in Deer Lodge, you will find the Montana Made & Lilliepad Boutique. This charming store has something for everyone and is an absolutely perfect place to find a wide variety of gifts (Christmas and otherwise). The store provides a welcoming atmosphere and is registered with Made in Montana, Grown in Montana, and Native American Made in Montana. Stop by their store front or browse their online shop!
LATIGO & LACE – AUGUSTA
Latigo & Lace offers everything you would expect from a boutique and in the unexpected location of Augusta, Montana (which has some of the most incredible scenic vistas). Latigo & Lace offers visitors a coffee shop while serving as a gallery to support local and regional artists. If that wasn’t enough, you will also find books, jewelry, clothing and more!
WILD CHILD COLLECTIVE – HELENA
If you have a number of people left on your list, spanning the age ranges, this is the place for you! Wild Child Collective is located in downtown Helena and they have everything you are looking for! Gifts for children and adults, even some perfect stocking stuffers!
406 MT MERCANTILE – LINCOLN
All local, all Montana products. Come check out local artists, MT made jewelry, MT shirts and hats, pottery and best of all HUCKLEBERRY products!
BIRDS & BEASLEYS – HELENA
Birds & Beasleys is a true Montana shop. As you peruse the store, you’ll find Montana-made art and gift shop and wild bird care supplies. Browse their carefully curated collection of paintings, pottery, gifts, and toys.
LESLIE’S MONTANA SHOP – HELENA
Leslie’s Hallmark has locations in Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman and Billings. If you ask a local where to find Montana Made products, it is more than likely that they will rattle off Leslie’s in their list of go-to destinations. Leslie’s offers a diverse catalog of products and is sure to have something for everyone on your list.
HI-COUNTRY TRADING POST – LINCOLN
Hi-Country Trading Post is known for their beef jerky and wild game seasonings, but their shop is so much more! Featuring Made in Montana items, including huckleberry products, homemade fudge, pet treats, gift boxes, they have you covered!
MEADOWLARK MOOSE – PHILIPSBURG
Meadowlark Moose, like so many of these stores, at the surface may seem like an eclectic collection of items. But this store is full of heart, and if you take a minute to soak in what may only seem like differences, you’ll find that each of the products available for sale are tied together as the product of local artists and Montana Made products! This store offers some of the best and most unique finds!
BUTTE STUFF – BUTTE
Located beside the Miner’s Boutique Hotel on Park Street, Butte Stuff focuses its store on items that highlight Butte’s colorful history. They have expanded to include Montana made jewelry, hats, & apparel from local craftsmen and artists, and continue offering custom gifts!
5518 DESIGNS – BUTTE
Located at 27 N. Main Street, 5518 is a unique shop you won’t want to miss. Their retail shop offers an array of outdoor and recreation inspired graphics and prints, clothing, gifts, and even some of the leading outdoor recreation brands.
SAGE & OATS TRADING POST – HELENA
Their tagline is “Let’s be Different Together” and the carefully curated shelves of Sage & Oats help tell that story. The gift shop offers handmade gifts from Montana’s Native American/tribal communities, features Made in Montana Artists and stocks quality gifts from the Northern Isles, Scandinavian, Asian and European countries.
The Tiny Town In Montana With A Terribly Creepy Past
Nothing overtly tragic has ever occurred in the tiny community of Saint Marie, Montana (sometimes spelled St. Marie). But if you’ve ever passed through this abandoned town in Montana, you’ve got to admit: the area is totally creepy. Perhaps it’s because of its current abandoned status, or maybe it’s because of the recent attempted takeover by an anti-government group. For whatever reason, there’s something eerie about Saint Marie, Montana.
