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While visiting Billings around October, you'll find that Halloween is not confined to a single day. Instead, the spooky season stretches out over several days—even weeks.
If you love this time of year as much as the residents do, you're sure to find something to delight you here. Whether you want to try your hand at a new Halloween recipe, take a ghost tour, or get your glow on during a pub crawl, the town of Billings has you covered. There are even family-friendly events available for those of you who are traveling with young ones.
To help you get started, let's take a closer look at the best haunted places in Billings, MT!
Moss Mansion Museum
Fans of the supernatural are often aware that spirits tend to linger in the places where they felt most at home during their living years. For the members of the Moss family, that would be this mansion.
This imposing structure was the Moss family home for more than 80 years—indeed, it was a private residence for the entire time. Several family members died within its walls, including Virginia, the youngest of the Moss children, at the tender age of 6.
During your tour of the mansion, keep an eye out for the ghost of little Virginia, as she's been known to make appearances from time to time. The caretakers keep many of the deceased's personal items on display in the hope that this will entice the spirits to return more often.
Dude Rancher Lodge
There are more thrills to be found at the Dude Rancher Lodge, a lovely structure conveniently located in downtown Billings.
The building dates back to 1950 when it was built using bricks that had been salvaged from the old St. Vincent's Hospital, the Washington School, and the Russell Refinery. Annabel and Percival Goan were responsible for the construction and operation of the hotel until Percival's untimely death in 1962.
Though Annabel was moved to a nursing home before she passed away in 1983, rumor is that her spirit lingers at the Dude Rancher Hotel. Since her death, staff members and guests have reported peculiar phenomena at the hotel. These happenings range from lights and televisions turning on by themselves to the sound of phantom feet running up and down the hall.
If you want to experience these phenomena firsthand, request a stay in rooms 223, 224, or 226. Reportedly, the latter sees the most paranormal activity—perhaps because it's where Annabel's grandson lived when he took over the hotel operation following his grandmother's death.
Western Heritage Center
Designed in 1900 by architect Charles S. Haire, the Western Heritage Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. Even if it weren't a must-see destination for ghost hunters, it would still be worth a visit because of its beauty and grandeur.
The place is rich with haunted history, as numerous apparitions have been spotted within its walls. The ghost of a child named Priscilla leaves footprints behind in the attic. Another apparition, this one of an elderly man, occasionally appears by the fireplace. A woman roams the first floor, perhaps the specter of a former head librarian (or Mrs. Frederick Billings herself?).
These appearances are so notorious that the Montana Paranormal Research Society launched an investigation here in 2012. You can find out for yourself whether the Western Heritage Center is truly haunted by visiting the building, which is located on Montana Avenue. Visiting hours last from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. A small admission fee applies.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know where to find the best haunted places in Billings, MT, your trip will surely be an unforgettable spooktacular experience. If you will stay with us at the Dude Rancher Lodge, check out our rooms and amenities.
