Haunted America: Wyoming

In the vast, untamed landscapes of Wyoming, where rugged mountains meet endless skies, there are whispers of things that go bump in the night. From remote inns to storied prisons, tales of ghostly encounters have woven themselves into the history of this hauntingly beautiful state. Wyoming may be known for its breathtaking wilderness and cowboy legends, but it also holds darker secrets in shadowy hallways and silent stairwells, where some say the past is never truly laid to rest.

For those brave enough to seek out the unknown, Wyoming’s most haunted places offer a chilling glimpse into another realm—one where specters of long-lost souls walk unseen, leaving only traces of their presence in flickering lights, phantom whispers, and eerie footsteps in empty corridors. Whether skeptic or believer, these locations dare you to cross the line between history and mystery. So, if you’re ready to explore Wyoming’s ghostly side, read on—but don’t be surprised if you feel a chill creeping up your spine.

The Historic Occidental Hotel, Buffalo

In the heart of Buffalo, Wyoming, the Historic Occidental Hotel stands as a testament to the Old West, its walls echoing tales of cowboys, outlaws, and perhaps, lingering spirits. Established in 1880, this storied establishment has hosted notable figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, and even President Teddy Roosevelt. However, beyond its rich history lies a reputation for the unexplained and the eerie.

One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a young girl named Emily. Legend has it that Emily, the daughter of a woman who worked in the hotel's brothel during the early 1900s, succumbed to cholera within the hotel's walls. Guests and staff have recounted encounters with a childlike presence: the sensation of a small hand tugging at their clothing, the sound of giggles echoing through empty corridors, and fleeting glimpses of a girl in a white dress with long, dark hair. Some have even felt a gentle tap on the shoulder, only to turn and find no one there.

The hotel's saloon, a relic of the wild frontier days, is not without its own spectral tales. Patrons have reported hearing the faint strains of piano music playing late into the night, despite no musician being present. Others have witnessed bar stools moving on their own and felt sudden cold drafts in otherwise warm rooms. The back stairs, once leading to the bordello, are said to echo with the sounds of boots ascending, as if cowboys of yesteryear are still seeking the company of the ladies upstairs.

During renovations in the late 1990s, workers reported unsettling experiences. One contractor claimed to have seen a little girl in a nightdress standing amidst the construction debris. Concerned for her safety, he approached, only for her to vanish before his eyes. Others spoke of tools disappearing, only to reappear in odd places, and the unmistakable sound of spurs jingling on the back stairs.

The hotel's owners and staff acknowledge these tales with a mix of pride and caution. While some believe the spirits are benevolent, merely reliving their fondest memories, others advise guests to be respectful of the hotel's storied past. Whether skeptic or believer, a stay at the Historic Occidental Hotel offers more than just a night's rest—it provides a direct link to the mysteries and legends of the Old West.

For those intrigued by the paranormal, the hotel offers ghost tours, allowing visitors to explore its haunted history firsthand. But be warned: once you step through its doors, you may leave with more than just memories.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison, Rawlins

The Wyoming Frontier Prison, ominously nicknamed “The Old Pen,” looms over the small town of Rawlins, its walls holding the memories of a darker time. Operational from 1901 to 1981, the prison housed some of Wyoming’s most dangerous criminals. It was notorious for its harsh conditions, and today it stands as a chilling reminder of Wyoming’s brutal penal past—one that continues to echo with tales of restless spirits and eerie encounters.

Inmates endured harsh punishments, overcrowding, and near-freezing temperatures in winter. According to accounts from visitors and staff, the prison remains haunted by former inmates who met tragic ends within its walls. The prison’s Death House, which once held the gas chamber, is particularly unsettling. Visitors report feeling a sudden drop in temperature and experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread when near the chamber. Some have even heard whispers and seen shadowy figures moving in and out of the cells, especially in the infamous cell block known as the “hole,” where prisoners were subjected to solitary confinement.

One visitor recounted an experience during a guided tour, where they felt a sharp tap on their shoulder while standing in an empty corridor, only to turn around and find no one there. The eerie sensation of being watched is another common phenomenon, especially in the cell blocks where inmates once awaited their fates.

During a ghost investigation in 2013, the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures team reported unexplained occurrences, including loud banging noises and disembodied voices. The investigation concluded with lead investigator Zak Bagans labeling the prison as one of the most haunted places he had encountered.

Today, the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum offers tours that attract both history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators. For those willing to face its dark past, the prison’s haunting memories and shadowy figures offer a glimpse into a world where time stands still, and some souls never leave.

Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park

Perched in the rugged landscape of Yellowstone National Park, the Old Faithful Inn is celebrated for its rustic beauty, towering stone fireplace, and iconic views of the nearby geyser. Built in 1904, it’s also known for something more chilling: ghostly encounters that have lingered for generations. With its isolated location and historic charm, the inn’s remote halls and creaking floorboards are rumored to be haunted by spirits of visitors who never left.

The most famous specter in residence is a young bride, dressed in white, who reportedly haunts the upper floors. According to legend, the bride was on her honeymoon when she met an untimely death—some say by her husband’s hand, others by a tragic accident. Guests have reported seeing her spectral figure drifting along the hallways in her wedding gown, her face pale and somber. A park ranger recalled a chilling encounter during a routine patrol, when he saw a woman in white silently gliding through a closed door. Other guests have spoken of icy chills and whispers that seem to come from nowhere, heightening the inn's mysterious allure.

One particularly eerie incident involved a guest who claimed to be jolted awake by the feeling of someone sitting on the edge of the bed. Startled, they opened their eyes, only to see a translucent figure in white hovering nearby. In the dining room, some visitors report hearing faint music and the sound of laughter from bygone eras, as if the inn’s storied past is reliving itself.

This haunting history has made the Old Faithful Inn a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers who wish to experience Yellowstone’s paranormal side. Visitors are warned, however: this ghostly bride might just follow you back to your room.

The Irma Hotel, Cody

Founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody in 1902, the Irma Hotel stands as a piece of living history, with its grand Victorian décor and timeless charm. Named after Buffalo Bill’s daughter, Irma, the hotel quickly became a beloved stop for travelers in the Wild West, hosting everything from cowboys to politicians. But beneath its lively past lies an undercurrent of paranormal mystery that many visitors and staff have come to witness firsthand.

The most famous apparition reported in the Irma is that of a woman thought to be Buffalo Bill’s niece. Described as a figure in old-fashioned clothing, she’s seen in various parts of the hotel, especially near the grand bar and the second floor, where she’s known to appear in the mirror, only to vanish when guests turn around. A hotel guest recounted seeing her one evening in a dimly lit hallway, feeling a chill as the figure passed silently by. She turned to speak, but the figure had disappeared, leaving only a faint scent of rose perfume lingering in the air.

The Irma’s famous cherrywood bar, gifted by Queen Victoria, is also said to harbor supernatural activity. Staff have reported hearing glasses clinking, chairs moving, and even the sound of piano music late at night, long after guests have gone to bed. One bartender spoke of a glass that mysteriously shattered on the counter, as if thrown by an invisible hand.

Guests frequently report feeling sudden drops in temperature and hearing footsteps in empty hallways. Some even claim that the spirit of Buffalo Bill himself may roam the premises, checking on his beloved Irma. The hotel embraces these ghostly legends, offering ghost tours that delve into the eerie tales and odd occurrences that have kept guests intrigued for over a century.

Knight Hall, University of Wyoming, Laramie

On the University of Wyoming campus, Knight Hall stands as a seemingly ordinary building, but those who know its history tell of a more spectral side. Originally constructed in 1940, Knight Hall has served various roles on campus, but it’s most famous for its resident ghostly tales, whispered among students and faculty alike. Darkened hallways, empty offices, and hushed study rooms offer the perfect setting for eerie encounters that leave students glancing over their shoulders.

The most enduring legend is that of a former student who met a tragic end within Knight Hall’s walls. Those who have felt a ghostly presence in the building speak of sudden chills and the unmistakable sensation of being watched. One night custodian reported hearing footsteps echoing in an empty hallway, only to find the corridor deserted. Another student claimed they saw a shadowy figure lingering in the stairwell late one evening, but when they tried to follow, it disappeared, leaving only an unsettling silence.

Other unexplained phenomena include lights flickering on and off, doors creaking open by themselves, and the inexplicable sound of sobbing that seems to emanate from nowhere. Students studying late at night in Knight Hall’s quiet corners report hearing faint whispers as if someone—or something—is trying to speak to them from beyond.

For many, these tales add a touch of intrigue to the otherwise quiet campus. While some students dismiss the stories as pranks or tricks of the mind, others swear by the hauntings and refuse to study alone in Knight Hall after dark.

These haunted locations across Wyoming offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s eerie past, each story carrying an unsettling mystery. From the restless spirits of old prisoners and brides lost in time to haunted university halls, these places capture the imagination and raise questions about what might linger beyond.

While skeptics may argue that these tales are simply born from overactive imaginations or the natural creaks and drafts of old buildings, others remain convinced there’s something supernatural afoot. Whether these apparitions are figments or phantoms, Wyoming’s haunted sites invite visitors to decide for themselves, perhaps leaving with more than just a shiver. The true nature of these hauntings may remain a mystery, but each tale undeniably keeps the spirit of the past very much alive.