Wyoming, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vast wilderness, also boasts a captivating history steeped in the paranormal. From haunted ranches to abandoned ghost towns, the state offers a unique opportunity to delve into its eerie past. Here are three locations that beckon travelers seeking a glimpse into Wyoming’s ghostly side:
The TA Ranch:
Steeped in history and ghostly lore, the TA Ranch is one of Wyoming’s most haunted landmarks. This historic ranch witnessed the infamous Siege of the TA Ranch, a pivotal event during the Johnson County War in 1892. The ranch, designated as a Smithsonian Institute National Historic Landmark, is a site of intense historical and paranormal activity. Visitors can take guided tours, encountering live reenactors who bring the notorious characters – still said to haunt the property – to life.Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel:
Opened in 1902 by the legendary Buffalo Bill, the Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming, bears the name of his beloved daughter. While the hotel’s history is rich and charming, it’s also rumored to be haunted. Room 35, known as the Paul Stock room, is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests have reported disembodied voices, mysteriously turning bathroom taps, and personal items disappearing overnight. Paranormal investigators have ventured into the hotel’s depths, hoping to uncover its mysteries. Down the hall, in Room 16, the apparition of Irma Cody Garlow herself has been spotted, rocking peacefully in a chair. Irma passed away at the age of 35, just days after her husband, Fred Garlow, succumbed to pneumonia. Employees have also reported seeing Buffalo Bill’s spirit roaming the hallways or hearing the jangle of spurs in the bar after closing time. The Irma Hotel, with its rich history and intriguing paranormal activity, invites visitors to experience the whispers of the past.Kirwin, Wyoming:
Nestled along the Wood River near Meeteetse, Kirwin is a captivating ghost town now situated on U.S. Forest Service land. In the 1890s, during the gold and silver rush, Kirwin flourished, boasting a population of around 200 residents and 38 buildings. Tragedy struck in 1907 when a devastating snowstorm triggered an avalanche, claiming lives and marking the beginning of the town’s decline. By the 1930s, the area transformed into the Double Dee Guest Ranch, attracting notable visitors like Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam. While constructing a cabin for Earhart in Kirwin, she mysteriously disappeared during her 1937 around-the-world flight, leaving the cabin unfinished. To explore the remnants of this haunting abandoned town, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential. Visitors can book private tours or rent an ATV for an off-road adventure. The journey leads to the remains of Earhart’s cabin, located about a mile from Kirwin, and to wander through old log structures, an old hotel, and remnants of mining equipment. Kirwin stands as a fascinating ghost town of the West, offering a glimpse into its once vibrant past.For those seeking a thrilling and spooky adventure, Wyoming’s haunted ranches, historic hotels, and abandoned ghost towns offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
