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Western Montana Ghost Tours and Spooky Experiences

Western Montana, with its vast landscapes and storied past, has a shadowy side just waiting to be explored. From spine-tingling tours, haunted mansions and desolate ghost towns to terrifying corn mazes, Glacier Country beckons the brave to uncover its eerie mysteries. Dive deep into this blog to discover the spookiest experiences waiting for you this Halloween season.

No. 1 Missoula Haunted House

Dare to explore the Missoula Haunted House at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Brace yourself for a spine-chilling encounter as zombies, ghouls and ghosts come alive. This 30-minute activity is so popular there’s likely a line to get in, but don’t worry, it’s worth the wait and promises a hauntingly delightful time for thrill seekers.

No. 2 Ghost Tours at the Conrad Mansion

Kalispell’s historic Conrad Mansion opens the doors and invites guests to walk their candle-lit corridors, sharing tales of the Conrad family’s eerie encounters and mysterious mansion events. Secure your spot swiftly—these sought-after tickets vanish in the blink of an eye.

No. 3 Field of Screams

Step into Victor’s Field of Screams , a local favorite in its 24th spooky season. By day, this 10-acre corn maze offers family fun with slides and hay bale adventures. But as night falls, brace for a haunting journey through foggy swamps, eerie graveyards and scary-clown-packed play areas—and keep an eye out for the infamous chainsaw-wielding phantom that emerges every Halloween. Not for the faint of heart!

No. 4 Unseen Missoula: Screams & Spirits

Embark on a chilling journey—only figuratively if you plan ahead and wear warm clothes—with Unseen Missoula as they guide you on a 90-minute walking tour, unveiling the city’s haunted history. Hear tales of spectral sightings and eerie enigmas that remain shrouded in mystery.

No. 5 Halloweentime at Clydesdale Outpost

Find one of our newest spooky attractions just outside Whitefish at the Clydesdale Outpost . Enjoy live tunes, don your best disguise for the nightly costume contest, wander the pumpkin patch, and try your luck at carnival games. Hop on a hayride, or time your visit to witness an acrobatic aerial show. This year’s theme is Cowboys versus Zombies.

No. 6 Murder Mystery at the Daly Mansion

Unravel secrets and find clues in Hamilton, where the Daly Mansion and Hamilton Players unite to stage a Murder Mystery Dinner . Each year a new theme is unveiled, beckoning dinner guests to adorn themed outfits and immerse themselves in an interactive murder mystery while enjoying a three-course meal.

No. 7 Garnet Ghost Town

Venture into the eerily silent streets of Garnet Ghost Town . During the late 1850s, prospectors struck gold in Montana, but when the gold disappeared, so did the people, turning this wild and roaring mining camp into a well-preserved historic ghost town. Once teeming with nearly 1,000 souls, the ghostly echoes of Garnet now resonate amid 30 historic remnants—from cabins to a saloon and remnants of a hotel.

No. 8 Fritz Corn Maze

Navigate Fritz Corn Maze in Kalispell, keeping an eye out for lurking zombies, menacing gorillas and the occasional chainsaw enthusiast, and venture into the haunted barn if you dare. By daylight, the ambiance softens, offering families a delightful bale maze, cow train ride, corn maze and fun scavenger hunt.

Haunted Locations

Delve deep into Western Montana’s storied past, where tales of unexplained phenomena and ghostly encounters linger. A few of our haunted locations include the Belton Chalet (among other historic Glacier National Park lodges), University of Montana Theater, The Oxford Saloon in Missoula, Opera House Theatre in Philipsburg, Kalispell’s Grand Hotel and Museum at Central School, and the Remington Bar in Whitefish.

Please note:  We ask that all our visitors and residents  Recreate Responsibly  by being mindful of the following: practice physical distancing; know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.

October 9, 2023

Related: Events , Fall Fun , Garnet Ghost Town , Guided Tours , Hamilton , Kalispell , Missoula , Montana , Museums , Victor , Whitefish

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Unseen Missoula: Screams & Spirits

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Enjoy a chilling exploration into Missoula’s haunted history, featuring dozens of ghostly encounters and inexplicable tales. This walking tour starts in front of The Roxy Theater and takes approximately 90 minutes. As this is a Halloween tour, it’s recommended to dress warmly for the cool evening weather (costumes are optional but always welcome!), with comfortable walking shoes as this tour covers about two miles. Join us for some frights on this limited-time-only tour… if you dare!

COVID-19 Precautions:

Your safety is our priority. We are committed to continuously monitoring  Missoula County’s COVID-19 Community Level  and will respond according to the  CDC’s list of individual and community recommendations  for each level. At all levels, people can choose to wear a mask according to their personal preference and level of risk. People who show symptoms, who test positive for COVID-19, or who have been exposed to the virus should reschedule their tour. 

THERE ARE NO HARD TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT.

Please keep your confirmation email and bring your order ID, ticket number and ID to check-in.

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Tour the Ghost Towns of Montana this Fall

At one time the mountains of Montana were filled with silver and gold, and the abandoned mines left behind a wealth of ghost towns. The boom and bust cycle gave rise to quickly constructed mining towns that were deserted when the riches dried up. Now these haunted and historic towns, in beautiful mountainous location, make great day trips from Missoula. Close to these excursions, great outdoor activities and Missoula’s lively nightlife find the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Our generous, elegant suites offer wonderful valley views on our private grounds. Guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast, and a sweeping vista from our mountainside location. Reserve your fall getaway to Missoula and explore the mysterious ghost towns of Montana. 

5 Ghost Towns Near Missoula

The empty, remains of Montana’s historic mining towns are now attractions in beautiful mountains and state parks. Take a scenic drive out to these fascinating locations. Learn about the history of mining, the communities built around them and maybe hear a few haunted tales. Here are 5 ghost towns to visit near Missoula:

• Garnet Ghost Town  – Deep in the Garnet Mountain Range find the most intact ghost town in Montana. Just 30 miles east of Missoula this old gold mining town still has several well maintained buildings. Established in the late 1800’s, it was a thriving town until World War I. Now a reminder of the hope and hard work of a miner’s life.  
• Coloma Ghost Town – Also located in the Garnet Mountain Range, just a few miles from the Garnet ghost town, this town is a true mystery. Very little is known about this mining camp and the University of Montana Anthropology Department has been working to discover more information. There are still mining shafts, ventilation systems, and pumping machines remaining at the site. 
• Anaconda – This cable mine unearthed the world’s largest gold nugget, that sold for $19,000 in the late 1800’s. The remaining cabins, barn, and boarding house were built in the 1800’s and the town remained active until 1940. Unfortunately the buildings are unsafe and can only be viewed from the outside. 
• Granite Ghost Town  – Drive carefully up the winding, steep climb to this abandoned silver mine that was built in the 1800’s. Once the richest silver mine on the earth, it yielded a bonanza worth $40,000,000. The remaining Superintendent’s house and miners’ Union Hall are preserved and included in the Historic American Buildings Survey. 
• Bannack State Park – On a longer day trip through the Bitterroot Valley to Big Hole Valley discover the best of the best Montana ghost town. Founded in 1862, this gold mining town was active from the 1860’s to the 1930’s. Now visitors can explore the 60 standing structures. 

Montana Adventure Shuttle takes care of all the planning and driving on their Ghost Town Tours. They offer full-day and half-day excursions to Garnet, Granite, and Bannack Ghost Towns. Then return to your peaceful retreat at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy a night out at an excellent Missoula restaurant and top the evening off watching the sunset over the Bitterroot River from our multi-level deck. Book a romantic vacation this fall to Missoula.

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The beautiful Garnet Mountains have a wealth of beauty to share with you.

A thousand years ago these mountains sat between two rivers, the Clark Fork and the Black Foot Rivers. They were used primarily by the Native Americans to hunt and gather berries. There are no indications that camps or villages were in existence in the Garnet Mountains.

We have listed a variety of things for you to see and do while visiting us. The first area is right here in Garnet. Take one of our trails, and they all leave from the Garnet Parking Lot.

Warren Park Trail

Edward Brook Warren built a cabin about a mile and a half from Garnet. Not far from this home, overlooking the Blackfoot River Valley, he worked a small underground mine. Few people ever visited or came his way, so he built a park. He built long picnic tables, benches around a tree trunk, swings made out of narrow poles instead of rope, even a glider. Mr. Warren built a well-engineered trail that led the way, which included a mountain spring surrounded by Lady Slippers.

Today you can still travel this trail ending at Warren Park. You will cross a bridge passing the spring as well as the remains of his cabin. Sit a spell, eat your sack lunch, and enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding mountains. Here you can imagine and wonder what it was like one hundred years ago. Residents of Garnet would regularly come here for rest, relaxation and family picnics.

The trail leaves from the main parking lot and passes through open areas, thick trees, and the ups and downs of any mountain trail. Although not for the faint heart, it is a good hike with beautiful scenery. Bring your water bottle and a camera. You will be glad you did. (Please allow two to three hours for the round trip)

Sierra Mine Loop Trail

Pick up your Self-Guided Interpretive Trail brochure at the Visitors Center. Leave from the parking lot, cross the road and follow the signs. It explores two different mining operations from the era-the Sierra Claim and the Forest Lode Claim. They were some of the earliest claims in Garnet, dating to 1872 and 1884. Numbered sign posts along the trail correspond to the numbers in the brochure.

As you follow the trail back to the parking lot, think about the scene here more than a hundred years ago.

Tired, dirty men moving tons of rock. The sounds of dynamite blasts and groaning machinery. Snow and freezing cold eight months a year. A simple existence focused on working, eating, and a little bit of rest.

Placer Trail

Coming from the name of Placer Mining, which is the first gold mining work which started in the steams, as they needed the water to wash the dirt out of their mining pans and leaving the gold behind.

As you walk along the Sierra Mine Loop Trail, there comes a split, where you can turn left to go back to the parking lot or turn right and continue on the Placer Trail.

The trail winds around the mountain side, crossing over bridges, going past private property, old cabins, and ending up at the Visitor Center. Another, beautiful walk that takes about an hour to accomplish, but along the way you can see deer in their natural habitat, listen to the birds and enjoy the peacefulness of where you are, maybe hold someone’s hand, or just plain smile.

This is a day event held in June which BLM and GPA host for the public. Please call the BLM office at (406)329-3914 for details. Add or follow us on Facebook for updates.

Garnet Appreciation Day

The third Saturday of the month of June is always reserved for “Garnet Appreciation Day”

Be our guest and enjoy your day with us, up the mountain, as we celebrate what Garnet is all about. A tribute to all those people who lived, worked, and panned for gold up here in the Garnet Mountains. A rich history filled with families, carving out a life far from civilization, for all of them.

Today we ride up the mountain in vehicles to visit Garnet, where 120 years ago they used buggies, horses, mules and wagons to climb these steep mountain roads. These mountains hold many stories of adventure, hard work, young people, new marriages, gold fever and we share it all with you.

Come and tour our buildings, listen to live music, try gold panning, sample Huckleberry ice cream, eat lunch (hamburgers and hot dogs are available to purchase), participate in kids games (sack races, egg toss, watermelon eating contest) a pie auction, hats and shirts for sale, speakers, and much, much more.

A fun day for all ages!

Although there are no publicly owned campgrounds in this part of the Garnet Range you are allowed to camp for up to 14 days on “Public Land” (unless otherwise designated). No camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of Garnet. You can obtain a map of the location of Public Land around Garnet Ghost Town for $4 from the BLM, Missoula Field Office (address at bottom of page).

Elk Creek, just two miles from north-east of Garnet Ghost Town contains populations of Brook, Cut-throat, and Rainbow Trout. Near by, Elk Creek empties into the Blackfoot River, popularized for its excellent fishing in the book “A River Runs Through It”. Information on Montana fishing rules and regulations can be acquired from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Just ten miles from Garnet Ghost Town the 11,580 acre Wales Creek Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an excellent place to hike. This area is characterized by rather steep timbered drainages ranging in elevation from 4,680 to nearly 7,000 feet. You can obtain more information regarding the Wales Creek WSA from the BLM, Missoula field Office (address at bottom of page).

The Garnet Range is home to several species of game including: Elk, Moose, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer and Grouse. You can obtain more information on Montana hunting rules and regulations at Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Mountain Biking

The BLM has designated over 30 miles of back country roads and trails for mountain bike use in the Garnet Range. These seldom traveled roads and trails wind through timbered slopes and climb to elevations of 7,000 feet. You can obtain the Garnet Mountain Bike Trail Map from the BLM, Missoula Field Office (address at bottom of page).

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Riding

The BLM ha designated over 30 miles of back country roads and trails for OHV use in the Garnet Range. You can obtain the Garnet OHV Trails Guide from the BLM, Missoula Field Office (address at bottom of page).

Snowmobiling/Cross Country Ski

The BLM has developed over 110 miles of trails for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in the Garnet Range. The trails offer a variety of riding conditions, climb to 7,000 feet and offer spectacular views. Trail conditions vary greatly in the Garnet area. Some trails are never groomed either because of continual drifting or provide more of a challenge for experienced riders. Most trails however, are regularly groomed. You can obtain a Garnet winter recreation Trails map from the BLM, Missoula Field Office (address at bottom of page).

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Montana’s Scenic Ghost Town Byway

The Ghost Town Byway is a 26-mile scenic drive across Montana’s Garnet Range, about 35 miles east of Missoula and makes for a great one-day outing. It travels through an area once bustling with mining activity from the last quarter of the 19th century. Towns, like Coloma, Reynolds City, Top O’Deep, Garnet Yreka, and Beartown, roared with blasts of dynamite and saloon pianos. While Nature is quick to reclaim the abandoned efforts of men when the gold and the silver played out, much remains to be seen along this route, and the scenery is stunning. As the sign just off Highway 200 proclaims: “Ghost Town Byway – Discoveries Worth Their Weight In Gold!”

The preferred route is south from Highway 200, as this is the wider, better-maintained portion. After about 5 miles, the first point of interest is the Sand Park Cemetery. There are only five marked graves here now, presumably of miners from Coloma, but there are many more unmarked ones, as well. Little is known of the lives of these miners other than they probably died far from home and loved ones in their quest for riches.

A short drive off the main road, just past the cemetery, a road to the left leads quickly to the ghost town of Coloma. It is often called the “Mystery Camp,” as little is known about it, either. Also, little is left standing intact, but still interesting to explore the more than 20 structures here and try to imagine life here 130 years ago.

The main site is on a slope that overlooks the Blackfoot River Valley and the Swan Range and Scapegoat Mountains beyond. The miners who worked these claims probably had gold fever so bad they didn’t realize the real treasure there was the million-dollar view!

A few miles further up the road is a scenic overlook complete with picnic table. From this crest, the sweeping views of the Blackfoot River Valley are even grander. From here, one can see the Scapegoat mountains, Swan Range, Mission Mountains, and the Rattlesnake above Missoula. This is an excellent viewpoint for a sunrise!

From here, the road starts to descend, and soon the town of Garnet is reached. Garnet is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Montana, and it is the main attraction. It was founded in the mid-1890s and grew to well over 1,000. As with many of the neighboring mining towns, its “heyday” was short-lived. A fire in 1912 on Main Street and general decay has taken its toll. However, the BLM  and the Garnet Preservation Association  actively manage this site to hold on to what remains – and what remains is undoubtedly worth a visit and the effort that it takes to get here. Approximately 2 dozen buildings are being maintained for the public. In normal years, there is a Visitor’s Center in one of the remaining buildings, and the others are open to the public.

There are no fences or barriers, so the town is “open” 24 hours/day. Night time can be an especially “interesting” time to visit and stroll around.

You are never quite sure what will end up in your photos until you process them back home!

Garnet is open year-round and is also popular in the winter with snowmobilers. Two cabins are available to rent in the winter.

From Garnet, the road divides. The First Chance Gulch Road is steep, narrow, rocky with tight switchbacks – beware! The Cave Gulch Road is the old stage route and is a much better grade. Either way, both roads lead to Beartown at the head of Bear Gulch. Beartown is where it all started with a gold strike in 1865, but by the 1880s, Beartown was in severe decline. At its peak, it had 17 saloons, a brewery, and a reputation to match. Now, there is nothing left but a couple of BLM plaques – one about a famous miner named “Shorty” and the story of his arm.

From Beartown, the road improves, and soon you come out of Bear Gulch at Bearmouth and I-90. The Ghost Town Byway ends here, and it is only a quick half-hour back to Missoula on the interstate to complete this booo-tiful scenic loop!

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 What Comes With Your Tickets 

– entry into the old montana prison from 9:00pm – 3:00am – special entry into locations not open to the general public (death tower, upper tier cells, etc.) - paranormal investigation equipment provided – 6+ hours of video footage sent to your email – all audio recordings from the night sent to your email – all pictures taken from the night sent to your email – snacks (chips, cookies, granola bars, candy, etc.) – refreshments (water, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, etc.) get yours now for only $99.00,  want to know more  email lisa at [email protected]  tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling (406) 846-3111.

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Coloma Ghost Town, Montana

By Rebecca Hanlon

Also known as the mystery camp, Coloma ghost town is located in the Garnet Range area in Missoula County .

Little is known about its settlement as most people deem its history a mystery. From the records, the Coloma mining camp, plus several others, started in 1865 after gold was discovered in Elk Creek and Bear Gulch.

History of Coloma Ghost Town

With this discovery, gold prospects moved and settled in the Garnet Mountain mining districts. Coloma saw a large settlement during this period, but the town got established years later in 1893.

It didn’t boom until 1897, after the discovery of lode deposits in the area.

Things turned around really quickly with the discovery of the lode deposits. Coloma became active and even homed two mills used for crushing ore before hauling it to Anaconda, Helena, or Butte for treatment.

Several mines developed in Coloma, but the two largest ones were the Mammoth, which opened in 1896, and Comet in 1905.

The Mammoth mine yielded approximately $200,000 of gold from the time it started its operations to its death.

Even though these mines were operational, most of them were not quite profitable since they were losing most gold in the tailings.

This loss led to the death of Coloma, eventually becoming ghosted in 1918. But even with Coloma being a ghost town, the mining business continued until the late 1950s.

By the end of it all, the entire Coloma district had yielded approximately $250,000 in various ores, including gold, zinc, lead, and silver.

Today, there are still ventilation systems, mining shafts, narrow-gauge railroad remains, and pumping machines at the site. There are also a few cabins still standing.

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Main Attractions at Coloma Ghost Town

There isn’t much left in Coloma ghost town since the structures were never preserved. However, you can still relive the past by walking into the few remaining buildings and mining remains.

Here are Coloma ghost town’s main attractions.

Miners’ Cabins

Walking into the few standing cabins in Coloma ghost town will give you an accurate picture and feel of the past. You can see how miners lived and survived in tiny spaces with their families.

Mining Remains

Coloma ghost town has mining memorabilia, including ventilation systems, mining shafts, narrow-gauge railroad remains, and pumping machines. These oldies provide an excellent opportunity to learn how mining operations run.

Blackfoot Valley and Swan Mountain Range

The abandoned cabins in Coloma give a scenic overlook of the historic Blackfoot Valley and Swan Mountain Range .

Recreation Activities Near Coloma Ghost Town

Being a tiny ghost town, Coloma offers limited recreation activities.

Outdoor Photography

A visit to Coloma ghost town cannot be complete without taking photos. Walk around this town, taking random pictures of the dilapidated cabins and mining remains.

Although Coloma doesn’t have campgrounds, you can still camp in the nearby areas. Camp at Placid Lake Campground , only 20 miles north of Coloma ghost town. Enjoy boating and fishing in your camping adventure.

The area around the garnet range is home to black bears, deer, moose, and elk. Hunting is possible, provided you’re armed with the Conservation and Base Hunting licenses .

Accommodation Near Coloma Ghost Town

Since Coloma ghost town doesn’t have any preserved cabins for rent, you can drive quickly to Garnet ghost town for your stay. Garnet has two preserved cabins you can rent, Dahl Cabin and The McDonald Cabin.

If staying in a cabin isn’t your thing, other lodging options exist, including:

• Drummond Motel
• Super 8 by Wyndham Missoula/ Reserve St.

Activities Near Coloma

• Go fishing at the Blackfoot river
• Explore mountain biking trails in the Garnet Range
• Enjoy hunting in the Garnet Range

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• Visiting Missoula, MT
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About The Author

Rebecca Hanlon

Rebecca has been a travel blogger and editor for over 5 years, working with some of the biggest brands in industry. She’s taught English as a foreign language in 5 different countries, and her most fulfilling role was as a tour guide around some of Europe’s finest vineyards. She the one behind the social channels here at Discovering Montana, whilst also finding the time to perform an assistant editor role.

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Montana is ripe with ghost towns, many are a short drive from Missoula.

Whether maintained or not, ghost towns can be a historical, if not haunting, experience. The following are listed by the nearest active city in Montana to their location.

Garnet Ghost Town

Montana's most intact ghost town is in the heart of the Garnet Mountain Range roughly 30 miles east of Missoula. Like so many ghost towns, Garnet was built to exploit the wealth of gold in the local mountains, but slowly dwindled in size over three decades time brought on by fire and hardships on the home front during World War I. Originally built at the end of the nineteenth century, some 1,000 people called it home in 1889 until the last of its residents left the area around the beginning of World War I. It experienced a momentary renewal of interest during the Great Depression, but eventually slipped away into obscurity. The fame of Garnet now lies in its history and fortunate ability to stand the test of time even though it was never originally built to last.

Coloma Ghost Town

Located in the Garnet Mountain Range east of Missoula, Coloma Ghost Town is just a few miles north of Garnet. Used primarily as a study and research site by the University of Montana Anthropology Department, Coloma was active in the late 1890s up until 1916. At that point it is hard to locate much information about the site except for newspapers that have been extracted from house walls used as insulation dating from the 1920s and 30s. There are still mining shafts, ventilation systems, pumping machines and remains of narrow-gauge railroad tracks present at the site.

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Home to the world's largest gold nugget, sold for $19,000 in the late 1800s, it is also home to the Old Atlantic Cable Mine. Not much is left here; three cabins, a large barn with log sides, and a boarding house with furniture. Higher up the hill stands the mill with firebricks, timbers and an iron boiler inside. Built in the 1800s, it began seeing more regular use at the turn of the 20th century, but by 1940 was inactive as it remains to this day. Due to vandalism the buildings are closed to visitors, but you can see them from the highway.

Bannack State Park

Bannack is one of Montana's premier ghost towns and worth a trip south of Missoula through the Bitterroot Valley and into the Big Hole Valley. The yearly event called Bannack Days occurs the third weekend in July when the town comes back to life with reenactments, and anybody is welcome to come and join in on the fun, whether you're dressed for the occasion or not. Bannack was founded in 1862 when gold was discovered on Grasshopper Creek. It holds the title of Montana's first territorial capitol in 1864, but when gold was discovered in Virginia City the Capitol was moved as many people followed in hopes of finding the mother lode. Active from the 1860s - 1930s, Bannack maintained a fairly strong population of miners until the gold dwindled around 1950. Sixty structures still stand at this State Park, most of which are still explorable inside and out.

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18 Ghost Towns in Montana You Have to Make Sure to Visit

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Looking to explore the best ghost towns in Montana?

When was the last time you explored a ghost town? Well, if you’re visiting Montana, there are plenty of options to go on a ghost town adventure. You’re never too far away from a Montana ghost town, especially when checking out the other cities in Montana , so take some time to take a walk through history. I highly recommend adding some of these ghost towns in Montana to your Montana road trip if you can!

Ghost towns in Montana are remains of bustling towns established by miners in search of gold. The Gold and Silver booms across the state led to rapid town developments as people arrived for new work. And just as fast as they were created, the towns were quickly abandoned after the mining sites dried up.

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The absolute coolest ghost towns in Montana you have to see

You won’t want to miss these incredible ghost towns in Montana when you are visiting the “Treasure State”–it’s called that for a reason!

Tucked inside the Garnet Range lies the ghost town of Coloma. Nicknamed the “Mystery Camp,” it’s a peculiar town near the more famous Garnet Ghost Town.

Coloma was established in 1893 but left very little behind to learn more about it. As a result, many of the sites are left in ruins. It is a current archaeological site to uncover some of its mysteries.

Visitors are welcome to walk the site and see the remaining structures. It has evidence of an old mill and mining. You can still see the mining shaft, machinery, and railroad tracks.

2. Nevada City

Nevada City was once a major city for commerce during Montana’s Gold Rush. While most of the town was destroyed in the past, restoration efforts have transformed it into a living history museum.

Take a walk through town to see how life was like in Montana during the 19th century. The dirt roads are lined with over a hundred different structures, including more than a dozen original buildings. You can walk into the homes to see antique furniture or check out the layover of various stores.

A highlight of Nevada City is the Nevada City Museum and Music Hall. It holds an extensive collection of artifacts from the Old West and vintage music machines. I highly recommend taking a tour of this town and its sister city of Virginia City so you get the most out of your visit!

⭐ BOOK NEVADA CITY AND VIRGINIA CITY TOUR HERE ⭐

3. Granite Ghost Town State Park

While exploring the ghost towns in Montana, be sure to add the Granite Ghost Town State Park to your itinerary. It’s the site of the world’s richest silver mine, which employed approximately 3,000 miners and yielded over $40 million in silver.

Granite Ghost Town was a vast success during its heyday during the 1890s. But once you arrive, only remnants remain of the once boomtown.

You’ll see the remaining building frame of the Miner’s Union Hall, a bank, and the home of the mine superintendent. It has several plaques at each site giving historical information about the town and each site.

4. Bannack State Park

 On July 28, 1862, a pivotal moment occurred in Montana’s history. Gold was discovered and started the gold rush to the state. The discovery founded the town of Bannack, which boomed to a population of over 3,000 people in less than a year.

Bannack was abandoned entirely in 1950 and became a ghost town. Its legacy is preserved by the Bannack State Park , which welcomes visitors to experience the town that started it all.

Walk the empty streets to see more than 60 original buildings – the governor’s mansion, hotel, log cabin homes, and more. It has a visitor center that offers guided tours of the town.

Laurin was part of the successful Alder Gulch mining site, where miners created massive wealth during the Montana mining boom. It was established in 1863 by Jean Baptiste Laurin. He took a different approach to growing his wealth by opening a store that sold mining equipment and traded furs with Native Americans.

Today, not much remains of Laurin. All that’s left behind in the ghost town are a few structures still standing that let you imagine how it once looked during its thriving years. One of the famous sites is the Hangman’s Tree, where two infamous gang members were executed.

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6. Aldridge

The town of Aldridge was established around the Aldridge mining site during the late 1800s. It had a brief period of success, but operations soon shut down due to a lack of funds. As a result, Aldridge was quickly abandoned and turned into a ghost town.

Aldridge was a bustling coal and iron ore site with hundreds of workers mining it. The town was home to over 800 people and was a thriving economy.

The rapid abandonment of Aldridge left a lot of the town as it was. You can still see many structures, and rumors are that there is still a lot of coal to be mined in the area.

7. Diamond City

It’s hard to believe that the site of Diamond City was once the largest town in all of Montana. It’s part of a region called the Confederate Gulch. The area was home to over a third of Montana’s population during its gold rush as one of the most valuable gold mines in the state.

Diamond City is the perfect example of a boom-and-bust town that occurred in just six years between 1864-1870. After the gold mines dried up, the town was abandoned. It’s not much of a ghost town like other sites due to being completely destroyed. All that remains are a few lumber posts and a graveyard site.

8. Rocky Point

Not all boomtowns in Montana were caused by mining sites. Other towns played different roles, such as Rocky Point. It was a town established on the mouth of the Missouri River where freight ships arrived to deliver mining equipment.

Rocky Point was a prosperous town thanks to supplying nearby mining camps. It had several stores, saloons, hotels, a post office, and more. Even after the mining boom, it remained populated but became a ghost town after the ferry was shut down.

You can check out the remains of Rocky Point when you visit the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

9. Garnet Ghost Town

Visiting Garnet Ghost Town will surely be one of your favorite Montana ghost towns to visit. It’s the best-preserved town that was once a major hub during the 19th century.

Garnet Ghost Town is a popular tourist attraction near Missoula, Montana. Gold miners once populated it, but all that remains after the buildings. 

The unique thing about this site is that all of the buildings are original. Walk inside the general store to see artifacts like old mining equipment and a table of boots. Check out the three-story hotel to see rooms furnished with beds. Or see the simple homes where the miners lived.

Garnet Ghost Town charges a small entrance fee for visitors.

10. Marysville

All it takes is one person to find gold in a location, and the rest is history. That’s the story of the Marysville ghost town. It was founded by “Irish Tommy,” who discovered the Drumlummon Mine , one of the most lucrative gold mines in Montana history.

Marysville was established soon after finding gold to support the influx of people moving to the region. It’s located near the capital of Helena inside the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest .

The town once held a few thousand people, but now all of the people and more buildings are gone. However, you can still find a few remaining structures like the church, lodge, and baseball field.

11. Elkhorn State Park

Visiting Elkhorn State Park not only means you’ll get to see one of the notable ghost towns in Montana but also experience the smallest state park. Elkhorn was established in 1872 as one of the earliest silver mining towns in the state.

You can walk inside a few of the buildings in Elkhorn State Park. It’s always a surreal experience seeing how things were left as people suddenly left the towns. Two of the best-preserved structures are the Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall.  

Arriving at Elkhorn State Park is one of the eerie ghost towns of Montana as you navigate the only accessible route through backcountry dirt roads.

12. Virginia City

While you’re on your Montana ghost town tour, you can check out two neighboring towns at the same time. Virginia City is the sister city to Nevada City, located adjacent to each other. Many people stop by the sites on their Yellowstone National Park itinerary .

  Virginia City is a place left unchanged ever since it was abandoned. The remaining buildings and everything inside are as you would have expected it while it was inhabited. It has a similar fate to other abandoned towns in Montana when the residents got news of gold being discovered near the present-day capital and hastily left everything behind.

⭐ BOOK VIRGINIA CITY AND NEVADA CITY TOUR HERE ⭐

13. Zortman

Zortman is a once-booming mine town in the Little Rocky Mountains. The remote location kept much of the wealth local where settlers used it to develop the town. It was a thriving place with several general stores, bars, a hospital, hotels, and a jail.  

The few remaining buildings, including the old jailhouse, are just a tiny glimpse into the historic town that was once home to 2,000 people. Today, it’s not entirely abandoned – it’s still home to a handful of people – although the empty streets will make you think otherwise.

The locals attempted to bring back mining in the late 1900s, but it soon ceased again. 

14. Karst’s Camp

Not all of the Montana ghost towns were about work. Karst’s Camp is a unique ghost town that was more directed towards recreation and hospitality. Its origin is the next best thing to finding gold in Montana.

Pete Karst founded Karst’s Camp in 1902 after being awarded the land near Yellowstone National Park. He eventually built 25 cabins on the grounds to accommodate visitors traveling to the park. During peak season, he could see upwards of 600 people stay in the camp.  

After 50 years of operation, Karst’s Camp became another one of Montana’s abandoned towns, leaving behind many cabins and other structures. There are hiking trails through the camp to nearby mining sites.

If you heard early pioneers talking about Bear Gulch, Tenmile, and Lewis and Clark, they are actually talking about the same city. Rimini is one of the earliest ghost towns in Montana that’s in a state of revival to bring back a sense of local community.

Trek down the gravel road to reach the old town. It’s nestled in a valley since most of the mining activity happened in the nearby mountains. The diverse mines yielded gold, silver, and lead.  

Rimini is a very residential-style town. In fact, several of the abandoned miner cabins are being restored and bought for modern living.

16. Rancher

With the town of Rancher located in Treasure County, it’s not hard to guess why it attracted so many people during the mining boom. It’s an excellent example of a historic frontier town frozen in time.  

Visiting Rancher lets you see life in the Old West. It’s a popular tourist destination when traveling the area since it’s the only ghost town left in the county. You’ll get to see the abandoned ruins and the landscape that many people called home for a short period.

The ghost town has a lot of mystery behind it, so visit and see what you can uncover.

Theony is one of the abandoned places in Montana that seems to appear out of nowhere when exploring Montana’s northern region. It’s located near the US-Canada border, where the landscape is predominantly flat land.

It was never easy to access Theony since it was quite a distance from the nearest train routes. Nevertheless, it still managed to flourish for some time during the early 1900s. During its peak, it had general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a school.

Today, all you’ll see remaining of the town is the single-room schoolhouse that pays tribute to the town that once was. There is also a cemetery on the site. 

18. Wheat Basin

It’s amazing to think about how transportation infrastructure has such an impact on an area. Such is the story of Wheat Basin, a ghost town that suffered due to rerouting the local railways.

Wheat Basin started as a camp while constructing the railroad. After it was completed, the town grew rapidly to approximately 1,000 people. On the main street alone, you would find a bank, dance hall, shops, post office, and more.

With no railroad to support traffic through the town, the residents abandoned everything. There’s a sign left behind paying tribute to the former town. All that’s left are building foundations and the marks of the main road.

Tips for visiting ghost towns in Montana

Here are some of my recommended tips for visiting ghost towns in Montana and how to make the most of your time there.

• Research before you go: Not all ghost towns are open to the public or safe to visit. Some are located on private property or in remote areas with challenging terrain. Make sure to do your research ahead of time to find out what ghost towns are accessible, safe, and legal to visit. Also, knowing the history of the place beforehand will make your visit more meaningful and interesting.
• Pack accordingly: As most of these towns are in remote locations, ensure you have all the essentials with you. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and appropriate clothing for the weather. A sturdy pair of hiking boots is always a good idea as well. You should also consider bringing a paper map and a compass as mobile service may be unreliable in these areas.
• Respect the sites: Remember, ghost towns are a part of history. Do not vandalize or remove artifacts from the sites. Leave the place as you found it, or even better, clean up any trash you come across. These locations should be treated with the same respect as museums.
• Travel with a companion: These sites can be remote and potentially dangerous due to unstable structures or wildlife encounters. It’s safer to explore with a friend or as part of a group. In case of an emergency, someone can go for help.
• Photography gear: If you’re interested in photography, ghost towns can provide excellent opportunities for unique and compelling shots. However, keep in mind the sometimes harsh Montana weather and be sure your equipment is protected. Also, remember that the best light for photography often comes during “golden hours”—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. Plan your trip accordingly to get the most out of your photo session.

Montana’s ghost towns give you a direct look into a past era. They’re more than just historic sites, they’re outdoor adventures full of interesting finds and wide open spaces. If you’re up for an active trip with a dash of history, these ghost towns won’t disappoint.

Have you ever made it to any of these ghost towns in Montana? Let me know your favorites in the comments!

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Want more information on Montana? Check out these articles:

• 18 Fantastic Things to Do in Missoula, MT You Have to Try
• The Ultimate Montana Road Trip Guide
• 15 Kalispell Hotels You’ll Want to Make Sure to Stay At
• The Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone National Park Camping

Alex is the founder of Alex on the Map, a site devoted to national park guides, hiking, climbing, and enjoying your outdoor adventures. After growing up near Glacier National Park in Montana, Alex now spends summers in the American West hitting up the trail with her husband and dog.

Her work has been featured in Fodor's, the Huffington Post, Bustle, and many more. She has also been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, CNN, and USA Today.

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Virginia city, and ifs sister city Nevada city are two of the greatest city I have ever seen! If you like history you must see Nevada City! Some of the best history and the nicest people reliving then life of the people of the 1865s era! Wow what at site, you walk in the shoes of those people back, and even get a pair of shoes that were made back then, see how the guns were used and how they made a buggy! What more could you ask for! That if you like the old west, the way it really was! Go see for your self, my self have been there several time, and make sure you try the bear claws, and the cafe in Nevada city! Great stuff!

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The Field of ScreamsMT is a once-a-year Halloween production that is a must-attend event for all ages.  Young or old, we guarantee a great time. Built on a 10-acre property this event will have you talking about your experience for years to come!

Providing haunts and fun in Western Montana since 2000.

We are your premier fall entertainment headquarters. Life is not complete without a yearly visit to the Field! Fun by Day, Scary by Night.

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Experience our newest interactive indoor adventure. A haunt like no other with our spinning vortex tunnel, laser challenge, and animatronics lurking beside you. 

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We have been in the scare business since 2000 and have perfected our skills.  It is scary and that is how we like it.  We recommend ages 8 and up. We do sell Depends underwear for the extremely scared! Don’t forget about our Kids Adventures during earlier hours.  Perfect, non-scary experience for the little ones.​​  Remember, it is a haunted attraction, if you get too scared to go thru then we are doing our job. No Refunds.

Zombie Free Attraction: NEW! Open Mondays 6-8pm Experience the Field of Screams MT main attraction in full show lighting, sound, and fog without the jump scares, or actors.   This event is specially tailored for families and the Halloween-loving scaredy cats.

On occasion you may bump into them or them into you.  We have cameras on the premises and will prosecute to the full extent if you violate in any way our haunters.

Please do not touch any of the props and decorations.  We spend a lot of time decorating.  We have cameras and we will prosecute to the full extent if pops and decorations are touched.

Yes, we do. They are recording 24/7. 

Our haunters are trained to help you out if you let them know.  Please do not cut through the corn on your own, wait for help please. No Refunds, it is a haunted attraction, if you get too scared to go thru then we are doing our job!

Dusk, just after the sun goes down and it is dark enough to decrease visibility. This is generally  7:30pm.  We recommend bringing younger kids who would like to go through the haunting right at dusk. Remember, it is a haunted attraction, if you get too scared to go thru then we are doing our job.  No Refunds. 

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About 15 minutes before closing.  We make exceptions on busier nights of course.

Yes, it is all part of the experience and adventure. We have entertainers, music and snacks to keep you engaged with your friends while you wait.  We have drastically cut down wait times because of timed ticketing.  Longest wait is around 1 hour.   Night time only: Wednesday and Thursday nights are a great time to come out to avoid most lines. Friday and Saturday nights towards the end of October you may have to wait 1-2 hours. We are open rain or shine, ticket is valid all month. We recommend you buy tickets online or buy a FAST PASS to avoid waiting in long lines. We are Montanas Premiere Haunted attraction and attract people from 200+ miles away.

There will be areas where strollers and wheelchairs will have a bypass. NO DOUBLE WIDE STROLLERS! We do our best to make it accessible and level for all. Remember it is located in the middle of a farm field and is a bit rough in places. There are a few tight areas. Some pathways are less than 30″. Total distance is over 1/2 mile.

 Yes, we sell candy bars, soda, glowsticks and Depends underwear. We also have popcorn, hot chocolate, and more. 

We now have a gift shop with new fun items to remember your experience. 

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Yes, All Major  BUY TICKETS ONLINE before you come. We recommend buying tickets online.

Lace up shoes are best, you will be walking through a cornfield.  Also dress warm, you are outside! Dress warm we do live in Montana. Bring a raincoat too!

6-8 people max to allow for a scarier fun time.  We leave about a 1-2 minute gap between each group.So if you are with a larger group, split up into groups of 6 or less to make your scare experience the best.

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Spooks & Spirits

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While haunted events seem to dominate the fall calendar in Southwest Montana, you'll find a number of more traditional fall themed events and activities throughout the region as well. Here are a couple of ideas for the perfect fall afternoon in Montana! Grab your cozy flannels, stop for a pumpkin spice latte from one of our local coffee shops, and spend a beautiful afternoon under the fall colors in Montana's big sky country!

Edgewater Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Townsend, MT

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Applestem Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Anaconda Oktoberfest

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Queen City Oktoberfest

Johnson's Pumpkin Patch

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Montana Tour with Geoff Tate | Ghost Towns and Guitars | Missoula, MT

Montana summer tour with geoff tate – 2024, ghost towns and guitars - 2024.

Day 1 - Tuesday - June 25th, 2024

Arrive in Montana and settle into your historic lodgings. Go to the local brewery and meet up with the band and your fellow travelers to get acquainted. 

Day 2 - Wednesday - June 26th, 2024

Get up in the morning hike to a pristine mountain lake and jump in!!! It’s hot outside but that water comes straight off the snow melt!! Go to a local restaurant and try Montana gourmet. Then finish the night with a campfire complete with guitar playing and a sing along with Geoff and the band. 

Day 3 - Thursday - June 27th, 2024

We will visit Montana smoke jumpers and find out how they fight forest fires. We will go together to a Montana distillery and get into some craft cocktails. We will have a amazing dinner at a famed Montana Steakhouse.

Day 4 - Friday - June 28th, 2024

Geoff will take everyone out to visit Big Hole National Battlefield which was created to honor the 90 Nez Perce who fought and died in August of 1877. Then we will continue a day of history by visiting an incredibly well preserved, true, old west ghost town and shoot a music video there!   This ghost town is also the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. We will come home to have another campfire and a chill dinner. 

Day 5 - Saturday - June 29th, 2024

Go to a wonderful farmers market in the morning. Stroll around checking out the local craftsman and the wonderful food and local produce. Have a pro rodeo demonstration in the afternoon before we head to our lodge for a weinie roast and guitars around the campfire. 

Day 6 - Sunday - June 30th, 2024

Check out an old Jesuit mission at the foot of the  Mission Mountains. Go white water rafting and have lunch with Geoff and the band. Later we will do some shopping in an artist’s town and have another lovely dinner together to try that Montana cuisine. 

Day 7 - Monday - July 1st, 2024

Go horse riding for a 2 hour trail ride and record a song. In the afternoon and evening we will have a BBQ at the band lodge and sing along around the campfire with Geoff and the band. 

Day 8 - Tuesday - July 2nd, 2024

Head back to Missoula for your fights home. 

Single Person

• Meet and travel with Geoff Tate across Montana.
• All accommodations included.
• Internal transportation to all sightseeing and events.
• All entrance fees to sightseeing options.
• All breakfasts and two dinners included.

2 People - Twin

2 people - double, 4 people - quadruple.