If there's one thing Montanans love, it's preserving history -- our Dinosaur Trail and abundant museums are proof of that. And since preserving history while enjoying a nice cold beer is also pretty pleasant, people tend to fall in love with the Bale of Hay Saloon. This Virginia City gem has been going strong since 1863.
Virginia City, Montana's liveliest ghost town, is a place that seems frozen in time.
While most of its shops and attractions are only open in the summertime, it's a fantastic place to visit in any season.
You'll find the Bale of Hay Saloon on West Wallace Street, and it's impossible to miss.
The business tends to open for the season in early May and close down at the end of September.
Step inside this place and you'll feel like you've gone back in time -- and that's the idea.
While there are certainly plenty of modern amenities (like electricity and running water, for starters), this place still has a historic charm.
The Bale of Hay Saloon still has some of its original items, like the potbelly stove from the 1800s...
...and then there's this.
This is an old Cremona Coin Piano, and it works!
This is the oldest saloon in America, so as you can imagine, there are reports of spirits here... and we don't mean the whiskey.
Ask your friendly bartender about the evening ghost tours that will tell you all you need to know.
The Bale of Hay Saloon is open this season, so check it out if you're heading to Virginia City this summer.
Here, the Old West is still alive and well.
For more information, check out the Bale of Hay Saloon Facebook page.
Have you ever been to this one-of-a-kind saloon in Virginia City? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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