Bannack State Park is a delightful place to visit in any season. As one of Montana's most perfectly preserved ghost towns, walking down those dirt streets feels like going back in time. And if you're lucky enough to be there in late October, you can go on the annual ghost walk - a beautiful combination of a performance and a history lesson.
Bannack was founded in 1862 after gold was discovered nearby.
The town ended up playing a crucial role in Montana's history, even serving as our Territorial Capital for a while.
Bannack was a bustling mining town from the 1860s to the 1930s. By the 1950s, gold levels had dwindled and most residents had moved on.
Currently, the Montana State Parks governs the townsite and surrounding area.
This looks like the remnants of a charming small town, but Bannack definitely had a dark side.
There were prostitutes, shootouts, hanged men, and thieves, not to mention notorious outlaw Henry Plummer.
Bannack's living residents have all departed, but there have been plenty of reports of paranormal activity. Given its early history, it's easy to see why.
Many claim that the ghost of Henry Plummer haunts the area, hoping to avenge his name. The Hotel Meade has been a hot spot for paranormal experiences. An apparition of a teenage girl and sounds of crying children are often reported by visitors.
The Bannack Ghost Walks are live reenactments of significant events throughout the town's history, but they're more entertaining than frightening.
On the 90-minute walk, you'll meet the ghosts of Henry Plummer, Joe Pizanthia, Cyrus Skinner, Doctor Glick, Mattie Silks and many more characters from Bannack's colorful past.
This year's ghost walks are on October 25 & 26 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; however, the tour is not recommended for children under six. Bundle up, bring a flashlight, and prepare to be spooked.
The ghosts walks are each limited to 100 guests and tickets must be purchased in advance, so make sure to secure yours early before they sell out.
There's no better way to celebrate Halloween than this.
To reserve your ticket for Bannack's famous ghost walk, call (406) 834-3413, and check out the Bannack Association's Facebook page for more information.
And while you may not see an actual ghost during the tours, you just might spot a spirit if you check out these places.
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