This 69-Year-Old Lodge Is One Of The Most Haunted Places In Montana… And You Can Spend The Night
By Jessica Wick|Published July 10, 2019
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
In 1950, a Hollywood Western-style motel was built in Billings, promptly earning a reputation as a unique place to stay in the city. The Dude Rancher Lodge has since earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s as charming as ever… in fact, it seems as if some guests never leave. The Dude Rancher is rumored to be haunted, and the stories are pretty compelling.
The Dude Rancher Lodge is located on North 29th Street in Billings, where it has remained for nearly 70 years. The lodge was constructed by Annabel and Percival Goan in 1950.
When owner Percival Goan died in a car accident in 1962, his wife, Annabel, ran things until her health declined. The hotel staff cared for her until she passed away in a nursing home in 1983… and that's when the paranormal activity began.
Employees report seeing dark shapes flying along a maintenance corridor in the basement, and both employees and guests have claimed that Annabel’s ghost is helpful, often unlocking stuck doors or finding missing items.
Sometimes, you might notice lights turning on and off at will. You may even hear a knock at the door, only to find that no one is on the other side.
Once, a mysterious female voice was even caught on tape in the basement of the hotel by the Montana Paranormal Research Society. Rooms 223 and 224 see a high level of paranormal activity; however, it is room 226 that is said to be the most haunted, as it once belonged to Annabel’s grandson, who took over managing the hotel after her death.
Believe it or not, Annabel isn't the only spirit who seems to be enjoying the afterlife here.
The sounds of children's voices and laughter can be heard echoing down empty hallways. And, in 2013, an employee named Andrea Williams began to see the ghost of a man in a blue shirt. The man, who would walk down the hall to the kitchen and disappear, is most likely Bob, a former cook at the motel restaurant who loved to make late night snacks.
So, is Dude Rancher Lodge haunted, or do its guests and employees simply have creative imaginations?
There's only one way to find out, and the motel staff would love to host you.
Address: 415 North 29th Street, Billings, MT, 59101
Book your stay at the Dude Rancher Lodge here, if you dare. And while you’re getting spooked in Billings, make sure you take the time to dine at some of these delicious restaurants.
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