Halloween and its eerie attractions are proof that we all like to be a little scared. But for some, zombies in costumes or shadowy figures who jump out of corn mazes aren’t enough. To experience a real life haunting, all you have to do is take a tour of the Old Montana Prison Museum in Deer Lodge. You might not see anything spooky at this haunted prison in Montana, but you just might experience something you’ll never forget.

On July 2, 1871, Montana’s Territorial Prison incarcerated its first person.
Old Montana Prison Complex Facebook
And until the late 1970s, many prisoners called this place home.
Prison is never a fun place, but this one was especially abysmal.
WaJello / TripAdvisor
Some of the worst criminals of their time were brought here, and soon the facilities became overcrowded. The living conditions were pretty appalling even for prison standards. Numerous riots broke out, the most notorious being the infamous riot of 1959. Three prisoners seized rifles from the guard, took 26 prison employees and inmates hostage, and shot and killed a deputy.
A year after the prison closed down, it reopened as a museum…. and the paranormal experiences started right away.
WaJello / TripAdvisor
Many, many visitors have felt a sudden unexplainable coldness when they walked through certain areas. Some people see strange mists, fleeting shadows and darting figures. Eerie sounds are often heard, and people report feeling a sudden sense of dread.
While no actual acts of ghostly violence have occurred here, there’s apparently something sinister lurking inside “The Hole.”
Amanda Scheliga / Flickr
There have been multiple claims that something in solitary confinement tries to attack people, shoving them and whispering things too softly to be heard. Almost as many prisoners died in The Hole as those who were sent to the gallows.

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Many paranormal investigations have taken place here over the years, and nearly all of them have experienced unexplainable activity.
coquiOmaha / TripAdvisor
One group was even able to communicate with a female voice who identified herself as "Nancy."
One ghost in particular, if he is there, is definitely harmless.
busymothertoronto / TripAdvisor
"Turkey Pete" was a well-loved inmate who went a little mad and started to "sell" the flock of prison turkeys to inmates. Everyone liked Pete, so the prisoners were allowed to print "money" from the prison’s press to humor him. He eventually "bought" the prison and would "pay" the guards’ salaries. When Pete died in 1967, his was the only funeral ever held by the prison system. His cell was converted into a barber shop, and some prison employees will swear Pete is still around.
You can take a regular self-guided tour of the prison museum or choose to go on a special ghost tour, if you dare.
sixteencmg / TripAdvisor
Occasionally the museum will host ghost tours that start at 9:30 and end around 2 AM. You’re encouraged to bring your camera, ghost-hunting technology, and courage.
Even if you don't believe in ghosts, the history alone makes this museum worth visiting.
Aaron Hockley / Flickr
Just don't be alarmed if you suddenly get goosebumps for no reason.

Touring the Old Prison Museum is fascinating, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Have you visited this haunted prison in Montana before? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below! For a slightly less frightening experience, try exploring one of Montana’s ghost towns, like Bannack State Park.

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haunted prison in Montana

Sarah | October 26, 2021

What are some other haunted places in Montana?

One notoriously haunted place in Montana is Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, colloquially referred to as "The Square." It was built in 1896 as a high school, and to this day, visitors and employees sometimes hear what sounds like children echoing through the halls, though there's never anyone there. Also commonly spotted is the apparition of a young girl, which disappears upon being looked at directly. Looking for more? The Fort Peck Summer Theatre is a hotbed of paranormal activity. It was built in 1934 for live performances, and to this day, it's still used for as much. However, actors and patrons have reported some immensely weird occurrences here, like bizarre sounds and strange feelings of being watched. Yikes!

What's the creepiest place to visit in Montana?

While a haunted prison certainly tops the place of creepiest places to visit in Montana, it's in good (creepy) company. The Moss Mansion is one of the most chilling places in the state. It was built in 1902 for Martha and Preston Moss, and their children, and from 1902 to 1984, it was a stately, private residence for several generations of the Moss family. Over the years, six (possibly more) members of the family died here, and it seems they never left. While we don't blame them -- it's absolutely stunning -- we'd be hard-pressed to visit this haunted mansion after dark. Just saying.

Are there many abandoned places in Montana?

There's something haunting beautiful about abandoned places -- eerie ghost towns, ruins, abandoned buildings... and Montana has them all! Here are nine places in Montana that are slowly being reclaimed by nature. Ghost hunters claim many of these places are haunted... or at least plagued by paranormal activity. What do you think?

 

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Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex, 1104 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, USA