Transport Yourself Back To The 1800s With A Stay At The Fairweather Inn In Montana
By Jessica Wick|Published August 10, 2020
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Jessica Wick
Author
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.
We try not to play favorites here in Montana, but when it comes to our ghost towns, it’s tough to top the charm of Virginia City. This quiet, perfectly preserved little city really comes alive in summer, and it’s a beloved getaway spot for Montana locals and out-of-state tourists alike. And if you’d really like to immerse yourself in local history, spend a night of two at the Fairweather Inn.
The Fairweather Inn was once known as the Anaconda Hotel and Saloon. The building was constructed in the 1880s.
Sometime in the 1890s, husband and wife team Frank and Amanda Mckeen took over the saloon and added hotel rooms, a restaurant, and even a bowling alley in the basement.
Things went well for Frank and Amanda for a while, but when Prohibition was enforced in 1918, things went south.
Unfortunately, Frank died in 1919. Amanda went into a deep depression and died by suicide in her home. The hotel changed owners several times before Charles and Sue Bovey bought it in the 1940s and named it the Fairweather Inn, after the man who discovered gold in Alder Gulch, Bill Fairweather.
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These days, the hotel sits in the heart of Virginia City, where it's open for guests from mid-May until mid-September.
All rooms have either one or two double beds and a sink.
As you can probably imagine, the hotel is rumored to be haunted... and some guests have been so disturbed by the spirits, they've left in the middle of the night.
It is said that the spirits of some young children haunt the hotel, and if you're traveling with kids, they might come to visit them in the first story rooms.
Footsteps are often heard in the halls here when no one is around, as is the sound of a woman's dress rustling as if she is walking. The guest room doors also open and close without explanation.
Room 10 seems to have the most paranormal activity, but no part of the hotel is exempt.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the Fairweather Inn is a wonderful place to stay. It’s conveniently located, a historic treasure, and affordable. Learn more about booking a stay here.
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