In far western North Dakota, there’s a weird, short little trail that’s definitely a bit on the spooky side thanks to its unusual features and eerie presence. It lurks quietly in McKenzie County and crosses over the Yellowstone Bridge; it’s been closed to traffic for a long time, now, though brave explorers can approach on foot. This trek, which is easily one of the creepiest hikes in North Dakota, doesn’t feature any natural wonders or anywhere particularly beautiful, but it does feature an abandoned rail bridge (and tunnel!) with some interesting (and creepy) history. Check it out…if you dare:

The town of Cartwright, North Dakota is a pretty sleepy little place.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
There isn't a lot going on here, and it's definitely got peak "tiny Midwestern town" vibes. With a population of under 200 people, it's easy to forget Cartwright exists at all.
...and within this tiny, forgotten little town is an enormous, forgotten rail bridge, as well as a tunnel.
Ksteblet/Wikimedia
It's pretty easy to access by hike; if you take State Route 200 to Sundheim Park, right on the west bank of the Yellowstone River, and you park there, you'll see it: the Fairview Lift Bridge, in all its stunning, empty glory, looming overhead. Follow the path to the bridge.
The bridge, and its corresponding railroad tunnel, were built in 1913 and in use until the 1980s.
NDfrmboy/TripAdvisor
The tunnel is particularly notable thanks to its uniqueness; called the Cartwright Tunnel, it's 1,458 feet long and was dug mostly by hand during its construction in the early 1900s. It's the longest tunnel in the entire state, and it's not without its creepy urban legends.

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There have been whispers through the decades that at least one body of an old-time outlaw is here - somewhere - as his final resting place.
NDfrmboy/TripAdvisor
His name was J.C. Collins and, having (allegedly) killed two lawmen during a crime spree in 1913, he was lynched and (supposedly) tossed into one of the concrete abutments of the bridge. Of course, it's not clear what exactly was done with the body, but it was never laid to rest properly, and some say J.C.'s wayward spirit lingers in the area.
Voices are sometimes heard in the tunnel. Was that you? Your friend?
george b/TripAdvisor
...what, you didn't say anything and you're here alone? Alright, time to go.
Either way - haunted by the victim of a lynching or not - there's something super uneasy about an abandoned bridge and, even creepier, a long, dark rail tunnel.
Don Barrett/Flickr
Curious to see this haunted trail in action? Watch the fascinating video footage below:

So, what do you think? Is this creepy hike in North Dakota really haunted by the spirit of a lynched outlaw, or is it only so eerie simply because of what it is (an abandoned bridge and tunnel)? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Need more creepy North Dakota in your life? Try this creepy day trip!

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creepiest hike in North Dakota

Beth C. | September 13, 2023

What are some of the most haunted places in North Dakota?

North Dakota has its fair share of haunted spots. Below you'll find a list of some of the most terrifying places in North Dakota:

  • The Children's Museum at Yunker Farm - Fargo, North Dakota
  • St. Joseph's Hospital - Dickinson, North Dakota
  • North Dakota State University - Fargo, North Dakota
  • Harvey Public Library - Harvey, North Dakota
  • Fort Abraham Lincoln Custer House - Mandan, North Dakota
  • Chateau De Mores - Medora, North Dakota
  • Old Armory - Williston, North Dakota
  • Totten Trail Historic Inn - Saint Michael, North Dakota
  • Liberty Memorial Building - Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Medora Fudge & Ice Cream Depot - Medora, North Dakota

 

North Dakota is a bit of a mystery to the rest of the country. Yet if you've spent any time in this lovely state, you're well aware of its many attributes: breathtaking scenery, friendly, hardworking people, charming cafes, and, of course, a few haunted places. Curious to learn about the spooky spots we mentioned above? Check out our complete list of the 10 most terrifying North Dakota places you can visit.

Does North Dakota have any haunted hotels?

One of the most haunted hotels in North Dakota is known as the Rough Riders Hotel. It's among the most historic -- and haunted -- places you can visit in the state, and it actually opened its doors before North Dakota was an official state. In fact, Theodore Roosevelt is known to have visited this storied hotel! Curious to learn more? Check out our full article highlighting the single most haunted hotel in North Dakota.

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Fairview Lift Bridge/Tunnel, 217 9th St, Fairview, MT 59221, USA