If you drove by the Montana State Hospital today, you probably wouldn’t give it a second look. A plain, modern building sits next to a sign directing guests to the visitors’ entrance or to Admissions, and nothing about it really stands out at first glance. But as Montana’s first and longest-running publicly operated psychiatric hospital, it’s got a long, complex history. Few people know the sordid tale behind this Montana State Hospital horror story… but now you will. 

Montana State Hospital was founded by the territorial government in 1877, 12 years before Montana became a state. It’s more commonly known as Warm Springs, and you’ll find it in an unincorporated community in Deer Lodge County.
JCHaywire / Flickr
In 1924, the hospital made headlines when it was discovered that 11 inmates had been forcibly sterilized. Hospital staff reported that all sterilizations had been approved and that eugenics was necessary for Montana’s future. A total of 256 people were sterilized by Montana’s eugenics program from 1923 until 1954.
Jarle Naustvik / Flickr

Related Stories

7 Waterfront Retreats In Montana That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

7 Waterfront Retreats In Montana That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

 This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Montana Will Transport You To Another World

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Montana Will Transport You To Another World

 You Won't Believe The Views You'll Find At This Incredible Airbnb In Montana

You Won't Believe The Views You'll Find At This Incredible Airbnb In Montana
By the 1950s, Warm Springs, MT was the state's biggest incorporated community. There were around 2,000 patients, barns for chickens and cattle, and a greenhouse.
Montanabw/Wikipedia
The hospital consists of a historic hospital building and more modern facilities.
Montanabw/Wikipedia
These days, the average population is around 200. The patients are largely placed there by civil court commitment action, meaning involuntary. Earlier this year, a new facility opened in Galen to help with overcrowding.
There are two cemeteries onsite marking the graves of the patients who never left.
Spend a Day Touring, LLC / Flickr
It's said that many of their restless spirits still roam the grounds of the property, as well as the specter of a Montana State Hospital ghost nurse.

What do you think? Have you seen the Warm Springs, MT asylum? What do you think about this eerie Montana State Hospital horror story? Tell us your thoughts in the comments; we love hearing from you.

For more of the most haunted places in Montana, check out this epic haunted places in Montana road trip… if you dare! Of course, haunt at your own risk… you never know what you’ll encounter.

While this hospital has a dark past that left a stain on Montana’s history, we all know that our state has more than enough redeeming qualities. Case in point: Yellowstone National Park. We may share the park with two other states, but it’s still one of the most incredible things Big Sky Country has to offer. Learn more about the park (and other national parks!) in our YouTube video:

If you love national parks as much as we do, Parks Project has awesome gear that allows you to support your favorite spots. Plus, money from each purchase is donated to the parklands!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Montana State Hospital Horror Story

Tori Jane | August 10, 2022

Is the Montana State Hospital haunted?  

Many people wonder, "Is the Montana State Hospital haunted?" There are several reasons why we're inclined to believe so, including:

  • The Montana State Hospital is a facility with an extensive and dark history, thanks to its age and the poor decisions and practices of bygone decades. In 1924, there was controversy when it was discovered that 11 patients had been forcibly sterilized against their own will.
  • In future years, it would be found that between the years 1923 and 1954, more than 250 patients were forcibly sterilized in a eugenics program.
  • Folks here died from mistreatment and abuse occasionally, and to this day, the local kids like to claim the place is haunted. This is one of those things nobody knows for sure... but we wouldn’t be surprised, nonetheless.  

What are some of the most haunted places in Montana?  

Montana is a state with lots of history, and part of that history is a little dark in some spots. As a result, we’ve got our fair share of alleged hauntings and scary places. Some of our favorite haunted places in Montana (or so they say) include:

This national monument is said to be haunted by numerous restless spirits (including Colonel Custer himself, who seems interested in the visitors' center).

The old prison in Deer Lodge is said to be plagued by the dead.

This beautiful and spooky mansion is located in Billings and has its fair share of ghost stories.

When it comes to creepy places in Montana, there is no shortage – that's for sure.  

Is there any truth to the Montana State Hospital ghost stories?  

We don’t know if there is any truth to the Montana State Hospital ghost stories, but they are lots of fun to think about for several reasons:

  • Asylums and hospitals have a very spooky vibe to them in general; throw in urban legends about the tortured souls of the damned wandering the halls and you have a veritable myth that might just propagate itself over the decades.
  • There have been whispers about hauntings at Montana State Hospital, which is still in operation today despite its sordid past (and continued reports of mistreatment of patients), and until there’s a formal investigation into the alleged paranormal happenings, we won’t know – but it is entertaining to speculate.  

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Montana State Hospital, 300 Garnet Way, Warm Springs, MT 59756, USA