The Chilling Tale of Gebo Is One of Wyoming’s Spookiest Ghost Stories

When it comes to ghostly tales, Wyoming has many that I can think of. If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve heard about the phantom death ship of Platte River or the headless bride of Old Faithful Inn. While these two chilling accounts are arguably the most popular haunted stories in the state, I can’t overlook the folklore from some of the spooky ghost towns in Wyoming. 

One that stands out is the legend of the old mining town of Gebo. A visit to this creepy haunted town in Wyoming is like a step back in time to the challenging days of the early frontier. What was a thriving boom town now sits in ruins. Some of the former residents (no longer of this world) have decided to stick around, and this deserted town is home to tremendous paranormal activity. If you dare, read on to learn more about the chilling tale of Gebo, one of Wyoming’s most frightening ghost stories. 

You can find Gebo just 12 miles north of Thermopolis in the Big Horn Basin region of the state. The area is known for its mountain range (Bighorn Mountains), unique geological formations, and its abundance of oil, gas, and coal deposits. So, it's easy to see why many folks flocked to the area to take advantage of its natural resources.

At one time, it was the largest city in Hot Springs County, and more than 2,000 people called it home. Coal mining flourished from 1907 to 1938, but when the mines closed, most residents abandoned the town. All that's left now are ruins and spirits of the past. Before its decline, the town had schools, mercantile stores, a pool hall, churches, and more, inside the bustling business district.

Because of the difficulties of life in a mining town, there were accidents as well as diseases that caused the deaths of the folks here. The Spanish Flu of 1918 and a wave of diphtheria claimed the lives of many children due to a lack of access to vaccines. A graveyard remains, and visitors have reported hearing the cries and wails from the abandoned cemetery - the chilling sound carries through the hills.

While I can't confirm or deny these claims, I do believe that spirits of lost souls can linger. And to think of the pain and sorrow that plagued this once booming community, I can understand why some would think that those restless souls still haunt this abandoned place in Wyoming to this day.

Most of the area was bulldozed and demolished in the 1970s, but a few structures remain, including abandoned homes and businesses, old mining tunnels, and the graveyard, which has been mostly left undisturbed. Surviving relatives visit the site to leave flowers and coins for their loved ones buried here.

Today, Gebo is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and was renamed to Gebo - Crosby Historical Mining District. You can visit by driving along an unpaved road off Highway 20 from Thermopolis. Stop in to read the interpretive signs, tour the sites, and see Wyoming history up close, and take time to recognize the sacrifices made by families who looked for a life out west. And perhaps (if you get lucky), you will discover some of the ghostly spirits that still live here.

Wyoming is home to more than a dozen ghost towns, and most of them are inhabited by actual spirits that have yet to abandon their dreams of pioneer life. Discover more frightening ghost towns in Wyoming that are full of paranormal activity.

What other abandoned towns in Wyoming have you explored? Let us know on our nomination page. And when you're ready to plan your own haunted adventure in Wyoming, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create a trip in minutes. Happy exploring!