Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

Recent polls have shown that over half of Americans believe in ghosts, and Montana is certainly home to some (allegedly) haunted spots. In fact, the Treasure State’s liveliest ghost town, Virginia City, is known as a hotbed for paranormal activity. Whatever your personal beliefs are, there’s no denying people have had some spooky experiences here.

Virginia City is located in Madison County, about 66 miles southwest of Bozeman.
Jasperdo / Flickr
While some of the town's attractions stay open all year long, it's an especially lively place in the summer.
Virginia City was founded in the 1860s after gold was discovered in the area.
Jasperdo / Flickr
At one time, before Helena was given the honor, this was Montana's territorial capital (Bannack was the original territorial capital).
Virginia City was once thriving... but after the gold rush days, the population dwindled, and it eventually became a ghost town.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Fortunately, in the 1940s, Charles and Sue Bovey began buying the town and renovating the buildings. The state of Montana purchased many of the historic buildings. Eventually, this came to be known as Montana's liveliest ghost town.
As you can imagine, there's a lot of paranormal activity here... Virginia City was a pretty sinister place in the late 1800s.
Jeremy Wheaton / Flickr
Visitors regularly report seeing a black-robed figure walking the streets, and some have seen apparitions by the Hanging House and at the cemetery. Some tourists have even spotted a bearded man wearing a Civil War-era uniform who appears angry and agitated.
But if you really want to freak yourself out, stay at the Bonanza Inn.
Airbnb
Guests here regularly encounter strange noises and inexplicable smells. The hotel once served as the hospital of the Sisters of Charity, and many believe it's haunted by Sister Irene, a beloved nun who used to look after the patients.
Whatever your beliefs are, it's interesting that so many visitors and locals have had paranormal experiences in Virginia City.
Richard Binhammer / Flickr
Montana's liveliest ghost town is certainly never boring.

Have you ever had a strange experience in Virginia City?

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Virginia City, MT 59729, USA