These 6 Urban Legends in Montana Will Keep You Awake at Night

There’s nothing like a good spooky story, especially when it takes place in your own state. Urban legends are especially interesting because many of them contain a little bit of truth that has been widely exaggerated. Montana's urban legends are no exception. Yes, the Treasure State has breathtaking scenery, bucket-list-worthy national parks, and the most charming small towns, but it also has stories that will keep you up at night. How many of these Montana ghost stories are you familiar with? Here are just a few of our favorite Montana paranormal stories.

1. Airport Road Ghost Jogger

Rumor has it that if you drive down Airport Road in Billings at night, you’ll see a spectral runner, or a "ghost jogger." Some say it’s the spirit of a man who was hit by a truck while on a run; others chalk it up to steam rising off the pavement. Motorists who report seeing the Airport Road Ghost Jogger describe him as wearing coyote pelts, which we find a little unusual but also fascinating.

2. The Moss Mansion Ghost

The historic Moss Mansion in Billings, Montana, is believed to be haunted by many ghosts as several family members passed away in the home in the 1900s. However, the most well-known ghost is believed to be Virginia Moss, the daughter of the original owner, P.B. Moss. Virginia died of diphtheria at age five. People have reported seeing her near the stairs and hearing a child playing in the mansion’s halls.

3. The Flathead Lake Monster

One of the most popular Montana urban legends is of the Flathead Lake Monster. This legendary creature is described as having eel-like or whale-like qualities and is believed to be nearly 40 feet long. This Montana folklore dates back hundreds of years to the region’s Indigenous peoples, but the most well-known sighting occurred in 1889 when more than 100 people aboard a steamboat reportedly saw the creature.

4. Sacrifice Cliff

The legend of Sacrifice Cliff is tied to the Crow Tribe in the 19th century. This legend states that two Crow brothers returned home to their tribe following a long trip. They discovered that their tribe had been killed by a smallpox epidemic. They were overcome with grief by the loss of their immediate families and the women they loved, causing them to ride off the cliff. However, there are other versions of the legend, including one where the men simply rode off the cliff to sacrifice themselves to the Great Spirit to save their tribe from the disease.

5. Hitchhiker of Black Horse Lake

If you drive on Highway 87 just above Great Falls on the way to Benton, beware. Drivers have reported a Native American man suddenly rolling onto their windshield as if he had just been hit by a car. When the drivers pull over and get out of the car, no one is there, and their cars are free from damage. Legend has it that it is the ghost of a hitchhiker who was hit by a car years ago.

6. The Ghosts of Little Bighorn Battlefield

The Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1875 was a complete massacre of the 7th U.S. Cavalry. Sometimes people hear strange sounds when they visit the Battlefield Memorial. There have been reports of visitors hearing screams, yelling, gunshots, and the sounds of horses. One theory is that this is a "recording" that is played back to those lucky enough to witness it. So much energy was expended during the violent battle that it made an "impression" on the land, much like a tape recorder. The tape is played back under the right conditions.

What other urban legends have you heard about Montana? Are there creepy places in Montana you like to visit? If so, you need to check out these haunted places in the Treasure State that you can actually visit. And if you think the above stories are a bit scary, make sure you check out these reasons why Montana is the spookiest state in the U.S.

Of course, if you don't love all things spooky and scary, check out some of the most beautiful places in Montana for your bucket list, or even these hidden gems throughout the state that will put a smile on your face.