As the crisp October air heralds the season of spirits, thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts seek destinations with a little more… character. Whether it’s ghostly apparitions in a legendary hotel or the spectral remains of a long-abandoned mining town, Wyoming offers some of the most spine-tingling spots that blend history and the supernatural. From the haunted halls of TA Ranch to the eerie ghost town of Kirwin, these locations are steeped in tales of violence, mystery, and perhaps even a few restless souls.
TA Ranch: Haunted Legacy of the Johnson County War
Located just outside Buffalo, Wyoming, the TA Ranch stands as a living testament to the tumultuous history of the American West. Now a Smithsonian Institute National Historic Landmark, the ranch is infamous for its bloody past. It was the site of the Siege of TA Ranch, the violent climax of the Johnson County War in April 1892, where tensions between local ranchers and hired gunmen boiled over in a brutal confrontation.
TA Ranch.
Visitors today might feel the presence of the long-gone cowboys who battled on this very ground. Reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained cold spots have made it one of the state’s most notorious haunted locations. The ranch offers guided tours through its most chilling areas, with live reenactments that bring its horrible history to life.
For those brave enough to delve deeper, the TA Ranch invites guests to stay overnight and perhaps even encounter the spirits that are said to linger. With its shadowy past, it’s little wonder why this haunted haven is a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel: Spirits of the Old West
Stepping through the doors of Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming, is like stepping back into the early 20th century. Opened in 1902 by the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, this grand establishment was named after his beloved daughter, Irma. But the Irma is more than just a historic hotel—it’s a hotspot for unexplained phenomena.
Room 35, the Paul Stock Room, has been the epicentre of the hotel’s most chilling experiences. Disembodied voices, faucets turning on and off themselves, and personal items mysteriously moving around the room have all been reported. Paranormal investigators have spent countless nights here, seeking answers to the mysterious happenings within its walls.
But the hauntings don’t stop there. Down the hall in Room 16, guests have claimed to see the figure of Irma Cody Garlow herself, sitting serenely in a rocking chair. Irma died tragically of influenza and pneumonia at the age of 35, just days after losing her husband to the same illness. Many believe she never left the hotel her father built for her.
Even Buffalo Bill, who created the Irma, is said to roam its corridors. Employees have reported hearing the jangle of spurs echoing through the bar late at night, long after it has closed. Skeptical? The only way to know for sure is to book a stay in Room 35 and experience the eerie ambience of the Irma for yourself.
Kirwin: The Abandoned Ghost Town with a Mysterious Past
Kirwin WY
Hidden deep within the Shoshone National Forest near Meeteetse, Kirwin is not just a ghost town—it’s a chilling reminder of how quickly nature’s wrath can swallow human ambition. Founded in the late 19th century during a silver and gold rush, Kirwin was once a bustling mining town with over 38 buildings and nearly 200 residents.
However, its prosperity was short-lived. In 1907, a devastating snowstorm triggered a massive avalanche, killing several miners and sealing the town’s fate. Within weeks, the remaining residents packed up and left, leaving behind empty buildings, rusted mining equipment, and an unsettling silence that lingers today.
Kirwin’s connection to the famous aviator Amelia Earhart makes it even more intriguing. In the 1930s, the land became part of the Double Dee Guest Ranch, and Earhart and her husband, George Putnam, visited often. Earhart had even begun building a cabin before her mysterious disappearance in 1937. Today, the remains of her unfinished retreat are still visible—a poignant reminder of the dreams she left behind.
Exploring Kirwin isn’t for the faint of heart. Its remote location requires a 4WD vehicle, and visitors must plan. Adventurers can opt for guided tours with ATV access, allowing for a more immersive experience. Among the ruins, you’ll find remnants of an old hotel, small log structures, and even the eerie outline of the mine shafts that once fueled the town’s hopes.
Experience the Hauntings Firsthand
Whether you’re drawn to the violent history of the TA Ranch, the ghostly residents of Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, or the abandoned beauty of Kirwin, Wyoming’s haunted sites offer more than just a scare—they offer a window into the past. With Halloween fast approaching, now is the perfect time to plan your visit to these supernatural spots.
Ready to explore? For more information on tours, accommodations, and travel tips, visit the Wyoming Tourism Website. Who knows? You might have a ghostly encounter of your own.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
