Wyoming’s Haunting Legends: Where the Wild West Meets the Supernatural

Howdy, fellow explorers of the unknown! Saddle up and join me as we venture into the heart of Wyoming, where the untamed wilderness whispers tales of the paranormal and supernatural. From ghostly apparitions in historic hotels to mysterious creatures lurking in the depths of Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming’s rich folklore is a treasure trove of spine-tingling legends. Get ready to discover a land where the Wild West meets the otherworldly, where fact and fiction intertwine, and where the veil between the living and the spirit world seems to thin. Are you brave enough to uncover the truth behind Wyoming’s haunting legends? Let’s embark on this thrilling journey together!

  1. The San Pedro Mountains Mummy: A 14-inch mummified body was found in 1932. Some speculate it to be a hoax, others believe it’s evidence of a legendary race of “little people” from Shoshone folklore.
  2. The Platte River Death Ship: This phantom ship is said to appear in the fog, manned by frost-covered figures and a corpse. Its appearance is said to foretell death.
  3. The Jackalope: A mythical creature with the body of a rabbit and the antlers of a deer. This legend is deeply rooted in Wyoming’s folklore and is often seen on souvenirs.
  4. The Fort Laramie Ghost Rider: A young woman and her horse vanished from Fort Laramie. Legend has it that her ghost rides along the old trail every seven years.
  5. The Legend of Devils Tower: This geological formation is central to several Native American legends. One tells of girls who climbed the rock to escape bears, with the Great Spirit making the rock grow taller to protect them.
  6. The Lady in Green at Sheridan Inn: The ghost of Miss Kate Arnold, a former owner of the Sheridan Inn, is said to haunt the inn, often seen in a green dress.
  7. The Heart Mountain Relocation Center: This former internment camp for Japanese Americans during WWII is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who suffered there.
  8. The Occidental Hotel: This historic hotel in Buffalo is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including a former cowboy and a little girl.
  9. The Wyoming State Penitentiary: This old prison in Rawlins is notorious for its paranormal activity, with reports of shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and unexplained noises.
  10. The Sweetwater County Library: This library in Green River is built on an old graveyard and is said to be haunted by ghosts who disturb books and whisper names.
  11. The Lander Care and Rehab Center: This nursing home is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former residents who roam the halls and interact with staff.
  12. The Wyoming Frontier Prison: This abandoned prison in Rawlins is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former inmates, with reports of apparitions and strange sounds.
  13. The Big Nose George Parrott Shoes: This outlaw was hanged in Rawlins and his skin was allegedly turned into a pair of shoes, which are now on display at the Carbon County Museum.
  14. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark: This ancient Native American site is said to have spiritual significance and is often associated with paranormal experiences.
  15. The Yellowstone Lake Monster: This creature, also known as “Yellowstone Nessie,” is said to inhabit the depths of Yellowstone Lake, with occasional sightings reported.
  16. The F.E. Warren Air Force Base UFO Sightings: This military base near Cheyenne has been the site of numerous reported UFO sightings over the years.
  17. The Casper Mountain Demon: This demonic entity is said to haunt Casper Mountain, with hikers reporting encounters with a dark figure with glowing red eyes.
  18. The Wind River Reservation Skinwalker Ranch: This ranch is infamous for its alleged paranormal activity, including UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and encounters with shapeshifting creatures known as skinwalkers.
  19. The Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park Ghost: A ghost is said to haunt the bathhouse, often appearing as a mist or a shadowy figure.
  20. The Wyoming Highway 287 Ghost Hitchhiker: Numerous reports of a ghost hitchhiker along this highway, often appearing as a young woman in a white dress.

As the sun sets over the majestic mountains and valleys of Wyoming, we conclude our journey through its haunting legends. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these tales offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history, culture, and folklore of the Cowboy State. They remind us that there are still mysteries to be explored, stories to be told, and perhaps even a few ghosts to be encountered. So, the next time you find yourself in Wyoming, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. You never know what secrets the shadows might reveal or what whispers the wind might carry. Until our next adventure, happy trails and sweet dreams!

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About the author

Walt Frasier is an actor, comic, singer, producer and now an author. While most of his books are educational tools for actors and comics, Paranormal POV is a new passion project for sharing both historical fantasy and legends as well as original stories.

Interactive musical improv comedy live from Times Square NYC and touring nationwide since 2002