Did you know about the Yellowstone ghost towns? We always knew the nation’s first national park had it all—an abundance of wildlife, thermal wonders, and natural beauty—why not explore local history while you’re at it? Yes, Yellowstone has several nearby ghost towns with incredible stories—one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old mining communities that rose up, prospered, and died all before a new generation could call it home. Let’s explore 3 Yellowstone ghost towns.
Kirwin, Wyoming
Town of Tragedy
Smatterings of gold and silver were found here in the late 1800s, but seemingly not enough for anyone to make a fortune. Despite this, an entire town formed. As it began to decline economically, tragedy hit, with an avalanche hitting a significant portion of the town in the winter of 1907. By spring, most residents were on their way out the door. However, the tragedy doesn’t stop there, because in the 1930s Amelia Earhart fell in love with the area and, together with her husband George Putnam, decided to build a cabin here. It was never finished after Amelia’s disappearance during her final flight. You can still see the beginnings of their cabin. This town is remote, so you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, though locally you can rent ATVs.
Traveling to the town
Drive time and direction from the eastern edge of Yellowstone to Kirwin: 1.5 hours SE
Bannack, Montana
Montana's First Capital
Once the first capital of Montana Territory, this town is among the best surviving ghost towns, with more than 60 structures still standing. It appeared as if out of thin air in 1862, after the discovery of gold in the area. Someone had to police the quintessential Wild West town, though, and the apparently intelligent and charismatic Henry Plummer got himself elected sheriff. The law was needed to deal with a criminal group called The Innocents, and he was just the man for the job. Or not. We’ll finish the story with the next ghost town, Bannack’s rival of Virginia City. Bannack is among the least commercialized large ghost towns being a Montana State Park, so it’s the place to check out if you want to feel the essence of the 19th century.
Traveling to the Town
Drive time and direction from West Yellowstone to Bannack: 2 hrs 45 min NW
Virginia City, Montana
Vigilante Justice
Virginia City, apparently viewed as the more put-together town, was made the second capital of Montana Territory only a few years removed from Bannock being named the first (spoiler alert: Virginia City's reign as Montana's capital was also short lived). Beyond having a library, a theater, and more, Virginia City was home to a vigilante group, who sought to bring to justice The Innocents, who killed and plundered throughout the territory. As it turned out, Mr. Plummer, the sheriff of Bannack, was too good to be true: he was the leader of The Innocents. He was found out by the vigilante group, and along with others of the gang, were brought to justice by the vigilante group in 1864. Sometimes, real life really is stranger than fiction. Next to Virginia City is a smaller ghost town called Nevada City, and together they have various guided attractions. These include the Nevada City Museum, an open-air museum, lodging accommodations, and even a ghost tour in a ghost town.
Traveling to the Town
Drive time and direction from West Yellowstone to Virginia City: 1.5 hours NW
Growing up, Dillon could see the Grand Teton from his house on a clear day. His family took him to nearby national parks so often that he took the parks for granted. It took the rigors of life to teach him how good he had it, and he now spends as much time in the mountains as possible.
Photo by Sarah Lachise on Unsplash
