Montana’s Top Fall Events
There’s a chill in the air, and suddenly, pumpkin spice-flavored everything is available everywhere you look. Autumn is knocking on our door, and we couldn’t be more excited! Fall in Southwest Montana is always when the past feels the closest. In old mining towns, stories linger in boarded-up saloons and brick alleyways, and after dark, they have a way of coming alive. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly ghost walk or a late-night paranormal investigation, we rounded up a few of our favorite haunted happenings throughout the region.
Here’s a quick hit list of Southwest Montana’s Haunted Encounters this year!
Butte’s Haunted Trolley | Spooks and Spirits
Looking for a Butte ghost tour with real history? The Richest Hill on Earth minted fortunes and the kind of stories that were sure to become hauntings. During its boomtown era, mines, saloons, and alleyways gave way to a rowdy, rough-and-tumble community. And like most mining towns, there were feuds, vanishings, and whispers that never quite left. The Spooks and Spirits tour shares the ghoulish tales of Butte’s past, connecting history and local lore to the places you can still step into today.
This tour is not for children. It covers graphic stories and includes stops at local bars, including Headframe Spirits. So, if you’re into that type of stuff, keep on reading. Butte is notorious for paranormal activity. With dozens of historically accurate tales of ghost encounters, there will be no shortage of scares on the tour.
First, you’ll meet your tour guide, Chris Fisk, who recently retired from teaching history at Butte High School for over 30 years. Chris will lead your tour group through a deep dive into the dark history that supports the stories of paranormal activity in Butte, and you may even spot a spirit yourself. You’ll make stops at notoriously haunted sites, like the Dumas Brothel and the Cabbage Patch, hear the stories of the previous encounters, and understand more about the Mining City’s dark and paranormal side.
- Tickets: Call the Butte Chamber of Commerce or visit their website to reserve your spot. Tours will fill up quickly. We recommend booking now! Call: (406) 723-3177 to reserve your spot.
- When: Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 3 to Oct. 25.
- Difficulty: Easy. You’ll be touring around town on a trolley, but please dress for the weather, as you’ll be getting off and making stops at some iconic locations.
- Content: Not recommended for kids.
- Alcohol: Grab a beverage for the tour at Headframe Spirits; the tour might even take a quick intermission for a refill! Please do not drink and drive, and drink responsibly.
Haunted Helena Tour: Ghost Gulch | Montana History Foundation
While Helena might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Halloween, paranormal encounters, or ghost towns, don’t be fooled. The city was established during the gold rush era, meaning it has plenty of history, along with a darker, more eerie past. The best way to celebrate the city’s history and the fall season is on The Foundation for Montana History’s Ghost Gulch Tour.
You’ll hop aboard Bert & Ernie’s Pub Trolley, where you’re allowed to bring your own food and drink—yes, that includes adult beverages. You’ll pedal for about 2.5 hours, covering haunted topics about local businesses like the Myrna Loy Theater, The Montana Club, and of course, Reeder’s Alley. You’ll learn about the history of Helena and hear the stories from beyond the grave that occupy these historic sites. Halloween costumes are encouraged, just make sure it will keep you warm on a fall evening!
- Tickets: Available now! These go fast, so if you want to join us, we recommend booking today. Book tickets here.
- When: Sept. 22 – Oct. 17, 2025
- Difficulty: This tour is rated easy, and if you wish not to pedal, there are non-pedaling seats available.
- Content: Rated PG-13 for its scary factor and recommended for ages 14 and older.
- Alcohol: The Pub trolley does not sell alcohol; however, guests are welcome to bring their own drinks. Please leave open alcoholic beverages on the trolley at all times and drive home responsibly.
Bannack Ghost Walks
Once a bustling boomtown of pioneers and gold prospectors, Bannack swelled to 10,000 residents at its peak and served as the first capital of the Montana Territory. It had everything a boomtown needed; its main street buzzed with hotels, bakeries, blacksmiths, and four saloons. After the gold dried up, fortune-seekers headed for new and richer claims like Last Chance Gulch. Bannack quickly became known for its lawlessness—think outlaws, prostitutes, shootouts, hanged men, and the infamous Sheriff, Henry Plummer. As the boom faded, so did the population. Today, the once gleaming storefronts, hotels, and saloons sit vacant. An eerie reminder of a world that once was, and a true Southwest Montana ghost town.
Each year, the Bannack Association hosts a Ghost Walk in Bannack State Park. It’s a 1.5 to 2-hour-long, narrated tour, stopping at 10-12 points along the way where costumed performers re-enact scenes from Bannack’s chilling past. Performers step into the boots of figures like Henry Plummer and give voice to the memories of others like Dorothy Dunn, the young girl said to have drowned in the dredge pond.
- Tickets: Available now! Tickets are required to attend and are non-refundable. Tours are limited to 110 people and tend to fill up quickly, selling out most years. If you’d like to attend, we recommend booking your ticket here.
- When: Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, at 7 pm or 9 pm.
- Difficulty: Easy. However, the tour is outside, so please dress for the weather.
- Content: Not recommended for ages 5 and under. The tours include loud blank gunfire, so it’s not recommended to bring dogs, small children, or others who may startle from loud noises.
Whitehall’s Screams Come True
Whitehall will be hosting a three-weekend Halloween event that Travel Pulse Magazine ranked Montana’s Number One Haunted House! The haunted house, hay maze, and escape rooms will be hosted at the Whitehall community center.
- Tickets: Available soon. $5 per person, book at their website.
- When: Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25, and Oct. 30-31
Boulder’s Big Rock Fright Night
In collaboration with Whitehall, Boulder will also be offering a two-weekend Halloween event. The entrance fee is $5. Join in the Halloween fun with activities for kids of all ages, from the Fright Barn to the Great Pumpkin Party. They’ll also feature the Haunted Hoof Carousel and the Sleep Hallows Haven!
- Tickets: Available soon. $5 per person. Pay at the event.
- When: Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25
- Content: All ages. Pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, and trunk or treat sponsored by the Montana Highway Patrol.
ExplorationWorks! Nightmare Affair
Join us for the 18th Annual Nightmare Affair Gala! This is the largest fundraiser for ExplorationWorks! of Helena. This year’s event will be hosted at the Great Northern Best Western Hotel on October 25, 2025, from 6-9 pm. The night will include a silent and live auction, live music, a delicious dinner, wine, and science-themed cocktails! Tickets are on sale now, at a discounted Early Bird rate until September 30th, and can be purchased here.
Old Prison Haunted House
- Tickets: $15/each, pay at the event.
- When: Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2025
- Content: All ages, however the content is graphic. Discretion is advised.
Can’t join us on one of the haunted tours in Southwest Montana this fall?
Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of spooky experiences to be had all around the region. Check out one of these fall festivals!
Annual Fall Festival and Car Show in Townsend | Oct. 3 – 5, 2025
Edgewater Farms and Corn Maze | Townsend
Located just 6 miles south of Townsend, Edgewater Farms is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. They will be open weekends between Sept. 19 and Oct. 25, 2025. This is a fall experience you don’t want to miss!
Pumpkin Sunday | Grant-Kohrs Ranch
This annual event is the perfect opportunity for families with children of all ages to get in the fall mood! Enjoy the fall season with fall activities, special programming, and more. There will be pumpkin painting, hay rides, crafts, and memories to be made. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
Wherever the road takes you in Southwest Montana this fall, we are glad to have you!
