Ghosts of Yellowstone

With geysers hissing and the earth gurgling, it’s no wonder that Yellowstone National Park is home to its share of ghost stories. The Old Faithful Inn especially plays home to a set of theoretical hauntings. Here are a few spooky tales that travelers of yore have told. Are they true? You be the judge.

The Ghost in Room 2

Awhile ago, a woman wakes up petrified in her room, Room Number 2, at the Old Faithful Inn. She’s shaking with fear and clutches at her husband, rousing him and asking if he too can see the woman dressed in 1890s garb floating at the foot of the bed. The next morning, he told activities agent at the hotel Lindy Berry the story, and showed her the claw marks on his shoulder from his wife’s fingernails.

The Headless Bride

Once a woman dressed in white, undoubtedly a bride, was seen drifting across the crow’s nest in the Old Faithful Inn. As she moved toward the railing to look over into the lobby, the old, normally creaky floorboards made no sound. And her head rested not on her shoulder, but in her hands. Although an assistant manager of the Old Faithful complex, George Bornemann, says he made up that story for tourists looking for a scare, more recently waitress Gretchen May said she saw the bride, head tucked neatly under her arm. Read the about the legend

Mysterious Doors

Bornemann, remembers seeing his door uncannily open and close—of its own accord—one night.

Phantom Fire Extinguisher

An “inspectress,” walking along the halls of the inn, watched while a fire extinguisher turned itself upside down, and then, as she continued by, proceeded to right itself to its original position.

Sources: Deseret News; National Park Traveler