Since 1971, Billings’ Western Heritage Center has been showcasing western artifacts and leading lectures in a historic library building. Between the rotating exhibits and 35,000 historic artifacts and photographs, not to mention the regular events, it’s a fantastic place to visit. It’s also apparently haunted, according to employees, visitors, and a team of paranormal investigators.
The Western Heritage Center is a local landmark, located on Montana Avenue in Billings.
Western Heritage Center Facebook Their mission is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the people and places of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern High Plains.
The building is elegant and Romanesque, clearly built to last for centuries.
Western Heritage Center Facebook It was designed by architect Charles S. Haire, who had just opened his own business in 1900. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Inside you’ll find an abundance of exhibits and artifacts from the past, which may be what the spirits are having a tough time letting go of.
Western Heritage Center Facebook Paranormal activity has been reported here for decades, possibly spirits of those who miss their art or family heirlooms.
One frequent visitor is a ghost named Priscilla, whose footprints can sometimes be seen in the attic. Priscilla is a child who probably felt most happy at the library.
beachbird123 / TripAdvisor An apparition of an elderly man has also been seen by the fireplace, and an elderly woman haunts the first floor and the Will James Room of this reportedly haunted museum in Montana.
The spirit of the elderly woman is thought to be a former head librarian or even Mrs. Frederick Billings.
Western Heritage Center Facebook The elderly man could be James Kenneth Ralston, whose paintings are on display here.
In 2012, the Montana Paranormal Research Society investigated the Western Heritage Center.
TicknorTribe / TripAdvisor They caught EVPs of the elderly man, the woman, and even little Priscilla. Since then, several other paranormal investigations have been conducted with similar results.
So, is this place haunted? We’ll never know for sure, but we do know it’s a wonderful place to visit.
FF13 / TripAdvisor Admission is just $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and $1 for children. The center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: 2822 Montana Avenue, Billings, MT, 59101
Western Heritage Center Facebook
Their mission is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the people and places of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern High Plains.
It was designed by architect Charles S. Haire, who had just opened his own business in 1900. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Paranormal activity has been reported here for decades, possibly spirits of those who miss their art or family heirlooms.
beachbird123 / TripAdvisor
An apparition of an elderly man has also been seen by the fireplace, and an elderly woman haunts the first floor and the Will James Room of this reportedly haunted museum in Montana.
The elderly man could be James Kenneth Ralston, whose paintings are on display here.
TicknorTribe / TripAdvisor
They caught EVPs of the elderly man, the woman, and even little Priscilla. Since then, several other paranormal investigations have been conducted with similar results.
FF13 / TripAdvisor
Admission is just $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and $1 for children. The center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Have you ever been to the Western Heritage Center? If you enjoy Montana’s museums, here’s a list of places you won’t want to miss.
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