The Virginian Hotel in Wyoming opened its doors on September 30, 1911, in the town of Medicine Bow River, a classic western style town first settled in the 1830s. The town itself was a booming little place, with the Union Pacific Railway running through it and providing the town with the opportunity to establish prosperous mining and livestock industries.
Popularized by Owen Winster, a western novelist, the town also became a bustling tourist destination. When a transcontinental highway was built through the little town, the mayor celebrated with the building of the Virginian Hotel, encouraging visitors to stop and stay awhile. By the mid-1970s the hotel was in need of resurrection and renovations were completed by the mid-1980s. Today, there are still 26 modest antique rooms for rent in the old hotel. True to their rustic history, they lack the modern conveniences such as private bathrooms, TVs, phones, etc., and provide a great experience for those who like the idea of stepping back in time for a night or two. Various phantom activities have taken place in the old hotel over the years. For instance, visitors have seen ghostly visitors or felt cold spots in different areas throughout the hotel. Staff have noted that items are often moved with no explanation. Music from another time in history can sometimes be heard drifting through the building. Apparently, there is one ghost who likes to help out in the restaurant from time to time.
Who are these apparitions you may wonder? Well, with a long history, it is said that among the good times, there have also been the occasional shootings or lovers’ quarrels. Perhaps, like the Hotel California, some may come but never leave and they are left there to wander the old hotel for eternity.
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