THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The Dude Rancher Lodge is associated with reports of unexplained footsteps, shadow figures, and mysterious noises heard by guests during overnight stays. Staff have also reported doors opening by themselves and cold spots in several rooms. The lodge has developed a reputation for friendly paranormal activity.
Built in the early 1950’s, this was the first large hotel built in the town since the late nineteenth century. It is also believed to be one of the most haunted. In the downstairs kitchen in the restaurant section of the hotel, the sounds of someone moving around pots and pans and shouting orders has been heard in the early hours of morning, when the restaurant has long since closed for the night. In the hotel section, the most haunted rooms are Room #223, Room #224 and Room #226. In Room #226, there have been sightings of her dressed in a nightgown looking down into the parking lot and in the second floor corridor. Knocks and banging noises on the walls are heard, as well as disembodied footsteps on the stairs and in the corridor. The sounds of unseen children playing in the hallways have also been heard, and a shadowy female apparition haunts the laundry room, occasionally speaking to staff.