7 Bizarre Stories That Prove Billings Is No Stranger to the Strange

Every city has its share of strange tales, moments that make locals raise an eyebrow or tourists do a double-take. Billings is no exception.

From mysterious sightings in the sky to architectural dreams that never came to life, this city has seen its fair share of the bizarre and unexpected. The following are just seven of the most unforgettable stories to ever come out of the Magic City.

UFOs and Sky Explosions

In 1977, Frontier Airlines pilots reported a glowing object with pulsating lights near Billings, describing it as a "flying saucer" resembling a spider or a wagon wheel without a rim. More recently, in 2023, a Billings resident captured video of what appeared to be an explosion in the sky, sparking widespread speculation and intrigue.

The Phantom Jogger of Airport Road

Drivers along Airport Road have reported sightings of a spectral runner appearing in their headlights at night. Some believe it's the spirit of a man who met a tragic end while jogging, while skeptics attribute the phenomenon to natural illusions like steam rising from the pavement.

Ghostly Guests at the Dude Rancher Lodge

The Dude Rancher Lodge, a motel built in 1950 with a Hollywood-western theme, is reputedly haunted by its original owner. Guests have reported paranormal experiences, leading to certain rooms being booked up to a year in advance by thrill-seekers hoping for a ghostly encounter.

The Ronald McDonald Arrest Hoax

In 2001, a photo circulated showing Billings police officers seemingly arresting Ronald McDonald. In reality, they were removing a vandalized statue of the mascot that had been stolen and hanged from a noose in Pioneer Park. The incident became an urban legend, often misrepresented in chain emails and online forums.

READ MORE: The Sweet (and Smelly) Legacy of Billings’ Sugar Beet Factory

Haunted Grocery Store Turned Distillery

After a tragic 1945 plane crash that killed 21 World War II soldiers near what is now Veterans Park, a local grocery store at 2223 Montana Avenue was used to store the victims' bodies due to overwhelmed morgues. Over the years, the building has housed various businesses, and employees have reported sightings of a ghostly figure in a WWII uniform. Today, the location is home to Asylum Distillery, which embraces its haunted reputation.

The Chinese Spy Balloon Saga

In early 2023, residents of Billings were startled by the sight of a high-altitude balloon hovering over the city. Initially shrouded in mystery, it was later identified as a Chinese surveillance balloon. Chase Doak, a local hobbyist photographer, captured clear images of the balloon, which quickly went viral and brought international attention to Billings. The incident sparked debates about national security and airspace sovereignty.

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The Ambitious Ghost Town of Mossmain

Just west of Billings lies Mossmain, a ghost town with an ambitious past. Envisioned in the early 20th century as a "City of the Future," Mossmain was designed by renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin, who also planned Canberra, Australia's capital. The town was intended to be a major rail hub with innovative architecture. However, the grand plans never materialized.