Windbag Saloon & Grill, Helena


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The Windbag Saloon and Grill in Helena, Montana, is reportedly haunted by the spirits of its past as a former brothel. While specific ghost stories aren't widely documented, the building's notoriety and long history have led to numerous reports of paranormal activity from staff and patrons. The building, located on Last Chance Gulch, operated as a brothel for many years, first under the ownership of Ida Levy and later, more famously, under "Big Dorothy" Parker. The brothel closed in 1973, adding to the lore and history associated with the building. Waitresses and other staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, knocking on restroom doors when no one is present, and other unexplained sounds throughout the building. Some diners have reported feeling an unusual "atmosphere," and one reviewer mentioned the "ghost of a saloon girl whispering 'Order the burger!'". One report from a different haunted location mentioned a woman who was told by a neighbor that a ghost in the building liked the color red and enjoyed talking to children. The restaurant owners incorporated red into the decor and included a children's play area to appease the restless spirit. While this specific story is not definitively tied to the Windbag, it is typical of the folklore surrounding former brothels and similar establishments. Another story, from a different location, described a bartender and her companion seeing a man sitting at the bar after the place was locked up. When they re-entered to investigate, no one was there. This type of ghostly sighting is similar to the kind of folklore that is associated with places like the Windbag Saloon.

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