The Greybull Inn, located in downtown Greybull, Wyoming, has become a magnet for both history buffs and ghost‑hunters. Built in 1914 as the Hurst Building, the structure originally housed the First State Bank, the first and largest brick edifice in the town during the oil boom.
From Bank to Speakeasy to Hotel
When the Great Depression forced the bank to close in April 1927, local entrepreneur Joe Carey bought the property. He converted the basement into a speakeasy, a hub for illegal liquor smuggling from Canada during Prohibition. The underground space was said to contain tunnels that linked nearby bars and hotels, allowing rum runners to move booze discreetly.
In 1926 the upper floors opened as a hotel, and local lore claims the back corner once housed the “Ladies of the Evening.” Joe and his wife Clair Carey owned the building and much of the surrounding block for decades. After Joe’s death in the 1980s, Clair continued to operate the inn until she sold it in 1994.
Modern Day Hauntings and Hospitality
Today the Greybull Inn is fully operational. Guests can stay in renovated rooms that retain original woodwork and period details. The cellar bar, still called The Speakeasy, serves classic cocktails and hearty meals, reminding patrons of its Prohibition‑era roots.
Recent visits by regional paranormal investigators have added a new layer of interest. In a video posted by a local ghost‑hunting group, a researcher explored a hidden room and an old elevator shaft that some believe once led to an underground tunnel. She recorded what she described as “voices of the dead,” noting that some sounds appeared authentic while others seemed fabricated. The investigators concluded that the spirits encountered were friendly, a comforting notion for visitors seeking a gentle supernatural experience.
Preserving History While Embracing Legend
The inn’s owners, Myles Foley and Lori Davis, purchased the property in 2008. They have worked to preserve the building’s historic character while promoting the folklore that surrounds it. Although the tunnels are officially sealed, remnants of concrete work can still be seen, offering a tangible link to the building’s illicit past.
Local residents view the Greybull Inn as a cultural asset. It draws tourists interested in Wyoming’s frontier heritage and those curious about paranormal tourism. The inn’s blend of authentic history, restored hospitality, and light‑hearted ghost stories reflects the community’s pride in its unique past.
Visiting Information
Travelers can book rooms online or by phone. The Speakeasy restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, featuring a menu of regional favorites. Guided tours of the historic building and its rumored underground passages are occasionally offered, providing an educational glimpse into Greybull’s early 20th‑century boom and the Prohibition era.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of a haunted hallway, the taste of a classic cocktail, or simply a night in a historic Wyoming hotel, the Greybull Inn offers a memorable experience that honors the town’s storied past.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
