Echoes of the Past: Exploring the Twin Bridges Orphanage in Montana
In the quiet town of Twin Bridges, Montana, a sprawling complex of abandoned buildings stands as a haunting reminder of a forgotten chapter in American history. Once known as the Montana State Orphanage—and later the Montana Children’s Center—this institution opened in 1894 to provide shelter and structure for children, many of whom were not true orphans but victims of poverty, neglect, or family crisis. At the heart of the campus stood a grand Victorian building, affectionately known as “The Castle.”
For over 80 years, more than 5,000 children passed through its doors. During the Great Depression, the orphanage reached its peak, housing nearly 300 children. The grounds functioned as a self-sustaining community, complete with dormitories, classrooms, a gymnasium, swimming pool, dairy barns, orchards, a theater, and even a bakery and shoe shop. Children here worked and learned, gaining skills through daily chores and vocational training alongside their education.
But life at the orphanage was not simple. While some former residents remember warmth, stability, and community, others recall harsh discipline, isolation, and moments of trauma. The reality, as with many institutions of its time, was complicated and deeply human.
The orphanage closed in 1975 as the state moved toward foster care and family-based systems. By then, fewer than 50 children remained. Since its closure, the campus has slowly decayed—windows broken, paint peeling, silence settling into once-bustling hallways. In 2005, ownership transferred to local caretakers who continue to work toward preserving the 100-acre site and its 25 buildings.
Today, the site is part memorial, part mystery. Stories of ghostly voices, unexplained footsteps, and flickering lights have made the orphanage a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts. While some come for the curiosity, others come to honor the memory of the children who lived—and in some cases, died—there. Over 100 are said to be buried in the local cemetery, their names etched into headstones as quiet testaments to lives once entrusted to the state.
Though not open to the public as a formal museum, the story of the Twin Bridges Orphanage lives on through the Twin Bridges Historical Association Museum, community efforts, and oral histories passed down through generations. Preservationists continue to explore ways to restore or repurpose the site, hoping to protect it from the wrecking ball and keep its legacy alive.
Years ago, we knew we needed permission to visit. After some research, we tracked down the owner and received the green light to explore specific areas of the property. With cautious excitement, we made the trip to Montana, unsure of what we'd find. The owner was on and off the grounds, so we wandered the approved spaces - quietly taking in the eerie beauty of this forgotten place.
It was a moving experience, one that left a lasting impression. We can only hope the site continues to be preserved, either through restoration or thoughtful stewardship. This is a place that still holds stories worth remembering and protecting.
Our photographs below are scattered and in no particular order.
