Haunted Wyoming: The Bighorn Medicine Wheel Near Lovell

For centuries, Native Americans have gathered at the Bighorn Medicine Wheel near Lovell, Wyoming. Now known as the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, it has been considered a sacred site for local tribes since the 18th century and is regarded among the most haunted places in the state.

Considered to be the largest and most important medicine wheel in the western United States, Crow legend attributes its creation to a young boy named Burnt Face. According to Crow tradition, his face had been scarred after falling into a fire as a young guy. When he grew older, he went on a vision quest near the summit of the Medicine Mountain Range.

It is said, while the boy was building the medicine wheel, he would drive away predators attempting to attack baby eaglets. As a reward, he was carried away by an eagle and his face became smooth. Legend has it, anyone capable of withstanding four consecutive days inside the medicine wheel will be blessed by the ancient spirits.

The Shoshone tribe believes the wheel was built by a colony of little people who occupied the area over 12,000 years. In 1932, the mummified remains of one the little people was discovered in the nearby San Pedro Mountains.

Accounts of the site's spiritual powers vary by tribe. However, it remains a popular destination for over 60 tribes, who conduct various ceremonies and rituals throughout the years. Rumor has it, the wheel is haunted by the ghost of a Crow Chief named Red Plume.