Have you seen the Ott Family’s incredible Halloween yard in Butte?

Mike Ott was born on Halloween so that may be part of the reason why the holiday is so special to him.  Part of it may be Mike's incredible creative streak that many of us old timers remember from the 1990s and early 2000s when Mike was the frontman of many of Butte's popular rock bands.  No matter which band it was, you could count on Mike Ott bringing the show whether he was hanging off the light rafters at Brews Billiards or standing atop the PA speakers at the Butte Depot, many times turning even a Tuesday night into a full-blown party.  I have both played music with Mike and been part of his audience.  I've seen him do it.  Many times.

Mike does not go into anything half-heartedly.  During our playing days we would not book the band during October because Mike would always create a Halloween Haunted House that would require an incredible number of man hours in addition to his creativity.  It was not uncommon for Mike to spend 16 hour days on his projects.  You may remember his haunted houses that were put on at Butte's old High Altitude Sports Center and the former Thunder Alley building to name a couple of locations.  Remember those?

Mike's creativity has not slowed down over the years as for the past several Halloweens, Mike has used his props, his creativity and now his own home to create what is one of the most intricate and incredible Halloween displays in Montana.

What makes Mike's displays even more incredible is that he has a different theme or two every year. "If you see the same thing it gets boring, right?  People start calling you out," he said with a smile.  This year's displays features everything from werewolves and witches to even an underwater area specifically for those trick or treaters brave enough to venture up to his doorstep.

This is not a solo venture this year, however.  Mike gives credit to his entire family for helping him with everything from supplies to inspiration.

Are you brave enough to check out Mike's incredible creation?  It is on St. Ann's Street, east of Continental a block up from Skyline.  Believe me, you'll know it when you see it.  These pictures are just a sample and the whole scene truly comes alive after dark.

Here's a look at what Mike and his family have done over years past.