Most of Montana’s state parks offer outdoor recreation such as hiking, snowshoeing, and camping. But Bannack State Park offers something even better: A living history lesson. Bannack also happens to be a ghost town, and it still holds pieces of our past.
Bannack State Park is located just outside of Dillon.
Kels2Mag / TripAdvisor The park is a registered historic landmark, and although the town itself is long gone, over 60 structures remain standing.
Bannack was founded in 1862 when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek.
Troy Smith / Flickr The population grew quickly as the news spread about the gold strike. In 1854, Bannack became the first Territorial Capital of Montana (Virginia City later held that honor).
Many people left Bannack for Virginia City in the 1860s, but Bannack remained a functional town.
Arthur T. LaBar / Flickr Population fluctuated from the 1860s to the 1930s, but by the 1950s, it was a ghost town.
Bannack officially became a state park in 1954, and the rest is history.
Tjflex2 / Flickr Now it’s a beautifully preserved place where you can come and explore, or spend the night in one of the 28 campsites.
Visitors to the park are welcome to peek inside most of the buildings.
Nick B / TripAdvisor That’s when this little piece of history will really come alive.
Hotel Meade is one of the most popular stops at the park.
Mary L. / TripAdvisor The building was constructed in 1875, and it was originally meant to serve as the county courthouse. When Dillon won the county seat, the building was remodeled and turned into a fancy hotel. Rumor has it that the place is haunted by an old hotel manager and a few former guests.
You can visit Bannack State Park daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., except in the summertime, when you can stay until 9 p.m.
Shawna B / TripAdvisor The park also hosts plenty of special events like panning for gold, Bannack Days, and ghost walks.
Bannack State Park is a must-see for all Montanans. And while you’re in the area, make sure to check out Virginia City.
Kels2Mag / TripAdvisor
The park is a registered historic landmark, and although the town itself is long gone, over 60 structures remain standing.
Troy Smith / Flickr
The population grew quickly as the news spread about the gold strike. In 1854, Bannack became the first Territorial Capital of Montana (Virginia City later held that honor).
Arthur T. LaBar / Flickr
Population fluctuated from the 1860s to the 1930s, but by the 1950s, it was a ghost town.
Tjflex2 / Flickr
Now it’s a beautifully preserved place where you can come and explore, or spend the night in one of the 28 campsites.
Nick B / TripAdvisor
That’s when this little piece of history will really come alive.
Mary L. / TripAdvisor
The building was constructed in 1875, and it was originally meant to serve as the county courthouse. When Dillon won the county seat, the building was remodeled and turned into a fancy hotel. Rumor has it that the place is haunted by an old hotel manager and a few former guests.
Shawna B / TripAdvisor
The park also hosts plenty of special events like panning for gold, Bannack Days, and ghost walks.
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