Montana State Parks

Bannack

STATE PARK

See the "Old West" come alive again at the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862 and Montana’s first territorial capital.

HOURS & LOCATION

SEASON AND HOURS
Park
Open all year
Fall - Spring: 8 am - 5 pm
Summer: 8 am - 9 pm

LOCATION
721 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725
Latitude/Longitude: (45.16212 / -112.99868)

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MEET THE PARK MANAGER
Photo of Dale Carlson, Bannack State Park Manager

Dale Carlson was born and raised in Edmore North Dakota. He currently manages Bannack, Clark’s Lookout and Beaverhead Rock State Parks, and celebrated his 20-year anniversary with the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) in April, 2012. Dale has degrees in park and wildlife management, and science education, and has managed numerous parks throughout the state during his two decades with FWP.

CONTACT

CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Bannack State Park
721 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725

Phone: 406-834-3413
Email: dalec@mt.gov

Bannack

STATE PARK

Come walk the deserted streets of Bannack and discover for yourself the realities of the "Old West." Bannack is the best preserved of all Montana ghost towns.

Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. As the value of gold steadily dwindled, Bannack's bustling population was slowly lost. Over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures recall Montana's formative years.

Bannack Days, with historic displays, re-enactors, and activities, is held the third weekend in July each year.

Tours are conducted from the visitor center, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The park is 5,837 feet in elevation and 1,529 acres. The campground has 28 sites and a group picnic site. A rental tipi is located in the campground situated along Grasshopper Creek.

In the winter months, dress warmly and skate on the frozen dredge pond from December 26th (weather permitting) to the first week in March. Warming house hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Skates are available to use or you may bring your own.