Turn left onto White Bridge Road, take a slight right onto Lower Valley Road for two miles and then follow Elkhorn Road into the Elkhorn Mountains. Also like the other boom towns of the same era, most of the activity in the town was focused around the mine responsible for the forthcoming riches. In winter Garnet is a popular snowmobile and cross-country ski trip. How to Visit Bannack, Montana: A Gold Rush Ghost Town - My Itchy Travel The Pony Bar Facebook In Montana, even the ghost towns have bars. Naturalists can enjoy the Bitterroot Valley's splendor by visiting the adjacent Lee Metcalf National Species Refuge, which features wetlands, various species, and scenic paths. More:You: Burly angel. During its peak, Elkhorn had 2,500 residents, mostly families of married immigrants. In the late 19th century served as a place of refuge for landless Cree and Chippewa natives By 1911, the military abandoned Fort Assiniboine, deeming it unnecessary. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Shortly after the 22 mile marker turn south at the sign Garnet Ghost Town. With Big Sky Countrys rich history in mining and the wild west, there are many Montana ghost towns to visit. It was named after the brown garnet rock which was used as an abrasive and a semi-precious stone found in the area. The story:In 1883, W.E. 5,928 feet (1,807 m) [4] Diamond City, Broadwater County, Montana, 463550N 1112526W Along with these many historic sites, legends and tales of outlaw gangs, road agents, ghosts, and hidden treasures also abound along with the states rich history. Basin Mining Camp to Artists Retreat Jefferson County, semi-ghost, mining camp, an active town of about 250 residents, historic buildings, and mining remains. It sits along the Yellowstone River and in the beautiful Paradise Valley. Vipond/Quartz Hill Beaverhead County, a few buildings and mining remains. Reportedly the mine churned out over 13 million dollars worth of silver and gold, along with other precious metals like copper, lead, and zinc. Today, over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures reference Montana's formative years, giving visitors an authentic Old West experience. Abandoned in the 1910s, Garnet is now a ghost town preserved by the Garnet Preservation Association and Bureau of Land Management. is the most vivacious and wholly alive ghost town in the country, and it's a must-visit for all curious history buffs. This small hamlet in the serene Bitterroot Valley emanates a peaceful atmosphere. When the town went bust, miners left so fast the town became a time capsule. This Montana ghost town made it on our list because of its unique history. The story: In the North Moccasin Mountains, Kendall was a mining boomtown in the first decade of the 1900s, peaking at 1,500 people. Filter by Community. Some are spooky, and even spine-tingling. 8 Abandoned Places In Montana That Nature Is Reclaiming But this is a story with a happy ending: today, Garnet is one of the. One of the absolute best Montana ghost towns is Comet, also known as one of the richest mines in the area of Helena. While the Treasure State lists several ghost towns among its top attractions, some of our abandoned towns are actually a little eerie. Barker & Hughesville Ghost Camps in the Little Belt Mountains Judith Basin County, two mining camps located just two miles apart, a few scattered cabins and mining remnants. Whether you are exploring the preserved mining structures of Virginia City, immersing yourself in the cultural scene of Missoula, or enjoying the scenic beauty of Livingston, each town offers a glimpse into Montana's past and a chance to create lasting memories in the present. How to find it:Comet is nearly 30 miles south of Helena. It's a once-thriving settlement that was abandoned due to various reasons, such as the decline of mining or other industries. 8 Of The Friendliest Towns In South Carolina, These Small Towns in the Poconos Come Alive in Summer, 8 Oldest Founded Towns To Visit In Northern California, 7 Best Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania, The Best Small Towns to Retire in West Virginia. The BLM oversees Garnet and the surrounding public lands. Jennie Pak, a Montana pioneer reenactor, will portray one-time Garnet resident Jennie Starr Adams. Turn left onto Marysville Road. Montana Beyond is an independent media project. Ewing Carbon County, ghost ranch, in Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. Follow signs up Bear Gulch for 11 miles to Garnet. The well-preserved center of Helena, decorated with buildings from the Victorian era and historical landmarks, proudly displays the city's legacy. Terrys Landing/Junction City Yellowstone National Park. There were hotels, saloons, stores, a school, a Chinese laundry and barbershops but by 1950 the town was deserted. Virginia City Ghost Town, Montana; About The Author. If youre looking for one best ghost towns in Montana, any of the ones on this list surely wont disappoint. The story: Miners weren't the only ones who left ghost towns. Homestead Sheridan County, semi-ghost, railroad/agriculture town, less than 50 residents, no active businesses. https://www.blm.gov/visit/garnet-ghost-town. This historic town, nestled along the idyllic banks of the Missouri River, has a quaint downtown area with wonderfully preserved buildings and an overpowering nostalgia. Stevensville's Main Street has modest stores, galleries, and local eateries such as Mission Bistro and Kodiak Jax. In the summer, many are open, and visitors are allowed to wander inside. A must-see for art lovers is the Holter Museum of Art, which houses a noteworthy collection of modern and local artwork. Take US Highway 87 for about 65 miles and turn right onto County Road for 2 miles, then Gardiner Road for 4.5 miles to Virgelle Ferry Road. Thats to say, it developed structures and institutions that have been essential for its present economic growth. Should you wish to drop into this particular ghost town during the winter, the only way is either by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or a snowmobile. Great for urban explorers. Art galleries, antique stores, and distinctive boutiques fill the lively downtown of Livingston. The Missoula Art Museum features modern works by local and regional artists, while the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula provides a look into the town's past with exhibits on subjects like Native American history and military tradition. 18 Ghost Towns In Montana [MAP] - Urbex Underground A-Z-Animals.com So, what exactly is a ghost town? This event set off an epic gold rush that caused Bannack's population to boom to over 3,000 by 1863. It was operated by the military until 1911. Notable points of interest within Bannack include the Hotel Meade, the town's first hotel, and the Bannack Masonic Lodge, where you can catch a glimpse of the social and fraternal life of the time. Nevada City, Montana, was destined to become yet another casualty of the Gold Rush, until an ambitious family restored it between 1945 and 1978. Discharging firearms or fireworks, smoking in or near a building, or establishing a fire outside of an official fire ring, are prohibited. Nearby Coal Banks Landing has a popular campground. Wickes Tunnel; Castle Town; Old Montana Prison; Montana has a rich and varied history, which includes lots of buildings long since left behind in the annals of said history. Flickred! You: Burly angel. In 1867 the mother lode was discovered, it contained three main veins, and several pockets of rich ore. Visiting Southwest Montana? However, locals found a great way to reclassify the town. Founded in 1862, after the discovery of a gold mine here, it was finally abandoned in the 1970s. 18 Ghost Towns in Montana You Have to Make Sure to Visit Garnet ghost town struck rich in the last five years of the 19th-century when miners uncovered a rich vein in the mountain community that was formerly known as Mitchell. The cemetery is uphill from the town. What's so special:Of the 104 buildings that made up the fort, 14 remain more than at any fort of the Old Forts Trail. This Montana ghost town is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the state's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. The structures being restored include the J.R. Wells Hotel, Dahl's Saloon, Kelly's Bar, and the F.A. A living history museum that preserves the legacy of cattle ranching in the American West is in Deer Lodge at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Like many of the other ghost towns though, once the supply looked like running dry the miners upped sticks faster than you could shout goldrush. Some buildings in several towns are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Castles major problem was a lack of transportation. While most of them are completely abandoned, several of them are inhabited by a small number of residents. We took route 200 with no issues, packed a picnic and explored! Montana, specifically Southwest Montana, has a rich mining history. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. Sign up for the Southwest Montana email newsletter to get monthly updates. Its history is nothing short of mysterious. The Gold and Silver booms across the state led to rapid town developments as people arrived for new work. Fishing, kayaking, and floating are all possible on the Clark Fork River, which flows through the community. More information on Montana's past can be found at the magnificent Original Governor's Mansion, built in the Queen Anne style. Bozemans galleries, concert venues, and farmers' market, the Emerson Centre for the Arts and Culture are focal points for artistic endeavors. During the summer season there are people there in period costumes. It first came to be in 1863 in the midst of another of the regions western gold rushes, with the appearance of a few thousand fortune hunters. The 10 Best Abandoned Places In Montana For 2024 And Beyond - Killer Urbex For a real, live history lesson about the Gold Rush, visit Bannack State Park. From the east, take Exit 154 for Dummond and follow the frontage road from the west end of town for 10 miles to the Bear Gulch Road. A Haunting Road Trip Through Montana Ghost Towns - Only In Your State The story:The richest silver mine on earth it yielded $40 million in silver supported the town of Granite, home to 3,000 miners. What's so special:The drive is awesome and so is Philipsburg. A few days into their more than multi-week odyssey to the opposite coast, they'll enter into Montana at Lolo Pass on U.S. Highway 12. Elkhorn State Park. Virginia City A Lively Ghost Town Madison County, restored mining camp, active town, numerous historic buildings, caters to tourists. Nevada City Outdoor History Museum Madison County, one-time mining camp, a collection of original, moved, and recreated buildings. Princeton Granite County, only a few dwellings occupied by summer residents. From points south and east, the town is accessible via the Bearmouth exit on Interstate 90. Camping and Southwest Montana go hand in hand. What's so special:Calamity Jane was here, too (she got around). These are the 12 best ghost towns to see in Montana - Great Falls Tribune The Powell County Museum offers further insights into the town's heritage, displaying artifacts and exhibits related to the area's history and culture. The town never recovered from the Silver Panic of 1893. It wasone of the most important forts in the U.S., with 10companies of infantry and cavalry used the fort as their headquarters, with a bakery, laundry, blacksmith, general store, chapel, post office, hotel, library, hospital anda school at the fort, which predates nearby Havre. This spot is 25 miles to the west of Dillon and is also notable for Montana history buffs as the place where the notorious Montana Vigilante group of the time took it upon themselves to combat some of the regions ensuing lawlessness, and hanged Sheriff Henry Plummer along with a fair few others. The story behind the establishment of Nevada City and its inclusion in my ghost towns of Montana list isnt as simple as the other towns on this list. Montana Album: "The Castle" to become a museum; two coaches break away from train, Diamond City ghost town where there's Confederates in the gulch. It came to life in full in 1883, after a large amount of silver, gold and copper ore and many other minerals were discovered. It was abandoned in the 1970s, with only a handful of residents persisting into the 21st century. To step foot in one of these places is to experience the quiet, if not eerie solitude, the mystery, and the history of the ghost towns. Watch on Castle City, Montana, is an eerie place; it's truly a beautiful ghost town in Montana one of the most beautiful, in fact! Montana's oldest-founded towns offer a journey through time, each telling a story of the state's extensive heritage. Follow the sign to Garnet and continue 11 miles. Great Falls Tribune 0:05 0:57 Adventure, mystery and history await visitors to Montana's ghost towns. But the town was once home to more than a dozen bars and a variety of hotels and stores. The BLM cautioned that parking at Garnet is "very limited" and carpooling is encouraged. Thanks to the hastily built structures and sudden departure of its residents, Mother Nature has taken a toll on this forgotten city. Elkhorn Ghost Town - Boulder, Montana - Atlas Obscura Here are our picks for the best 10 ghost towns to visit in Montana, and the top 3 in our list are among the most well-preserved and most popular. An interesting look into the area's past awaits at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, featuring displays on early settlers, Native American culture, and tourism development in Yellowstone National Park. Cable - Deer Lodge County, abandoned mining camp, just a few buildings, and the Gold Coin Mine and Mill. How to find it:Marysville is 20 miles from Helena. But as the value of gold declined, so too did Bannack's burgeoning population. The Mai Wah Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of Butte's Chinese community, provides insights into the town's multicultural heritage. It is home to the World Museum of Mining and was once called the Richest Hill on Earth due to successful gold, silver, and copper mining activity in the town. See the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and ride one of Montana's three ferries over the Missouri River. The entire town is today a historical museum with over 100 original buildings and is a famous tourist attraction. Visit the adjacent Philipsburg Bay Wildlife Management Area to observe wildlife and birds. Joshua Murdock covers the outdoors and natural resources for the Missoulian. A network of hiking trails in the adjacent Rattlesnake National Recreation Area takes hikers to stunning vistas and tranquil solitude. The ghost towns of the region stand as a reminder that our region was truly born on the boom and bust cycle. If youre a history junkie, this abandoned army fort wont disappoint. 4 Authentic and Interesting Montana Ghost Towns Near Helena, Montana A hotel, saloon and store are among the structures preserved today. Established in 1860 as the trading post of Hells Gate, Missoula has grown to become a thriving cultural center tucked away in the breathtaking scenery of western Montana. It faced both World War I and World War II, and still stands as people come and go where history was made. More:Montana Album: "The Castle" to become a museum; two coaches break away from train, More:Diamond City ghost town where there's Confederates in the gulch. From the east, take I-90 west to Exit 154 for Drummond and follow the Frontage Road from the west end of Drummond for approximately 10 miles to the Bear Gulch Road. Garnet Ghost Town, Montana - Discovering Montana It produced more than $13 million in silver, copper, gold, lead and zinc but was nearly empty by the end of World War I. Each year, organizers host Garnet Days, at Garnet ghost town . This Montana ghost town dates back to 1864, when John Caplice discovered silver lodes in the Lee Mountain. Which are the best ghost towns in Montana? Many of the other buildings have collapsed over the years due to the mine shafts below them, but Kendall is still worth a visit for its ghost town pedigree. Inquire about winter hours. Although this ghost town also qualifies as a state park due to its historical value, it is actually one of Montanas smallest. Castle Town is another one of the mining boom towns that went under after the Silver Panic of 1893. At Twin Bridges turn onto Highway 287 and follow it to Nevada City. But with summer weekends a limited (and precious) commodity, one has to be choosy. Cushman Golden Valley County, fading remains of old ranching town. Eventually, it was renamed Garnet, likely after the mountain range. The story:Bannack was founded in 1862 when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek. During his intense, but brief, term its said that he and his associates robbed and killed what we can only call actual innocent people. Here's. The story:Comet sprouted up in the mountains south of Helena in 1883 and grew to a town of 300, centered around activity in the Comet Mine, with ore smelted in nearby Wickes. The day will include live music, wool-spinning demonstrations, gold panning, historical games, a pie auction and a watermelon eating contest, according to the Bureau of Land Management. / Flickr There are quite a few beautiful old Victorian-style homes that people still live in. In the winter you have to either cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to reach the town. It became the territorial capital until around the mid-1870s when the boomers moved on to different locations in search of new treasures. These communities, which date back to the Virginia City gold rush and the frontier trading settlements of Stevensville, honor their history while embracing their uniqueness. A trip to the renowned Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, where visitors can try to discover jewels in the soil, is a must during a trip to Philipsburg. Montana Ghost Towns | Southwest Montana Travel The Old Montana Prison Complex was in operation from 1871 to 1979 and is among its notable attractions. Since its founding in 1862, Bannack has seen a mining boom and subsequent decline, leaving behind well-preserved architecture and an alluring air of reminiscence. Me: Idiot motorist on the road to Comet. . The park today covers around 1500 acres, and over 60 original buildings and other structures still stand in this state park, which hosts Ghost Walks around October time. This can be seen from some of the remaining structures today which are the remnants of former saloons, brothels, and gambling dens rather than churches or schools. The road is closed to wheeled vehicles from January 1st to April 30th. Address: Castle Town, MT 59053, USA The OIYS Visitor Center Elkhorn State Park is about 48-53 miles away from Helena and has the remains of a 19th century mining town. There are also camping facilities and other amenities available in the park, which get busy during peak tourists season. Virginia City, established in 1863 during the Montana gold rush, is now a live example of the enthralling tales of the past. Ghost Towns and History of Montana - Take a stroll through time From ghost towns that once thrived during the Gold Rush to historical forts and buildings, these abandoned places in Montana offer a glimpse into the past and evoke a sense of nostalgia and mystery. With community festivals to ski resorts, from dancing in the streets to rodeo weekends, Montana is more than immediately meets the eye. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. How to find it:North of Lewistown, turn west at the town of Hilger (after checking out the school, once Kendall's)onto North Kendall Road. The magnificent Montana State Capitol, a 1902 architectural marvel, is one of the city's most recognizable sights. You can ride the railroad to closely-located Virginia City from this Montana ghost town, as well as pan for gold or witness a live historical re-enactment on one of the summer Ghost Walks. Today, the entire town of Nevada City is a living history museum, and it's a place that really comes alive during the summer months. Of these, Coulson offers the best tourist experience. From the frontage road (also accessible from the Drummond exit) Bear Gulch Road heads 9.4 miles north to Garnet. In the very first section there is about 20 or so vintage player pianos and carousel organs that are awesome! Most, if not all abandoned towns were gold mining towns. Today, it sits in a convenient location, near some of the best ski resorts in Montana. Today, the entire town of Nevada City is a living history museum, and it's a place that really comes alive during the summer months. The Wild West is full of notorious ghost towns, but Garnet, Montana, might just be the most beautiful. Garnet ghost town comes alive June 17 - The Missoulian Once abandoned, then revived, abandoned, then revived again and again, until the early 1940s. Today there is no one living in the camp and the area serves as one of the best of all Montanas ghost camps. The Southwest Montana blog is a collection of stories from local Montanas looking to share their experiences from Big Sky Country. Pony also happens to be surrounded by some stunning natural scenery. From Philipsburg, take W. Broadway Street to Brewery Road to Granite Road. Head west on Lincoln Road to Silver City. The historic Episcopal Church still operates within the community, and there is also a baseball field. The sweeping fort occupied roughly 700,000 acres, contained over 104 buildings and garrisoned more than 750 officers, enlisted men, and their families. At the very least, theyre a wonderful way to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city life and experience the state in a slower way. Southern Cross Deer Lodge County, a few remaining buildings, endangered due to redevelopment. The 10 Best Ghost Towns in Montana - Discovering Montana Proceed 11 miles up the gravel road. More information on Garnet Day is available from the BLM's Missoula Field Office at 406-329-3914. Several original buildings now listed on the National Historic Register are still standing, and there are a few things to see in this Montana semi-ghost town. Since the 1940s, this thriving institution has entertained audiences with its enduring charm. Bannack is Montana's most famous ghost town, and Garnet is our best-preserved ghost town. Marysville was once a thriving Montana gold-mining town in Lewis & Clark County, 21 miles from the capital of Helena. Theatre shows and concerts are only a few performance options at the Shane Lalani Centre for the Arts. Interesting even if you don't like to hike. Cruse got out of mining, but when his wife died, he founded the Bald Mountain Mine, which also was rich ingold, silver, copper and lead. Not all these locations can be visited, and some show no remnants of their past. In the western portion of Montana sits Garnet, an abandoned mining town that's garnered a reputation for being among the most haunted in the state. Bannack - Best ghost towns in Montana Bannack, located in Beaverhead county, is the first on our list of Montana ghost towns for a reason. The gold-panning costs an extra fee. Elkhorn Survives Jefferson County, mining camp, ghost town, several remaining buildings, a few residents. The Nancy Hanks yielded about $300,000 worth of gold, and an estimated $950,000 was extracted from all the mines in Garnet by 1917, but by 1905, many of the mines were abandoned and the town's population had shrunk to about 150. Nevada City is put together with buildings from around the region from the eighteen hundreds. The staff at the site are nice and helpful. Heres a list of the 10 best ghost towns in Montana. The Garnet Ghost Town from the west, take I-90 east to Exit 109, the Bonner Exit. What's so special: Several buildings are well preserved. 10 Best Ghost Towns in Montana to Visit. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, 11 Oldest Founded Towns to Visit in Montana. Garnet offers a wonderful ghost town experience without commercialization. Settled in the 1890s to house those working in the nearby mines, it was abandoned in the early 20th century. Its recognized to this day as the most well-preserved ghost towns Montana offers. We didn't take the 2 hour Granite Ghost Town hike but we had plenty to see and the views were beautiful. Sure. Festivals and cultural events are a staple in Missoula. By that time, the pollution caused by metal waste had reached toxic levels. The nearby Yellowstone National Park beckons with its geothermal marvels, recognizable fauna, and breathtaking views. The town had a school, a jail, shops, sevenbrothels and 14 saloons. For a more in-depth look at this beautiful Castle Town Montana, you can watch the full YouTube video, courtesy of SkyworksHD, here: Castle City, Montana, is an eerie place; its truly a beautiful ghost town in Montana one of the most beautiful, in fact! The nearby Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad and Nevada City Museum provide interesting perspectives on the town's mining past. Continue on Highway 200 east for 23 miles. Castle Town, aka: Castle City, Castle - Meager County, mining ghost town, no residents, just a few buildings, privately owned. A reclamation project began in 1997 and by 1998 it was completely cleared. It then became a host to nearly 1,000 people. On Jan. 27, 1898, the Bear Mountain News published its first and possibly only issue: 500 copies of a four-page newspaper covering the Garnet, Coloma and Bearmouth area. Others only have a few dilapidated structures or a cemetery left behind.
