Bannack State Park
Walk the deserted streets of Montana's first territorial capital, preserved in a state of arrested decay. This remarkably intact gold-rush ghost town features over 60 historic structures, from a saloon to a schoolhouse. It is widely considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the American West.
- Admission
- $8 per vehicle for non-residents, free for Montana residents
- Hours
- Daily: 8:00 AM - sunset
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Ample gravel parking lot available at the park entrance
- Access
- Unpaved dirt and gravel roads; some historic buildings have ramps but many have steps and uneven thresholds
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Bannack State Park preserves one of Montana’s most significant historic sites: a remarkably well-preserved ghost town that once served as the state's first territorial capital. Founded in 1862 following a major gold rush along Grasshopper Creek, the town quickly boomed with miners, merchants, and outlaws. Today, over sixty historic log and frame structures still stand along the dusty main street, offering a silent testament to the wild frontier.
Visitors can explore the deserted buildings at their own pace, stepping inside the old schoolhouse, the Masonic Lodge, and the infamous Meade Hotel. The park is unique because it is preserved in a state of "arrested decay," meaning the structures are stabilized to prevent collapse but not heavily modernized or restored. This creates an incredibly authentic atmosphere where history feels genuinely frozen in time.
Ratings
parkVisitor Tips
- ◆ Allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the townsite, as many of the historic buildings are open for self-guided walkthroughs.
- ◆ Pick up a printed guidebook at the visitor center to learn the fascinating stories and ghost legends behind individual structures.
- ◆ Visit during the third weekend of July for 'Bannack Days' to experience historical reenactments, pioneer crafts, and live music.
- ◆ Bring plenty of drinking water and wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for dusty, uneven terrain.
Heads Up
- ◆ Watch your step inside the historic buildings, as floorboards can be uneven, stairs are steep, and old nails may be exposed.
- ◆ Rattlesnakes are native to the surrounding sagebrush and occasionally wander near the structures; always stay alert and stick to cleared paths.
- ◆ Cellular service is extremely limited or non-existent in this remote canyon location.
Common questions
Can you go inside the buildings at Bannack State Park?
Yes, visitors are allowed to self-explore the interiors of many preserved historic buildings, including the Meade Hotel, the schoolhouse, and several residences.
Can you pan for gold at Bannack State Park?
Yes, the park offers gold panning activities for visitors during the summer season, typically located near the visitor center.
Are dogs allowed at Bannack State Park?
Yes, leashed dogs are permitted in the outdoor areas of the park and campgrounds, but they are not allowed inside any of the historic buildings.
Can you camp at Bannack State Park?
Yes, there are two campgrounds within the park, Road Agent and Vigilante, offering a mix of tent and RV campsites that can be reserved online.