How to visit Bannack Ghost Town? What to do and where to stay

If you’ve been to Arizona, Utah, or California, but also Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, it’s almost impossible for you not to be reminded of the famous ghost towns, spooky ghost towns where the only inhabitant seems to be the wind after being abandoned out of the blue in the early 1900s when the gold mines ran out. The list is endless, and today we want to tell you about one in particular: Bannack, which is located in Montana, more precisely in Beaverhead County, on the Beaverhead River of the same name, not far from Dillon. So, let’s see how to visit Bannack State Park.

The history of Bannack, Montana

Bannack has its roots in the second half of the nineteenth century (1862 to be precise): it was the first town in this state where the search for gold took place. It was considered such an important center that two years later it was named the capital of Montana, reaching 3000 inhabitants. When the gold mines ran out, the fame of Bannack also declined, but it remained alive and well until 1970, when the last resident died.

Where is Bannack, map and how to get there

Bannack State Park, as we mentioned, lies in the southwestern area of Montana, about 25 miles from Dillon, the nearest inhabited town. To get to the ghost-town, take I-15 south to exit 59 (State Highway 278), drive 17 miles west, and as soon as you see Bannack Bench Road, turn left and continue for another 4 miles. On your right, you will see the entrance to the park. The price is $5 per car.

Things to do in Bannack Ghost Town 

The town has been preserved very well. You can enjoy it by taking a walk along the main street, which is lined with houses, saloons, hotels, blacksmith stores, stores, stables. Inside these buildings – which can be visited for the most part, not necessarily a given – you will easily notice a number of special items: on the official website there is a section with a quiz about them!

Just outside the “center”, as custom dictates, you will find the cemetery and the gallows. At the Visitor Center, you can also take advantage of guided tours of the old factory and, hear hear hear, the Masonic Lodge! You read that right: Bannack is home to the Historic Masonic Lodge 3-7-77, where every year, on the second Saturday in September, 20 delegates from various states of America gather to make sure that proper maintenance is provided to the building and the entire town of Bannack, a historical heritage of the state of Montana and all of America.

Best time to visit Bannack State Park

If you want to immerse yourself in the spooky atmosphere of Bannack, however, it is useful for you to know the opening periods, to avoid going a long way unnecessarily:

• October- May: 8 am to 5 pm
• Memorial Day – August: 8 am to 9 pm
• August – September: 8 am to Sunset

Bannack Days

But the best time to visit Bannack is undoubtedly the Bannack Days, which usually coincide with the third weekend in July: two intense days in which the town miraculously comes back to life.

On Saturday (from 9 to 17) and Sunday (from 9 to 16.30) you will start your day with a rich breakfast and then you will be able to attend a number of interesting demonstrations and activities that were typical of pioneers: you can see with your own eyes how to drive a wagon with horses, how to work the iron, you will shoot with a rifle, you will experience a day of feverish search for gold with your sieves, after a ride through the country on board an old Ford AA to the rhythm of bluegrass and country, sliding between the shoot-outs between the old cowboys.

Since 2014, a similar event has been held the third weekend of September, under the name of Bannack Living History: keep an eye on the official website to find out more.

Ghost Walk: walking with the ghosts

If you’re in the area around the end of October, watch out for the ghosts of Bannack: book your Ghost Walk and, when night falls, go into the darkness of the ghost town to meet the souls of the old town, who will tell you their story. In this case, since the visit is limited to 100 people, it’s good to book in advance at the Visitor Center (10$ for adults, 5$ for kids).

Where to stay near Bannack State Park

After a day spent photographing ruins and old mining equipment, you’ll want to rest: you’ll undoubtedly find a motel or hotel in Dillon, but if you want to experience the ghosts from close up, there is the possibility of camping (from May 27 to September 9) in one of the park’s two campgrounds. The largest is the Vigilante Campground, where Indian tents, “tepees”, are also available at a relatively low price: find all the info at this address.

Bannack photos