Bannack

Bannack, Montana, United States

Allow us to introduce you to your next adventure. Montana boasts a network of over 55 State Parks – scattered literally from one corner (Brush Lake in Northeastern Montana) to the other (Bannack in the Southwest). The best part about the 10+ State Parks in our beautiful region is that they make the perfect pit stop as you drive from Yellowstone to Glacier – these hidden gems lie right between Montana’s National Parks! Here’s a quick rundown of the State Parks located in Southwest Montana!

Bannack

Bannack, Montana, United States

Bannack State Park, once the heart of Montana’s gold rush era as the state's first territorial capital, stands as a testament to the Old West's spirited past. Nestled along Grasshopper Creek, it marks the location of the significant gold strike of 1862. The community stands as one of the state's most intact ghost towns and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. As the allure and value of gold diminished, so did Bannack's thriving community. Today, visitors can stroll down Main Street, lined with over 50 buildings including historic log and frame structures, which serve as silent narrators of Montana's early days and its gold rush legacy.

Whitehall, MT

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, renowned as one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest, offers a unique underground experience accessible only through guided tours. Tours are offered from May to September, with a limited run of special candlelight tours in December. Beyond the caverns themselves, the park provides a plethora of outdoor activities with camping facilities, an extensive network of trails for hiking and biking, and a visitor center complete with interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage services, and an amphitheater. During the summer, the park comes alive with a variety of interpretive events, enriching the experience for visitors.

Boulder, MT

Journeying along the gravel backroads near Boulder, Montana visitors will find Elkhorn State Park, one of Montana's smallest yet profoundly historic state parks. This park is the site of the once bustling mining town of Elkhorn, now epitomized by two historical remnants: Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall. These structures stand as picturesque monuments to the town's late 19th-century silver mining glory, offering breathtaking views.

6563 Hauser Dam Rd
Helena, MT

Two words … water recreation. Located on the shores of Hauser Reservoir in Helena, this State Park is the perfect weekend camping destination or simple day-trip! If you are looking for somewhere for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, bicycling, or even mountain biking – this is your park!

25 Clarks Lookout Rd
Dillon, MT

Clark's Lookout State Park offers a unique journey back in time, allowing visitors to literally stand where historical titans once stood. Situated just one mile north of Dillon, overlooking the serene Beaverhead River, this park is a vantage point from which William Clark himself surveyed the valley below on August 13, 1805, contemplating the future path of the Corps of Discovery.

5750 Lost Creek Rd
Anaconda, MT

Lost Creek State Park, nestled six miles north of Anaconda, Montana, is a breathtaking public recreation area that showcases the natural grandeur of towering limestone cliffs and vibrant multi-colored rock formations, soaring 1,200 feet above the canyon floor. This park exemplifies the quintessential Montana experience, where the majesty of untamed wilderness is always within reach. The 502-acre state park features a short walking trail to Lost Creek Falls, which plunges 50 feet. The park is open year-round for hiking, bicycling, fishing, and wildlife viewing with mountain goats and bighorn sheep commonly seen. The park is open seasonally for camping.

100 Anaconda Smelter Rd
Anaconda, MT

The Anaconda Smoke Stack is prominent on the Anaconda skyline, and is easily visible as you enter town. The stack stands as a towering testament to the area's rich industrial past, particularly its role in copper smelting. Located just off I-90, 24 miles from Butte, MT. The Anaconda Smoke Stack is a symbol of the extensive mining operations that once defined and shaped this region of Montana, immortalizing the industrial prowess and historical significance of the area.

Philipsburg, MT

Granite Ghost Town State Park stands as a relic of the past, embodying the remnants of a bustling silver mining town from the late 19th century. The discovery of silver in 1865 by Hector Horton set the stage for the area's silver rush, with the Granite mine being unearthed in 1872 by a prospector named Holland, and its relocation occurring in 1875. ***Be careful the road to Granite is not well maintained. The journey to Granite from Phillipsburg is a challenging yet scenic one, as the road ascends 1,280 feet, winding through the landscape. While navigating the narrow path, you might need to yield to oncoming vehicles, but the breathtaking vistas along the way are a rewarding sight.

62 Beaverhead Rock Rd
Twin Bridges, MT

Beaverhead Rock, also known as Point of Rocks, is a significant landmark steeped in the history of the Lewis & Clark expedition. As they approached the Dillon area, it was at this imposing rock formation that Sacagawea recognized the familiar landscape of her people’s territory. Today, following the Lewis & Clark trail brings visitors to this monumental site, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

2715 Country Club Ave
Helena, MT

Spring Meadow is located in the western corner of Helena and has served the community as a popular urban day-use park. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming, fishing, walking, birdwatching, or simply spending time with friends and family.

1585 Trident Rd
Three Forks, MT

Missouri Headwaters State Park, located just outside of Three Forks, Montana and a mere 35 minutes from Bozeman, holds a place of profound geographical and historical significance. This park is celebrated as the birthplace of the Missouri River, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers merge to form the longest river in North America, marking a crucial point in the geography of the western United States.