BANNACK, Montana Community Information

• 

  Bannack Buildings

  Photo courtesy: FWP

• 

  A Street in Bannack

  Photo courtesy: FWP

• 

  Horse Drawn Carriage

  Photo courtesy: FWP

Come walk the deserted streets of Bannack, and discover for yourself the way the West really was. Bannack is one of the best preserved of all of Montana's ghost towns. Bannack is unique...preserved rather than restored...protected rather than exploited.

The ghost town of Bannack, the site of Montana's first major gold discovery July 28, 1862 at Grasshopper Creek, became Montana's first territorial capital in 1864. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3000 by 1863. When the gold ran out the town died. There are over 50 buildings that line Main Street with its historic log and frame structures that recall Montana's formative years.

Bannack Days, with historic displays, activities and events, is held the third weekend in July each year. The visitor center is open from mid-May through September with escorted and unescorted tours available. A group picnic site is available. Bannack is a National Historic Landmark. There are 28 sites in the campground with vault toilets, grills/fire rings, firewood, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water and access to Grasshopper Creek for fishing.

Dress warmly and skate on the frozen dredge pond from December 26th (weather permitting) to the first week in March. Warming house hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm on weekends. Skates are available to use or you may bring your own.