Bannack State Park

Come walk the deserted streets of Bannack and discover for yourself the realities of the "Old West." Bannack is the best preserved of all Montana ghost towns.

Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. As the value of gold steadily dwindled, Bannack's bustling population was slowly lost. Over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures recall Montana's formative years.

Tours are conducted from the visitor center, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Bannack Days, with historic displays, re-enactors, and activities, are held annually the 3rd weekend in July.

The campground has 28 sites, including a rental tipi located along Grasshopper Creek, a  hike-in/bike-in campsite, with 4 tent pads, and a group picnic site.

In the winter months, dress warmly and skate on the frozen dredge pond from sometime in January to the first week in March (weather permitting). Warming house hours are generally 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Call ahead to check if pond is open, as conditions can change daily. Free loaner skates available; hot beverages and snacks for sale. Skating sponsored by the Bannack Association. To learn more about the association or make a donation, check the Bannack Association website. The Bannack Association is a grass-roots organization that works hand-in-hand with Montana State Parks year-round to promote and preserve this precious slice of Montana heritage.

Park size: 1,529 acres. Elevation: 5,837 feet

Bannack Days 2024: July 20-21

• Pricing: $5 per person, $20 per family, and ages 5 and under are free

Ghost Walk 2024: Oct. 25-26

• Tickets will go on sale in Sep.

Ice Skating: December 26-Januay 5 

• The pond will continue to stay open on the weekends following New's Year Day if the weather allows.  Make sure to call the park at 406-834-3413 for the ice pond status for that day.

2024 Bannack Full Schedule of Events (PDF)

• Bicycling

• Bird Watching

• Camping

• Fishing

• Heritage

• History

• Photography

• Picnicking

• RV Camping

• Tent Camping

• Visitor Center

• Wildlife Viewing

Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.

• ADA Accessible

• Established Fire Pits

• Firewood for Sale

• Gift Shop

• Grills/Fire Rings

• Maps

• Pets Allowed

• Picnic Shelter

• Public Restroom

• Registered Historic Site

• Toilets (Flush)

• Toilets (Vault)

• Tours

• Trash Removal

• Water

• Wedding Facilities

Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts

Park
Open all year.

Summer Hours:
May 19 - August 11
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Shoulder Season Hours:
May 3 to May 17 and August 12 - October 17
8 a.m. - Sunset

Winter Hours:
October 18 - April 15, 2025
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed December 24 & 25

Campground
Open all year.

Potable water
Available summer season

Visitor Center
Open Memorial Day - Labor Day
10 am - 6 pm

Visit the State Parks Fees & Regulations page for park rules.

Restrictions and Closures

See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.

Currently open volunteer positions at Bannack State Park:

• Park Host

• Visitor Center Attendant

• Special Projects Assistant

For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.

Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and one of Montana’s best preserved ghost towns. Bannack is the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862 and is Montana’s first territorial capital.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to preserve Bannack's historic character and National Historic Landmark-contributing features and characteristics, including its setting, feeling, and association, into perpetuity. A preservation plan has been developed as an addendum to Bannack State Park's existing management plan to provide guidance for preservation projects within the park. Click here to view the Bannack Preservation Plan.

Questions about the preservation plan?

Email FWP Heritage Specialist, Brenna Moloney

Montana Residents

• Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.

Nonresidents

• Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8

• Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4

• With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

Campsites

• Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

Montana State Parks offers hike/bike, rustic, tent, rv, and boatslip campsites.

• Reserve or check prices on individual Bannack campsites

Mailing Address:
Bannack State Park
721 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725

Phone: 406-834-3413
Email: bannackstatepark@mt.gov

Reservation Phone Number:

1-855-922-6768