From our fancy wine bars like Plonk! in Bozeman and Missoula to the one-of-a-kind Sip ‘n Dip Lounge in Great Falls, it’s safe to say the bar scene in Montana is diverse and unique. But if you want to belly up to the oldest bar in the Treasure State, you’ll have to wait until mid-May. The Bale of Hay Saloon has been around since 1863, but like most attractions in Virginia City, it’s open seasonally.

Bale of Hay Saloon is located at 344 W Wallace in Virginia City.
Bale of Hay Saloon Facebook
It's open from mid-May until late September, and during that time, it's an energetic place with live music and fun events.
As one might suspect, this bar has a fascinating history.
Bale of Hay Saloon Facebook
Like many such establishments in the 1800s, it was once a "house of ill repute" for Virginia City's mining community. Those days are now honored with the annual Brothel Days festival. During the summer, Virginia City's nightly ghost tour begins here, making you wonder if some of the saloon's original inhabitants ever really left.

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The interior of the saloon looks more like part of a museum, holding on to pieces of the past.
CavemanHHH / TripAdvisor
The giant mahogany bar was hand-carved in Cincinnati, something the original owners left behind.
One of the bar's current claims to fame is pouring the best selection of Montana microbrews in all of Virginia City.
Bale of Hay Saloon Facebook
Granted, the population of Virginia City is only 198, but at least those 198 people (and all the tourists) can count on this place for a great beer.
If you're of legal age, there's no better place to be on a warm summer evening than Bale of Hay Saloon.
Bale of Hay Saloon Facebook
It's now owned by two sisters, Kay and Gay, who work to preserve its heritage and keep things fun.

Have you been to Montana’s oldest bar? What about Montana’s oldest restaurant?

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344 E Wallace, Virginia City, MT 59755, USA