Montana has 55 state parks, and each one truly has its own character. However, the fact that the Treasure State immortalized its first territorial capital and turned it into a state park we can all explore is pretty special. Have you taken the time to walk through our beloved Bannack State Park lately? If not, let’s explore this fascinating park and learn its history.
Bannack State Park is located in beautiful Beaverhead County, just outside of Dillon.
This part of Montana is quiet, peaceful, and visually stunning.
Bannack was founded in 1862 after John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek.
News spread quickly and people started flocking to the area from all over the country trying to strike it rich.
Bannack was named Montana's Territorial Capital in 1864.
Virginia City became the capital not long after.
The city was an active mining town until the 1930s. By the 1950s, it was a glorified ghost town.
The state of Montana declared Bannack a state park shortly thereafter.
This is definitely the state's most well-preserved ghost town.
Over 60 structures remain fully intact, many of which can be explored.
Needless to say, thousands of people visit this unique state park each year.
The state sometimes offers guided tours, and you can even take a guided ghost tour through the park at Halloween.
We're so lucky to have a state park like this right here in our own backyard.
Every Montanan should check out Bannack and learn its fascinating history.
This eerie video by YouTuber Edward Fielding highlights the abandoned structures inside Bannack State Park. Check it out!
https://youtu.be/90QAErKkwiw
The park showcases an important piece of our history. Montana’s mining past helped shape its present, and it’s amazing that so many of Bannack’s original buildings remain here in the park. To learn more about visiting our most well-preserved ghost town, check out the official Bannack State Park website.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!