Bannack State Park | Montana FWP (original) (raw)
About the 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 Wall Tent, 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
Events & Programs
Bannack Days 2026: July 18-19
- A weekend of Fun, Food, Music, and Activities.
Ghost Walk 2026: Oct. 23-24
- A tour with live actors portraying some of the ghosts from Bannack's past. Reservations are required, and tickets go on Sale in Sep.
Ice Skating: (Weather Permitting)
- Dec. 26, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 from 10-4:00: In Jan. - Feb 2026 ice skating is open on weekends and holidays from 10-4:00.
2026 Summer Entertainment and Education Series at Bannack
Activities
- Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- Camping
- Fishing
- Heritage
- History
- Photography
- Picnicking
- RV Camping
- Tent Camping
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Amenities
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
- Wall Tent
- Water
- Wedding Facilities
Seasons & Hours
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.
Hours of Operation 2026:
Jan.1-April 17, 2026 - 8am-5PM
April 18 - May 18, 2026 - 8am Sunset
May 19- Aug. 1, 2026 - 8am - 9PM
Aug. 2 - Oct. 11, 2026- 8am-Sunset
Oct 12-Dec. 31 2026 - 8am-5pm
Events:
Bannack Days July 18-19, 2026
Ghost Walk Oct. 23-24, 2026
Closed December 24 & 25
Campground
Open all year.
Potable water
Available summer season
Visitor Center
Open year-round
Memorial Day to Labor Day: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Labor Day to Memorial Day: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hours may change depending on staffing
Park Rules
Alerts & Closures
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.
Volunteer
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 National Landmark Preservation Plan
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
Fees
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.
Contact Information
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