Dillon, Montana Vacations

Posted on Nov 20, 2008 in City

Great Montana Fly Fishing and Lodging in Dillon

by Michele Kadison

Dillon offers up some of the best fly fishing Montana has to offer, in an historical setting that’s perfect for a family vacation, or a quick fishing trip, along with great wide selection of hotels and lodging.

was named after the president of the Union Pacific Railroad, Sidney V. Dillon. The town started out as a major railway shipping point from Utah to Montana, with the Utah and Northern Railroad reaching the area in the autumn of 1880. In 1865 cattle were brought to the region, and then in 1869 sheep were imported, making Dillon one of the most important wool shipping areas in the state. With its origins in mining, the town has evolved to become an excellent stomping ground for Montana vacationers.

As the seat of Montana’s largest county, Beaverhead County, Dillon was also a major site on the Lewis and Clark trail. Camp Fortunate and Clark’s Lookout are two important historical areas that figured on the Lewis and Clark expedition when the explorers met the Limhi Shoshoni Tribe who helped them stock up on supplies.

Bannack State Park is the site of the first major gold discovery in Montana, dating back to July 28, 1862. It was because of this strike that the gold rush careened to such a fever pitch. Once the value of gold lost its luster, Bannack’s population dwindled to a mere nothing, leaving approximately 50 historic buildings to tell the tale of Montana’s adventurous beginnings.

Beaverhead County Museum in downtown Dillon is an ideal place to get a sense of local history. With exhibits that encompass Native American life, early mining and ranching practices, as well as the local natural history, the museum is a must if you are at all curious about the true west. The Seidensticker Wildlife Collection is another interesting point of interest, located at the gallery at the University of Montana-Western. And of course, not to be missed is the Historic Walking Tour of Dillon where you can get a bird’s eye view of the homes and buildings that were built back in the days of the gold rush.

Surrounded by mountains as well as the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole rivers, Dillon is set in a magnificent valley with views that stun the eyes. Anglers from all over the world come to Beaverhead River to fly fish. Additionally, vacationers wanting to take in the sights of big nature at its best will want to head over to Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains to enjoy the outdoor adventure at 7,800 feet above sea level.