Montana State Parks: Bannack State Park
Bannack's famous historic buildings.
Montana is well known for it’s amazing National Parks, including Glacier and Yellowstone. But if you’re in Montana for a vacation, you should also consider some of the lesser known, but no less beautiful state parks, such as Bannack.
Bannack State Park sits at 5,837 feet and encompasses 1,529 acres. There is a campground here with 28 sites and a group picnic site.
The campgrounds include vault toilets, grill/fire rings, firewood, picnic tables, trash cans, drinking water, and access to Grasshopper Creek for fishing. Flush toilets are located in the visitor center. A tipi is available to rent from the center.
The Park is great for fishing, camping, picnicking, bicycling, horseshoes, volleyball, hiking, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs, photography and cultural events are all available.
Bannack State Park has what is considered to be the best kept of all Montana’s ghost towns, is a registered historic landmark, and the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862. This was the gold strike set off a rush, swelling Bannack’s population to more than 3,000 by 1863.
But as gold values dwindled, Bannack’s boom population was busted. The result now is 50 historic buildings lining Main Street. The buildings have quaint log and frame structures from Montana’s early days.
The third week of each July, the park holds Bannack Days, where you can see historic displays, and participate in activities and events. The Bannack visitor center does tours and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In the winter, come to the park for great ice skating.
Related posts:
- Montana State Parks: Sluice Boxes State Park
- Montana State Parks: Lost Creek Falls
- Dillon, Montana Vacations
- Montana Maps: Yellowstone National Park
- The Ghost Towns of Montana: Coming Alive Again
