Bannack State Park

About Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park is a registered historic landmark and the site where Montana made its first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. The strikers triggered a massive gold rush that swelled Bannon's population to more than 3,000 by 1863. As gold's value steadily declined, the busy population was slowly wiped out, and Bannick is Montana's best-preserved ghost town.

The Visitor Centre is open from Heritage Day to Labour Day and offers guided tours and you can rent a teepee in the centre. 50 buildings line the main street, all historic half-timbered houses that recall the formative years of Montana. This year, the third weekend in July is the annual Heritage Day celebration at Bannack State Park.

The campsite has 28 pitches and a picnic area for groups, with vaulted toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and picnic benches. There is a 14-day camping ban, but the park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for camping. M. on weekends and from 4 to 6 p.m., weekdays and weekends.

The visitor center does not have flush toilets, but near Dillon there are many other amenities such as a picnic area, picnic tables, fireplaces and picnic benches, and access to the water park.

Bannack State Park is located in southwest Montana, about 4 km south of Dillon, Montana and about 1.5 km north of the city of Bozeman. Turn south on Bannacks Road and the park entrance is on the left.