Nearby Attractions in Dillon, Montana
Download an Area Map of Beaverhead County
Bannack State Park
Take Highway 278 west of Dillon for a ghost town adventure at the site of Montana's first big gold strike and territorial capital. Bannack was founded in 1862 when gold was discovered on Grasshopper Creek and prospectors and businessmen rushed there in hopes of striking it rich. In 1864 , Bannack was named as the first Territorial Capital of Montana. Though many left when gold was discovered near Virginia City, others stayed to continue as a mining town from the late 1860's to the 1930's. By the 1950's, gold workings had dwindled and most folks had moved on. At that point Montana declared Bannack a State Park. Today, over sixty structures remain standing, most of which can be explored.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The largest national forest in Montana, it covers 3.32 million acres and lies in eight counties. The forest provides timber, minerals, and grazing lands. It also offers breath-taking scenery for a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Whether it's trekking in the Anaconda-Pintler or Lee Metcalf wilderness, driving the Gravelly Range Road or Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, or camping in one of the 50 small to medium-sized campgrounds in the forest, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge has it all.
.jpg)
Beaverhead River
The Beaverhead River begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows for 80 miles to the Jefferson River. Perhaps the most difficult river to fish in Montana, with fussy brown trout, difficult water conditions and twisty nature of the river all conspire to make fly fishing the Beaverhead a challenge. It also has its rewards with large brown trout - real large brown trout. A common brown trout ranges from twelve to fifteen inches. Larger browns, stretching well past the twenty-inch mark. For the angler looking to chase trophy-sized rown trout, the Beaverhead River should be on the top of any list.
Beaverhead Rock State Park
As the Expedition moved into the area of current day Dillon, Sacagawea recognized a familiar rock formation. Captains Lewis and Clark thought this to be a good sign in their search for the elusive Northwest Passage. Sacagewea 's tribe, the Shoshone, called the landmark "Beaver's Head" because the natural formation resembled the head of a swimming beaver.
Big Hole National Battlefield
The Nez Percé udner Chief Joseph fought a delaying action against the U.S. Infantry here on August 9 and 10, 1877 during their failed attempt to escape to Canada. The Battle of the Big Hole was the largest battle fought between the Nex Percé and U.S. Government forces in the five month conflict known as the Nez Percé War. The park was made part of Nez Percé National Historical Park in 1992 which consists of 38 separate locations in five different states, following the flight of the Nez Percé tribe from the U.S. Calvary.
Clark Canyon Reservoir
Twenty miles sourth of Dillon, the Reservoir is the site of Camp Fortunate. It was here that the Lewis and Clark expedition met the Limhi Shoshoni Tribe, cached their canoes and supplies for the return trip and Sacagawea was reunited with her people. This reservoir, with 4,935 surface acres and 17 miles of shoreline, offers good fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Concrete boat ramps, picnic shelters, marina.
The Copper King Express
In 1892, the railroad provided freight between the mines and smelter, and transportation for citizens between Butte and Anaconda. In 1912, it was the first railroad in the nation to electrify. When the smeltered closed in 1985, the railroad was privatized but continued to provide freight services in addition to perserving historic structures. In 2006,The Copper King Express was launched with refurbished passenger cars and a historic narrative on a 52-mile round trip excursion through scenic Durant Canyon.
The Copper King Mansion
Located in Butte, 64 miles north of Dillon, a 34-room Victorian mansion built for William Anderson Clark, one of Montana's three famous "Copper Kings" who helped establish the fledgling Montana territory. Solely funded by tours, bed and breakfast guests, and catered events, the Copper Mansion remains the only privately owned mansion in Montana accessible to the public.
Elkhorn Hot Springs
This natural hot springs resort is nestled in the Pioneer Mountains. The water flowing into our pools is all natural and gravity fed. It is high in mineral content and has no sulfur. We have two outdoor pools and an indoor wet-sauna. Our hot springs are open to the public, so if you're passing by and have some time, stop in for a visit.
Our Lady of the Rockies
A 90-foot statue that sits atop the Continental Divide is the realization of a dream and the result of six years of hard work. She was dedicated by the workers to women everywhere, especially to mothers. At 8,510 fee above sea level, Our Lady sits on the East Ridge overlooking Butte, Montana. Lighted and visible at night, she is a spectacular sight to behold. Two-hour roundtrip bus tours are available from June until September.
The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway cuts through the middle of the Pioneer Mountains in Southwest Montana's Beaverhead County. The route goes from the town of Wise River into the historic valley formed by Grasshopper Creek. Join us for a tour of this scenic road.
