Bannack State Park Tours

Skinner's Saloon - This building, originally built on Yankee Flats was moved to Bannack in 1863. Owned by Cyrus Skinner, a known outlaw and suspected gang member of the Innocents Gang, the saloon quickly became one of the wildest places in town. During its heydays, there were a number of shootouts in the saloon, including one where a bullet went astray, punched through the wall, and killed a woman across the street. On another occasion, two gamblers in a dispute, drew their guns and blasted rounds at each other. Though neither gambler was killed, a bullet killed a drunk man who was passed out on the floor.

Founded in 1862 and named after the local Bannock Indians, it was the site of a major gold discovery in 1862, and served as the capital of Montana Territory briefly in 1864, until the capital was moved to Virginia City. Bannack continued as a mining town, though with a dwindling population. The last residents left in the 1970s.

At its peak, Bannack had a population of about ten thousand. Extremely remote, it was connected to the rest of the world only by the Montana Trail. There were three hotels, three bakeries, three blacksmith shops, two stables, two meat markets, a grocery store, a restaurant, a brewery, a billiard hall, and four saloons. Though all of the businesses were built of logs, some had decorative false fronts.

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Activities

Dillon Travel Guide

Popular places to visit

Museum and Depot Park

After visiting Museum and Depot Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Dillon. While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Bannack Townsite Pedestrian West Trailhead

You can take time to visit Bannack Townsite Pedestrian West Trailhead during your travels to Dillon. While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Hangman's Gulch Trailhead

You can take time to visit Hangman's Gulch Trailhead during your travels to Dillon. While in this walkable area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Birdseye View Trailhead

You can take time to visit Birdseye View Trailhead during your travels to Dillon. While in this walkable area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Bannack Townsite Pedestrian East Trailhead

You can take time to visit Bannack Townsite Pedestrian East Trailhead during your travels to Bannack.

Lovell Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lovell Island during your travels in Dillon. While in this walkable area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Best Lodging Options Near Bannack State Park

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Fairbridge Inn Express Dillon

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Quality Inn Dillon I-15

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Dillon Ranch Retreat w/ Endless Mountain Views

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Best Western Paradise Inn

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Super 8 by Wyndham Dillon

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Secluded Dillon Home w/ Private Hot Tub + Deck!

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The Andrus Hotel

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2nd-floor Dillon Apt - Near University & Fishing!

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