Dillon

History Gold was found on Grasshopper Creek, west of the present town, in 1862, and the rush that followed created Bannack, the first capital of Montana Territory. Dillon itself came later: it was founded in the Beaverhead Valley as a railroad town in 1880, and its first brick building went up in 1882. Silver was the first ore found in the immediate Dillon area, but the town's lasting business was livestock, and Dillon was once Montana's largest exporter of sheep wool. It remains the Beaverhead County seat and home to the University of Montana Western.

What to See The Beaverhead County Museum in town tells the story of the valley's mining camps, ranches and railroad. The main sight, though, is Bannack State Park, roughly 25 miles away by road. Over 50 buildings still line its Main Street; the population passed 3,000 by 1863, and it is now a National Historic Landmark run by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The park is open all year (8 am to sunset in 2026), with the visitor centre open 9 am to 6 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day and 9 am to 5 pm the rest of the year; it closes on 24 and 25 December. Bannack Days, with music, food and period activities, was held on 18 and 19 July in 2026.

Fishing The Beaverhead River runs past town and is one of the blue-ribbon trout rivers that define Southwest Montana fishing, together with the Big Hole and the Madison. A Montana fishing licence is required and regulations vary by section, so check the current FWP regulations before wading in. Snowmobiling, hiking and four-wheeling in the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest are the other main outdoor pursuits.

Skiing Maverick Mountain, roughly 40 miles from Dillon off the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, is a small, inexpensive local ski area with about 2,000 feet of vertical. It suits visitors who want uncrowded runs rather than resort facilities.

Getting There Dillon sits on Interstate 15. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte (BTM), about 68 miles by road; Bozeman (BZN), Montana's busiest airport, is further. Dillon Airport, five miles north-east of town, serves private aircraft only. There is no passenger rail. Montana's speed limit on rural interstates is 80 mph, but watch for wildlife and livestock on the valley roads.

When to Go June to September is the best window for Bannack, fishing and scenic drives; the Jaycee Labor Day Rodeo brings the biggest crowds of the year on Labor Day weekend, so book rooms early. Winter brings skiing at Maverick Mountain and quiet ghost-town visits, but the valley is cold and some smaller roads close or become slow with snow.