Holidays to Southwest Montana

Southwest Montana is a land of cowboys, ranchers and free-roaming cattle. For more than 100 years, many American men struck it rich in this region with copper, silver and gold mining. Today, you can take a tour through an abandoned mining town, hike through national forests and go fishing for trout in well-stocked streams. 

Nestled along the Pintler Scenic Route is the Anaconda and Philipsburg area. These towns were settled as trading centers. Take a tour of the historic regions and study town archives in the Copper Village Museum & Art Center. Visit the remnants of a copper smelting plant at Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park and explore the Granite Ghost Town, which used to be a prosperous silver mine.

The city of Butte is also an old mining town, referred to as the “richest hill on Earth.” Marvel at the sparkling minerals found in the local area at the Mineral Museum. Take a trolley tour around the city to admire stunning views of the mountain peaks in the distance.

Retrace the steps of American ranchers at Deer Lodge, a valley town used to raise cattle. See original horse-drawn equipment at a working cattle ranch, Grant-Kohrs Ranch. Fish in Browns Lake and go birdwatching in the Blackfoot Waterfowl Production Area.

Set aside plenty of time to spend in Dillon, where you can find the site of Montana’s first gold strike. Go gold panning in Bannack State Park, search for quartz in Crystal Park and wander around downtown Dillon where the Camp Fortunate Interpretive Center has exhibits on the famous explorers Lewis and Clark.

Hotel or guesthouse accommodations are available in most of Southwest Montana’s towns, but the region is also known for its beautiful camping and RV sites. Take advantage of the breathtaking natural scenery by renting a car and driving along the wide country roads. For a Wild West experience, choose from a variety of guest ranches. 

Southwest Montana is the perfect place to discover the hidden secrets of America’s gold rush and to reconnect with nature in stunning national parks.