Step Back in History: Discovering Bannack Ghost Town
After spending the last few trips in Washington state, we decided that we should do a little exploring in Montana. On our quest for a real “Wild West” experience we stumbled upon Bannack Ghost Town in Bannack, Montana. And boy did we hit “the gold mine!”
The History of Bannack:
Tucked away in the hills of southwestern Montana, Bannack Ghost Town is one of the best-preserved glimpses into the Wild West you can find. Founded in 1862 during Montana’s first gold rush, Bannack quickly grew into a bustling town full of hope, grit, and gold fever. At its peak, it had a hotel, a school, saloons, a jail—and even served briefly as the first capital of Montana Territory. But like many boomtowns of the time, the promise of gold eventually faded. By the early 20th century, Bannack was nearly abandoned, leaving behind over 60 original buildings and countless untold stories.
One of the most infamous chapters in Bannack’s past is the tale of Sheriff Henry Plummer. While elected to uphold the law, many believed he was secretly leading a deadly gang of road agents. In 1864, vigilantes hanged him—without trial—on the very gallows he was said to have helped build. Whether justice or paranoia prevailed, the drama of Bannack’s past lingers in the quiet clap of old floorboards and the creak of worn doors swinging open to the wind.
What makes Bannack truly special—especially for families—is how freely you can explore it. Kids aren’t just looking at history through glass; they’re walking right into it. You’re allowed to go inside nearly every building, from the old schoolhouse with its rows of desks to the musty jail and creaky saloon floor. It’s like stepping onto a real-life movie set, only better—because it’s all real. There’s no need to whisper or stay in line. Children can wander, imagine, touch, and ask questions, making history feel alive and tangible.
Visiting Bannack is more than a history lesson—it’s a chance for kids (and grown-ups, too) to connect with the past in a hands-on, wide-eyed kind of way. It sparks curiosity and leaves plenty of room for imagination. Whether you’re on a road trip through Montana or looking for an educational detour, this ghost town is a timeless adventure waiting to be explored.
Our Bannack Experience:
The kids were super excited to visit the ghost town! Coming on the heels of our recent trip to Garnet they had a good idea of what to expect and they were excited at the prospect of exploring another town without much inhibition. They love the fact that they can open almost any door, spend as much or as little time as they want, and feel like, in that moment, this town was theirs. Bannack did NOT disappoint! They were happily surprised that Bannack is actually in much better condition then Garnet. They could see the wallpaper and the picket fences! There was still playground equipment at the school! They could truly immerse themselves in the entire experience and they couldn’t get enough.
As with any ghost town, they ran from house to house trying to find one to claim as their own. Inviting siblings in to see where they live and what they’ve built. I love seeing what each of them looks for in their “dream house.” It really shows each of their individual personalities. One likes the view from this one, one loves the yard at this one, it’s all just so much fun!
While we went from building to building I tried my best to read along in the guidebook. It gave more insight to the properties and even included some actual photos of the building in it’s prime, and the people who lived there. My kids didn’t care too much about the readings, but every once in a while I would get a “really? That’s cool.” For me that made it absolutely worth it. I didn’t even get the time in many buildings to read the entire blurb, since the excitement of the experience had my kids darting from place to place in a flash, but that’s where I could see the value in purchasing the book at the visitor’s center and reading more on your own when you’re not trying to keep up. It only costs $2 so it’s definitely worth it and would make an awesome souvenir.
There is not a lot of shade in Bannack, so I would make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if you visit in the summer. I would also bring plenty of water as it does require a lot of walking. They do have a water cooler in the visitor center, along with a restroom with running water, so you could easily refill your water bottle if needed.
An important thing to note is that there is not a whole lot of cell service anywhere in the area. This is the wild west after all! Make sure you have some other form of gps (Montana state maps are free in the visitor center) or that you have downloaded any maps you may need. I would also make sure you have plenty of gas before heading out on your adventure as gas stations are few and far between.
Another thing we absolutely loved about Bannack was the ability to bring our dog! They had poor bags available as soon as you entered and your furry friend is allowed to enter any building you are. They even had kennels off of the parking lot where you could leave your dog if they’re not up for the adventure that can keep them out of the car.
Homeschool Resources:
I have created a short workbook to be used at Bannack State Park. It’s great for homeschool families or anyone looking to add a little more interactive learning for their kids during their visit. It’s free to download, and I would love to hear what you thought of it down in the comments!
Additional Resources:
Visit the State Parks site for more information HERE. You can also head over to my page about Bannack HERE for more information about where to stay, dining options, and other activities in the area. Also check out the short video below!
Other Great Area Attractions:
Crystal Park: About 45 minutes North of Bannack. Bring your shovels and buckets, and maybe a pick axe, and dig for quartz to your hearts content. Keep anything you find. Cost is about $5 per person.
Elkhorn Hot Springs: Take a dip in a natural hot spring fed pool! Located about 30 minutes North of Bannack. Kids are $7 and adults are $10. They also offer lodging and a restaurant, and would make the perfect place for your home base. Rooms are rustic but also very affordable. Cabins for 4 people start at $200 a night and the lodge rooms are even cheaper. There is no running water in the cabins, so keep that in mind as well.
Dillon, Mt: About an hour East of Bannack. This is the place to load up on groceries, do some shopping, and get a bite to eat! This is where we made our home base. They have some great stores, including a Patagonia Outlet, and one of the coolest parks we’ve been to in a while. It has a great wooden playground, grass to run in, and a HUGE splash pad area for the kids. You can read more about our experience in Dillon HERE
Big Hole National Battlefield: Located an hour West of Bannack. A national park site honoring the Nez Pearce lost during the battle of Big Hole. There are some great trails, awesome views, and a really nice visitor center. If you want to see more about our trip to Big Hole National Battlefield click HERE.
