Ghost Towns

VIRGINIA CITY

With its rich history of mining, Montana is home to countless ghost towns. Virginia City, Nevada City and Bannack are some of the most well-preserved and popular destinations. Some other noteworthy sites include Charter Oak

Mine, Comet, Coolidge, Elkhorn, Farlin, Garnet, Glendale, Marysville, Granite, Pony, Quartz Hill, Rimini and Rochester.

Virginia City and Nevada City offer living history activities, stagecoach rides, ghost tours, train rides between the two towns, fire truck tours, dining and, of course, an ice cream and candy shop. Before heading over, call the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce for COVID policies and to confirm what activities are available: 800-829-2969.

Entertainment is held nightly with the Brewery Follies cabaret and Virginia City Players 19th century melodrama.

The Brewery Follies offers matinees at 4 p.m. and evening shows at 8 p.m. at the H.S. Gilbert Brewery from Memorial Day weekend through September. Reservations are taken by phone only: 1-800-829-2969, ext. 3.

The Illustrious Virginia City Players will be showing silent movies in the Opera House during the month of June, then performing live plays in July and August. For dates and times, call the box office at 1-800-829-2969, ext. 2.

BANNACK STATE PARK

Bannack State Park historical ghost town offers more than 60 structures to explore in addition to activities like camping and panning for gold. The park comes alive during Bannack Days, which will be held July 17 and 18, 2021.*

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, folks will be demonstrating pioneer skills. Come watch the spinners spin wool into yarn, the quilters craft a quilt, and see how wagon wheels and baskets are made. Up Hangman’s Gulch you can learn about the Cavalry and experience an 1860’s gold camp. You may want to try your luck at gold panning, and you won’t want to miss hand-dipping your own souvenir candle or watching the blacksmith forge an incredible work of art from a flat piece of steel. Take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon or motor around town in the Model AA along Bannack’s Main Street.

Throughout both days there will be live music and guided tours of the Masonic Lodge. Admission is $5 per person. Children 8 and under are free; a $20 pass is available for immediate family members.

*COVID restrictions will be in effect. Face coverings and social distancing are encouraged. Please follow the Montana governor’s COVID restrictions.