Dillon & Southwest Montana

2019 Free Visitors’ Guide

DISCOVERDillon & Southwest Montana

DILLON TRIBUNE Making headlines since 1881 GOLFERS Get into the swing of things Driving Range 9 Hole Golf Course Full Service Pro Shop Full Bar Now Serving Lunch Public Welcome Phone (406) 683-9933 1260 Hwy 41 N. Dillon, MT www.beaverheadgolf.com

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Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 1 Advertising Index Editorial Index

3-D...... 25 Welcome to Southwestern Montana...... 3 Armstead Campground & Repair Shop...... 11 About Dillon...... 4 Bank of Commerce...... 3 Kids Fun at Jaycee Park...... 5 Beaverhead Brewing Company...... 11 About Beaverhead County...... 6 Beaverhead Golf Course...... Cover Small Town Beaverhead...... 7 Beaverhead Livestock Auction...... 29 March to Modern Montana...... 8 Blacktail Station/Mac’s Last Cast...... 3 Scenic Southwestern Montana Drives...... 9 Brewery Follies...... 22 Historical Sites and Natures Wonders...... 10 Chick’s Restaurant/Bale of Hay Saloon.....20 Montana’s First Territorial Capital...... 11 Clean Critter Laundromat...... 4 Bannack Days...... 12 Countryside RV Park...... Cover Jaycee Labor Day Weekend...... 14 Dillon Collision...... Cover Beaverhead County Fair...... 15 Dillon Jaycees Labor Day Rodeo...... 13 Montana Regional Locator Map...... 16-17 Dillon Liquor Store...... 24 Fishing Beaverhead and Madison...... 18-19 The Gallery...... 5 Virginia City/Nevada City...... 21 The Good Life...... 2 Nevada City Living History...... 22 High Peaks Federal Credit Union...... 22 On the Treasure Hunt – Rockhounding.....23 Jerry Wessel’s Tire Center...... 1 Farmers Markets...... 24 KOA Kampgrounds...... Cover Bike/Walk Southwest Montana...... 25 L.S. ReAdy Mix & Concrete...... 2 SW Montana Calendar of Events...... 25 Madison County Fair...... 21 SW Montana Calendar of Events...... 26 Milk Pail...... 25 SW Montana Calendar of Events...... 27 Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan...... Cover SW Montana Calendar of Events...... 28 Prairie Home Inspection...... 7 University of Montana Western...... 29 Propane Services, Inc...... 23 Recreation in Our National Forest...... 30 Southwest Montana Arts Council...... 5 Southwest Montana Map...... 31 Stageline Pizza/Bad Ass Coffee...... 23 Dillon Attractions Map...... 32 Standard Lumber Ace Hardware...... 23 Sweetwater Coffee...... 4 On the Cover – A gun fight at Bannack days, University of Montana Western...... 29 a bucking bronc at the Dillon Jaycee Rodeo, Whalen Tire...... 24 and RATPOD riders pass fishermen on the Big Hole River. J.P. Plutt photos

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2 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Welcome to Sports Bar, Southwestern Montana Grill, Casino & Liquor Store

26 S. Montana St.(Across from Museum) 406-683-2444 Hours 11 am-?

a Montana Steak House 26 S. Montana Reservations 406-683-6611

Beaverhead Chamber is at 10 W. Reeder Street. Fine Dining in Dillon Hello friends Certified Angus Beef® Steaks, Area Chambers of Commerce welcome you to Beaverhead and Seafood, Ribs & Pasta Madison counties. If you're looking for a perfect vacation spot, you've found it. Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, historical sites Full service Bar, Montana Micro’s, Great Wines, Excellent Service and architecture, museums, campgrounds, wildlife, motels and www.blacktailstation.com restaurants--there's plenty to see and do. If you're looking for a home, this is the place as well. Quality schools, world-class recreational opportunities, cultural activities, entertainment and that great small town feeling abounds. A major portion of these counties continue to harbor ghost towns, mining camps and, of course, the historic Lewis & Clark Trail of western exploration and discovery to add to the western feel. Nowhere is the history of the Old West more vividly retained than here in the rugged wonderland of southwestern Montana. Whether you're here for a few weeks or for a lifetime, you'll find that a southwestern Montana welcome is the genuine article.

Your Chamber of Commerce Guide Contact the following for information about the area, events and more:

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce – 10 W. Reeder, P.O. Box 425, Dillon, MT 59725, 406-683-5511, http://www.beaverhead chamber.org. Ennis Chamber of Commerce – P. O. Box 291, Ennis, MT 59729, 406- 682-4388, http://www.ennischamber.com Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce – P. O. Box 134, Twin Bridges, MT 59754, no phone number, http://www.rubyvalleychamber. com (use website and e-mail only for communication). Virginia City Chamber of Commerce - P. O. Box 218, Virginia City, MT 59755, 800-829-2969, http://www.virginiacity chamber.com.

Just in case Emergency phone numbers Medical, fire, hazardous materials...... 9-1-1 Beaverhead County Sheriff...... (406) 683-3700 Dillon Police Department...... (406) 683-3701 Montana Highway Patrol...... 1 800 525-5555 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks...... 1 800 847-6668 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 3 About Dillon

Dillon offers a gold mine of history... ranging from native Americans trekking through the area to Lewis and Clark, to gold rushers and vigilantes, from the railroad to teamsters, farmers and ranchers. And much of it is not only well preserved... it's up close and personal. Born as a railroad town Dillon was born to the scream of a steam whistle. The Utah and Northern Railroad (now the Union Pacific) was building north, toward Butte in 1880. Originally begun by the Mormon leader, Brigham Young, the three-foot narrow gauge line was by then a project of the Union Pacific. As winter- ap proached, the railroad halted construction at Richard Deacon's ranch, where Dillon now is. The railroad was refused passage across the ranch and a group of businessmen, traveling with the mobile town called "Terminus" that went with the railroad as it progressed, raised the money to buy the ranch and form a town site company. A prepackaged community, all City of Dillon Public Library. necessary services came with it in portable Company explorers. in 1865. Sheep ranching began in 1869 and structures of canvas and wood. During the Jim Bridger came through this area in soon the need for shipping became evident. winter of 1880-81 the railroad stayed here, 1832, followed by Henry Vanderburgh of the Remnants of area history are everywhere at the end of the track. When the railroad American Fur Company. The Beaverhead County Museum, on Mon- moved north again, the town remained. Dillon It wasn’t just the early day fur trappers tana Street in Dillon, is filled to the rafters is named after Sidney Dillon, president of that found the area in those early days. Father with mementos of those early days... from the Union Pacific Railroad at the time of the DeSmet, in his historical trek to the Flathead railroad's arrival here. But before the rail- the bones of a prehistoric mammoth found in Indians, arrived near Red Rock Lakes in road, Beaverhead County was an important the area in 1905 to the rotted stump of Henry August 1840 and was guided by the Indians and flourishing part of the fledgling territory Plummer’s infamous gallows. along the Beaverhead River. of Montana. Gold was first discovered west More than a century old, the University Shiny gold meant of here and the territory's first capital was of Montana Western in Dillon shows both cycle of boom and bust formed at Bannack. the past and the future in its 34-acre campus. John White’s discovery of gold at Grass- Lewis and Clark spent Western is a small college renowned for its hopper Creek west of Dillon sent thousands plenty of time here work in rural teacher education, environ- on their way to the new gold bonanza in 1862 The Lewis and Clark Expedition, with the mental science and liberal arts studies, and at Bannack. Shortly after, gold was discovered help of Sacajawea, visited here in 1805, and on for its growing equine studies and natural in Virginia City, east of Dillon. the eastward trek back to St. Louis, stopped horsemanship programs. Agriculture in this area again. About 15 miles northeast Dillon is home to one of the public libraries The Beaverhead Valley, a rich and fer- of here, along Highway 41, the expedition donated to various communities nationwide tile farming and ranching location on the spotted and named Beaverhead Rock, which by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The rock Beaverhead River, became home to cattle and used in the Dillon Library, as well for several later gave its name to the county. The explor- sheep ranches, and the town of Bannack was houses in Dillon, originated in the Frying Pan ers were followed by the fur trappers, by 24 miles away so supplies were available for Basin, northwest of Dillon. John Colter and then later by Hudson Bay their operations. Cattle ranching was begun

4 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Kids fun at Jaycee Park

Playground Thanks in large part to the Jaycee Park Renovation Com- mittee and its many partners, downtown Dillon boasts a series of bright, shiny magnets that will draw families and businesses for decades to come and help re-energize downtown Dillon and all those who visit it. The new playground installed this past year at Jaycee Park in Dillon offers twists, swings, climbs, slides, stretches, spins and crossings that delight the children who use it while help- ing them develop physically, emotionally and mentally. The playground is free and open year-round and is located at the downtown Dillon Jaycee Park, off of South Idaho Street. There are restrooms at the park. J.P. Plutt photos Splash pad When the days of summer bring those hot days, Dillon’s kids will be able to cool off at Dillon’s sure to be most popular attraction, the splash pad. The water attraction offers numerous fun water features such as nozzles, showers and fountains. Lifeguards are not needed, but there are benches both within the splash park and there are areas outside of the fence on grass areas for those supervis- ing the kids, to relax. The splash pad will typically be open from Memorial Day to Labor day. For more information on the playground or the splash pad, call the City of Dillon (683-4245). Southwest Montana Arts Council 2019 Dinner in the Park 6 p.m. Jaycee Park Amphitheater JULY 11 Westfork Music *Park dedication celebration JULY 18 New Relm JULY 25 JUNIOR Free kids crafts •Gifts •Framing •Art Gallery *Dillon Fiddlers at 5:00 p.m AUG 1 SmokeStack and the Foothill Fury UPS Shipping Sponsors: Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan•United Way• Michael Mhoon 25 E. Bannack Dillon, MT 59725 Neal and Laura Straus•Art Works•National Endowment for the Arts State Farm / Ted Ori • Montana Arts Council (406) 683-5114 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 5 About Beaverhead County

Beaverhead County is one of the original nine counties created by the First Territorial Legislature of Montana, which met in 1865 at Bannack. Beaverhead County has one of the richest histories of any county in Montana. From politics, farming and ranching, education, mining and timber and grazing management, Beaverhead County has been the leader in Montana and a shining example for the other parts of the state to emulate. Beaverhead County welcomes you to visit and stay awhile. This guide will give you a wonderful overview of Southwestern Mon- tana, including Dillon, Beaverhead County and the surrounding area — highlights to plan your visit and make the best use of your valuable time. Beaverhead County is the largest county in Montana and is larger than three states, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island, and is the 47th largest county in the US out of 3,144. Area: 5,572 Square Miles. Founded: 1864. Population: 9,404 (2018 U.S. Census Bureau est.).

Agriculture Beaverhead County displays a va- Beaverhead County is one of riety of land forms, ranging from Montana’s major agricultural flat pediments to jagged peaks, counties, producing cattle, from broad-river valleys to narrow gorges. Elevations in the county sheep, horses, hay, grain, seed range from 11,154 feet at Tweedy potatoes, canola, and waxy Mountain in the Pioneer Range to barley. The county ranks #1 4,770 feet on the Big Hole River. in Montana for beef cattle The county is comprised of production and either #1 or two major drainage basins -- the #2 for hay acres harvested. It Beaverhead River Basin and the ranks #4 for sheep production. Big Hole River Basin -- and one Clark Canyon Reservoir, south significant river sub-basin, the Red Rock River Basin. This net- of Dillon, provides water for the work of upper watershed drainage East Bench Irrigation project basins makes up the headwaters east of Dillon. of the Missouri River. Additional Airport geographical facts: included in Located five miles from Dillon Beaverhead County Courthouse. Gabrielle Tolliver photo mountain ranges are the Blacktails, a minor range. The longest reach with lighted paved runways, 75 x Emergency & Law Enforcement headquarters. of the Missouri River drainage is 6,500 and 60 x 3,600 ft. Radio All of Beaverhead County is Medical & Health Hell Roarin’ Creek, located in the Navigation: VASI, VOR and covered by the 911 emergency Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Centennial Mountains in the south- Unicorn. Jet and lOOLL octane phone number. Ambulances are (BHH) in Dillon has played a vital eastern corner of the county. available in Dillon, Lima and Wis- role in Southwestern Montana’s fuel. Airport elevation: 5,280 News Media dom. Full-time law enforcement: healthcare delivery since 1923. ft. Fixed base operator-Dillon Weekly newspaper-Dillon Tri- City of Dillon Police Department; BHH is licensed by The Depart- Flying Service, 683-5242. bune and The Wrap (total market Beaverhead County Sheriff’s De- ment of Health and Human Ser- coverage); daily flyer sheet, Dil- Visibility level: 235 clear days, partment, who have deputies in vices as a Critical Access Hospital lonite Daily; regional daily news- 87 partly cloudy days for 322 outlying communities. for 20 beds. Today, highly skilled papers-Montana Standard (Butte), good flying days annually. Geographical Environment physicians and professional hospi- Great Falls Tribune; KDBM/KBEV Climate Beaverhead County, located in tal and medical staff offer a wide AM/FM; KDWG FM (University Beaverhead County is unique the southwest corner of Montana, variety of medical services to resi- of Montana-Western); National is surrounded on three sides by dents and visitors of Beaverhead, in that it is both cold and dry. Public Radio. the Continental Divide, separated Madison and portions of Silver Bow Precipitation varies widely. Recreation Average annual amounts range by forested mountain ranges. and Jefferson counties. In addition Four different mountain ranges to offering Acute and Rehabilitation Fishing, hunting, skiing (cross from 10 inches in Dillon to over are located in the county including Inpatient Services, BHH offers: In- country and downhill), snow- 50 inches in the Continental the Beaverhead Mountains of the patient and Outpatient Surgery, Nu- mobiling, hiking, golf, tennis, Divide mountains to the west. Bitterroot Range, the Tendoys, the tritional Counseling, Home Health, football, baseball, rodeo, swim- Two-thirds of precipitation in Centennial Range, and the Pioneer Hospice, Physical and Occupational ming, gem/rock/fossil hunting, the mountains is snow. Average Mountains. Therapy, Social Services, Cardiac mountain climbing, photography, temperatures: January 21.01; Highways Rehab, Lab Testing, Radiological YMCA and youth recreation July 66.20. Dillon normally I-I5 with two Dillon interchang- Services, an ICU/CCU, a Physician programs. es. Montana highways located in Clinic, and has a 24-Hour Provider enjoys 99 frost free days. Statistical Information the county are 41, 43, 278, and 324. Staffed Emergency Room. Education Total county land area – Nature Facts One county high school, two Historical Sites Beaverhead County, located at 3,549,870 acres; 5,571 sq. miles. elementary schools (Dillon), six Bannack State Park, Big Hole the headwaters of the Missouri Population – 9,404 (2018 est. cen- ruralschools K-8 including a one- National Battlefield, Lewis and Clark Trail, Nez Perce Trail, Camp River, is situated in the hub of sus). Dillon (County Seat) – 4,056. room schoolhouse, K-12 in Lima. Fortunate camp site (Clark Canyon four ecological regions -- North- Towns in county include Argenta, The University of Montana Western Dam), Lemhi Pass, Beaver’s Head ern Rocky Mountains, Central Bannack, Dell, Dewey, Dillon, is located in Dillon. UMW offers Rock, Clark’s Lookout. Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Elkhorn, Glen, Grant, Jackson, four-year bachelor’s degrees as Industry Northern Short Grass Prairie. This Lima, Monida, Polaris, Wisdom well as two-year associate degrees. Agriculture, minerals, educa- environmental diversity affords a and Wise River. Approximately Fire Departments wealth of habitats for a variety of tion, retail, tourism, government. 60% of the county lives within Volunteer departments are Headquarters of Barretts Minerals wildlife. Permanent and migratory three miles of Dillon, for an esti- located in Dillon, Grant, the Grass- (talc mining and processing), Great residents are abundant. hopper Valley, Lima, Jackson, Wis- Harvest Bread Company franchise The geographical surface of mated population of 6,000. dom and Wise River.

6 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Small Town Beaverhead Prairie Home GLEN The BIG HOLE VALLEY, Inspection Glen is a small town on US 91 along with the Grasshopper about 15 miles north of Dillon. Valley, is truly one of the great Known for its great fishing ac- scenic and historic treasures in Office 406.683.4114 • Cell 406.925.1459 cesses to the Big Hole River, Glen the state of Montana. is a favorite spot to camp as well The upper valley is flanked by phimontana.com as to rent a cabin. the rugged Bitterroot Mountains South of Glen on U.S. 91 the to the west and the mineral and Burma Road, which is marked history-rich Pioneers to the east; Serving Southwest Montana takes off to the east and is a well- both ranges provide scenic hiking traveled gravel road with lots of and camping opportunities. for 25 Years good fishing accesses, beautiful The Big Hole Valley is home scenery, and a chance to see many to the Big Hole River, one of the species of wild game. The Burma premier trout fishing streams of Experience Counts! Road comes out on US 43 about Montana. The Big Hole River ten miles south of Twin Bridges. has been designated as a “blue ribbon” trout stream and is LIMA one of the most heavily fished Lima started out in the early streams in Montana. 1880s as a railroad town with a 14 The “beaver slide” was in- bay roundhouse and turntable to vented in the Big Hole Valley route trains onto different tracks. many years ago and was used to Population was over 2000 at its “put up hay” for many years and heyday. a few ranchers still use it today. Lima, at 6,242 feet elevation, is on Interstate 15, south of Dillon JACKSON at Exit 15. Enjoy the view of the The town of Jackson is home Residential & Commercial Inspections Lima Peaks to the southwest. to the Jackson Hot Springs Radon & Water Testing Wildlife watching and birding Lodge featuring a first-rate, hot in the Lima area is popular. An pool, and several well furnished incorporated town, Lima once cabins. Lenders, homebuyers & corporate owners called itself “City of Lilacs.” WISDOM rely on our Inspections for accurate & DELL The town of Wisdom is the Dell is located on I-15 at exit next stop on the Big Hole tour, objective reports. and has full services for travelers 23, about 28 miles south of Dillon. Serving Population is listed as 35, and needs and a campground. Beaverhead, Madison & Butte-Silver Bow Counties. was an historic trading center in WISE RIVER the 1880s. Some 35 miles downstream EDUCATED. TESTED. VERIFIED. CERTIFIED. The Dell Mercantile is a place from Wisdom on the Big Hole to get gasoline and a snack or cool highway is the town of Wise Riv- Prairie Home Inspection is beverage if you are in the area. er, a place that in the summer and Yesterday’s Calf-A is a popular fall is almost totally dedicated to the EYES of the INDUSTRY. place to eat and its homemade the rich fishing and hunting that pies are alone worth the trip. the area provides. Wise River is ASHI Member #102176 NACHI Member #13121206 The Dell airport was an old one of the gates to the Wise River- For more information on Home Inspections B-17 landing strip during WWII. Polaris Scenic Byway, a route go to: www.phimontana.com It is not unusual for planes from that travels through the heart of around the country to fly in, and the Pioneers and features several for passengers to disembark to spacious campgrounds. eat at the cafe before continuing on with their trips. POLARIS One of the nation’s tiniest post MONIDA offices is in this early-day com- Fifteen miles south of Lima munity, as well as the one-room is Monida, on the state line. school down the road a piece. Once, before the turn of the century, Monida was the jumping-off DEWEY place to Yellowstone National Continuing east from Wise Park from the railroad. Park River along Montana Highway 43 goers left here for ride in big, is the town of Dewey and the old red stagecoaches to the park. stage station, now a restaurant An old barn, which once served and bar, and headquarters for the teams for the stagecoaches, float trips through the breathtak- still stands. ing Big Hole Canyon between the towns of Dewey and Divide.

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 7 The March to Modern Montana

INDIAN HISTORY Humans have been living in southwestern Montana for at least 12,000 years, as indicated by the numerous artifacts found in Beaverhead County. Numerous tipi rings dot many of the valleys and parks, espe- cially near creeks and rivers. Several lodgepole pine wickiups are found, many of them over 300 years old. Pictographs are some- times found whose meaning are only known to the ancient artists and others who drew them. The Beaverhead County Mu- seum at Dillon has a nice collection of artifacts on display and have people there who can explain them in detail. The Shoshone Indians and their sub-tribes lived in this area while other tribes utilized Beaverhead County as hunting grounds due to the abundance of bison, deer, elk and sheep. Many pishkuns or buffalo jumps where the Indians drove bison off steep cliffs and killed them Clark’s Lookout, just a mile north of Dillon on Highway 91, is a spot noted by Captain Wil- as they lay below, are also located liam Clark as the vantage point the expedition viewed the Beaverhead Valley. In the photo, in our area. the Beaverhead River cuts by the railroad tracks with Clark’s Lookout State Park in the back- In January of 1832 Hudson’s ground. Lee Graves photo Bay trader John Work was on an expedition to expand the HBC’s is where peaceful Nez Perce visitor center at 406-689-3155. the Montana Department of trading area and camped about Chief Joseph and his band were Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 12 miles north of Dillon near attacked by civilians from the LEWIS AND CLARK On Aug. 10, Lewis and a Apex. The morning of Jan. 30, Bitterroot Valley and Missoula, Explorers Meriwether Lewis small party went by a narrow their camp was attacked by more and U.S. Cavalry under Colonel and William Clark have a promi- spot between the cliffs which than 300 Blackfeet. Work had a John Gibbon the early morning nent place in the history of what they called “Rattlesnake Clifts” brass cannon with them which hours of Aug. 9, 1877. is now Beaverhead County. On because of the great number of somehow was overcharged and The visitor center offers an in- Aug. 5, 1805, Lewis climbed a rattlesnakes in the area. That exploded when ignited. That loca- formative movie about the battle rocky hill on the Big Hole River site is known as Barrett’s Station tion has never been found. and the site, and is the place to east of Glen called the Hogback and is about eight miles south of plan your visit. Walking tours and made a note in his journal Dillon, just west of I-15. BIG HOLE NATIONAL are available with well written about the view. That site is acces- On Aug. 17, 1805 Sacajawea and informative brochures. The and members of the expedition BATTLEFIELD sible on what is known locally as bookstore sells books regarding the Burma Road. Three days lat- met a group of Shoshone Indians This historic site located the battle and to the region. er, Sacajawea noted Beaverhead in the general area of Clark about 10 miles west of Wisdom For more information, call the Rock. About two years before, Canyon Dam. She recognized the 16-year-old Shoshone and a the chief as her brother Cameah- girlhood friend were captured by wait. Several days were spent the Arikara Indians near Three here trading with the Shoshones Forks. She was later traded to before the group set off for the Charbonneau who was ultimately West Coast. hired by the Lewis and Clark One of our mountains on the expedition as a guide. Sacajawea south end of the Pioneer Range, was accompanying the expedi- Mt Baldy, is 10,568 feet high and tion and recognized Beaverhead is one of the notations mentioned Rock as being near her tribal in the Lewis & Clark Journals as homeland. On Aug. 13, 1805, the explorers journeyed through Clark climbed what is known as Beaverhead County. Baldy can Clark’s Lookout and viewed the be seen from many vantage Beaverhead Valley and where points in the south of Dillon Dillon is located today. Clark’s and Grasshopper Valley, and is Lookout, as well as Beaverhead one of the more photographed Rock, is now administered by mountains in our county. J.P. Plutt photo 8 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Scenic Southwestern Montana Drives

PIONEER MOUNTAINS SCENIC BYWAY This drive is one of the nicest drives in our county and technically begins at the turnoff of Highway 278, six miles north of the Bannack State Park turnoff. The drive takes you through Polaris and comes out on Highway 43 at Wise River. The drive takes about an hour, so take your time and look for deer and elk. An oc- casional bear and moose can be seen as well. Crystal Park is about halfway between Highway 278 and Highway 43, and is a popular place to hunt for crystals. You can surface hunt for crystals or dig. Directions and guides for proper digging are posted at the park. You can also call 406-683-3900 for more information. Elkhorn Hot Springs has been used nearly 100 years as a popular spot for soaking in the naturally hot pools. Call 800-772-8978 to check and see if the springs are open. Be sure to take your time along this drive, as the mountains, west side of the Pioneers, are spectacular. This area near Polaris is also known as the Grasshopper Valley, which extends south to Bannack. Picturesque There are 23 beehive kilns at the Canyon Creek Charcoal Kiln Site past Glendale Grasshopper Creek is great for fishing. in the Melrose area. Lee Graves photo At Highway 43 at Wise River you may Lakeview is a small town with limited you reach Highway 43 near Dewey. You can go right toward Divide and Interstate 15 resources, so make sure you gas up your ve- either take 43 to Wisdom to the west or go between Butte and Dillon. Or if you go left hicle before heading there. Red Rock Lakes east to Interstate 15 at Divide. Either way you will go toward Wisdom and the Big Hole National Wildlife Refuge is at Lakeview and is a wonderfully visual drive with flowers, National Battlefield. is the natural habitat for the trumpeter swan, animals and an abundance of high Rockies and is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Ser- scenery. The road from Glendale to Dewey BIG SHEEP CREEK vice. A small but nice museum is worth a visit. is a summer-only road. Take a picnic lunch East of Dell (at Milepost 23 on I-15) is If you continue on past Lakeview you for more fun. a road called Big Sheep Creek Road. This can easily come out at Quake Lake and West A few miles past Glendale you will come scenic road enters some spectacular valleys Yellowstone. Only travel in dry and summer across 23 brick structures known as beehive and passes, and travel is advised only in the weather is advised due to heavy drifting kilns. This site is known as the Canyon Creek summer and if the road is dry. One can eas- snow at times. This road is a scenic trip from Charcoal Kilns and is administered by the ily get bogged down in the mud, and at times Beaverhead County to Yellowstone National US Forest Service. These kilns were used vehicle traffic is scarce. Park. between 1884 and 1900, and made charcoal for The fishing is good in the area. Photogra- This drive is worthwhile if only for the the Glendale Smelter, five miles east of here. phy is spectacular, with an abundance of old flora and fauna one can see. Bald and golden Over $20 million worth of lead and silver were cabins and ranches. Bighorn sheep are often eagles nest in the area, and wildlife abounds. mined in this area, so mining was lucrative seen on the hills along with deer, antelope and Centennial is one of the hidden treasures of for a short period. even an elk or moose if one is lucky. Camping our county, but beware: it is wise to take your is spectacular but the area does lack estab- own food and again, go only in good weather COOLIDGE lished campgrounds. in the summer. Coolidge is an old ghost town about 100 This area is the ancestral home of the years old with numerous dilapidated build- Mountain Shoshone or Sheepeater Indians, GLENDALE & ings. Take the Pioneer Mountains Scenic and tipi rings and even lodgepole pine wicki- Byway at Elkhorn and follow the signs. From ups are evident in a few locations. THE BEEHIVE KILNS the byway road, take the well marked road Beaverhead County has a bridge replace- Glendale is located about five miles west of to the parking lot, after which Coolidge is an ment project scheduled to run through the Melrose on a marked gravel road. This is an easy half-mile walk. summer, so access to the road should be veri- old smelter town dating from 1875 and many The structure in the best shape is Su- fied before embarking on a trip. remains of the mill and buildings are still to be seen. More than 1,000 people lived here at one perintendent Tyro’s home with its beautiful time, and one reference states that Glendale rockwork and architecture. The fallen down CENTENNIAL VALLEY building lying in the creek with the cupola Centennial Valley was so named in 1876 had 35 bartenders — four schoolteachers and two preachers. The smelter closed in 1900 as is the Coolidge School. by Mrs. William Orr in honor of the nation’s The twin mountain peak in front of you centennial. Centennial is accessed by going the supply of ore from Hecla, a nearby mining town and area, dwindled. as you hike into Coolidge is Saddleback south on I-15 for 62 miles from Dillon to the Mountain, elevation 10,118 feet. border town of Monida and then taking un- Continuing past Glendale, take the road to paved county road 509 east. Vipond Park and keep on the main road until

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 9 Red Rock lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Montana provides an abundance of wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Historical Sites and Nature’s Wonders

Red Rock Lakes National The Big Hole Battlefield the National Park Service and is a few cabins remain along Birch open seven days a week, year- Creek Road and the schoolhouse Wildlife Refuge Just a few miles west of Wis- round. Phone 406-689-3155. is a short hike up a side gulch. Remote lakes in the Centenni- dom lies the Big Hole National Take the Birch Creek exit off of al Valley, 28 miles east of Monida Battlefield, a reminder of a tragic Beaverhead Rock I-15 between Glen and Dillon, and in southern Beaverhead County, chapter in American history. In State Park go west six miles. they were formed as a refuge in 1877 Nez Perce families, led by Located about 15 miles north 1935 for 400 to 500 endangered leaders including Chief Joseph, of Dillon and 13 miles south of Quartz Hill-Vipond trumpeter swans. The best place made a heroic flight from Idaho Twin Bridges on Highway 41. Discovered in 1868 by the to view the swans is in the open toward sanctuary in Canada. Dur- It was here on Aug. 8, 1805 that Vipond brothers, who built a road areas near Upper Red Rock Lake ing this flight, the nearly 800 Nez Lewis & Clark’s guide Sacajawea to Dewey in 1872 to transport the from April through September. In Perce camped along the east bank recognized her surroundings rich silver ore. The Quartz Hill addition, 18 other types of water- of the Big Hole River. For two when she saw this rock outcrop- mining camp can be reached via fowl are at the refuge. Moose are months they had eluded pursuing ping resembling a swimming the Quartz Hill Road about one year-round residents, with deer, Army and volunteer forces until beaver. mile northwest of Dewey. Numer- antelope and elk during the sum- Col. John Gibbon and the U.S. 7th ous old buildings and mining sites Clark's Lookout State Park mer. Picnic and camping facilities Infantry discovered the camp in are in the area. 406-832-3300. are nearby, with fishing, hunting, August 1877. Approximately one mile north and boating permitted in specific At dawn on August 9, Gibbon of Dillon on Highway 91 is Clark's Rochester areas during certain seasons. attacked, prematurely, as the Lookout where on Aug. 13, 1805, The Watseca Gold Mine was For more information, call the camp was awakened by a shot Captain William Clark of the discovered in 1869, and the town U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at from a volunteer who had been Lewis & Clark Expedition climbed of Rochester sprang up. The 406-276-3536. spotted by a Nez Perce elder. the high bluff to look over the Watseca Mine was operated until The soldiers opened fire upon Beaverhead Valley. the 1980s. A few stone buildings, Beaverhead Museum the sleeping camp, but the Nez a wooden head frame, a modern Hangman's Building The Beaverhead Museum is Perce rallied, forcing the soldiers gold mill, and the old cemetery & Boot Hill your first stop for history. Cen- to retreat, even overrunning an remain. Located about nine miles tered around Dillon, Bannack Army Mountain Howitzer and Historic Virginia City is a from Twin Bridges. 406-684-5416. and southwestern Montana, the seizing the cannon after it fired vast National Historic Landmark hosting collections of old-west Cattail Marsh Beaverhead County Museum en- only two shots. With heavy losses artifacts. Phone 800-829-2969. Nature Trail tices visitors with its attractive to men, women, and children, the outdoor displays and the striking Nez Perce managed to pin down Nevada City Located near Clark Canyon brick railroad station that houses Dam, south of Dillon. Drive over Gibbon’s forces among the trees. A town-sized open air museum a theater, as well as a diaroma of the dam and turn right at the fish- The families fled the area and with over 100 buildings from the Lewis and Clark. ing access sign. Call 406-683-5511. continued their arduous journey gold rush era. This 1800s town In addition to the theater and toward the Canadian border. has thousands of artifacts, living Bear Trap Canyon Lewis and Clark Diorama, the Just south of the border the Nez history and gem mining. Phone Eight mile canyon of white- Old Depot also features Native Perce were attacked again and 800-829-2969. water and wilderness begins at American displays, a waterfowl most were forced to surrender in the spillway of Ennis Lake Dam, display, a rock collection and Farlin October 1877. north of Ennis. Hikers and fisher- other historical displays. Big Hole National Battlefield The boom years for Farlin men access via trails. Kayakers The museum is open Monday is a National Historic Monument were 1905 and 1906 when the Indi- and rafters should be very expe- through Saturday. Phone 406- and features a visitor center, an Queen produced half a million rienced or hire a guide. 683-5027. film, bookstore, and tours of the pounds of copper. Farlin had its battlefield. This is a free site of own post office and school. Today 10 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 J.P. Plutt photo Montana’s First Territorial Capital

Henry Plummer was elected sheriff of Today, there are about 110 historic build- BANNACK Bannack and Virginia City in May of 1863. ings in the state park and history is known “Bannack, the cradle of our state, is a Secretly, Plummer was the leader of the out- about most of them. You can go into any quaint little place, that lives only in the his- law gang known as the Road Agents. Plummer building that is unlocked and open, but re- tory she has made ….” Professor Thomas J, and two of his outlaw deputies, Buck Stinson member please respect them since they are Dimsdale, The Vigilantes of Montana. and Ned Ray, were hanged by Vigilantes on old and there for everyone to enjoy for years Gold was discovered on Grasshopper Jan. 10, 1864, marking the beginning of the to come. The earliest buildings in Bannack Creek, originally named Willard’s Creek by end of the Reign of Terror grip the outlaws date from 1862. Lewis & Clark, July 28, 1862, causing the first held over what is now southwestern Montana. Winter enjoyment of the park is encour- major gold rush and influx of people to what Interestingly enough, Ned Ray it seems was aged and the Bannack Association even is now Montana. Hundreds moved to Bannack the great-grandfather of James Earl Ray who sponsors ice skating in one of the old dredge and spent the winter dreaming of riches that killed Martin Luther King Jr. ponds located on Bannack’s east side. Free most people could only imagine. Bannack holds a lot of Montana “firsts”. skates are available as well. But be sure to President Abraham Lincoln appointed Sid- The first jail in Montana was built in Bannack bring warm clothes in the winter. Minus 62 ney Edgerton the first governor of Montana in 1862. Montana’s first courthouse was built degrees was recorded in 1989, but most days and organized the Territory of Montana May in 1875-76 at a cost of $14,000. When the in the winter are not even close to that. 26, 1864. Since Governor Edgerton lived in county seat of Beaverhead County was moved The Bannack Visitor’s Center is open sum- Bannack, Bannack was selected as the capital. to Dillon in 1882, the large brick building was mer months and is staffed by the Bannack The first Territorial Legislature met remodeled and opened as the Meade Hotel. Association. The bookstore offers books December 12, 1864 and the first laws were In 1895, the first electric gold dredge in the informative to the Bannack story as well as passed for the new Territory. The first brand world, the Fielding L. Graves, was launched, to the region. in Montana was registered at that time, called beginning the seven year dredging operation Bannack is the only place in the world the Square and Compass and still is an active on Grasshopper Creek. All in all, five gold which saw the hanging of its outlaw sheriff brand today. Francis M. Thompson designed dredges worked the creek building ponds as and his two deputies. Bannack is the real the territorial seal at Bannack that in 1889 they went along. Many thousands of dollars, thing, not a made up movie set or Hollywood was changed to the Great Seal of the State millions today, were taken not only by dredg- made ghost town. Help keep the ghost of of Montana, still used today. ing but also by hardrock mining in the area. Bannack alive, in “The First Best Place”.

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 11 BANNACK DAYS July 20 – 21 at Bannack State Park

Bannack Days Each year during the third Visitors can also check out a weekend in July, the ghost town mountain men camp, and an of Bannack comes alive in a 1800s U. S. Cavalry camp. There celebration of pioneer life. This is something for everyone, along year, the annual Bannack Days with plenty of food and drink. Festival will be held on July Many visitors find their pio- 20-21. neer spirit dressing in period Activities will begin 9 a.m. costumes. Saturday and run until 5 p.m., Please carpool if possible, then from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. as parking is limited. There is Sunday. Some of those activi- a special event fee of $5 per ties include: horse and wagon car load for in-state plates and rides, shoot-outs, gold panning, $10 for non-resident vehicles to candle making, and black powder help cover the cost of this event. shooting. Bannack State Park asks that you Highlights include gunfights please do not bring pets to this and stage robberies. busy event. Plus, guests can enjoy cow- For more information, call boy poetry and old time music. Bannack State Park at 834-3413.

Checking out the hills through a survey instrument. J.P. Plutt photos 12 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 63RD THE DILLON JAYCEES WELCOME YOU TO THE ANNUAL LABOR DAY RODEO! DILLON, MONTANA AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 1ST 2019 OUTDOOR CONCERT LABOR DAY RODEO SUNDAY Sept. 1st, 8:00 pm PARADE TWO PERFORMANCES! Featuring: PARADE: SATURDAY NIGHT – 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY – 2:00 P.M. DUSTIN MONDAY, • Steer Wrestling LYNCH SEPTEMBER 2nd • Bull Riding • Bareback Bronc Riding 10:00 AM • Saddle Bronc Riding • Calf Roping Like us • Barrel Racing on Facebook! • Team Roping Special Guest: Smithfield www.facebook.com/DillonJaycees Beaverhead County Fairground s TICKETS ON SALE MAY 1, 2019 THRU SEPT 1, 2019 at the gate May 1ST online at www.dillonjaycees.com FOR MORE INFO CALL 406-683-5771 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 13 The Dillon Jaycee Labor Day Weekend

The “Sea of Hats” scene pictured above is from the JC concert which attracts over 6,000 fans each year to see top country music acts perform at the rodeo arena. J.P. Plutt photos Montana’s Biggest Weekend on sale right up to show time. For provides a traditional fair and more information on any of the rodeo to signal the end of summer Dillon Jaycee events you can go and a transition from shorts and online at www.dillonjaycees.com t-shirts into long pants and jack- or call 406-683-5771. ets. Before that shift occurs, time stops for the three-day weekend, and citizens enjoy the Western- DVFD style festival. Breakfast The Dillon Volunteer Fire Rodeo Department will hold their an- The Dillon Jaycees will stage nual breakfast Monday morning the 63rd edition of their PRCA ro- at the Fire Hall from 7 a.m. to deo Aug. 31-Sept. 1. The highlight noon. Whether you’re just head- of Montana’s Biggest Weekend, ing home or off to the parade, stop the show matches top stock from by and support this worthwhile Wade Sankey against some of organization. The menu includes the best cowboys in the world. pancakes, eggs, sausage, milk, Each performance opens with a juice and coffee. Kids five and non-traditional PRCA event, the under eat for free. Reg Kesler Memorial Wild Horse Race. Action is nonstop through traditional PRCA events and Parade special treats like the wild cow The weekend slows down milking. As with all rodeos, the Monday with the deliberate pace action is capped with the bull- ion pass costing $500 for two. The tickets will be available at the of the Jaycee Labor Day Parade riding finale. renewable membership in the Jaycee Building (683-5771) at the starting at 10 a.m. To be eligible The PRCA season now ends Gold Buckle Club will limit the fairgrounds. for a prize, you must pre-register. Sept. 30. At one time the season availability of the special seating Registration is available the day extended into November. So cow- to the first 25 or so supporters Concert of the parade. boys on the bubble of the top 15 in who get on board. The Dillon Jaycee concert the world hit as many rodeos as The Dillon Jaycee Auxiliary features country western star they can at the end of the season, helps the Jaycees through the performer Dustin Lynch with the Night life which brings many of the world’s weekend. They chair the parade opening act Smithfield. The one- For the young and young at best hands to Dillon. and help at the rodeo. show performance begins Sunday heart, Dillon’s night life peaks In a effort to boost the added Saturday’s rodeo begins at evening, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m. The out- during Labor Day Weekend. Mu- prize money, the Jaycees have 7:30 p.m., while the wild horses door concert is staged at Andrus sic, dancing and meeting old and added an enclosed VIP skybox buck out of the chutes at 2 p.m. to Arena on the Beaverhead County new friends highlight the social seating area behind the bucking kickoff the Sunday performance. Fairgrounds. For ticket informa- activity in downtown Dillon. chutes. The Gold Buckle Club Slack is set to start at 7:30 a.m. tion, call 683-5771. Tickets will be seats go for $2,000 with a compan- Sunday. From Wednesday on,

14 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 J.P. Plutt photos Beaverhead County Fair Beaverhead County Fair Entries begin rolling in at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds on Wednesday Aug. 28, all with hopes of grand championship results. The fair gates open of- ficially Thursday morning at 8 a.m. and close Sunday afternoon. Prize flowers and baked goods, fruits and leather projects, and all other such entries will meet the critical stare of a judge’s eye. At the livestock pens hogs, steers, and sheep, along with rab- bits, roosters and farm animals of all sorts, will be shown by young 4-H and FFA kids in the traditional uniform of a white shirt, dark pants and tie. For more information on the fair, call 406-925-3645. Carnival Dreamland Carnival Company will stage Dillon’s Labor Day carnival. The professionally run show opens Thursday, Aug. 29 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 1. Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 15 GLACIER MISSOURI RIVER to Cranbrook, BC COUNTRY CENTRAL to Regina, SK to Cardston, AB COUNTRY to Assiniboia, SK to Lethbridge, AB to Kildeer, SK CANADA MONTANA to Swift Current, SK Rexford CANADA Yaak Eureka Westby GLACIER Whitetail Babb Sweetgrass Four Flaxville NATIONAL Opheim Buttes Fortine Polebridge BLACKFEET Sunburst Turner Trego St. Mary INDIAN Peerless Scobey Plentywood

Loring Whitewater ND Fortuna, to PARK RESERVATION Lake Cut Bank Troy Apgar McDonald Browning Chinook Medicine Lake Libby West Glacier FORT PECK Columbia Shelby INDIAN RESERVATION Falls Coram Rudyard Martin City Chester Froid Whitefish East Glacier Galata Havre Fort Hinsdale Saint Hungry Saco Lustre Horse Park Valier Box Belknap Marie Elder Dodson Vandalia Kalispell Essex Agency Heart Butte Malta Culbertson Kila Dupuyer FORT BELKNAP Wolf Marion Bigfork Flathead River ROCKY BOY’S INDIAN Glasgow Nashua Poplar Heron Big Sandy INDIAN RESERVATION Point Bainville

Somers ND Williston, to to Sandpoint, ID Sandpoint, to Conrad Noxon Lakeside RESERVATION Rollins Bynum Brady Proctor Swan Lake Fort Fairview Trout Dayton Virgelle Peck Creek Elmo Fort Benton Loma Thompson Big Arm Choteau Landusky Zortman Sidney

Falls Hot Springs Polson Lambert DAKOTA NORTH Crane Condon Fairfield Great Haugan Ronan Vaughn Plains Falls Savage De Borgia Charlo Augusta Winifred Bloomfield St. Regis Paradise FLATHEAD INDIAN Moiese RESERVATION Fort Shaw Brusett Circle to Coeur d’Alene, ID d’Alene, Coeur to IDAHO Belt Dixon St. Ignatius Ulm Roy Stockett Raynesford Denton Jordan Brockway Superior Cascade Geyser Arlee Seeley 253 Lake Stanford Glendive Craig Monarch Lewistown Alberton Sand Springs Wibaux Lincoln Hobson Winnett Cohagen Missoula Ovando Wolf Creek 253 Greenough Neihart Grass Mosby Bonner Range Helmville Utica Lolo Terry ND Dickinson, to Clinton Canyon Creek Fallon Marysville East Florence Drummond Judith Gap to Kooskia, ID Helena Helena Melstone Ingomar PINTLER White Sulphur Ismay Victor Stevensville SCENIC Elliston Montana Plevna ROUTE Garrison Springs Two Clancy Winston City Dot Harlowton Miles City Deer Roundup Baker Corvallis Philipsburg Jefferson Martinsdale Lodge Basin Hysham Forsyth Hamilton City

Townsend Ringling ND Bowman, to Rosebud Georgetown Lake Boulder Bighorn Darby Anaconda 569 Custer Conner Worden Ekalaka Wise Butte Wilsall Logan Big Colstrip Sula River Manhattan Pompeys Pillar Dewey Three Clyde Park Timber Whitehall Belgrade Greycliff Silver Forks Divide Harrison Livingston Reed Point Laurel Lame DAKOTA SOUTH Star Columbus Billings Deer Wisdom Hardin Crow Ashland to Melrose Pony McLeod WARRI Olive Twin Gallatin Agency OR Salmon, ID PIONEER CROW INDIAN IL Bridges Gateway TRA MTNS Sheridan Bozeman Park RESERVATION HI 278 Norris Absarokee City Busby GH SCENIC Rockvale NORTHERN CHEYENNE WAY Broadus BYWAY Fishtail Saint Xavier Garryowen Jackson Nevada Joliet INDIAN RESERVATION Polaris City Ennis Pray Nye Roberts Pryor Lodge Fort Smith Grass Birney Alder Emigrant Roscoe Bridger 278 Virginia Big Sky Bannack Dillon City Otter Biddle Alzada Cameron Red Lodge Wyola Cooke Belfry Grant Gardiner Silver Decker Gate City SOUTHWEST 324 WYOMING to Belle Fourche, SD 324 Quake Tower Junction WYOMING to Gillette, WY MONTANA Mammoth to Sheridan, WY Lake BEARTOOTH to Cody, WY to Lovell, WY Hot Springs ALLAMERICAN ROAD SOUTHEAST YELLOWSTONE Dell Canyon Norris MONTANA Lima NATIONAL YELLOWSTONE Madison Monida Lakeview West Junction PARK COUNTRY Yellowstone Lake West IDAHO to Idaho Falls, ID Thumb to Rexburg, ID Old CITY/ POPULATION HIGHWAYS MAP SYMBOLS AND OTHER FEATURES Faithful Grant TOWN Village Interstate Route State Boundary Under 50 Principal Highways Major Airports 50-1,000 Other Highways Secondary Airports 1,000-2,500 Amtrak Line to Grand Teton Natl Park ROUTE MARKERS 2,500-10,000 Amtrak Station and Jackson, WY Interstate 10,000-25,000 U.S. Route Over 25,000 State or Provincial Route State Capital: Helena Land Area: 145,545 sq. miles State Capital Other Route Montana Population: 1,023,579* Water Area: 1,493 sq. miles N *2014 U.S. Census Estimate Total Area: 147,040 sq. miles

Map provided for general information only. Consult the Official Montana Highway Map for accurate and detailed information. 16 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 GLACIER MISSOURI RIVER to Cranbrook, BC COUNTRY CENTRAL to Regina, SK to Cardston, AB COUNTRY to Assiniboia, SK to Lethbridge, AB to Kildeer, SK CANADA MONTANA to Swift Current, SK Rexford CANADA Yaak Eureka Westby GLACIER Whitetail Babb Sweetgrass Four Flaxville NATIONAL Opheim Buttes Fortine Polebridge BLACKFEET Sunburst Turner Trego St. Mary INDIAN Peerless Scobey Plentywood

Map provided for general information only. Consult the Official Montana Highway Map for accurate and detailed information. Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 17 Fishing Beaverhead and Madison Counties

Fishing in southwestern Mon- tana is world renowned. Sports- men and women come from all over the world to fish the rivers, lakes and reservoirs that are legendary.

Big Hole River From its modest beginnings at Skinner Lake in the Beaverhead Mountains of southwest Mon- tana, the Big Hole River flows 153 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges. Early explorers and settlers were drawn to the Big Hole by the sheer size, beauty, and richness of the high elevation valley or “hole” as the trappers called it. The Big Hole has been designated as a “Blue Ribbon” fishery and is one of the most heavily used fishing streams in Montana. The river remains free flowing for its entire course, add- ing to its uniqueness and charm. The Upper Big Hole contains the last stream-dwelling population of Arctic grayling in the lower 48 states, which has prompted many significant private partnerships and cooperative efforts to ensure the protection of this valuable population. Fishing the upper Beaverhead. Total Length: 153 miles. Game nel is restricted through a narrow souri River. From its source in the regulation, and habitat protec- Fish Opportunities: Arctic Gray- canyon during part of its lower park, the Madison flows across tion. A number of challenges ling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, journey near Point of Rocks. The a high conifer-forested plateau, exist to wild trout fisheries in the Burbot, Mountain Whitefish, water in the Beaverhead River its journey interrupted by two Madison River, such as whirling Rainbow Trout Species Present: is comparatively cold, except man-made impoundments: Heb- disease, increased angling pres- Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, in areas subject to dewatering, gen Reservoir, located one and sure, and drought. Brown Trout, Burbot, Common mainly located in the lower river. one-half miles below the park Total Length: 132 miles. Carp, Longnose Dace, Longnose Fish cover primarily consists boundary, and Ennis Reservoir, 58 Game Fish Opportunities: Brown Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Moun- of submerged and overhanging miles downstream from Hebgen. Trout, Mountain Whitefish. Spe- tain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, bank vegetation, undercuts and Just below Hebgen, the Madison cies Present: Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Redside Shiner, long, deep pools. feeds Quake Lake, a natural lake Brook Trout, Common Carp, White Sucker, Slimy Sculpin. Total Length: 75 miles Game formed by an earth slide during a Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, major earthquake in 1959. Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Suck- Beaverhead River Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow From Ennis Reservoir the er, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Although originally formed at Trout All Species Present: Brook Madison flows through Bear Trap Trout, Stonecat, Utah Chub, the confluence of the Red Rock Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, Canyon before entering the lower White Sucker, Yellow Perch, Yel- River and Horse Prairie Creek, Common Carp, Longnose Dace, Madison River valley for its final lowstone Cutthroat Trout, Brown the Beaverhead River now begins Longnose Sucker, Mottled Scul- 18 miles. The Madison is one of Trout. Montana’s premier wild trout its 69-mile-long journey at the pin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Ruby River outlet of Clark Canyon Reservoir, Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, White rivers. Due to its national repu- The Ruby River originates an irrigation storage facility Sucker, Arctic Grayling. tation, heavy fishing pressure, at the convergence of its East, constructed in 1964. It joins the good access, high scenic value, West, and Middle Forks and Big Hole River at Twin Bridges, Madison River and excellent wild trout popula- runs in a northwesterly direc- Montana, to form the Jefferson tions, it has been classified as a The Madison River originates tion for 97 miles. In its upper River. The river above Dillon is “Blue Ribbon” trout stream. The in Yellowstone National Park section, the river flows through characterized by a tight channel Madison is also the home of “wild at the junction of the Firehole trout management,” where the Beaverhead - Deerlodge National meandering through densely cov- and Gibbon Rivers and flows results of a controversial study Forest between the Gravelly and ered willow banks. From Dillon, it in a northerly direction for 140 in the early 1970s introduced a Snowcrest Mountain Ranges. flows through a broad open agri- miles to Three Forks, Montana, shift in management emphasis Fourteen miles downstream cultural valley for 50 miles before where it joins the Jefferson and nationwide, from stocking trout reaching Twin Bridges. Its chan- Gallatin Rivers to form the Mis- to population monitoring, harvest Continued to page 19

18 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Fishing Beaverhead and Madison Counties

Floating and fly fishing the Big Hole River. Continued from page 18 White Sucker, Arctic Grayling. Brown Trout, Burbot, Common its confluence with the Boulder Carp, Longnose Sucker, Mottled River near Cardwell to Missouri it veers gradually west to run Red Rock River alongside the Ruby Range and Sculpin, Mountain Whitefish, Headwaters State Park, the Jef- into Ruby River Reservoir, which The Red Rock River arises Rainbow Trout, White Sucker, ferson is primarily confined to a was built in 1939 to store irriga- from Lower Red Rock Lake in Longnose Dace. single channel, except near Three the Centennial Valley of south- Forks. There it braids, forming tion water. The upper basin’s lark anyon western Montana. The river flows C C many islands and side channels grasslands, historically a sum- Reservoir mer range for American bison, westward for approximately in a rich bottomland. The Jeffer- bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and 17 miles before entering Lima Size: 4,815 acres Elevation: son River is extensively used as grizzly, are prone to erosion and Reservoir. Built in 1902, the 5,560 ft. Directions: 20 miles a source of irrigation water and mass wasting, leading to turbid irrigation storage reservoir south of Dillon on I-15 Game is subject to severe dewatering in low-water years. The Ruby water flows in the river. Below markedly alters the natural flow Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, and Clark Canyon reservoirs, Ruby Reservoir the stream me- regime of the river. From the Burbot, Rainbow Trout. All which impound major upstream anders past Alder and just west impoundment, the Red Rock Species Present: Brook Trout, tributaries of the Jefferson, af- of Nevada and Virginia cities, flows approximately 34 miles in Brown Trout, Burbot, Common fect the river’s flow pattern. The three of Montana’s historic gold a northwesterly direction before Carp, Mountain Whitefish, White Sucker, Rainbow Trout river itself challenges floodplain mining towns. The Ruby com- discharging into Clark Canyon developments with its natural pletes its last 45 miles below the Reservoir. The river stretches efferson iver J R tendency to migrate. In addition Ruby River Dam in a wide, open 91 miles from beginning to end The Jefferson River origi- to fishing, the Jefferson River agricultural valley and joins the and averages 45 feet in width. nates at the junction of the Big and its floodplain provide oppor- Beaverhead River near Twin Historically, it held populations of Hole and Beaverhead Rivers, tunities for waterfowl hunting, Bridges, Montana. Gravel roads cutthroat trout, arctic grayling, near Twin Bridges, Montana, and trapping, floating, sightseeing which parallel the upper river and mountain whitefish. Today runs northeasterly 77 miles to and asparagus picking. allow excellent access. Hunting, cutthroat trout are found only in Three Forks, where it joins the Total Length: 77 miles. Game camping, timber harvesting, and the river upstream from Lima Madison and Gallatin Rivers to Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, mining join fishing, and cattle and Reservoir and grayling may be form the Missouri River. In its Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow sheep grazing as traditional uses gone from the river. In addition to upper reach, the Jefferson me- Trout. All Species Present: supported by the Ruby River. supporting resident populations anders widely through a grassy Brown Trout, Burbot, Common Total Length: 97 miles. Game of brown and rainbow trout and valley between the Continental Carp, Flathead Chub, Longnose Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, mountain whitefish, the lower Divide on the west and the To- Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow portion of the river provides bacco Root Mountains on the east. Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Rain- Trout. All Species Present: Brook spawning and nursery areas for Near Whitehall, approximately bow Trout, Redside Shiner, White Trout, Brown Trout, Burbot, brown and rainbow trout residing halfway along its course, the Sucker, Mountain Whitefish. Common Carp, Longnose Dace, in Clark Canyon Reservoir. Jefferson turns east away from For more information on the Longnose Sucker, Mottled Scul- Total Length: 91 miles. Game the mountains. It cuts deeply many opportunities for fishing pin, Mountain Whitefish, Rain- Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, through a high, semi-arid plain in southwestern Montana, go to bow Trout, Rainbow X Cutthroat Burbot, Rainbow Trout. All to flow past rocky cliffs, - sage fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide. Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Species Present: Brook Trout, brush, and native grasses. From

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 19 p Back in Time Ste

n oo Sal Bale of Hay Virginia City, MT The Bale of Hay Saloon: haunted, historic and a true Western experience. Located in historic Virginia City, Montana it is the oldest saloon in the state. Taste our local microbrews & spirits, vintage classics, new world cocktails & mocktails. While visiting learn about what some say is the largest gold discovery in the world. Learn about the Plummer Gang who created the deadliest territory in America in the 1860’s, which led the Masons of the territory to gather and form the Vigilantes. “Step back in time at the Bale of Hay Saloon”

E - ALL- IN - ON In the heart of history, just 10 miles down the TH PLACE TO BE E road from Virginia City at the crossroads to the upper Ruby is the world famous Chick’s Bar. Chick McLean moved an old dance hall from Ruby Town to Alder and opened this bar in 1949. It is currently owned by Laurie Stiffler & Randy Larson. They were both bartenders here for the RestaurantChick’s bar Motel rv•park last owners and they say they feel very privileged WORLD FAMOUS HORSESHOE SHAPED BAR to be only the 4th owners since 1949. The motel was added in 1999 and the restaurant in 2005. EST ALDER MONTANA 1949 While you’re sitting at the world famous horse- chickstheplace.com • 406-842-5366 shoe shaped bar, you can’t miss the beautiful 6-point bull elk mount that was shot in 1918, nor can you miss the bison that was shot in Yellowstone area (before it was Yellowstone National Park). You can also meet many people of the past hanging on the wall through the artist Iris Dodge, as this is the only place you will find her complete people collection. Many of the local events happen at Chick’s because of its history; “It’s the place to be,” says one of the customers. So if you find yourself over in the beautiful valley placed between the Ruby and Tobacco Root Mountains, don’t miss out on this gem; it is the best place to meet locals, have some great food and even stay and play.

20 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 The Ruby Valley, Madison county VIRGINIA CITY & NEVADA CITY These two points of interest are either accessible by traveling north on US 41 out of Dillon and turning right at Twin Bridges or taking the Sweetwater or Stone Creek road and turning right at Alder. Nevada City and Virginia City are just a couple miles apart and are about 50 miles from Dillon by either route you decide to take. Nevada City was started about 1863, the same year as Virginia City. Both were gold mining camps and Virginia City is credited with the second major gold strike in Montana, Bannack being the first a year before. From 1865 to 1875, Virginia City was the second capital of Montana. In 1875, the capital was moved to its current location in Helena. These two towns are seasonal between Memorial Day and Labor Day, however very few of the establishments are open the rest of the year. They are fun Living history abounds throughout the summer at Nevada Ctiy. J.P. Plutt photo places to visit in the summer. and Alder Gulch. Sheridan offers several good Virginia City is the county seat Other Ruby Just north of Twin Bridges places to eat and is an old stop of Madison County, which has is an unique round barn that on the former Northern Pacific its governmental offices located Valley towns once was the home of Spokane, a Railroad. there. The museum is well worth Kentucky Derby winner around Twin Bridges Alder seeing and ask to see the actual the turn of the century. The his- Going north from Dillon, on foot of Road Agent Club Foot toric buildings just west of Twin From Alder to the south are Highway 41, takes you to Twin George Lane and ask to hear its Bridges are what used to be the mounds of overturned gravel, Bridges, a pleasant community unique story. Children’s Home, closed in the which are remains from a mas- that offers a convenient stopping 1970’s. sive dredging operation in the place on your way to Virginia City Work is complete on the Lewis first part of the 20th century. The and Clark Interpretive Park on dredges found millions of dollars MADISON COUNTY FAIR & RODEO the oval of the Madison County in gold, but left heaps of gravel Fairgrounds at Twin Bridges, in their wake. TWIN BRIDGES,MT featuring a six-foot high bronze sculpture of Sacajawea. The Attractions Theme: “Traditions Run Deep” statue of Sacajawea, Pomp, and August 7-11, 2019 Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, Sea- Ruby Reservoir 406-684-5824 man, was made by local artists South of Alder, has good ac- Dick and Sandi Crane, along with cess for camping, fishing and “Ken Overcast show and cowboy church, Exit 53 Band, a teepee and dugout canoe. The boating. Ice fishing in the winter. NRA Rodeos,Ranch Rodeo, All Girls Stock Saddle Bronc park is a favorite stopping point for those following the Lewis and Madison River Valley Riding,Barrel Racing,Team Roping,Bounce off the Wallz Clark Trail. Entertainment,Cirque Adventures Circus Shows, Travel south of Ennis on High- Sheridan way 287 for excellent views of 4H/FFA/Open Class shows,vendors, and much more....” At Sheridan is a hospital and the Madison Range and the Lee park, for the travelers, complete Metcalf Wilderness to the east. EMAIL: DESCOTT @MADISONCOUNTYMT.GOV with a public swimming pool.

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 21 Living History – Nevada City

May 25–26 – A Very Bloody Affair starts off the summer’s Living History Weekend’s in Vir- ginia City and Nevada City, with reenactments from the Civil War era, when the search for gold in the area intermingles with con- cerns about the war raging to the east. For more information, call the Montana Heritage Commis- sion at 406-843-5247. June 15–16 – News from Home serves as the next installment of the 2019 Living History Week- end’s in Virginia City, reenacting what happened when news of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the end of the Civil War reached Montana. For Contests are plentiful during Living History events. J.P. Plutt photo more information, call 406-843- 5247. Living History Weekend’s in Vir- ment of the Living History Week- City. For more information, call June 29–30 – Sowing the Sea- ginia City, For more information, end in Virginia City, where reen- the Montana Heritage Commis- son acts as the next installment call 406-843-5247. actments of work by tinsmiths, sion at 406-843-5247 or go to www. of the 2019 Living History Week- July 13–14 – A Children’s blacksmiths, leather crafters, virginiacity.com. end’s in Virginia City, reenacting Weekend serves as the next in- cobblers, weavers and wheel- August 17–18 – Making So- the activities that took place in stallment of the 2019 Living His- wrights take place. For more ciety serves as the next install- the summer in the area during tory Weekend’s in Virginia City, information, call 406-843-5247 or ment of the 2019 Living History the 1860s. For more information, reenacting kids activities from go to www.virginiacitymt.com. Weekend’s in Virginia City. For call 406-843-5247. the mid-19th century. For more August 10–11 – Beyond the more information, call the Mon- July 6–7 – Founders Day acts information, call 406-843-5247. Mining Camp acts as the next tana Heritage Commission at as the next installment of the 2019 July 27–28 – Explore the installment of the 2019 Living 406-843-5247. Trades is this weekend’s install- History Weekend’s in Virginia

2019 Season May 24 - Sept 21

22 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 On the Treasure Hunt – Rockhounding

Montana is known as the found in the normal form as well "Treasure State" and for good as scepter, double terminated and reason. Gold, silver, copper, sap- Japanese Law Twin forms. Open phires and lesser gems were all May 15 through Oct. 15, weather abundant. Today southwestern permitting. From the town of Montana is still a treasure chest Wise River, take the Pioneer Sce- for rock collectors. nic Byway and drive 17 miles to Calvert Hill Mine the site. For information, call the The Calvert Hill area west of Forest Service at 406-683-3900. Wise River is noted for epidote, Ruby Reservoir aquamarine and garnets. The Calcite, opalite, and gar- area is reached by driving six nets are found south of Alder. miles west of Wise River on High- Some people find gem quality way 43 to the campground on almandine garnets by screening the south side of Dickey Bridge. gravel along the shores of the From there it's about eight miles reservoir. For information, call on a gravel road to the mine 406-843-5555. area. The minerals can be found Sheridan Area in the rock and mine dump. For The area near Indian Creek of- information, call Montana Tech fers white and banded masses of at 406-496-4395. calcite. For information, call the Crystal Park Forest Service at 406-684-3972. Crystal Park is a unique rec- Virginia City Area reation area at 7,800 feet in the Flecks of gold still sparkle in Pioneer Mountains. Open to the tailings between Virginia City public, the park has posted rules and Alder. Pan for gold at the for visitors to dig for quartz River of Gold and visit Alder crystal here. There is a $5 per ve- Gulch Mining Museum. For hicle fee charged to maintain the information, call 406-843-5555, facilities. Brilliant amethyst and 800-829-2969. smokey quartz crystals can be Digging for treasure at Crystal Park. J.P. Plutt photo

• Paint • Hardware • Lumber • Tools • Plumbing • Electrical

Friendly & Helpful Service Standard Lumber & Hardware 302 N. Montana • Dillon 683-5521 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 23 Info Farmers markets

The Beaverhead County Mu- seum at 15 S. Montana St. in downtown Dillon offers exhibits on the physical, natural and col- orful human history of Montana’s biggest county and site of its first capital. For more information, call 406-683-5027 or email bvhd- [email protected]. The Visitor Center at the Big Hole National Battlefield—the site of a dramatic 1877 confron- tation between the U.S. Army and the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph—begins observing its summer hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The Battlefield is located on Highway 43 ten miles west of Wisdom, Montana. For more information, call 406-689-3155 or go to www. nps.gov/biho. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities across its approximately 3.3 million acres and 12 mountain ranges. Farmers Market frenzy at the Dillon location on South Montana Street. J.P. Plutt photo For more information about hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, Twin Bridges Farmers Market on Main Street climbing and other activities in The Twin Bridges Farmers Market offers baked goods, fruits, flowers and vegetables from local and the largest national forest in Hutterite vendors on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street Park between the Firehall and The Montana, go to www.fs.usda.gov/ Old Hotel in Twin Bridges. Every third Saturday of the month features a Kids Zone, where kiddos can recmain/bdnf/recreation, call engage in fun and educational activities. The market has set a closing date of Sept. 28. For more infor- 406-683-3900 or stop by its office mation, call 406-596-1978 or email [email protected]. at 420 Barrett St. in Dillon. Campsites that include a Sheridan Bazaar every other Thursday picnic table and fire ring are The Sheridan Street Bazaar happens every other Thursday, mixing cars, music and food in Sheridan. available for rental through the For more information, go to www.rubyvalleychamber.com/. summer at Bannack State Park’s Road Agent Campground (which is shaded by old cottonwood Dillon Farmers Market on South Montana Street trees) and Vigilante Campground The Dillon Farmers Market opens June 22 and offers “the homegrown and handmade” on Saturdays, (which is bigger and more suit- from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wells Fargo parking lot on the west side of Montana Street in downtown able for large RVs). For more Dillon. For more information, call 406-683-6735 or email [email protected]. information about Bannack State The Dillon Farmers Market closes out with a final Saturday of offering “the homegrown and handmade” Park, call 406-834-3413. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept 21 ,in the Wells Fargo parking lot on the west side of Montana Street in downtown Dillon. For more information, call Katie Bump at 406-683-6735 or email [email protected].

DILLON LIQUOR

STORE Serving all of Montana for over 42 years! All Types of Tires, 24-Hour 12 South Idaho Street Brakes, Struts, Shocks, Emergency Dillon, Mt 59725 and Most Vehicle Road Side (406) 683-5682 Repairs & Services Available M-Sat 10-6 406-683-6128 • 535 N. Washington • Dillon, MT 24 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Events Bike/Walk June 14–16 – The Dillon Cubs host their annual Maybelle Ar- thur Tournament on Cubs Field at Ray Lynch Park, where the Cubbies compete against visiting teams in a round-robin tour- ney. For more information, go to the Dillon Cubs’ Facebook page. June 19 – “Lego Movie Part 2” serves as the second installment of the Dillon Public Library’s summer of matinee movie series with a 3 p.m. showing at the De- pot Theater on South Montana Street in downtown Dillon. For more information, call 406-683- 4544. June 20 – Rockets get created and launched, starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Dillon, as part of the 2019 Dillon Public Library’s Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories. For more information, call 406-683-4544. June 21–22 – The annual RAT- POD (Race Around the Pioneers in One Day) to benefit Camp Mak-A-Dream kicks off Friday The Bike/Walk Southwest Montana headquarters is on Overland Road. The group is 3–6 p.m. when riders register a A local Non-Profit promoting bicycling and walking opportunities for everyone that are early and pick up their official safe and accessible with focus in Southwest Montana. To reach Bike/Walk Southwest race t-shirts and information Montana check out https://www.bikewalkswmontana.org/ J.P. Plutt photo packets in the Patagonia Outlet, 16 S. Idaho St. in downtown Starting May 23 – Thursday Dillon. For more information, take place the third Friday of Dillon. Registration continues Bike Rides/Walks around Dillon contact Bike/Walk Southwest each month at the Bike/Walk 6–9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #1554 depart at 7 p.m. from the park- Montana by emailing volkenla@ Southwest Montana Camp at at 27 E. Center St. in downtown ing lot of the Atlantic Street yahoo.com. 1575 Overland Road in Dillon. Dillon, where a Friday evening Merc, 435 S. Atlantic St. in June 17 to October 19 – Fire- For more information, email block party with food trucks side talks and demonstrations [email protected]. and music takes place. On Sat- urday at 6 a.m. cyclists take A-Dream. For more information, information, call 406-683-3785. Park’s 2019 Saturday Education off on a 127-mile route from the call 406-549-5987 or go to www. June 22 – Burgers, Brews & and Entertainment Series con- University of Montana Western ratpod.org/. Music happens on the streets of tinues with Hometown Classics, campus in Dillon, where cyclists Jackson in the Big Hole Valley, a 7 p.m. concert of old-time blue- June 22 – The Beaverhead competing in the 62-mile route starting at 6 p.m. For more in- grass, classic country, Western Bonanza Livestock Show begins start at 9:30 a.m. An After Party formation, call event sponsor the and gospel music featuring Jerry at 9:30 a.m. on the Beaverhead happens 4–6 p.m. back in Dillon, Bunkhouse Hotel at 406-204-4126 Burtts and friends. For more County Fairgrounds in Dillon with food, music, beverages and a or The Crossing at 406-689-3260. short presentation on Camp-Mak- with swine and proceeding to Continued to page 26 goats, sheep and beef. For more June 22 – Bannack State Souvenirs! Balloons, Embroidery, Photo Items Novelties, Flags, Party Accessories, Engraving, Banners, Signs, Trophies, Ribbons 130 S. Montana Dillon, MT 59725 683-4261 9 - 6 Mon. - Sat. Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 25 Southwestern Montana Calendar of Events

Continued from page 25 July 6–7 – Historian Bob Brown offers his take on “Major information, go to www.bannack. Charles Rawn, the Frontier Army org/ or call 406-834-3413. and the War of 1877” at noon and June 26 – Puppeteer Markie 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Sholtz presents a 3 p.m. perfor- at the Visitor Center of the Big mance of “The Dragon Who Fell Hole National Battlefield in Wis- to Earth” at the Depot Theater on dom. This 2019 Summer Speaker South Montana Street in down- Series event is free and open to town Dillon as part of the local all. For more information, call library’s 2019 Summer Reading 406-689-3155 or go to www.nps. Program. For more information, gov/biho/index.htm. call 406-683-4544. July 9 – The Dillon Cubs Amer- June 28 – Growling Old Men ican Legion baseball team hosts offer a 7 p.m. concert of original a doubleheader of seven-inning and traditional bluegrass music games against the Missoula Mav- at The Elling House, 404 E. Idaho ericks at Cubs Field at Ray Lynch St. in Virginia City. Veterans of A Park in Dillon, starting at 3 p.m. Prairie Home Companion, the duo For more information, check the consists of Ben Winship (mando- Dillon Cubs’ Facebook page. lins and vocals) and John Lowell July 10 – A House with a Clock (guitar and vocals). Reservations in the Walls acts as the next are recommended and can be installment of the Dillon Public made by calling 406-843-5454. For Library’s summer of matinee more information, email info@ movie series with a 3 p.m. show- ellinghouse.org. ing at the Depot Theater on South June 29 – The 27th annual Montana Street in downtown Montana Western Bulldog Ath- Dillon. For more information, call letic Association Scholarship 406-683-4544. Scramble tees off at Beaverhead July 11 – The Southwest Mon- Golf Course in Dillon. Registra- tana Arts Council’s Dinner in the tion is due before June 19. For Park series offers free music and more information, call 406-683- food prepared and served by a 7220 or email David.Glass@ Golfers passing through Dillon can satisfy their addiction local nonprofit at Jaycee Park umwestern.edu. at Beaverhead Golf Course, northeast of Dillon on HWY 41. in downtown Dillon, starting at June 29 – The Dillon Cubs J.P. Plutt photo 6 p.m. (with nearby Beaverhead American Legion baseball team June 29–9/2 – The Big Hole Public Library’s summer of mati- Brewing, 218 S. Montana St. serv- hosts a doubleheader of seven-in- Battlefield in Wisdom offers nee movie series with a 3 p.m. ing as an alternate location in ning games against the Belgrade 90-minute ranger-led 10 a.m. showing at the Depot Theater on case of bad weather). The event Bandits at Cubs Field at Ray battlefield tours of 1.2 to 2 miles South Montana Street in down- also features a craft table for Lynch Park in Dillon, starting at 1 in round-trip length on Saturdays town Dillon. For more informa- kids and plenty of opportunities p.m. For more information, check and Sundays (and on weekdays tion, call 406-683-4544. for socializing and relaxation. For the Dillon Cubs’ Facebook page. when staffing allows) through La- more information, call 406-683- July 4 – The annual Fourth 6208 or go to www.smacarts.org/. June 29 – Bannack State Park’s bor Day, except on Aug. 10, when of July Celebration takes over 2019 Saturday Education and the annual battle commemora- Wisdom all day and beyond, with July 12 – The Dillon Cubs Entertainment Series continues tion takes place. The Battlefield an early-morning flag raising, American Legion baseball team with Helena musical female duo presents Deck Talks at the Visi- followed by a pancake breakfast, hosts a doubleheader of seven- Prairie Rose at a 7 p.m. concert tor Center through Labor Day at parade, hamburgers for lunch at inning games against the Helena of original music and traditional 11a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays the Masonic Temple, a potluck Reps at Cubs Field at Ray Lynch favorites For more information, and Sundays, 11a.m. and 1:30 p.m. dinner at the airport, softball and Park in Dillon, starting at 3 p.m. go to www.bannack.org/ or call and 3 p.m. on weekdays, when fireworks after dusk. For more For more information, check the 406-834-3413. staffing allows. For more -infor information, call 406-689-3260. Dillon Cubs’ Facebook page. mation, call 406-689-3155 or go June 29–30 – Austin Haney to www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm. July 4 – A Fourth of July Fire- July 13–14 – Darrell Wheeler offers a presentation on “1877 works Display, sponsored by the gives a presentation on “Events – The Dillon Cubs History of the Volunteers and June 30 Dillon Jaycees, blasts off at dusk of 1877” at noon and 3 p.m. on Sat- American Legion baseball team Military” at noon and 3 p.m. into the skies of Dillon. For more urday and Sunday at the Visitor hosts a doubleheader of seven- on Saturday and Sunday at the information, call 406-683-5771. Center of the Big Hole National Visitor Center of the Big Hole inning games against the Butte Battlefield in Wisdom. This 2019 National Battlefield in Wisdom. Miners at Cubs Field at Ray July 6 – Bannack State Park’s Summer Speaker Series event is This 2019 Summer Speaker Se- Lynch Park in Dillon, starting at 1 2019 Saturday Education and En- free and open to all. For more in- ries event is free and open to all. p.m. For more information, check tertainment Series continues with formation, call 406-689-3155 or go For more information, call 406- the Dillon Cubs’ Facebook page. a 2 p.m. all-ages class on Gold to www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm. Panning. For more information, 689-3155 or go to www.nps.gov/ – Home serves as the July 3 go to www.bannack.org/ or call biho/index.htm. third installment of the Dillon 406-834-3413. Continued to page 27

26 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Southwestern Montana Calendar of Events

Continued from page 26 include traditional music, food, skill demonstrations, gold pan- July 17 – “Small Foot” serves ning, live gunfight reenactments, as the next installment of the wagon rides and more, all day. Dillon Public Library’s summer For more information, go to www. of matinee movie series with bannack.org/ or call 406-834-3413. a 3 p.m. showing at the Depot Theater on South Montana Street July 24 – “Wonder Park” acts in downtown Dillon. For more as the next installment of the information, call 406-683-4544. Dillon Public Library’s summer of matinee movie series with July 18 - The Southwest Mon- a 3 p.m. showing at the Depot tana Arts Council’s Dinner in the Theater on South Montana Street Park series offers free music and in downtown Dillon. For more food prepared and served by a information, call 406-683-4544. local nonprofit at Jaycee Park in downtown Dillon, starting at July 25 – The Dillon Public Li- 6 p.m. (with nearby Beaverhead brary presents its Summer Read- Brewing, 218 S. Montana St. serving Parade through downtown ing as an alternate location in Dillon, where young costumed case of bad weather). The event characters frolic on their way to also features a craft table for the Museum Depot on South Mon- kids and plenty of opportunities tana Street for a party featuring for socializing and relaxation. For space games, food and a special more information, call 406-683- store that honors the space bucks 6208 or go to www.smacarts.org/. they earned reading over the summer. For more information, July 20–21 – Silas Whitman call 406-683-4245. and Leroy Seth offer a presenta- The Dillon Jaycee fireworks display occurs at dusk on July tion on “Natural Resource Uses July 25 – The Southwest Mon- 4. J.P. Plutt photo for Everyday Survival of the Nez tana Arts Council’s Dinner in the Dillon Jaycees Perce and Pow Wow/Tribal Danc- Park series offers free music and ing” at noon and 3 p.m. on Sat- food prepared and served by a The Dillon Jaycees stage fairgrounds). urday and Sunday at the Visitor local nonprofit at Jaycee Park in two of the summer's biggest June 1 – The Dillon Jaycees Center of the Big Hole National downtown Dillon, starting at 6 spectator events in Dillon with host their Summer Kickoff Battlefield in Wisdom. This 2019 p.m. (with Beaverhead Brewing, the Demolition Derby and the Concert—headlined by Ned Summer Speaker Series event is 218 S. Montana St. serving as an Rodeo/Concert. The proceeds Ledoux, with opening act Matt free and open to all. For more in- alternate location in case of bad from these two events help fund Strachan—at the Beaverhead formation, call 406-689-3155 or go weather). The event also features the group's many community County Fairgrounds in Dillon. to www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm. a craft table for kids and plenty of projects through the year. Tickets are on sale at various opportunities for socializing and The Dillon Jaycee Demolition locations around Dillon or online July 20–21 – Bannack State relaxation. For more information, Derby June 29th draws contes- at www.dillonjaycees.com. For Park presents its annual Bannack call 406-683-6208 or go to www. tants from around Montana and more information, visit the Dillon Days celebration of more than smacarts.org/. Idaho in the thrilling car crash- Jaycees’ Facebook page. a century and a half of history ing spectacle. The Jaycees also June 2 – The Sixth Annual July 26–28 – The Wisdom Gun in the former gold mining boom sponsor the annual Fourth of July Dillon Jaycees Red, White and Show happens at various loca- town and first capital of the Mon- Fireworks display. The fireworks Blue Golf Scramble fundraiser tana Territory. The festivities are set off at Ray Lynch Park takes place at Beaverhead Golf Continued to page 28 shortly after dusk. Course in Dillon, with a 10 a.m. The Dillon Jaycees are a shotgun start. For more informa- non-profit, community service tion, call Jason Schumacher at organization. 100% of the net 406-660-1781 or Brock Myllymaki proceeds from each event are at 406-660-2165. To sign up, go returned to the local and state- to Beaverhead Golf Course in wide community in the form of Dillon. scholarships, children’s events, June 29 – The Dillon Jaycees parks and recreation improve- annual Demolition Derby comes ment projects, etc. The members to the Beaverhead County Fair- of the Dillon Jaycees volunteer grounds, starting at 5:30 p.m. countless hours of hard work Advance tickets are available at year round to bring these events various locations around Dillon. to Dillon and Southwest Montana. For more information, call 406- If you are between the ages of 683-5771 or email dillonjaycees@ 18 and 40 and are interested in ymail.com. making Dillon a better place or July 4 – A Fourth of July Fire- would just like to see what the works Display, sponsored by the Jaycees are about attend a meet- Dillon Jaycees, blasts off at dusk ing (2nd and 4th Wednesday at 8 Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will play on the UMW into the skies of Dillon. For more p.m. in the Jaycee building at the information, call 406-683-5771. campus Aug. 28. J.P. Plutt photo Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 27 Continued from page 27 tions around Wisdom in the Big Hole Valley, starting Friday at noon, and Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. For more information, call 406-689-3260. July 27 – Cottontail Observa- tory in Twin Bridges hosts a Pub- lic Night, with everyone welcome for the 8 p.m. solar viewing, 9 p.m. presentation on “Our Star: The Sun,” 10:20 p.m. tour of the night sky (constellations, asterisms, and visible astronomical objects) and 11 p.m. opportunity for observation through the observatory’s powerful telescopes. For more information, call 406- 842-4722 or go to www.cottontai- lobservatory.org. July 27–28 – Don Safford offers a presentation on “Flintknap- ping” at noon and 3 p.m. on Sat- urday and Sunday at the Visitor Center of the Big Hole National Battlefield in Wisdom. This 2019 Summer Speaker Series event is free and open to all. For more information, call 406-689-3155 or go to www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm. Aug. 3 – Bannack State Park’s 2019 Saturday Education and Entertainment Series continues with a 7 p.m. concert of unique Western music by Nik Spear. For more information, go to www. bannack.org/ or call 406-834-3413. And they all say wheeeee at the Beaverhead County Fair. J.P. Plutt photo Aug.3–4 – Gwen Carter gives day at noon at the Visitor Center. Light Repast at 9:30 p.m. and the 1942,” featuring “true, tragic, a presentation on “Traditional For more information, call 406- Last Waltz 11 p.m. Civil War-era gruesome, sad and humorous” Foods, Gathering and Related 689-3155 or go to www.nps.gov/ ballroom dress is required, as our stories presented by the Bannack Practices” at noon and 3 p.m. biho/index.htm. tickets, which can be purchased State Park staff. For more infor- on Saturday and Sunday at the in advance at www.virginiaci- mation, go to www.bannack.org/ Aug. 10 – Bannack State Visitor Center of the Big Hole tygrandvictorianball.com/ or by or call 406-834-3413. Park’s 2019 Saturday Education National Battlefield in Wisdom. calling 800-829-2969 ext. 6. and Entertainment Series contin- Aug. 24 – Cottontail Observa- This 2019 Summer Speaker Se- Aug. 17–18 – Making Society ues with live music and dancing tory in Twin Bridges hosts a Pub- ries event is free and open to serves as the next installment of at the 7 p.m. Best of Bannack lic Night, with everyone welcome all. For more information, call the 2019 Living History Week- concert, featuring Wally Congdon for the 8 p.m. presentation on 406-689-3155 or go to www.nps. end’s in Virginia City. For more & Friends playing classic country. “Reason for the Seasons,” the 9 gov/biho/index.htm. information, call the Montana For more information, go to www. p.m. tour of the night sky (con- Heritage Commission at 406- Aug. 7–11 – The Madison bannack.org/ or call 406-834-3413. stellations, asterisms, and visible 843-5247. County Fair takes over the Fair- astronomical objects) and the Aug. 17 – Bannack State Park’s grounds in Twin Bridges, with Aug. 17–18 – Jessica Anthony 9:30 p.m. opportunity for obser- 2019 Saturday Education and En- NRA pro rodeo events, kids’ ac- offers a presentation on the “His- vation through the observatory’s tertainment Series continues with tivities, critters, food, magic, mu- tory of Frybread” at noon and powerful telescopes. For more a 1 p.m. Kids Day full of activities sic and so much more. For more 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday information, call 406-842-4722 for kids of all ages—including information, call 406-684-5824. at the Visitor Center of the Big or go to www.cottontailobserva- games, doll making, gold panning Hole National Battlefield in Wis- tory.org. Aug. 10 – The annual Com- and skull & fur identification, and dom. This 2019 Summer Speaker memoration of the Big Hole Bat- more. For additional information, Aug. 28 – Montana Shake- Series event is free and open to tle takes place Saturday, starting go to www.bannack.org/ or call speare in the Park stages The all. For more information, call at 10 a.m. at the Big Hole National 406-834-3413. “Merry Wives of Windsor” at 6 406-689-3155 or go to www.nps. Battlefield in Wisdom, where Nez p.m. on the Legacy Plaza of the Aug. 17 – The Virginia City gov/biho/index.htm. Perce Nation Drum Song follows University of Montana Western Grand Victorian Ball features the Commemoration with a 2:30 Aug. 24 – Bannack State Park’s campus in Dillon (in the event of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. dance lessons p.m. performance at the Visitor 2019 Saturday Education and En- bad weather, the event will move in Community Hall, a 6:30 p.m. Center and also performs at the tertainment Series continues with inside the nearby Keltz Arena). promenade on the boardwalk to May Creek Campground at 7 p.m. a 6 p.m. historical presentation For more information, go to www. the opening ceremony and danc- that evening, and then again Sun- on “Stories from Bannack: 1862- shakespeareintheparks.org/. ing kickoff at 7 p.m., followed by

28 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 University of Montana Western

Since 1893 the University of Montana Western has been serving the higher education needs of Beaverhead County, southwestern Montana and the greater northern Rocky Mountain region by providing a wide range of educational opportunities and programs on a beautiful 36-acre campus in Dillon. Surrounded by five mountain ranges and bordered on three sides by the Continental Divide, Montana Western enrolls over 1,100 students and offers bachelor and associate degrees pre- paring students for a wide array of educational and career goals. Montana Western is unique in a number of ways. The most significant of which is the univer- Montana Western, the college at Dillon, has been a fixture of the community for over a sity’s innovative class scheduling century. Old Main, pictured above, is a coveted subject of photographers. J.P. Plutt photo system in which students take one class at a time. Called Experience rich in student-to-professor in- concerts, theater and exhibitions. theories and technologies toward One, this innovative approach struction and student-to-student At Montana Western students real challenges. Of particular encourages real-world, hands-on interaction. The campus also prepare for promising and ful- note, Montana Western offers the experience in learning and the plays host to a wide range of filling careers by studying and nation’s only four-year natural student’s total participation in educational, athletic, and artistic applying the latest educational horsemanship degree. their education. programing for the community, philosophies, business prac- For application information, The university’s small size en- ranging from noncredit evening tices, scientific breakthroughs, contact the Admissions Office at sures an educational experience classes to sporting events to mathematical knowledge, social (877) 683-7331.

Experience a REMARKABLY DIFFERENT kind of university

is the only U.S. public university offering a unique scheduling program called Experience One (X1). With X1, you take one course at a time for 18 days, take a short break, then move on to your next course.

Call 877-683-7331 or visit umwestern.edu to schedule a campus tour and learn more about the Montana Western difference.

Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 29 Recreation in our National Forests

Straddling the Continental Di- vide and covering much of southwest Montana, the 3.3 million acre Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest came into existence on Feb. 2, 1996, when the U.S. Forest Service merged the Beaverhead and Deerlodge National Forests into one unit. President Theodore Roosevelt first proclaimed the Beaverhead and Deerlodge National Forests on July 1, 1908, pulling together lands which presidents between 1897 and 1905 had titled the Hell Gate, Bitter Root and Big Hole forest reserves. In 1931, the Madison National Forest became part of the Beaverhead and Deer- lodge National Forests. In 1945, the west slope of the Madison Range was transferred from the Gallatin National Forest to the Beaverhead. Camping in the forest - The main camping season in developed campgrounds is from May 30 through Labor Day weekend. Although most campgrounds remain open later, water systems are shut down to prevent freez- ing. The campgrounds don't have electric or sewer connections. Sites in campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fees are charged at many of the developed campgrounds. Cabins – Rustic Forest Service cabins are available to rent during portions of the year. Cabins are generally equipped with bare basics (bedding is not furnished). The Forest Service has a bro- chure available on cabins. Trails–Trail opportunities range from hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking to off highway vehicle use. Visitors Target shooting in the forest. should obtain a Forest Service Dillon area – Hiking. Birch tains northwest of Dillon. These downhill skiing. map for specific trail locations, Creek Center Trail System Lo- marked, but un groomed, trails Snowmobile trails – Forty restrictions and land ownership. cated in the Pioneer Mountains, are open throughout the snow miles northwest of Dillon are 23 Whichever of these activities Birch Creek Center was origi- season. Maps of the trails are miles marked, groomed trails, a you plan, please be considerate nally constructed as a Civilian available at the Dillon Ranger cooperative operation with Mon- of others on the trail, respect Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp District Office. tana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, wildlife, avoid wetlands, stay on in the 1930s. It is presently leased Downhill skiing – Maverick Beaverhead Snow Riders Club of the trail, and if motorized, keep by the University of Montana Mountain Ski Area, located ap- Dillon and the Wise River Jack- your sound down. Western and includes a number proximately 30 miles west of pine Savages Snowmobile Club. Weather conditions are sub- of short hiking trails. The trail Dillon in the Grasshopper Valley, Maps of the route from Elkhorn ject to extreme changes in a short system can be accessed by taking receives a yearly average of 180 Hot Springs to Wise River are period of time. Before embarking Interstate 15 north from Dillon inches of snow. Base elevation available at the Dillon and Wise on any trip, please check weather for 12 miles and taking the Apex is 6,500 with a top elevation of River Ranger District offices. forecasts and be prepared for the exit. Turn up Birch Creek Road 8,620 and a 2,120 ft. vertical drop. Mountain bike trails –A list- unexpected. Motorized, wheeled and follow the signs to the center. This is a day use area, offering ing of mountain bike trails is cross-country travel is prohib- Cross-country ski trails – 18 runs. It is 10, located near available at the Dillon Ranger ited. Please stay on roads and Cross-country ski trails are Elkhorn Hot Springs, where you District office. trails. located in the Pioneer Moun- can enjoy soaking after a day of

30 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 Southwest Montana

 

Big Hole River

TO WHITEHALL

Big Hole 43 BUTTE TO Silver Star Battlefield Divide Wisdom Wise River

Twin Bridges

Big Hole River Crystal Melrose Ruby River Park Sheridan 278 Beaverhead Glen Rock 287 Jackson Rattlesnake Creek 41 Polaris 91 Beaverhead River Alder Argenta Clark’s Lookout Virginia 278 Ruby Reservoir City Bannack Grasshopper Dillon State Park Creek

Ruby River

Bloody Dick Creek Grant

324 Clark Canyon Reservoir Blacktail Deer Creek

Red Rock River

Medicine Lodge Creek Dell Interstate Paved Road Lima Reservoir Lima Unpaved Road Red Rock River Lakes Refuge Monida TO IDAHO



Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 31 Hwy 41 Legend Symbols Restrooms Sanitary disposal station Picnic area Fishing Pets on leash Golfing Western

1. Post Office 2. Court House 3. Museum 4. County Fairgrounds 5. University of Montana- 6. Barrett Hospital Park Vigilante 7. 8. Kiwanis Park Fish Pond 9. Kid’s 10. Cornell Park Beaverhead Co. High School 11. 12. High School Gymnasium 13. Chamber of Commerce

Noble Ave Noble

 Selway Dr. Selway Ramshornrise

Sun Overland Rd. TO BUTTE TO Cloudresthi

Ski Legget Ave Legget Hwy 91 N 91 Hwy

Tobacco Root Tobacco son John rington Sweetwater Rd.

8 Har

land

Oliver

Walnut High

Sinclair lin Chestnut 9 nett Frank Bar Ave. North Ave. Exit 63 Butte Kentucky

Thomsen Vine

Way Virginia Cottom 12

Montana

Helena 7 Spruce

Center 11 Swenson Swenson Bannack 2 Colorado 3 Idaho Glendale 1 Sebree Oregon

Utah Madison Reeder

Nevada Hall Rd. Hall 13 Morse Argenta Rife Railroad

Orr Wyoming Bozeman

Dillon Nelson Cornell Washington

West Park St. Arizona California Dakota 5 4 Pacific

Atlantic Poindexter

10 Hwy 91 S 91 Hwy

Dillon, Dillon, Montana

TO IDAHO TO



State St. 6 Exit 62

32 Discover Dillon & Southwestern Montana 2019 • On the Beaverhead River! • 98 Camp Spots! • 4 Log Cabins! • Retail Store! • Laundry Area! • Heated Swimming Pool! Pool open Memorial Day through September as weather permits.

KOA Kampground 735 W. Park St. • Dillon, MT 59725 • (406) 683-2749 A good banking relationship is built on trust. It’s a valuable asset. Over the years the relationship grows. With quality financial service and common sense advice, we help you reach your goals. Serving Southwest Montana since 1912. “Investing in Our Local Communities”

• Loans Morning, • Checking Noon • Online Banking or Night, • Savings Our ATM • Mobile Banking is at Your Service!

32 N. Washington • Dillon, MT • (406).683.5191 401 Milwaukee Ave • Deer Lodge, MT • (406).846.2202 Visit our Website www.pioneerfed.com Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender