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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE BEST OF GOLD WEST COUNTRY 2012 TRAVEL PLANNER Mount Ascension, Helena (Tom Robertson) the montana you have in mind is the one we have in store.

When you think of Montana, what do you picture? Skyscraping ranges of snowcapped rock? Historic, cultural centers that tell of a proud, self-determined West? A cowboy tipping his hat to you as he passes by on a boardwalk? Herds of grazing in waist-deep bunch grass? A sky so wide it seems to swallow you up?

Then you’re picturing Gold West Country, a stretch of Southwest Montana we humbly claim holds the best of what Montana is about. Its spirit, wildness, culture and charm. Its stunning beauty.

Gold West Country is one of six tourism regions in the state. We are situated on the route from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park. At our northern end sits the cowboy town of Augusta with its famed rodeo. At our center are Helena and Butte, cornerstones of Montana’s history. Our south is the famed Trout Triangle, a who’s who and what’s what of trout fishing and outdoor pursuits. (Donnie Sexton) Antelope (John Belobraidic)

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 1 Amid it all, you’ll meet a diverse mix of friendly people — hoteliers, restaurateurs, shopkeepers, historians, ranchers, miners, fly anglers, cowboys (and girls) and more. You’ll have opportunities to glimpse the same wildlife Lewis and Clark marveled at more than two centuries ago — elk, black bears, , , golden eagles and perhaps even a gray wolf. And you’ll have a treasure trove of places to rest your head — cabins in the woods, lavish Western resorts, dude ranches, bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels, campgrounds along crystal streams.

So plan ample time. Because whether you wander off the beaten path for a few days on your way between parks or you set up camp for a month, you will not tire of this place. There’s simply too much to do and see, too many adventures to have. At its heart, Montana is a mix of awe and aweshucks, of history and promise, of sky and water and rock. And that heart is here.

Welcome to Gold West Country. We’re glad to have you.

Contents: Introduction...... 2 Augusta 287 born The Areas Dear R. Helena ...... 4 Ovando Craig Bla ck Butte...... 10 f o o 200 Lincoln Wolf t Virginia City/Ennis ...... 14 R. 279 Creek 141 Canyon Creek York

Dillon...... 18 Clark Fo Hauser rk Drummond R Lake Anaconda/Philipsburg...... 22 . 90 Elliston 1 12 HELENA DEER Montana City Canyon Deer Lodge...... 26 LODGE 287 Ferry Clancy Lake Philipsburg Jefferson City Basin 12 Pursuits Boulder Townsend Georgetown Lake 15 B o u l Ghost Towns...... 32 ANACONDA d

e

r

BUTTE 569 R Native American Sites ...... 35 69 . 90 R. 43 Whitehall e Rockhounding...... 36 ol 41 H ig Divide Harrison B . 43 n R Hot Springs...... 38 rso fe Wisdom f Big Hole Melrose e Battle eld J Outfitting & Dude Ranching..... 42 278 Twin Bridges Sheridan Norris

R Winter Activities...... 44 ub 287 y Jackson 41 R Polaris . Alder Ennis DILLON . R d Bannack ea Nevada/ rh Planning e av Grant Be Virginia

324 Reservoir M

a Cameron City d

Scenic Routes...... 46 Clark Canyon i s o Reservoir n

R Accommodations...... 50 15 . 287 Guided Recreational Services.... 53 Lima Lower Reservoir Red rock Upper Activity Resource...... 54 Lake Red rock Lima Lake Visitor Information...... 54 Monida Lakeview Calendar of Events...... 58 Index...... 60

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2 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Cover photo: Chuck Haney Butte (Donnie Sexton) Tizer Gardens, Helena (Tom Robertson) Helena (Tom Tizer Gardens, Farmers Market, Butte (Tom Robertson) Farmers Market, Butte (Tom (Donnie Sexton) Cattle Drive, Augusta (Donnie Sexton) www.goldwest.visitmt.com 3 Mount Helena City Park (Heidi O’Brien) Great Northern(Ellen Baumler) Great Carousel Montana State Capitol Rotunda (Donnie Sexton) 4 www.goldwest.visitmt.com HELENA AREA Helena is Montana’s state capital and was the center of wealth during the state’s mining heyday. The famed 1864 discovery was the nation’s fourth richest gold strike. Legend has it that Helena once boasted more millionaires per capita than any other city in the U.S. Here you’ll find our most handsome and grandest architecture alongside remnants of the gold rush upon which the modern community rests. As our state capital, Helena is also a vibrant cultural center with a busy event calendar, terrific local bands, great restaurants, fine museums and an epic “urban” system. Nearby, you can fish the Missouri, explore the Gates of the Mountains and cycle a lifetime’s worth of mountain bike .

History Montana Historical Society Founded in 1865, the society houses a Last Chance Tour Train rich collection of art, artifacts, archives and Step aboard the open cars and see all photographs. The museum features a stellar that Helena has to offer! This one-hour, collection of the work of cowboy artist narrated train ride takes you to Helena’s C. M. Russell, as well as American Indian historic sites and districts. You’ll view and Montana history exhibits. Explore your

Mount Helena City Park (Heidi O’Brien) the original Governor’s Mansion, the own family history at the society’s extensive current executive residence, the State Research Center. Find a unique Montana Capitol Building, the historic fire tower treasure and pick up a self-guided tour affectionately known as the Guardian of book of historic Helena at the gift store. the Gulch, and much, much more. It’s the 406-444-2694 • best way to see it all and plan for more www.montanahistoricalsociety.org personalized sightseeing excursions.

406-442-1023 • www.lctours.com Cathedral of St. Helena (Helena CVB)

Last Chance Gulch Original Governor’s Mansion Prospectors took “one last chance” that paid off in 1864. Take a guided tour of the 1888 Queen Anne-style mansion Helena grew along the gulch that today is the most historic that served as the official home of Montana’s governors mile in Montana. Victorian-era buildings now line the site from 1913 to 1959. where diggings produced millions in gold. Enjoy great 406-444-4789 • www.montanahistoricalsociety.org shopping, dining, art galleries and history. 406-447-1535 • www.downtownhelena.com Reeder’s Alley This quaint alley was home to miners and is Helena’s most State Capitol Building intact territorial-period neighborhood. Listed on the National Montana’s stunning neoclassical-style capitol reflects the Register, visitors can take a self-guided tour. The Montana American Renaissance of the late 19th century. The building, Heritage Commission, managing entity for Nevada and fully restored to its 1902 appearance, features a dome of Virginia cities, maintains this historic state-owned property. Montana . Tours emphasize the blending of fine 406-843-5247 • Western art and classical architecture that make Montana’s http://montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov/default.mcpx capitol unique. 406-444-2694 • www.montanahistoricalsociety.org Montana Military Museum Montana’s official military repository offers a rich collection Cathedral of St. Helena of memorabilia, artifacts and archives, ranging from Lewis Patterned after the renowned Votive Cathedral of the Sacred and Clark’s Corps of Discovery through modern time. Heart in Vienna, Austria, the 230-foot spires dominate the Located at the Fort Harrison complex in Helena. Helena skyline. The interior is just as impressive. 406-324-3550 • www.montanaguard.com/museum 406-442-5825 • www.sthelenas.org Montana State Capitol Rotunda (Donnie Sexton) www.goldwest.visitmt.com 5 Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Museums This museum collection of displays and Lincoln Gulch Gold Mine artifacts shares the valley’s heritage with visitors. Located in Lincoln, behind the Hi-Country Trading Post. 406-362-4949 • www.lincolnmontana.com

Kleffner Ranch A mile south of East Helena, this 1885 ranch is listed on the National Register and includes a massive fieldstone barn and unusual octagonal ranch house. 406-495-9090 • www.kleffnerranch.com Archie Bray Foundation (Donnie Sexton) Archie

St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission Church Great Northern Carousel A Colonial-style church dating to 1875, it reflects the roots of Thirty-eight hand-sculpted animals and century-old stained many local settlers who came here from Canton, New York. The glass from the famed Broadwater Hotel promise a memorable church was moved to its present location on Highway 284 east ride. Enjoy the enclosed carousel year-round. of Townsend in 1952 when Canyon Ferry Reservoir was filled. 406-457-5353 • www.gncarousel.com 406-266-3710 ExplorationWorks Culture A hands-on museum of science and culture for children of all ages, its 3,500 square feet offer hands-on fun and Archie Bray Foundation science education. For those who like to play, create, discover Established in 1951 on the site of a brick factory, the Bray and explore, ExplorationWorks is the place to be! attracts artists from around the world. Tour the studios and 406-457-1800 • www.explorationworks.org grounds of this unique endeavor in the ceramic arts. 406-443-3502 • www.archiebray.org Last Chance Ranch Wagon-ride Dinners Travel back in time via our horse-drawn wagons through Holter Museum of Art high mountain timber to the Moose Meadow Tipi. Enjoy Features the best in regional fine arts and crafts, with new a great gourmet meal — including fresh garden salad, shows opening every six weeks. The Holter hosts both homemade rolls, prime rib, potatoes du jour, steamed nationally known and local artists. vegetables, huckleberry cheesecake and cowboy coffee — 406-442-6400 • www.holtermuseum.org served up family style. The evening concludes with Western entertainment featuring music and cowboy poetry by Myrna Loy Center Montana’s own Bruce Anfinson. Offers new performance and art experiences with a link to 800-505-2884 • www.LastChanceRanch.biz the vaudeville touring companies that frequented Helena between the 1880s and 1920s. Helena Cultural Opportunities The Helena area is home to various cultural productions and 406-443-0287 • www.myrnaloycenter.com performances throughout the year. For more information Grandstreet Theatre contact the Helena Chamber. Offering up to 10 productions each year, this is one of 406-447-1530 • http://www.gohelena.com/culture.html Montana’s best theater experiences. Located in a restored century-old church, modern comfort blends with historic ambience. Scenic Beauty 406-442-4270 • www.grandstreet.net Gates of the Mountains Montana Shakespeare Company named this spectacular canyon north Sit under the starry skies and watch captivating theater of Helena. Steep limestone cliffs flanking the in the heart of downtown Helena. Shows run regularly create the illusion of a gate that seems to open as you throughout the month of July. travel toward these cliffs. Seasonal boat tours available. 406-431-1154 • www.montanashakespeare.org 406-458-5241 • www.gatesofthemountains.com

Alive @ Five Rocky Mountain Front Migration Every Wednesday throughout the summer months, a different Corridor downtown block hosts this event featuring food, drinks, live music east of Lincoln is a migration route for eagles and other entertainment. The event is free and for all ages. October through November. As many as 125 bald eagles and 800 golden eagles have been counted at one time. 406-447-1535 • www.downtownhelena.com www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena 6 www.goldwest.visitmt.com The This rugged wilderness area is north of Lincoln and adjacent The Helena National Forest surrounds Montana’s Capital to the Area. City and offers close to one million acres of distinctive 406-449-5201 • www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena landscapes. Almost eighty miles of the National Scenic Trail stretch through the Helena National Wolf Creek (Prickly Pear) Canyon Forest, extending from the Scapegoat to the adjacent Deer Now one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Montana, Lodge National Forest. Much of the area along the Divide this canyon was the most difficult section along the route is rich in mining history, and the town of Helena owes its from Helena to Fort Benton. Stagecoach drivers and origins to the discovery of gold in 1864. teamsters feared the narrow canyon and swift-flowing 406-449-5201 • www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena Prickly Pear Stream. Take Interstate 15 north from Helena. Holter & Hauser Lakes/Beartooth Tizer Botanic Gardens Wildlife Management Area Situated in the heart of the , the gardens are Created by dams in the Missouri River near Helena, these seven acres of perennials, annuals, roses, wildflowers, herbs, lakes are perfect for fishing, swimming, camping and water vegetables and more than 12,000 bulbs. There are also theme skiing. Elk, deer and flourish in the wildlife area. gardens, shade gardens and a Lewis and Clark garden. 406-449-5201 • www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/ Located in Jefferson County, 18 miles south of Helena. 406-933-8789 • www.tizergardens.com Canyon Ferry Lake A large reservoir on the Missouri River near Townsend, Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area the lake offers camping, sailing, boating, swimming, fishing Waterfowl and wildlife viewing opportunities include abundant and rockhounding. Ice fishing and ice boating are popular ducks, swans, geese and osprey. Take Highway 12 east in the winter. through Townsend one mile, then left on North Harrison 406-444-2535 • www.fwp.mt.gov Road and follow to the end. 406-266-3367 • www.fwp.mt.gov Missouri River Fabulous fishing on the scenic Missouri is best from Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area Toston Dam near Townsend, downstream from Canyon This 129,000-acre wildlife area is managed by the National Ferry Lake, and on to Hauser and Holter dams. Forest Service. Near Townsend, the area is home to many www.fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide indigenous animals including big game. 406-449-5201 • www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/ Bob Marshall Wilderness Area This one million-acre wilderness area includes a weeks’ worth of trails traversing the Continental Divide. Gorgeous Recreation features include the Sun River on the east side of the divide and the Blackfoot Valley on the west. Contact a local guide Mount Helena City Park before tackling “the Bob.” Hundreds of acres of hiking and biking trails in the South 406-758-5208 • Hills and on National Register-listed Mount Helena offer www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/flathead/specialplaces hikers and bikers great panoramic vistas and opportunities to experience a variety of landscapes in all seasons. The Blackfoot and Little Blackfoot Fishing Fine fishing opportunities abound in both rivers, with the city trail system rivals better known biking destinations like Blackfoot also popular with whitewater rafters. Headwaters Moab, Utah, and includes trails ranging from butter-smooth are near Lincoln and Elliston. singletrack to challenging rock gardens. www.fwp.mt.gov www.pricklypear.org Great Divide Ski Area Great Divide is an immense place with more than three miles of terrain from end to end — including 140 named trails, open glades, bowls and a terrain park. Family-owned, friendly and affordable, Great Divide caters to skiers of all levels. 406-449-3746 • www.skigd.com Tizer Garden (Tom Robertson) (Tom Tizer Garden

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 7 Missouri River (Donnie Sexton) Nearby Communities Lincoln The Continental Divide bisects this area. To the east is the Augusta Sun River Canyon, to the west is the Blackfoot River Valley Augusta sits on the northern edge of Gold West Country and to the north is pristine wilderness. In town, there are and is a gateway to the immense Bob Marshall Wilderness several buildings on the National Register including the and adjoining Scapegoat Wilderness. Known as a friendly Community Hall. The Blackfoot Valley Historical Society town in a scenic location, there are restaurants, motels and Museum is also worth a visit. Stop by the Helena National a full array of visitor services. Forest Ranger station to view one of the largest grizzly 406-562-3247 bears ever killed in the state, weighing in at 830 pounds. At the ranger station, you can ask for a map of the forest Boulder including directions to . This town, named for the massive rocks scattered around www.lincolnmontana.com the valley, was established in the 1860s as a stage station and later became a major trading center. It is home to Townsend the National Register-listed Boulder Hot Springs and This outdoor-oriented town is located on the Missouri magnificent 1889 Jefferson County Courthouse. Nearby River at the south end of Canyon Ferry Lake. The lake Elkhorn Ghost Town and many Radon Health Mines is virtually untouched and home to excellent hunting (including Free Enterprise, Sunshine, Earth Angel and and fishing opportunities; it is also home to two areas Merry Widow) offer opportunities for exploration. The mines mentioned in the Lewis and Clark journals. The city are popular for relaxation and as a prescription for arthritis, hosts several cattle drives throughout the summer when lupus, asthma and other ailments. While health mines do working cattle ranches move herds to pasture. Visit the not guarantee any cures, some visitors claim that their Chamber of Commerce for maps and information on health improved from breathing the air within the mines. the Broadwater County Museum, historic mining sites, 406-465-2106 • www.bouldermtchamber.com and scenic areas in the nearby Elkhorn and . The Canyon Ferry Mansion Museum just east Helena outside Townsend sits on 5.5 acres adjacent to the Bullwhackers and their teams, pulling heavy supply-laden Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area, along the trail freight wagons en route to nearby gold fields, once camped of Lewis and Clark and the “Old North Indian Trail.” in what would later become East Helena’s business district. www.townsendmt.com In 1888, the nation’s longest operating lead smelter opened here, processing 70,000 tons of lead bullion annually. The Unionville smelter closed in 2001, but the community has proven its Once a thriving mining camp, this small bedroom community resilience. Visitors will find a charming historic main street, was the site of the Whitlatch-Union Mine, one of the warm hospitality, and a good meal. largest producers of gold bullion in the . www.easthelenamt.us In 1897, the gold-bearing lode disappeared under a fault. Efforts to relocate it were unsuccessful and the mine was Jefferson City abandoned. Located along scenic Secondary 454, south Named to honor President Thomas Jefferson, the town of Helena. began as a stagecoach stop for passengers and freight between Fort Benton and Virginia City. In the early years, Helena Area Advertisers: Helena Convention and Visitors this area yielded millions of dollars in gold and silver. Bureau (pg. 9), Boulder Area Chamber of Commerce 406-933-8789 • www.bouldermtchamber.com (pg. 50), Comfort Suites of Helena (pg. 52) Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds (pg. 53) 8 www.goldwest.visitmt.com I can bike, hike, swim, shop, dine, go to the museum, attend a Hollywood type gala, sample wine, golf, rock out, (breathe) catch the ballet, do some , go sailing like the Kennedys, hold Missouri River (Donnie Sexton) a world class business meeting, oh my gosh, there’s more? You’ll find it all right here in Helena, Montana. Now that’s good thinking.

275.204.11 Helena CVB ad Gold West Travel Planner 11.7.11 AD: JS 7.375” X 9.875” 4C

Visit us at helenamt.com or ring us at 800-743-5362

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 9 St. Partick’s Day parade (Donnie Sexton) St. Partick’s Butte streets (Lisa Wareham) Butte streets 10 www.goldwest.visitmt.com butte AREA St. Partick’s Day parade (Donnie Sexton) St. Partick’s

Few places in the U.S. can match Butte’s colorful history and characters (be it copper baron William A. Clark or daredevil Evel Knievel). Known as the “Richest Hill on Earth,” Butte produced silver, gold and copper. The copper mines in particular created enormous wealth. In 1900, Butte was one of the largest cities west of the Mississippi. It was the birthplace of labor unions, the battleground of industrial titans and home to thousands of Irish and Chinese immigrants. Today, that proud history provides a fascinating back story for your time in Butte. Time that will likely include ethnic and regional foods, tours of National Historic sites, taking in a play or musical, and some serious antiquing.

History Mineral Museum Not just for the rockhound, this fascinating Trolley Tour collection holds 1,500 specimens. Open The Butte Trolley is temperature year round on the Montana Tech campus. controlled and enclosed. Tour Butte’s 406-496-4414 • historic sites during the summer months. www.mbmg.mtech.edu/museum/museum.asp 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814 •

www.buttecvb.com Mining Headframe (Donnie Sexton) Copper King Mansion Designated a National Historic Place in World Museum of Mining/ 1971, the mansion is a monument to Hell Roarin’ Gulch the wealthy lifestyle of the last century. Twelve acres of outdoor and indoor Exquisite architectural detail and 32 rooms displays built at a 100-year-old silver and of antiques. Guided tours. zinc mine. Popular for families. 406-782-7580 • 406-723-7211 • www.copperkingmansion.com www.miningmuseum.org Piccadilly Museum of Transportation Granite Mountain Mine Memorial Features items from oil and gas companies, subway Dedicated to the 168 men who died in a hard rock mine memorabilia from the U.S. and Europe, license plates, a disaster in 1917, this memorial offers the visitor a stunning 1920s service station replica and commercial advertising art. panoramic view of Butte. Open all year. 406-723-3034 • www.piccadillymuseum.com 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814 • www.butteamerica.com/gmtn.htm Old Butte Historical Adventures Explore a 1930s underground speak-easy, 1955 barber The Mai Wah Society shop under a six-story building and more. In the heart of Butte’s old Chinatown, this historic building 406-498-3424 • www.buttetours.info houses displays and artifacts relating the story of the Chinese immigrants. Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Murals 406-723-3231 • www.maiwah.org In Whitehall, more than a dozen billboard-size murals depict scenes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the Jefferson Valley. View what was once the largest truck-operated open-pit 406-287-2260 copper mine in the nation: A mile and a half across and three miles around. Jefferson Valley Museum 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814 • www.buttecvb.com Also in Whitehall, artifacts and memorabilia depict the history and heritage of the Jefferson Valley area.

Butte streets (Lisa Wareham) Butte streets 406-287-7813 www.goldwest.visitmt.com 11 National Folk Festival (Donnie Sexton)

Headframes Motherlode & Orphan Girl Theaters Dotting the landscape of the Butte hill are 14 tall, black, Historic state-of-the-art theaters with live productions steel structures. Variously called “gallows frames,” “gallus throughout the year. frames” or headframes, these mark the remnants of mines 406-723-3602 • www.buttearts.org that honeycombed the Butte hill. 406-723-3177 • www.buttecvb.com Uptown Butte Farmers Market Every Saturday from June 1 through September 30, the National Historic Landmark District market is held on West Park Street between Main and Part of the largest National Historic Landmark District in Dakota streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the country, Butte offers a legacy of architectural treasures 406-497-6464 • www.mainstreetbutte.org/fmarket.htm that are contemporaries of the best Victorian architecture in America’s great cities. The Uptown is filled with fine, The Montana Folk Festival well-preserved examples of early 20th century architecture. Set for the second weekend in July, it’s a large-scale free Take a walk among them and read the history of many of three-day event that celebrates the richness and variety the buildings on the National Historic Landmark plaques. of American culture. The festival features a broad array 406-723-3177 • www.buttecvb.com of music, dance, workshops, storytelling, parades and ethnic cuisine. The programming embraces the heritage and traditions of all Americans, with a special emphasis on the native peoples and immigrants who settled in Culture Montana. Audiences are treated to music from every Butte Silver Bow Arts Foundation and conceivable immigrant source as well as cultural exhibits, Charles W. Clark Mansion demonstrations and works by the finest artists and craftspeople in the region. The festival’s artistic diversity Enjoy Butte’s local traditions, heritage and art by exploring is complemented by a variety of ethnic and festival the Charles W. Clark Mansion, which features changing art foods available in food courts on the festival site. This is exhibits, marvelous collections and elegant architecture. a signature event for Montana, attracting thousands of The building is a turn-of-the-century mansion on the attendees from the region, across the country and from National Historic Register and the home of the Butte Silver Canada. The Montana Folk Festival is the successor Bow Arts Foundation. festival to the widely acclaimed National Folk Festival that 406-723-7600 • www.bsbarts.org was held in Butte from 2008 to 2010. All of the venues are Our Lady of the Rockies free admission and open to the public. 406-497-6464 • www.montanafolkfestival.com Take a bus tour for a close-up look at the 90-foot statue that overlooks Butte from 8,015 feet. This statue is dedicated Lexington Stamp Mill and Gardens to all women, especially mothers. Excellent views. Located in historic uptown Butte, the Lexington was one of 406-782-1221 • 800-800-LADY the early stamp mills that crushed the ore for smelting and www.ourladyoftherockies.net is now surrounded by beautiful gardens. 406-723-3177 • www.buttecvb.com

12 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Other Culture Art Walks, Silver Bow Twin Drive-In Theater, Montana Butte is one of the closest cities to the 3,100-mile trail Artist’s Refuge (Basin), Annual An Ri Ra Festival, network that stretches from Canada to Mexico. Well- Evel Knievel Days and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. marked area trails provide 75 miles of recreation for bikers, hikers and horsemen. 406-683-8000

Recreation Homestake Recreation Area Sheepshead Mountain Recreation Homestake picnic ground is located in the Beaverhead- Area & Maney Lake Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana at an elevation of 6,300 feet. This area is for day use picnicking Fifteen miles north of Butte. Includes five miles of paved only, no overnight camping. A small lake at this site trails and handicapped accessible fishing dock. provides fishing and swimming opportunities. Scenic trails 406-494-2147 nearby are great for hiking. Butte-Silver Bow Trails System www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf More than 20 miles of gravel and paved walking trails. Geological Features Open all year. Geologic features in the area provide interest and 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814 excitement for all ages. The “Ringing Rocks” east of Butte Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. Crystal Park, south of Wise River, is a favorite for families digging for Off I-90 east of Cardwell, offers year-round cabin rental, crystals. For the adventurous, the Humbug Spires south camping and picnicking. Daily guided tours May through of Butte and the Pipestone area provide rock climbing September in the lighted caves. Candlelight tours available opportunities. Lewis & Clark Caverns are open for tours in December. and fascination, just a short drive from Butte. 406-287-3541 • www.stateparks.mt.gov/parks www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf

All Terrain Vehicle Recreation Fishing The Butte area has an extensive dedicated ATV trail system. Some of the best blue ribbon trout streams and rivers are 406-287-3223 • 406-533-7600 within 10 minutes of Butte. www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf

Other Recreation Golfing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, hunting, hiking, camping, bird watching and skiing.

Nearby Communities Basin A mining community home to several historic buildings and radon mines used for their health benefits. Basin is a haven to musicians and artists.

Whitehall In the Valley, Whitehall is a good base for fishing and hunting. It has a nice city park and a historical museum. Be sure to check out the Lewis & Clark Murals. 406-287-2260

Butte Area Advertisers: Butte Convention and Visitors Bureau (pg. 17), Comfort Inn of Butte (pg. 51), Montana Folk Festival (Inside Back Cover) Lewis & Clark Caverns (Donnie Sexton)

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 13 Ennis (Donnie Sexton) Virginia City (Donnie Sexton) Virginia 14 www.goldwest.visitmt.com VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA Nowhere is the mix of Montana’s past and present more evident than here. Virginia City and nearby Nevada City remain virtually unchanged from their glory days of the 1860s gold rush. Both are living museums and even offer historical reenactments. Be ready to feel like a time traveler. Ennis, meanwhile, is a working cowboy town with a serious fishing habit. The fabled Madison River, which claims one of the highest trout-per-mile populations in Montana, charges through the valley and skirts Ennis. Not surprisingly, Ennis’ charming Ennis (Donnie Sexton) downtown caters to visitors with fantastic fly shops, Western art galleries, antique stores, outdoor shops and wonderful restaurants. History Ennis National Fish Hatchery One of three brood stock hatcheries in the Alder Gulch Tourist Train federal hatchery system. Visitor’s center, display pond, This 1910 steam locomotive runs every day during the tours. Twelve miles southwest of Ennis. summer months from Virginia City to Nevada City. 406-682-4847 • www.fws.gov/ennis 406-843-5247 • 800-829-2969 • www.virginiacitymt.com/AlderGulch.asp Culture Virginia and Nevada Cities Virginia City Museums, Shops & Virginia City is a vast National Historic Landmark, housing Accommodations America’s finest collection of 1860s “boom town” buildings Shop, dine and sleep in historic Virginia City without leaving on their original sites and collections of Old West artifacts. the atmosphere of the 1860s. This living gold town offers Nearby Nevada City is an open-air museum with more charm and “new” discoveries for each visitor. than 100 buildings, thousands of artifacts and gem mining 800-829-2969 • www.virginiacity.com to experience. 800-829-2969 • www.virginiacitymt.com Virginia City Players Oldest continuously operating summer stock theater west Robber’s Roost of the Mississippi. Features performances in the 19th This roadhouse was the hangout where famous outlaws century-style opera house. would plan their next stagecoach hold up (the roads are 800-829-2969 • www.virginiacityplayers.com safer now). On Highway 287, four miles south of Sheridan. Brewery Follies Thompson-Hickman Museum Relax in Virginia City at Montana’s first brewery, the H.S. Exhibits include Civil War era guns, photos, Indian artifacts, Gilbert Brewery, and enjoy a performance of the Brewery a 100-year-old birthday cake and the preserved foot of Follies (adult comedy). Clubfoot George, who was hanged in the 1860s. 800-829-2969 • www.breweryfollies.net

Hangman’s Building & Boot Hill Downtown Ennis Five lonely grave markers on Boot Hill tell the story of road Known as the fly-fishing capital of the world, Ennis is agents who were hanged January 14, 1864. At Hangman’s surrounded by mountains, rivers and streams. Stroll Main Building you can still see the rope burns on the crossbeam Street for shops, art galleries and restaurants. from the fateful day. 406-682-4388 • www.ennischamber.com

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 15 Ennis Walking Art Tour Fishing Walk the streets of Ennis and you will find it has become •  – Prime fishing waters renowned for a living gallery of art. Get a glimpse of the wide variety of the population of large with a good mix of talent with paintings, baskets, stained glass, sculptures, rainbows. bowls, knives, scrimshaw and furniture all on display. • Jefferson River – Near Twin Bridges where the 406-682-4388 • www.ennischamber.com Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers meet. Madison Valley History Museum • Madison River – One of the most famous wild trout A museum in Ennis that is home to collections of artifacts, streams in the world flows right past Ennis. tapes, photographs and stories of historical importance to • Ruby River – Small stream running through Alder, the Madison Valley. Sheridan and Twin Bridges. 406-682-5780 •  – Runs through Wisdom, Jackson, Wise Madison Theatre River and Melrose, and empties into the Jefferson River The charm remains in this Ennis movie theatre built in near Twin Bridges. 1937. Run year-round, it is the social gathering place for • Kids’ Fishing Hole – In Virginia City, open to children 12 locals and tourists alike. Tour the 1950s working projector and younger. room and enjoy currently running movies shown nightly. 406-682-4023 • Guiding – While you certainly don’t need a guide to fish area rivers, hiring one can help you gain knowledge quickly and get to “the good spots” right away. Guides Scenic Beauty for these rivers can be hired out of Ennis, Dillon, Melrose, Sheridan, Twin Bridges and Divide. Madison River Valley Travel south of Ennis on Highway 287 for excellent views of the Madison Range and the to the east. www.ennischamber.com Nearby Communities Ruby Valley Alder Nestled amid seven mountain ranges, with numerous blue- Hunt for garnets south of town. Visit the Red Rock Gem ribbon fisheries, the Ruby Valley offers an abundance of Mine two miles east of town, it’s open to the public for a fee. recreational possibilities and unquestionable beauty. 406-842-5770 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com www.rubyvalleychamber.com Laurin This quaint turn-of-the-century village situated on the Recreation banks of the Ruby River boasts a trophy trout stream, a historic Catholic church and other architectural gems. Beaverhead National Forest 406-842-5770 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com Montana’s largest national forest covers 3.32 million acres. Outdoor recreational opportunities include camping and Sheridan hiking, plus snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. In the heart of the Ruby Valley, this friendly, quintessential 406-683-3900 • www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf small town is a gateway to the scenic Tobacco Root and Bear Trap Canyon Ruby mountains. Within a few miles of town, superior Eight miles of whitewater and wilderness begins at the spillway outdoor adventures in hiking, fishing (with or without ice), of Ennis Lake Dam. Hiking and fishing are accessed via the trails. hunting, bicycling and ATV trips can be enjoyed. Kayakers and rafters should be very experienced or hire a guide. 406-842-5770 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com www.glaciertoyellowstone.com/fishing-tales Twin Bridges Ruby Reservoir Three blue-ribbon trout streams converge in this ranching South of Alder, has good access for camping, fishing and town to form the Jefferson River and a mecca for fly-fishing. boating, as well as for ice fishing in the winter. Local museum features unique displays of local and Native www.bigskyfishing.com American history and geological artifacts. Special camping facilities for touring cyclists and a kid’s fishing pond. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Park 406-684-5416 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com Located at the entrance to the county fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. The park offers the public insight into the five days Virginia City and Ennis Area Advertisers: Virginia City the Corps of Discovery spent in this area. Don’t miss the Chamber of Commerce (Back Cover) six-foot bronze statue of Sacajawea. 406-684-5824 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com

16 www.goldwest.visitmt.com 406.723.3177

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 17 Sunset on the Blacktails (David Nolt) Authentic arrowhead, Big Hole Valley (Donnie Sexton) Big Hole Valley Authentic arrowhead, Crystal Park, near Dillon (Tom Robertson) Crystal Park, near Dillon (Tom 18 www.goldwest.visitmt.com DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA The Dillon area carries on a centuries-old tradition of hospitality that began when Lewis and Clark were first greeted with open arms by the Indians at Camp Fortunate. Today, this beautiful, wildlife-rich landscape defines the essence of rural Montana. It is open, cool and dry. Its high valleys graze cattle and sheep and are dotted with traditional haystacks. The ranges — from the compact, jagged Pioneers to the wall-like Centennials — are rugged and inspiring. History, too, marks the land. Bannack, now a ghost town and state park, was Montana’s first territorial capital. And the was fought on the banks of Trail Creek during the War of 1877.

History Lewis & Clark Trail Sites Camp Fortunate Sites of special interest: Beaverhead Interpretive Center Rock, Clark’s Lookout State Park, Lewis and Clark exhibits, Lewis and Clark diorama, Camp Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce Fortunate Outlook, and Visitor Information Center. New National Historic Landmark and log building showcases wood Gibbon’s Pass-Trail Creek. construction and furnishings. 406-683-5511 • (Donnie Sexton) Located in historic downtown Dillon. www.beaverheadchamber.org 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org Scenic Beauty Beaverhead County Museum Indoor and outdoor exhibits in Dillon. Genealogy research Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway center, extensive bird display and boardwalk, one-room This scenic route through the national forest to Wise River schoolhouse, Union Pacific Railroad Depot, theater and begins 30 miles northwest of Dillon. Spectacular scenery, restored Lewis and Clark diorama. outdoor recreation, wildlife and ghost towns along the way. 406-683-5027 • www.beaverheadcountymuseum.com 406-683-5511 • www.byways.org/explore/byways/2136

Big Hole National Battlefield Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway Memorializes the Nez Perce and U.S. troops who clashed Fifty miles from Bannack. Originally a freight road used for at the Battle of the Big Hole in 1877. National Park hauling supplies to the mining towns, the road is two-lane Interpretive Center, trails, picnic sites and special events. dirt, recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles; side roads Open year-round; 10 miles west of Wisdom. lead to trailheads into the mountains. A beautiful drive 406-689-3155 • www.nps.gov/biho through gorgeous countryside: look up at high rock cliffs and look down long valleys with the Bannack State Park to the west and the Tendoy Mountains to the east. Early In 1862 prospectors struck gold triggering a gold rush to morning and evening hours bring out the deer, elk and what would become Montana. Bannack was founded that bighorn sheep. A rustic campground is at Deadwood fall and became the first Territorial Capital. On its 150th Gulch. Road conditions will vary dramatically with the anniversary, Bannack is one of the best-preserved ghost weather, safest from June until September. towns in the country and is rich in history. Activities include walking tours, gold panning, picnicking and ice skating. 406-834-3413 • www.bannack.org www.goldwest.visitmt.com 19 Red Rock Lakes Kids’ Fishing Pond Remote lakes in the Centennial Valley east of Lima. Home By the YMCA on Swenson Way, in Dillon. to many species of wildlife and birds, with nesting areas for 406-683-5511 endangered trumpeter swans. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 406-276-3536 • www.fws.gov/redrocks Nearby Communities Recreation Dell A small town near the Red Rock River, this ranching community Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is surrounded by broad expanses of open rangeland. Largest national forest in Montana, encompassing several 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org mountain ranges. Diverse wildlife habitat and fisheries, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities: Anaconda- Jackson Pintler Wilderness, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Near the headwaters of the Big Hole River, the Jackson Lewis & Clark and Nez Perce national historic trails and the area offers exceptional fishing, hunting, skiing and Crystal Park Mineral Collecting Area. U.S. Forest Service. snowmobiling. Jackson Hot Springs is a central attraction 406-683-3900 • www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf based around the natural hot springs mineral pool first discovered by Captain in 1806. Crystal Park 406-683-5511 • www.bigholevalley.com Search for crystals in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 26 miles south of Wise River on the Pioneer Scenic Byway. Lima 406-683-3900 • www.fs.usda.gov/activity/bdnf/ Southern gateway to Montana, Red Rock Lakes and recreation/rocks-minerals Centennial Valley. Bird-watching and wildlife viewing at an elevation of 6,232 feet, and beautiful scenery along the Clark Canyon Reservoir Continental Divide. Lima Historical Society Museum, city Many fishing access areas and boat launch sites, plus pool and park. camping and picnicking facilities, 20 miles south of Dillon. 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org Ice fishing in the winter. Camp Fortunate Overlook along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Cattail Marsh Melrose Nature Trail. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Known for great fishing on the Big Hole River between 406-683-6472 • www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/clarkcanyon Butte and Dillon. 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers Miles of blue-ribbon trout streams especially favored by Polaris fly-fishermen. Public fishing access sites. On the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway in the Grasshopper 406-444-2535, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Valley, this historic ranching and mining community enjoys 406-683-8000, U.S. Bureau of Land Management outdoor recreation year-round. Activities include skiing and snowmobiling, hot springs, hiking and trail riding, digging Cattail Marsh Nature Trail for crystals, camping, fishing and hunting. Near , south of Dillon. Drive over the 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org dam and turn right at the fishing access sign. 406-683-6472, Bureau of Reclamation Wisdom Nestled in the beautiful Big Hole Valley, this cowboy town adopted the name given to the Big Hole River by Lewis and Clark in 1805. The Big Hole National Battlefield and surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest provide a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. 406-683-5511 • www.bigholevalley.com

Wise River Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, located at the north end of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. High peaks, quiet lakes and rippling rivers offer many outdoor opportunities. 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org

Dillon and Beaverhead County Area Advertisers:

Lewis & Clark trail (Donnie Sexton) Comfort Inn of Dillon (pg. 51)

20 www.goldwest.visitmt.com www.goldwest.visitmt.com 21 Old Works Golf Course, Anaconda (VauthierFerguson) Old Works The Sweet Palace, Philipsburg (Tom Robertson) (Tom The Sweet Palace, Philipsburg 22 www.goldwest.visitmt.com ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA The Anaconda/Philipsburg Area is a hidden gem. Anaconda has one of the best public golf courses in the United States. Its downtown is rich in history and is home to fantastic architecture funded by the billions of dollars in Butte copper processed here in the late 1800s. It even has a bighorn sheep herd at the edge of town. Philipsburg has a National Historic District and one of the most faithfully restored, Victorian street fronts you’ll see. The main street includes an old-time candy store, soda fountain, jewelry store, general store and more. Most impressive, though, is what surrounds these towns — the Flint, Pintler and Anaconda ranges; blue-ribbon trout water; stunning Georgetown Lake; and a scenic byway that links it all. Be prepared to linger.

History Walking Tour Tour Anaconda’s four national historic Anaconda Stack districts that tell the story of the city’s past. More than 585 feet high and one of View unique homes and striking downtown the few remnants of Anaconda’s huge architecture. www.discoveranaconda.com copper smelting plant, it is the world’s tallest free-standing masonry structure. Copper Village Museum Now a state park and interpretive site. Theater (VauthierFerguson) Washoe and art center 406-563-2400 • Housed in the former Anaconda City Hall, www.discoveranaconda.com built in 1896. Complex includes a historical museum, archives and art center, along with Anaconda Visitor Center a retail shop and the local historical society. This building is a replica of an old 406-563-2422 • train depot. Includes information on www.coppervillageartcenter.com Anaconda’s many attractions and adventures. Vintage bus tours begin here. Hearst Free Library 406-563-2400 • www.discoveranaconda.com Built in 1898 with classic beauty. Located on Main Street in Anaconda. Anaconda Courthouse 406-563-6932 • www.hearstfreelibrary.org Construction began on the courthouse in June of 1898 and was completed in the early spring of 1900 at a cost Granite County Museum of $199,539. The building boasts a rotunda, circular Explore the daily routine of the turn-of-the-century staircases, frescoes and a dumbwaiter so the clerk of the underground miner. This museum in Philipsburg features court wouldn’t have to carry books up and down stairs. a replicated silver mine complete with equipment, a www.discoveranaconda.com prospector’s cabin and a fire assay lab. 406-859-3020 • www.philipsburgmt.com/museum Old Works Historical Trail Interpretive plaques address the history of the Old Works Granite Ghost Town smelter. Kiosks and benches are provided for resting along South of Philipsburg, this abandoned silver mine was the paved trail. Approximately one and a quarter miles. known as the “Silver Queen,” the richest silver-producing 406-563-2400 • www.discoveranaconda.com area in the country in the late 1890s. Stroll the Granite Ghost Walk. 406-859-3388 • www.philipsburgmt.com/ghost_towns

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 23 Culture Recreation Washoe Theater Washoe Park Anaconda’s historic 1930s working movie theater is listed Historic park located in Anaconda. Dedicated in the 1890s on the National Register of Historic Sites. and expanded just after 1910. Park attractions include the 406-563-6161 • www.discoveranaconda.com historic Glover Cabin (the oldest standing building in Anaconda), swimming pool, tennis courts, approximately six miles of walking St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival trails, large picnic area, playground and Legion Baseball field. Playing host to some of the world’s best chamber groups, 406-563-2400 • www.discoveranaconda.com this festival is held on a hillside 600 feet above Georgetown State Fish Hatchery Lake. Views of the lake, the Pintler Wilderness Area, the Located in Anaconda’s Washoe Park. Originally opened in Continental Divide and peaks 11,000 feet high are just as 1908, it’s the state’s oldest-run fish hatchery facility still in breathtaking as the music. existence. The visitor center is open daily with underwater 888-407-4071 • www.sttimothysmusic.org trout stream viewing. 406-563-2531 • www.fwp.mt.gov Opera House Theatre Emerging as a showcase producer of Montana playwrights, Golf the Opera House Theatre in Philipsburg — dubbed “The • Old Works Golf Course – A Jack Nicklaus signature design, Jewel of Montana” — offers live professional summer nationally recognized by Golf and Golf Digest magazines theatre. The oldest theatre in Montana hosts yearly events. as “One of the top 100 Public Facilities in America” and Your own theatrical journey starts at the front door! “One of the best values.” It is truly challenging and unique. 406-859-0013 • www.operahousetheatre.com 406-563-5989 • www.oldworks.org • Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf – Beautiful scenery provides a stunning backdrop for this course. Scenic Beauty 800-332-3272 • www.fairmontmontana.com • Anaconda Country Club Golf Course – A must see, Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area must play nine-hole golf course. Montana’s largest at 54,000 acres. Moose, elk, cranes 406-797-3220 and other native species abound with cross-country skiing available in winter. From Anaconda, travel southeast on Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often graze in the 500- Highway 1 to Mill Creek State Highway 273. acre canyon five miles north of Anaconda. A handicapped 406-444-2535 • www.fwp.mt.gov accessible trail leads to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. Enjoy hiking, picnicking and great views. Pintler Scenic Route 406-542-5500 • www.stateparks.mt.gov/parks/ Since 1915 this famous scenic byway (Highway 1) has been one leg of the coast-to-coast Yellowstone Trail. The Georgetown Lake route was Montana’s first paved highway and connected Boating, fishing, camping and windsurfing 14 miles west Drummond, Philipsburg and Anaconda to both Yellowstone of Anaconda. Ice fishing, snowkiting and snowmobiling and Glacier national parks. in winter. Access to lodging, restaurants, casinos and a www.philipsburgmt.com • marina. Near Discovery Ski Area. www.discoveranaconda.com 406-563-2400 • www.discoveranaconda.com Gem Mines The Philipsburg area is home to a well-known cache of sapphire and ruby gems discovered over a century ago. Area businesses allow digging for a fee. 406-859-4367 • www.gemmtn.com 800-525-0169 • www.sapphiregallery.com 406-859-6725 • www.opalmtngems.com Philipsburg (Donnie Sexton) Philipsburg Bicycling Opportunities Whether your preference is riding a mountain trail to an alpine lake, cruising the bike paths, enjoying breathtaking views on a road tour, or even grinding out a skate park session, Anaconda has something to please almost any cyclist. 406-563-7988

Anaconda and Philipsburg Area Advertisers: Philipsburg Chamber of Commerce (pg. 21), Fairmont Hot Springs (pg. 25), Sapphire Gallery (pg. 48), Sweet Palace (pg. 49) 24 www.goldwest.visitmt.com www.goldwest.visitmt.com 25 Cottonwood City (Lisa Wareham) Tri-County Rodeo (Lisa Wareham) Tri-County Old Montana Prison Museum (Pat Hansen) 26 www.goldwest.visitmt.com DeeR LODGE AREA

Deer Lodge was settled by ranchers in the late 1800s. Its comparably mild climate and rich, open grasslands were prime for raising cattle that could be marketed to mining towns throughout the region and to settlers traveling the Oregon Trail. Today, Deer Lodge boasts an eclectic mix of historic attractions including five museums, one of which is the Old Montana Prison. The town is also home to the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, the only U.S. National Historic Site that is a working cattle ranch, operated by the .

History Cottonwood City Represents the early days of Deer Lodge. Grant-Kohrs Ranch Visit the Snowshoe Creek School, Operated by the National Park Service the Blood Homestead Cabin, Post as an 1880s working ranch, this is a Office, barber shop and Spanish Fork well-preserved slice of Western history, blacksmith shop where the hammer once home to a Montana cattle baron. rings on the anvil daily.

Original home furnishings and horse- Grant- K ohrs Ranch (Lisa Wareham) 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org drawn equipment. Open year-round. 406-846-2070 • www.nps.gov/grko MILWAUKEE RAILROAD This display features the 1909 Last Spike Old Montana Prison Monument, an all-electric “Little Joe” engine Guided and self-guided tours behind the built in 1948 for Joseph Stalin, a Bayside gray stone walls and towers, through a caboose and E-9 Diesel locomotive. massive cell block, hanging gallows and 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org guard turrets. In use until 1979. 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org

Montana Auto Museum Yesterday’s Playthings Montana Auto Museum offers interpretive exhibits and Intriguing collection of dolls and toys from days gone by. more than 150 classic cars. With an exceptional muscle 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org car exhibit, you cruise down memory lane and enjoy seven decades of automotive history. Yellowstone Trail 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org “A Good Road from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound.” The first transcontinental route in the upper-tier states Frontier Montana Museum came through Deer Lodge in 1913. Visit the Montana The best display of cowboy collectibles between Cody and Auto Museum and the Old Montana Territorial Prison, both Calgary. Guns, spurs, chaps, lassos and all the rest. Includes located on this historic route. Desert John’s Saloon, a whiskey memorabilia collection. www.yellowstonetrail.org 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org Hobby Shop Powell County Museum Nationally known since 1880 for “horsehair” products Old mining exhibits, Huntoon wood carving collection including belts, bridles, head stalls, hat bands, earrings and life in Powell County are featured in this local and an assortment of handcrafted products. Open seven history museum. days a week. 406-846-3111 • www.pcmaf.org 406-846-1320, ext. 2323 or ext. 2310

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 27 Avocet (John Belobraidic) Avocet

Garnet Ghost Town Warm Springs Ponds Ghost town west of Drummond restored to its original An ARCO reclamation site, this area now boasts excellent mining camp condition, including a visitors center. Ask for bird viewing. Includes picnic area, wildlife viewing and directions in Drummond. walking trails. Exit 171 off I-90 south of Deer Lodge. 406-859-3388 • www.garnetghosttown.org Birding New Chicago School Opportunities for birding are found at Arrowstone Park, Built in 1874, the school was moved to Drummond and Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge, Warm Springs Ponds renovated by the Lower Valley Historical Society. It houses and Blackfoot Waterfowl area. local history, pictures of the area and is set up as closely as possible to its original school house décor. Arrow Stone Park A relaxing refuge for visitors who want to picnic, fish the The Ovando Brand Bar Museum Clark Fork, walk the trails or just sit on a bench to view the Located in the Town Square of Ovando, the Brand variety of wildlife surrounding them. Bar Museum houses a collection of local memorabilia, stories of our settlers, homestead maps and information reminiscent of Ovando. Being representative of rural, small- town Montana, the museum is always ready for visitors. Nearby Communities However, there isn’t always a museum attendant present. Drummond In that case, walk across the street and someone from the Authentic Western community just off I-90—filled with Blackfoot Commercial Company or the Blackfoot Angler hard-working, friendly people—marks the beginning of the will find a key to open the door for you. Pintler Scenic Route. Ranching remains the town’s focus, home of the World Famous Bullshippers. Scenic Beauty Ovando Mountain meadows ablaze with wildflowers and the Browns Lake and Blackfoot mountain peaks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness greet Waterfowl Area visitors to Ovando. A number of guides and outfitters in Fishing, windsurfing and bird-watching. See eagles, loons, the area will take you into the wildlands or several guest herons and pelicans among many other waterfowl. Follow ranches offer accommodations. fishing access signs on Highway 200 east of Ovando. 406-793-0018 • www.ovandomontana.net

Helmville A quiet town nestled in a pretty valley between the Bob Recreation Marshall/Scapegoat wildernesses and the Garnet Range Fishing provides a picturesque setting for watchable wildlife, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Flint Creek, Rock Creek, Blackfoot, , Boulder Creek, Willow Creek Reservoir, Deer Lodge Area Advertisers: Old Prison Museums (pg. 29) and Nevada Creek Reservoir all offer fine trout fishing.

28 www.goldwest.visitmt.com www.goldwest.visitmt.com 29 Yours is not the first imagination

to be captured by a place called Montana.

Southwest Montana has long been a place where legends and fortunes are made and lost. The Blackfeet and Shoshone hunted bison herds so vast they stretched across the horizon and plowed the grasslands under hoof. The Lewis and Clark crew pulled boats up the Beaverhead River in search of a water route to the Pacific. Mountain men harvested game and trapped beaver for wealthy Easterners. Miners in search of gold sprouted hardscrabble towns in the rugged, upper reaches of streams. Industrial leaders built empires on copper and on the backs of those who unearthed it. Ranchers settled in the high valleys and fattened cattle on green pastures. These men and women were captivated with the possibility of Montana; walking in their footsteps, you will be too. Buckhorn Bar, Augusta (Tom Robertson) Augusta (Tom Buckhorn Bar, 30 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Butte mining artifacts (Lisa Wareham) Beaverslide Haystacker near Jackson (Chuck Haney) Precious gems (Donnie Sexton) Precious Nevada City (Donnie Sexton) www.goldwest.visitmt.com 31 GHOST TOWNS In Montana, when the gold ran out the people often did, too. See for yourself with a visit to a few of Gold West’s well-preserved ghost towns. Virginia City, Nevada City, Bannack and Garnet all feature excellent self- guided or guided tours that will have you hearing the ghosts of cities past. But these are just a start. We’ve listed a few others below and if you ask around, you’ll likely stumble upon even more. For directions and information, visit www.goldwest.visitmt.com. Some of the roads are accessible by four-wheel drive only.

1. Bannack State Park 2. Charter Oak Mine and Mill On July 28, 1862, a group of prospectors struck gold The Charter Oak Mine and Mill was a lode mine and mill, on Grasshopper Creek triggering a major gold rush to active off and on from 1916 to 1955. It is located near the what would become Montana. Bannack was founded Little Blackfoot River south of the community of Elliston. It that fall and became the first Territorial Capital. On its contains standing buildings and mining/milling buildings and 150th anniversary, Bannack is one of the best-preserved equipment. The mine has been stabilized and interpreted, ghost towns in the country and was once home to and is open for public visitation on select summer weekends. the infamous Sheriff Henry Plummer and his gang of 406-449-5201 • www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena outlaws. More than 50 buildings still stand in Bannack. The Visitor Center is open from May through October. 3. Comet Guided town tours, mill tours, living history, gold panning The Comet Mine was developed in the 1880s and a large and Saturday entertainment programs are scheduled mill was built in 1926. During this period it is reported that from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bannack Days, Comet had 22 saloons. The town is on private property now, a celebration of pioneer life takes place on the third but is open to the public. Located approximately five miles weekend in July. The park and campground are open north of I-15 on High Ore Road between Boulder and Basin. all year. Bannack is located 25 miles southwest of Dillon, 406-465-2106 off Highway 278. 406-834-3413 • www.bannack.org 4. Coolidge Located in the east Pioneer Mountains above 7,000 feet, Coolidge was the last silver boom town in Montana. A narrow- gauge railroad was built to the mine but the quantity of silver ore did not justify the expense of the rail line or the huge mill that was built. Reached by a good five-mile gravel road and half-mile hike at Mono Creek along the Pioneer Scenic Byway. 406-832-3178 Bannack State Park (Donnie Sexton)

32 www.goldwest.visitmt.com 287 Bannack State Park (Donnie Sexton)

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1 7. Garnet 324 Gold was discovered at the Nancy Hanks Mine in 1898. Garnet’s population boomed to nearly 1,000 people but by 15 1950 the town was deserted. More than 30 buildings have 287 been preserved. Garnet offers a Visitor Center, interpretive signs and self-guided trails. From I-90 take either the Drummond or Bearmouth exit, then follow the north side frontage road to the Bear Gulch Road and proceed 11 miles up the gravel road. This road is not suitable for trailers or motor homes! 406-329-3914 • www.garnetghosttown.org • 5. Elkhorn www.philipsburgmt.com/ghost_towns Rich silver deposits were discovered here in 1870 and the population soon reached nearly 2,500. Much of the 8. Glendale and Canyon Creek remaining town site is owned by private individuals, so be Charcoal Kilns sure to heed the “no trespassing” signs. Fraternity Hall and Once a thriving smelting town, little remains of Glendale the adjacent Gillian Hall are managed by Montana State today, just the old stone Confederate office building, a Parks. From I-15 take the Boulder exit, seven miles south smelter stack and a few other buildings. During the boom on Montana 69, then 11 miles north on country road. period of the 1880s the town boasted a population of 406-465-2106 • www.bouldermtchamber.com 2,000. In order to supply charcoal for the smelter, the Canyon Creek charcoal kilns were built about five miles 6. Farlin up Canyon Creek beyond Glendale. Numerous beehive The boom years for Farlin were 1905 and 1906 when the shaped kilns remain. Take the Melrose exit off of I-15 and Indian Queen produced half a million pounds of copper. head west on the Trapper Creek Road for five miles to Farlin had its own post office and school. Today a few Glendale. To reach the kilns turn right on the Canyon Creek cabins remain along the Birch Creek Road and the school- Road at Glendale and travel about five miles. house is a short hike up a side gulch. Take the Birch Creek 406-832-3178 exit between Glen and Dillon and go west six miles. 406-683-5511

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 33 Nevada City (Donnie Sexton)

9. Granite 12. Pony The remnants of this once thriving 1890s silver boom Named after Tecumseh “Pony” Smith, discoverer of the town bear stark witness to Montana’s boom-and-bust placer gold deposits in 1867. Although Pony has seen better mining history. Montana State Parks preserves the Granite days, this picturesque little town refuses to die. Among the Mine Superintendent’s House and ruins of the old Miners’ businesses open today many old abandoned buildings remain, Union Hall, which have been included in the Historic including the Morris State Bank and the Morris Elling stamp mill. American Buildings Survey. This remote mining camp Located six miles southwest of Harrison on Route 283. calls for a camera. The road from Philipsburg to Granite 406-685-3386 gains 1,280 feet in elevation. The road is narrow, steep and winding. Be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic 13. Quartz Hill – Vipond and enjoy the vistas. A vehicle with good clearance is Discovered in 1868, the Vipond brothers built a road to Dewey recommended. From the flashing light/stop sign in the in 1872 to transport the rich silver ore. Numerous old buildings middle of Philipsburg, turn right. Just past the railroad and mining sites are found in the area. The Quartz Hill mining trestle, turn left. Follow this gravel road for approximately a camp can be reached via the Quartz Hill Road about half a mile, then turn right at the sign marking the way. Granite is mile north of Dewey on Highway 43. Take Quartz Hill Road approximately four miles from Philipsburg. about five miles to the area. 406-859-3388 • www.philipsburgmt.com/ghost_towns 406-832-3300

10. Marysville 14. Rimini Once a thriving gold camp, now a small community with History has it that Rimini was either named after a city in Italy or several buildings listed on the National Historic Register. There a drama production that traveled through during its formative is a lot to see here in this almost-ghost town. The town is not years. Several of Rimini’s old buildings are inhabited today and deserted and some mining still goes on. The Catholic church make up the Rimini community. Rimini is located about 12 and general store still serve the community. miles west of Helena just off Highway 12. Turn south on Rimini Road to reach the old town site. 11. Virginia and Nevada Cities 406-442-4120 Virginia City is a vast National Historic Landmark, housing America’s finest collection of 1860s “boom town” buildings on 15. Rochester their original sites and collections of Old West artifacts. Nearby The Watseca gold mine was discovered in 1869 and the Nevada City is an open-air museum with more than 100 town of Rochester sprang up; the Watseca mine operated buildings, thousands of artifacts and gem mining to experience. until the 1980s. A few stone buildings, a wooden headframe, 406-843-5247 • www.montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov the modern gold mill (once again in operation) and the old cemetery remain. Located about eight or nine miles from Twin Bridges. 34 www.goldwest.visitmt.com 406-684-5416 Native American Sites Southwest Montana encompasses the traditional hunting grounds for many native people, stretching back more than a thousand years. Evidence of the earliest people still exist in travois marks, tipi rings and pictographs painted on cliff walls. In addition, there are several sites significant to the native tribes that came later — the Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Shoshone and Salish — throughout the region. A visit to “Indian Country,” where places look like they did centuries ago, sends the mind wandering back through time. To learn more about Montana’s native culture, visit http://sevenlodges.dirxion.com. For more information about the cultural sites listed below visit www.goldwest.visitmt.com.

Big Hole National Battlefield The Big Hole National Battlefield is a memorial to the brave men and women who fought and died here in August of 1877. The battle was one of many the Nez Perce fought with the U.S. Cavalry on their epic flight from to Canada. The historic site features a visitor center with interpretive video and a museum with photographs, artifacts and interpretive displays. You can also take a self-guided tour of the battlefield and visit the deeply moving tipi memorial along

Big Hole National Battlefield (Chuck Haney) the Big Hole River.

Beaverhead Rock Overlook As Lewis and Clark’s men pulled supply-laden canoes up the Beaverhead River, they were being led by the memory of a teenage Indian girl — Sacajawea — who recognized a distinct rock formation as a marker for her tribe’s summer homeland. Visitors today can see this landmark, which literally looks like a beaver’s head at waterline, between Dillon and Twin Bridges, off state Route 41. A pullout with an interpretive sign marks the signature vantage point.

Camp Fortunate

Beaverhead Rock (Donnie Sexton) After passing Beaverhead Rock, the Corps followed the river south where they ran into the Shoshone. There, Sacajawea recognized her brother, Chief , and through her translations, horses were obtained for the trip west through the to the . Today, travelers can walk in their footsteps visiting Lewis & Clark Memorial, Camp Fortunate Overlook and Cameahwait Campground (Clark Canyon Dam and Recreation Area, exit 43 off I-15). For more Corps history, head to Lemhi Pass and the Sacajawea Historical Park and Monument.

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 35 ROCKHOUNDING Even today, you can tap into the euphoria of making a find in Montana. And, unlike early miners, you don’t have to eat moldy bread or sleep on a dirty bedroll to do it. The public lands near our friendly communities abound with opportunities to pan and search for precious metals and stones — including gold and sapphires. Many sites are open to the public. We’ve suggested a few options below, but we also recommend you contact the local Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management office for other opportunities.

Anaconda Area Find old tailings of scheelite and epidote at Cable Mountain, northeast of Georgetown Lake. Argillite and quartzite can be found west of Georgetown Lake. 406-563-2400

Boulder River Barite Nice cubic crystal of barite can be found about five miles west of the Whitehouse Campground along the Boulder River. Take the Bernice exit off I-15 between Basin and Butte. It is about five miles to the campground. 406-465-2106 • www.bouldermtchamber.com

Butte Area Smokey quartz and amethyst can be found in the porphyry deposits in the Delmoe Lake area. Take the Delmoe Lake exit off I-90 on Homestake Pass east of Butte.

Calvert Hill Mine The Calvert Hill area west of Wise River is noted for epidote, aquamarine and garnets. The area is reached by driving about six miles west of Wise River on Highway 43 to the campground on the south side of the Dickey Bridge. From there it is about eight miles on a gravel road to the mine area. The minerals can be found in the county rock and mine dump. 406-496-4395

Crystal Park Crystal Park is a unique recreation area at 7,800 feet in the Pioneer Mountains. Open to the public, you are welcome to dig for quartz crystal here if you follow the posted rules. There is a $5 per vehicle fee to help maintain the facilities. Brilliant quartz crystals can be found in the normal form as well as amethyst, smokey, scepter, double terminated and Japanese Law Twin forms. Typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather conditions permitting. Call to check conditions. From the town of Wise River take the Pioneer Scenic Byway and drive 17 miles to the site. 406-683-3900 • www.fs.usda/activity/bdnf/recreation/rocks_minerals Virginia City (Donnie Sexton) Virginia 36 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Sapphires at Gem Mountain (Rebecca Schmitz) Sapphires

Helena Area a seasonal water flume at Opal Mountain Gems. The Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and Gold Fever Rock On Highway 38, Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine offers Shop is the place to mine for beautiful Montana Sapphires. mining during the summer season. Located near the Missouri River, the Spokane Bar Sapphire 406-859-3388 • www.philipsburgmt.com Mine allows digging for a fee and will rent the proper equipment to you if you don’t have your own. Ruby Reservoir 406-227-8989 • www.sapphiremine.com Calcite, opalite and garnets are found south of Alder. Some people find gem-quality almandine garnets by screening Lima Area the gravel along the shores of the reservoir. Prehistoric ocean sea beds to the west of the Rocky www.sheridanwired.com Mountain Continental Divide and prehistoric tropical swamp lands to the east of the divide feature displays of tempered Sheridan Area rocks, lava and fossils. Home to the woolly mammoth, The area near Indian Creek offers white and banded saber-toothed tiger and camel. A recent discovery by masses of calcite. paleontologists revealed evidence of the first known www.sheridanwired.com burrowing dinosaur, Oryctodromeus. Native American fire rings, pictographs and message rock mounds. Virginia City Area 406-276-3535 Flecks of gold still sparkle in tailings between Virginia City and Alder. Pan for gold at the River of Gold and visit Alder Philipsburg Area Gulch Mining Museum. Sapphire mining is available on Broadway, downtown 406-843-5247 • www.virginiacitymt.com Philipsburg, year-round. Indoor “mining” can be done at Sapphire Gallery and Gem Mountain. Outside mining with www.goldwest.visitmt.com 37 Hot Springs The recuperative powers of our natural hot springs have attracted weary travelers for centuries. From rustic to resort to backwoods, they soothe muscles tired from a day of panning, a horseback ride or a hike along the Divide. Gold West Country has five developed hot springs destinations and many unimproved sites. Rooms, fine dining, therapeutic massage, Olympic-sized pools, soaking tubs, steam rooms and starry night skies are just a few of the amenities, depending on your spring of choice. Jackson Hot Springs (Chuck Haney)

1. Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa & 3. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Retreat Center Two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two mineral One hundred-year-old historic inn in a natural, healing, soaking pools, one of each located indoors and outdoors. relaxing environment. Outdoor and indoor pools filled with Plus a 350-foot enclosed water slide, open year-round. natural geothermal waters for soaking and swimming. Resort offers 152 rooms and suites. Golf and tennis on site. Newly decorated bed and breakfast rooms based on Between Butte and Anaconda. Exit 211 from I-90. themes specific to Boulder Hot Springs history and 406-797-3241 • 800-332-3272 • location. Off I-15 at the Boulder exit. Three miles south of www.fairmontmontana.com Boulder on Highway 69. Watch for the large mission-style gray building with a red roof. 4. Jackson Hot Springs 406-225-4339 • www.boulderhotsprings.com William Clark noted this hot springs in his journal in 1806. Near the Big Hole Battlefield and Bannack State Park. 2. Elkhorn Hot Springs Cabins, full-service restaurant and a large Western-style Year-round resort offers two outdoor hot mineral pools, bar and dance hall, all centered around a natural hot a Grecian sauna, restaurant and bar. Accommodations springs mineral pool. Forty-three miles from Dillon on include rustic cabins, modern cabins or lodge rooms. Forty Highway 278, in Jackson on Main Street. miles northwest of Dillon in the Pioneer Mountains on the 406-834-3151 • www.jacksonhotsprings.com scenic byway. 800-772-8978 • 406-834-3434 • www.elkhornhotsprings.com

38 www.goldwest.visitmt.com 5. Norris Hot Springs A unique wooden pool and lush wetlands make this historic hot springs very special as birds and wildlife abound in this tucked away spot. Featuring a cafe serving delicious organic

287 entrees, local produce, microbrews and wines. Much of what is served is grown in our on-site gardens. Norris Hot Springs also presents live acoustic music poolside year- round, Friday through Sunday evenings. A great place for the whole family to eat, drink and soak! 200 279 406-685-3303 • www.norrishotsprings.com

141 6. Radon Health Mines 90 Since 1952, Boulder and Basin have been the home of 1 12 Montana radon health mines. Called “cave therapy” 287 (or speleotherapy), a simple routine includes access to 6 underground excavations that were formerly mined for 12 minerals that included uranium, gold, silver, copper and 15 1 lead ore. Early reports of pain relief ran so high that these early mines became a health destination with extended 569 3 stay programs for diseases of the immune system and 69 43 90 management of chronic pain. 41 Merry Widow 406-225-3220 43 Free Enterprise 406-225-3383 • www.radonmine.com 2 5 Sunshine 406-225-3670 • www.sunshinehealthmine.com 4 Earth Angel 406-225-3516 287 41 278

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15 287 Norris Hot Springs Boulder Hot Springs (Lisa Wareham) www.goldwest.visitmt.com 39 Turns out, gold wasn’t the greatest treasure discovered here.

Perhaps there was a time when people who came here focused so intently on what was beneath the ground they failed to see what was above it. Not anymore. Now visitors settle in along Red Rocks Lakes for the trumpeter swan migration or level their binoculars at calving elk along the Rocky Mountain Front. They fish delicate flies to big trout on the Beaverhead and smack salmonflies on the pools of Rock Creek. They dip paddles into the clear, icy waters of Georgetown Lake. Ride horseback into “the Bob.” Test their cycling prowess on the Black Hall Meadow Loop. They unearth a treasure called adventure. Georgetown Lake, Anaconda/Philipsburg area (Tom Robertson) (Tom area Lake, Anaconda/Philipsburg Georgetown 40 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Trumpeter Swans, Red Rock Lakes NWR (Chuck Haney) Trumpeter Bike camping (Donnie Sexton) Elk herd (John Belobraidic) Elk herd Rock Creek (John Belobraidic) Rock Creek www.goldwest.visitmt.com 41 OUTFITTING & DUDE RANCHING If you want to deepen your Montana experience, try it alongside someone who knows Montana well. Outfitters not only provide guidance on fly-fishing, hunting, cycling or snowmobiling, they provide a great deal of insight into the place, its history, flora and fauna. Dude ranches take the experience even further. You’ll actually be living with the people who live off this fantastic land. Expect rustic lodging, fortified mugs of cowboy coffee, campfire sing-alongs, plenty of saddle time and great yarns to tell when you get back home. (Donnie Sexton) Working ranch (Jason Savage) Working (Lisa Wareham) 42 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Madison River, Ennis (Tom Robinson) Ennis (Tom Madison River,

Working Cattle Ranches Resort Ranches In true Western tradition, many cattle ranchers continue to A number of ranches have elected to develop resort facilities open their spreads to travelers for an authentic Montana and programs. This affords guests the opportunity to enjoy experience. Spend a morning fishing in the area’s pristine a variety of activities including fishing, hiking, swimming and streams, an afternoon mending fences and enjoy a home- massage along with the traditional guest ranch activities. cooked supper in the company of new friends. Or, enjoy a Think of it as a “ranch deluxe.” Where else can you take a morning feeding the livestock followed by a breathtaking horseback-riding lesson followed by a massage to shake horseback ride through the mountains. Depending on the off saddle soreness? These ranches pack in all the West ranch you choose, you can elect to work hard and vacation has to offer, myriad outdoor activities and the down- a little or just the opposite. After all, fun is so much more home friendliness that make campfires and s’mores so satisfying when you’ve earned it. much fun. Enjoy the things the locals have enjoyed for 888-284-4133 • www.montanadra.com the last 150 years — sleigh rides, home-cooked dinners, horseshoes, fishing, cowboy songs and horseback rides. Working Dude RanchES Revel in modern fun — basketball, hot tubbing, hunting These are working cattle or sheep operations. Your and biking. Most resort ranches offer a plenitude of unique horseback riding adventures will be determined by accommodations, including cabins and furnished tipis. the ranch’s livestock and the work related to them. 888-284-4133 • www.montanadra.com Be prepared to experience these activities first hand. Fishing Dude Ranches Gold West Country has some of the most famous Guests from around the world vacation in Gold West rivers in the United States. Rivers such as the Madison, Country to take advantage of the legendary hospitality of Blackfoot, Big Hole, Missouri and Beaverhead are known our dude ranches. Most dude ranches are conveniently nationwide as high-quality natural trout streams. These located amongst wide-open spaces and wilderness areas, rivers are known for some of the finest fly-fishing to be and close to historic small towns with fascinating museums found anywhere, all have extensive populations of large and culture. Come with the whole family or just on your brown and rainbow trout. And don’t forget to check out own. After all, you’ll usually arrive as a stranger and leave the majestic lakes found in Gold West Country — including as a friend. Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Lower/Upper Red Rock and Georgetown, as well as the Ruby River and Clark Canyon. These lakes offer walleye, bass and trout fishing.

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 43 WINTER ACTIVITIES Come winter, the temperatures may drop some, but the zeal for getting out and enjoying Montana doesn’t at all. Gold West Country has three lift-served ski areas that provide miles of runs. If you prefer the motorized route, take a snowmobile tour into the backcountry. There’s also ice fishing, cultural activities and for the truly adventurous, snowkiting.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding A visit to one of our ski areas in winter is a unique experience — uncrowded, friendly slopes with great natural snow conditions and terrain for beginners and experts alike.

Discovery Basin Located 23 miles west of Anaconda on Highway 1, Snowshoes (Rebecca Schmitz) Discovery Basin boasts 61 runs, 614 ski acres and uncrowded slopes. A real Montana ski experience. 888-678-7669 • www.skidiscovery.com

Great Divide Found 22 miles from Helena via Highway 279, Great Divide rises above the ghost town of Marysville in the Helena National Forest. Classic slopes and backcountry terrain mix freely on more than 1,600 ski acres. 406-449-3746 • www.skigd.com

Maverick Mountain Thirty-five miles west of Dillon on the Polaris Road, Maverick Mountain has a vertical drop of more than 2,000 feet. Views of the Pioneer Mountain Wilderness Area are as much of an attraction as the snow. 406-834-3454 • www.skimaverick.com

Cross-Country Skiing A beautiful and quiet sport, Nordic skiing is a great way to experience the splendor of a Montana winter. Many of our region’s most beautiful areas are also blessed with abundant snowfall, offering hundreds of miles of groomed and ungroomed trails. U.S. Forest Service. 406-329-3511 • www.fs.fed.us

Snowmobiling Snowmobiling is a thrill and a great way to see the backcountry in winter and just about every town in the region has trail access nearby. There are literally thousands of miles of groomed snowmobile trails through Gold West Country — and many more acres in national forests are accessible as well. U.S. Forest Service. 406-329-3511 • www.fs.fed.us

44 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Discovery Basin (Athena Lonsdale)

Iceboating Ice Skating Canyon Ferry Lake provides an ideal environment for The ice skating pond and warming house at Bannack iceboating because of its size and consistent breeze. are scheduled to open December 26th, ice conditions December through April, find iceboating enthusiasts gliding permitting. You can watch Bannack videos in the warming over miles of ice with the snowcapped Big Belt and Elkhorn house or purchase a snack. There’s a good selection of ice mountains as a backdrop. U.S. Forest Service. skates that are free to use. Bring along some hot dogs and 406-329-3511 • www.fs.usda.gov/lcnf marshmallows to roast on the fire by the pond. Please call the park at 834-3413 to check on ice conditions Ice Fishing before coming out. Winter hours for the park are 8 a.m. Many opportunities abound on Gold West’s numerous to 5 p.m. every day. Bannack State Park is located 25 lakes and reservoirs. Enthusiasts each have their favorite miles southwest of Dillon, just four miles off Highway 278. spot, so ask around. Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Clark Canyon 406-834-3413 • www.bannack.org Reservoir and Georgetown Lake are highly recommended for perch, trout, walleye and more. U.S. Forest Service. Snowkiting 406-329-3511 • www.fs.usda.gov/lcnf • Snowkiting combines the freedom and adventure of www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf exploring the backcountry of Montana with all of the thrills that can be found at a ski hill. Georgetown Lake is becoming known as one of the best places in the world for this fast-growing sport. U.S. Forest Service. 406-329-3511 • www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 45 Scenic Overlook, next 334 miles. (Donnie Sexton)

Around every bend, over every hill awaits another beautiful view. At least when you’re driving through Gold West Country. Here, we’ve suggested a few of our favorite routes and some things to do and see along the way. Be sure to have your camera handy and allow plenty of time for, “Pull over. I’ve got to get a picture of that.”

For more ideas of things to do and see in Gold West Country, we encourage you to pick up a copy of “Of Sage and Stone.” This guide to Southwest Montana’s Rural Treasures will take you on an unforgettable journey through our back roads and scenic byways. You’ll unearth remarkable shops, meet local artisans and discover the region’s cultural history. The guide is available in towns throughout Gold West Country.

GRAND ROUTE, 427 Miles Wisdom to Dillon, 73 Miles This tour begins and ends in Helena. Along the route you’ll Must Sees & Dos: cover most of Gold West Country and discover a wealth Valley of 10,000 Haystacks near Jackson, Bannack State of historic attractions, cultural opportunities, scenic beauty Park, Beaverhead County. Museum and Lewis and Clark and outdoor recreation. It takes approximately 10 hours sites in Dillon (pg. 19). drive time straight through, but we recommend several days to thoroughly experience the area. Dillon to Virginia City, 57 Miles Must Sees & Dos: Helena to Deer Lodge, 53 Miles Scenic beauty and the small towns of Twin Bridges, Must Sees & Dos: Sheridan, Laurin and Alder (pg. 16). Historic Nevada City Last Chance Gulch, State Capitol Building and Montana and Virginia City (pg. 15). Historical Museum in Helena (pg. 5). Scenic beauty of MacDonald Pass. Spot the Sleeping Giant from Mt. Helena. Virginia City to Butte, 101 Miles Grant-Kohrs Ranch and Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge Must Sees & Dos: (pg. 27). Birding at Warm Springs Ponds. Scenic beauty and fishing near Ennis (pg. 16). Lewis & Clark Caverns (pg. 13). Trolley Tour, Copper King Mansion Deer Lodge to Wisdom, 78 Miles and World Museum of Mining in Butte (pg. 11). Must Sees & Dos: Lost Creek State Park (pg. 24), Scenic Big Hole River Butte to Helena, 65 Miles (pg. 20), Mt Haggin Wildlife Management Area (pg. 24), Must Sees & Dos: Historic Anaconda (pg. 23) and Big Hole National A dip in the historic Boulder Hot Springs (pg.38). Great Battlefield (pg. 19). views of the Elkhorn and Big Belt mountains. Fishing and boating on Canyon Ferry Reservoir (pg. 7). 46 www.goldwest.visitmt.com SOUTH ROUTE, 125 MILES This loop is as scenic as it is historic. Beginning in Ennis, you’ll drive along the Jefferson River (named by Lewis and Augusta Clark after President Jefferson) and up over one of the most 287 or Dearb n R. beautiful passes in Montana, with views of the Madison and Tobacco Root mountain ranges. You’ll discover ample Craig opportunities for rockhounding and exploring, and some of Ovando Bla the finest fishing opportunities in the region. For attractions, ck f o o 200 Wolf t see the Virginia City/Ennis Area (pg. 14-16) and the Helena R. Lincoln 279 Creek Area, (pg. 4-8). 141 Canyon York Drummond Clark Fo Creek Hauser rk R Lake . Must Sees & Dos: 90 Elliston 1 12 HELENA Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (pg. 13); fishing and DEER Montana City LODGE 287 Canyon shops of Ennis (pg. 15–16); Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Jefferson City Clancy Ferry PHILIPSBURG Lake Murals (pg. 11); small towns of Twin Bridges, Sheridan, Basin 12 Laurin and Alder (pg. 16); historic Nevada City and Boulder Townsend Georgetown Lake 15 Virginia City (pg. 15); and hot springs (pg 38-39). B o ANACONDA u l d

e

BUTTE r

569 R

69 . . 90 SOUTHWEST ROUTE, 154 Miles R 43 Wise River

e ol 41 H Whitehall This route is a true Gold West sampler — gorgeous views, ig Divide B . Harrison 43 n R rso wildlife watching, friendly towns, hot springs, fantastic fishing Wisdom fe Melrose f Big Hole e Battle eld J and incredible history with a few cowboys thrown in. Crossing 278 Twin Bridges Sheridan Norris the Continental Divide, you’ll go from the historic riches of R Polaris u 287 by Jackson 41 R Butte along blue ribbon trout streams through the Pioneer DILLON . Alder Ennis Mountains. You can visit Bannack State Park and cross . R d Nevada/ Badger Pass before dropping into the cowboy town of Dillon. Bannack ea rh e Virginia av Ruby River Grant Be City A short side trip reveals a seldom-visited, national-park-like

324 Reservoir M Cameron

a d

Clark Canyon i area that is easy to access — Crystal Park, a high mountain s o Reservoir n

R 15 . meadow with stunning views of the Pioneer Mountains. 287

Lima Lower Must Sees & Dos: Reservoir Red rock Upper Lake Red rock The Mineral Museum (pg. 11) and Our Lady of the Rockies in Lima Lake Butte (pg. 12), shopping at the Patagonia Outlet and a little Monida Lakeview cowboy dancing at a local night spot in Dillon (pg. 19), a tour of Bannack ghost town (pg. 19), a dip in Jackson or Elkhorn hot springs, a steak at the Wise River Club, guided fishing on NORTH ROUTES the Big Hole through Maiden Rock Canyon (pg. 43). These routes take you from Helena along the Rocky Mountain Front, up over the Continental Divide and into the Blackfoot Valley. Here the plains meet the mountains, WEST ROUTE, 113 Miles buttes dot the landscape, ranches sprawl for miles, big Beginning in Anaconda you will wind your way along the cold rivers harbor trout and deep woods are home to Pintler Scenic Route to beautiful Georgetown Lake offering bears, moose and elk. You’ll also be treated to the quaint a wide variety of water sports including boating, fishing and Western towns of Augusta, Lincoln and Ovando (pg. 8). even windsurfing. Leaving Georgetown Lake, you will head The section from Augusta to Ovando is part of the Northern to Philipsburg, voted one of the “Prettiest Painted Places” Continental Divide Scenic Loop Tour, which stretches all the in America. Next you’ll drive through the narrow canyon way to Glacier National Park. For more information go to that moves along Flint Creek into the wide open ag lands www.montanascenicloop.com. of Drummond. Before returning to Anaconda, round out the trip with a stop in Deer Lodge to view the Old Montana AUGUSTA ROUTE, 164 MILES Prison Museum Complex. The area’s attractions are listed Must Sees & Dos: in the Anaconda/Philipsburg Area (pg. 22-24) and the Scenic beauty along the Continental Divide, Rocky Deer Lodge Area (pg. 26-28). Mountain Front, the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness, and Missouri River Canyon Corridor on I-15. Must Sees & Dos: Scenic beauty, golf courses and Historic Anaconda (pg. LINCOLN ROUTE, 156 MILES 23), Georgetown Lake and Historic Philipsburg (pg. 24), Must Sees & Dos: ghost towns (pg. 32-34), rockhounding (pg. 36-37), Scenic beauty along the Continental Divide and Scapegoat Grant-Kohrs Ranch (pg. 27), the Old Montana Prison Wilderness. Views of ranch land and unique beaverslide hay (pg. 27), Warm Springs Ponds (pg. 28), and several hot stackers near Avon. View of Helena from MacDonald Pass. springs (pg. 38-39). www.goldwest.visitmt.com 47 48 www.goldwest.visitmt.com www.goldwest.visitmt.com 49 Accommodations ALDER BOULDER Ranches/Lodges Bed & Breakfast BOULDER Broken Arrow Lodge & Boulder Hot Springs · $$$ The center of it all Outfitters 31 Hot Springs Road Great Indoors + 24 Fly Fisher Lane 406-225-4339 Galleries featuring 406-842-5437 www.boulderhotsprings.com Great Outdoors 28 miles local painters, www.brokenarrowlodge.com carvers, potters, Hunting, fishing, hiking, cross & more C8gTp The Ranch Bed & country skiing, bicycling, Breakfast · $ camping, hot springs, health mines, botanical gardens I-15 2120 Montana Highway 69 We have it all! 406-287-5835 ANACONDA West Yellowstone Bed & Breakfast Resorts/Hot 151 miles Springs/Hostels East Glacier Mill Creek Lodging · $ 212 miles 629 Aspen Hills Trail Boulder Hot Springs 406-560-7666 31 Hot Springs Road BOULDER www.millcreeklodging.com 406-225-4339 Great annual events www.boulderhotsprings.com Midway between Glacier & Yellowatone Parks • Jefferson County Fair & Motels/Hotels 8g Rodeo - Car Show - fun Ghost towns for all - Aug. 24-26, 2012 Great Fun , See history • Music & Art Festival Marcus Daly Motel · $ Friendly Folks firsthand in old FREE - Music, art, 119 West Park mining town. BUTTE authors, food 800-535-6528 I-15 Sept. 8-9, 2012 www.marcusdaly.com Motels/Hotels I-90 Highway 69 • Christmas Bazaar, Scenic City-wide Garage Sale, Best Western Plus Butte Learn more at Boulder Annual Chamber Dinner Vagabond Lodge Motel · $ 465-2106 & more! Plaza Inn · $$$$ 35 miles River Route 1421 East Park Avenue PO Box 278, 2900 Harrison Avenue 406-563-5251 Boulder, MT 59632 To Bozeman I-90 www.bouldermtchamber.com www.vagabondmt.com 406-494-3500 90 miles from Boulder 7 www.bestwestern.com/ butteplazainn Ranches/Lodges diuH listing icon key Montana Sky Lodge Butte Hampton Inn · $$$$ Motels/ Ranches/ G WIFI Hotels Lodges 211 Tippy Toe Trail 3499 Harrison Avenue t RV Dump Rates C 888-719-5550 406-494-2250 Family Ranch Z Showers www.montanaskylodge.com www.butte.hamptoninn.com $$$$ = >$125 Activities 8g g Hiking Special di $$$ = $100-$125 Interest Tours $$ = $75-$100 T Meals Included Vacation Homes/ ( Big Game Comfort Inn Butte · $$$$ $ = <$75 p Trail Rides Condos/Cabins 2777 Harrison Avenue 3 Waterfowl Resorts/ Whispering Pines 406-494-8850 7 Continental s Booking Agent www.comfortinnbutte.com Breakfast hot springs/ Guest Cabin hostels 8 Fishing + 74 Whispering Pines 7iu d Full Breakfast V R Float Trips Lane East i Children’s Pool Activities L Lodging 406-258-6632 Fairmont Hot Springs u 8 www.cabinmt.com Resort · $$$$ Pets Fishing h Overnight Pack 1500 Fairmont Road, H Restaurant g Hiking Trips T y Private Land Anaconda 59711 Bed & Meals Included Augusta 406-797-3241 Breakfast p Trail Rides p Trail Rides www.fairmontmontana.com O ranches/lodges Rates Whitewater iH PRIVATE Rafting Shoco Ranch $$$$ = >$150 CAMPGROUNDS + other 3506 Highway 435 Finlen Hotel & Motor Inn · $$ $$$ = $125-$150 w Tent Sites 406-562-3553 100 East Broadway $$ = $95-$125 r RV Sites 4 Mailing Address www.shocoranch.com % + 8p 406-723-5461 $ = <$95 Electricity Street Address www.finlen.com For more information on Gold West Country’s private and public campgrounds visit www.goldwest.visitmt.com/campgroundfinder. 50 www.goldwest.visitmt.com Accommodations BUTTE cont. CAMERON Resorts/Hot Vacation Homes/ Springs/Hostels Condos/Cabins When you’re ready Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Madison River Retreat 1500 Fairmont Road, 4 P.O. Box 158, for bed, make it a Anaconda 59711 Virginia City 59755 406-797-3241 406-843-5576 good one. www.fairmontmontana.com www.sundownerproperties.com Vg Comfortable rooms, free high-speed Vacation Homes/ CRAIG Internet, a complimentary breakfast buffet, Condos/Cabins MOTELS/HOTELS indoor pool and convenient location. Fairmont Estates Craig Madsen’s Montana All the comforts of home. Condominiums River Outfitters Lodging & + 101 High Country Drive, Flyshop · $$ Comfort Inn of DIllon Fairmont 515 Recreation Road 406-797-3228 make reservations at: 800-442-4667 406-235-4350 www.comfortinndillon.com www.fairmontestates.com www.montanariveroutfitters.com u

CrossCurrents Fly Shop Lodging and Outfitters · $$$ 311 Bridge Street www.crosscurrents.com u

DEER LODGE GuestHouse Inn & Suites · $$$ Private 580 Sinclair Street Campgrounds 406-683-3636 Deer Lodge KOA Kamp diu 330 Park Street 406-846-1629 Sundowner Motel · $ www.koa.com 500 North Montana Street wr%GtZ 406-683-2375 u Indian Creek Campground Private 745 Maverick Lane Campgrounds 406-846-3848 www.indiancreekcampground.net Countryside RV Park 30 Sawmill Road wr%GZ 406-683-9860 wr%GtZ DILLON Ranches/Lodges Motels/Hotels Montana High Country Tours Comfort Inn · $$$ + 450 North Interchange PO Box 460473 406-683-6831 406-834-3469 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/mt418 www.mhct.com 7iu 8g

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 51 Accommodations Fairfield Inn & Suites · $$$ Private 2150 11th Avenue Campgrounds 406-449-9944 Mountain View Motel & After A dAy of www.marriott.com 7i RV Park “ooooohs,” 111 Bailey Street 406-276-3535 enjoy An evening Hampton Inn · $$$ www.mountainviewmotel- 725 Carter Drive rvpark.com 406-443-5800 wr%GtZ of “Ahhhhs.” www.helena.hamptoninn.com 7i Comfortable new rooms, 42-inch flat screen TVs, LINCOLN free high-speed Internet, a complimentary breakfast Jorgenson’s Inn & Suites · $$ 1714 11th Avenue Motels/Hotels buffet, indoor pool and convenient location. 406-442-1770 Leepers Motel · $ www.jorgensonsinn.com diuH 110 1st Avenue Comfort suites of Helena 406-362-4333 reservations at: 1-877-424-6423 or u www.comfortsuiteshelena.com Red Lion Colonial Hotel · $$$$ 2301 Colonial Drive Three Bears Motel · $ 406-443-2100 www.redlion.com 406-362-4355 iuH www.threebearsmotel.com u Residence Inn by Marriott · $$$$ 2500 East Custer Avenue MELROSE 406-443-8010 www.residenceinnhelena.com Motels/Hotels diu Sportsman Motel, ENNIS HELENA Cabins & RV Park · $ 540 North Main Street Motels/Hotels Bed & Breakfast Wingate by Wyndham · $$$ 2007 North Oakes 406-835-2141 El Western Cabins & Last Chance Ranch Bed & 406-449-3000 www.sportsmanmt.com Lodges · $$$ Breakfast · $$ www.wingatehotels.com u + 4787 U.S. HWY 287 North 122 North Fork of Travis Creek 7iu 800-831-2773 406-442-2884 Vacation Homes/ www.elwestern.com www.lastchanceranch.biz Ranches/Lodges Condos/Cabins u Motels/Hotels Rocking Z Guest Ranch Pioneer Mountain Cabins 2020 Chevallier Drive, + 46 Trapper Creek Road Private Best Western Premier Wolf Creek 59648 406-596-1007 Campgrounds Helena Great Northern 406-458-3890 www.pioneermountaincabins.com Ennis RV Village Hotel · $$$$ www.rockingz.com 15 Geyser Street 835 Great Northern Boulevard C8gTp 866-682-5272 406-457-5500 Norris www.ennisrv.com www.gnhotelhelena.com wr%GtZ 7iuH Resorts/Hot LIMA Springs/Hostels VACATION HOMES/ Comfort Suites Motels/Hotels Norris Hot Springs Water Helena · $$$$ of the Gods CONDOS/CABINS Mountain View Motel & 3180 North Washington Street Ennis Homestead RV Park · $ 42 Montana Highway 84 406-495-0505 + 206 North Second 111 Bailey Street 406-685-3303 www.comfortsuiteshelena.com 406-682-4086 406-276-3535 www.norrishotsprings.com www.ennishomestead.com diu www.mountainviewmotel- rvpark.com 52 www.goldwest.visitmt.com u Accommodations PHILIPSBURG VIRGINIA CITY Bed & Breakfast Motels/Hotels Guided Quigley Cottage · $$ Fairweather Inn · $$$ 418 West Broadway 307 West Wallace Street recreational 406-859-3812 406-843-5377 www.philipsburgbb.com www. aldergulchaccommodations.com services Motels/Hotels Broadway Hotel · $$ 103 West Broadway WINSTON ALDER DILLON 800-877-4436 Broken Arrow Lodge & Montana High Country www.broadwaymontana.com Ranches/Lodges Outfitters Tours 7u Staubach Creek Ranch + 24 Fly Fisher Lane + PO Box 460473 112 Pole Creek Road 406-842-5437 406-834-3469 The Inn at Philipsburg · $ 406-227-6918 www.brokenarrowlodge.com www.mhct.com 915 West Broadway www.staubachcreekranch.com (38RLhp 406-859-3959 8gp (8RLhp www.theinn-philipsburg.com u Upper Canyon Ranch & Outfitting ennIS Vacation Homes/ + 2149 Upper Ruby Road Condos/Cabins 800-735-3973 The Tackle Shop + R House Inn www.ucomontana.com 127 Main Street + 322 North Montgomery 8pgT 406-682-4263 406-498-3862 www.thetackleshop.com www.rhouseinn.com s8RLhp Augusta Shoco Ranch WISE RIVER + 3506 Highway 435 406-562-3553 Stockton Outfitters www.shocoranch.com + 1941 Harrison Avenue, (38Lyp Suite C, Butte 59701 406-782-9532 www.stocktonoutfitters.com CRAIG (8RLhp Craig Madsen’s Montana River Outfitters Lodging & Flyshop WOLF CREEK + PO Box 101 406-235-4350 McDonough Outfitters www.montanariveroutfitters.com + 5545 Lewis & Clark Pass (38RLh Road 406-235-4205 CrossCurrents Fly Shop www.mcdonoughoutfitters.com Lodging and Outfitters (8RLhp 311 Bridge Street www.crosscurrents.com u

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 53 ACTIVITY RESOURCE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWMOBILING ANACONDA Mount Haggin: 20 km of groomed trails through historic logging camps • Warming hut • From Anaconda, take Highway 1 to Highway 273 • 406-542-5500 BUTTE Homestake Lodge: Cross-country ski on more than 20 km of groomed trails • 10 miles east of Butte on the Continental Divide • 406-585-8052 HELENA MacDonald Pass: 15 miles west of Helena • 406-449-5490 LINCOLN Midway between Great Falls and Missoula on Hwy 200 • 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails • 406-362-4949 • www.lincolnmontana.com POLARIS Between Jackson and Dillon • Off Highway 278, before Elkhorn Hot Springs WADE LAKE Wade Lake: 25 km of professionally groomed tract-set trails, plus off-trail skiing and telemark areas off Highway 28 • 406-682-7560

WISDOM Big Hole Battlefield: Broad valley local skiers enjoy, on Highway 43 west of Wisdom

Lost Trail and Chief Joseph passes: 35 km of groomed trail for all abilities • 28 miles west of Wisdom on Highway 43 • 406-689-3243 WISE RIVER Lamarche Creek: 11 km of intermittently groomed trail • 20 miles west of Wise River

DOWNHILL SKIING & SNOWBOARDING ANACONDA Discovery Ski Area: Over 40 runs, every skill level • 23 miles west of Anaconda • 406-563-2184 DILLON Maverick Mountain: 2,100-foot vertical drop over diverse terrain • Near Elkhorn Hot Springs, 35 miles west of Dillon • 406-834-3454 HELENA Great Divide: Over 137 runs. Night skiing too • Near Marysville, 22 miles northwest of Helena off Highway 279 • 406-449-3746 WISDOM Lost Trails Powder Mountain: West of Wisdom, 26 miles to Highway 93 • 406-821-3211

Visitor information— GOLD WEST COUNTRY 1105 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 Montana’s Tourism 406-846-1943 • 800-879-1159 regions [email protected] • http://www.goldwest.visitmt.com GLACIER COUNTRY 140 N. Higgins, Suite 204, Missoula, MT 59802 406-532-3234 • 800-338-5072 http://www.glacier.visitmt.com

54 www.goldwest.visitmt.com ACTIVITY RESOURCE GOLF ANACONDA Anaconda Country Club: 9-hole public course • 406-797-3220

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course: 18-hole resort course • 800-332-3272 (see our ad on page 25)

Old Works Golf Course: Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship course • 406-563-5989 BUTTE Butte Country Club: Semi-private 18-hole course • 406-494-3383

Highland View Golf Course: 9-hole public course • 406-494-7900 DEER LODGE Deer Park Golf Course: Public course • 406-846-1625 DILLON Beaverhead Golf Course: 9-hole public course • 406-683-9933

Sleepy Hollow: 9-hole, par-3 public course • 406-683-6118 ENNIS Madison Meadows Golf Course: 9-hole public course • 406-682-7468 HELENA Bill Roberts Golf Course: 18-hole public course • 406-442-2191

Fox Ridge Golf Course: 18-hole public course • 406-227-8304

Green Meadow Country Club: 18-hole semi-private course • 406-442-1420 TOWNSEND Old Baldy Golf Course: 9-hole public course • 406-266-3337

TRAVEL CONDITIONS ROAD CONDITIONS Statewide: 800-226-ROAD • Interstate: 511 • Internet: www.mdt.state.mt.gov WEATHER FORECAST Statewide: 800-335-7592 • 406-449-5204 • Helena: 406-443-5151 • TTY: 406-444-7696 MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200533, Helena, MT 59620 • 800-VISIT-MT • www.visitmt.com

YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY CUSTER COUNTRY P.O. Box 3048, Bozeman, MT 59722-3048 815 South 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101 406-556-8680 • 800-736-5276 406-346-1876 • 800-346-1876 http://www.yellowstone.visitmt.com http://www.custer.visitmt.com MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY RUSSELL COUNTRY P.O. Box 387, Wolf Point, MT 59201 P.O. Box 3166, Great Falls, MT 59403 406-653-1319 • 800-653-1319 406-761-5036 • 800-527-5348 http://www.missouririver.visitmt.com http://www.russell.visitmt.com

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 55 VISITOR INFORMATION AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR CENTERS ANACONDA CHAMBER 306 East Park, Anaconda, MT 59711 • 406-563-2400 • www.anacondamt.org AUGUSTA CHAMBER P.O. Box 2, Augusta, MT 59410 • 406-562-3526 BEAVERHEAD CHAMBER 10 West Reeder Road, Dillon, MT 59725 • 406-683-5511 • www.beaverheadchamber.org BOULDER CHAMBER P.O. Box 278, Boulder, MT 59632 • 406-465-8589 • www.bouldermtchamber.com BUTTE Convention and Visitors Bureau I-15 Exit 126, 1000 George, Butte, MT 59701 • 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814 • www.buttecvb.com (see our ad on page 17) DRUMMOND CHAMBER Box 364, Drummond, MT 59832 • www.drummondmontana.com ENNIS CHAMBER P.O. Box 291, Ennis, MT 59729 • 406-682-4388 • www.ennischamber.com HELENA Convention and Visitors Bureau 225 Cruse Ave., Suite A, Helena, MT 59601 • 406-442-4120 • 800-7HELENA • www.gohelena.com (see our ad on page 9) LINCOLN VALLEY CHAMBER P.O. Box 863, Lincoln, MT 59639 • 406-362-4949 • [email protected] PHILIPSBURG CHAMBER P.O. Box 611, Philipsburg, MT 59858 • 406-859-3388 • www.philipsburgmt.com (see our ad on page 21) POWELL COUNTY CHAMBER 1109 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 • 406-846-2094 • www.powellcountymontana.com RUBY VALLEY CHAMBER P.O. Box 134, Twin Bridges, MT 59754 • 406-684-5678 • www.rubyvalleychamber.com TOWNSEND CHAMBER P.O. Box 947, Townsend, MT 59644 • 406-266-4101 • 406-266-3911 • www.townsendmt.com VIRGINIA CITY & NEVADA CITY CHAMBER P.O. Box 218, Virginia City, MT 59755 • 406-843-5555 • 800-829-2969 • www.virginiacity.com (see our ad on back cover) WHITEHALL CHAMBER P.O. Box 72, Whitehall, MT 59759 • 406-723-3177 • 800-735-6814

NATIONAL FORESTS/NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725 • 406-683-3900 • www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf • or 24-hr. info at 406-683-3913 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD P.O. Box 237, Wisdom, MT 59761 • 406-689-3155 • www.nps.gov/biho BUTTE-ANACONDA HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT 406-723-3177 • www.buttecvb.com GRANT-KOHRS RANCH 266 Warren Lane, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 • 406-846-2070 • www.nps.gov/grko HELENA NATIONAL FOREST 2880 Skyway, Helena, MT 59601 • 406-449-5201

56 www.goldwest.visitmt.com VISITOR INFORMATION STATE PARKS One of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world • 406-542-5500

BANNACK One of the best preserved ghost towns in the West, site of Montana’s first gold rush; near Dillon• 406-834-3413

BEAVERHEAD ROCK Recognized by Sacajawea on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, this landmark was known by the Shoshone as the “beaver’s head”; near Dillon • 406-834-3413

BLACK SANDY On the shores of the Hauser Reservoir near Helena. Great fishing, swimming and camping• 406-495-3260

CLARK’S LOOKOUT Captain William Clark took compass readings atop this limestone outcrop. Interpretive trail and displays, one mile north of Dillon on Highway 41 • 406-834-3413

ELKHORN Ghost town south of Boulder. The impressive Fraternity Hall is located here • 406-495-3260

GRANITE Richest silver mine on Earth, visit the ghost town six miles east of Philipsburg • 406-542-5500

LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS Montana’s first state park, one of the most spectacular caverns in the Northwest, near Whitehall• 406-287-3541

LOST CREEK Gray limestone cliffs, colorful granite formations, wildlife, hiking and camping • 406-542-5500

MADISON BUFFALO JUMP Native peoples stampeded bison over this cliff obtaining food, clothing and shelter; near Logan, west of Bozeman • 406-994-4042

MISSOURI HEADWATERS Lewis and Clark site, confluence with the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers; near Three Forks• 406-994-4042

SPRING MEADOW LAKE Day-use only park great for swimming, fishing, birdwatching and picnicking in Helena• 406-495-3260

For more information log on to the state parks’ website at: www.stateparks.mt.gov

OTHER RESOURCES HELENA INDIAN ALLIANCE 438 N. Jackson Street, Helena, MT 59601 • 406-442-9244 • www.helenaindianalliance.com

MONTANA HERITAGE COMMISSION 101 Reeder’s Alley, Helena, MT 59601 • 406-449-6688 • www.montanaheritagecommission.com

MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620 • 406-444-2694 • www.montanahistoricalsociety.org

MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS 1420 E. 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 59620-0701 • 406-444-2535 • www.fwp.mt.gov

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DILLON FIELD OFFICE 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59725 • 406-683-2337 • www.mt.blm.gov

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, BUTTE FIELD OFFICE 106 North Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701 • 406-553-7600 • www.mt.blm.gov

www.goldwest.visitmt.com 57 25 4-H Horse Show • Townsend • www.townsendmt.com CALENDAR OF EVENTS 25 Stampede Parade • Helena • 406-457-8516 25-29 Broadwater County Fair & Rodeo • Townsend • 406-266-9251 February 26 last Chance Stampede and Fair • Helena • 406-457-8516 • • 4 Feb Fest Helena 406-447-8481 26-27 Butte Silver-Bow County Fair • Butte • 406-497-6400 • • 5 Chinese New Year Celebration & Parade Butte 406-497-6464 26-28 Evel Knievel Days • Butte • 406-491-6066 • • 11 chocolate Festival Anaconda 406-563-2422 27-29 Flint Creek Valley Days • Philipsburg • 406-859-3388 • • 14 Off-Broadway’s Queen of Bingo Helena 406-227-9711 28-29 35th Grant-Kohrs Ranch Heritage Days • Grant-Kohrs Ranch Deer • • 17-19 Winterfest! Virginia City 406-843-5346 Lodge • 406-846-2070 • • 18-19 Townsend Murder Mystery Townsend 406-266-4101 30 5th Annual Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race • Butte • 406-498-6328 25 Piano Rhapsodies Butte Symphony Orchestra • Butte • 406-723-3602 27 The Kenya Safari Acrobats • Helena • 406-422-4083 August 2-4 marcus Daly Days • Anaconda • 406-560-6863 March 4 Bar Tour • Anaconda • 406-560-6109 • • 1 Boston Brass Helena 406-422-4083 4 civil War Era Ball • Bannack State Park • 406-834-3413 • • 11 duggan Dolan Blarney Stone Fun Run Butte 406-490-6655 9-11 an RI RA Irish Festival • Butte • 406-498-3983 • • 16 Saint Urhos Day Butte 406-497-6464 10-12 virginia City Annual Art Show • Virginia City • 800-829-2969 • • 17 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Butte 406-490-6655 11 Kids’ Summer Fest • Helena • 406-447-1535 • • 17 “Handing Down the Heritage” St. Patrick’s Day Irish Show Butte 12 madison County Fair • Twin Bridges • 406-684-5824 406-494-1203 16-19 western Rendezvous of Art • Helena • 406-442-4263 • • 17 Running of the Leprechauns Helena 406-442-6103 18 Grand Victorian Ball For Peace (1865) • Virginia City • 406-682-4935 17 St. Patrick’s Day Parade • Helena • 406-447-1535 or 406-431-0714 • • 19 St. Patrick’s Day Race Anaconda 406-563-5494 18 annual Madison River Run • Ennis • 406-682-5034 • • 22-25 Estes Basketball Tournament Anaconda 406-563-2400 19 demolition Derby • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2094 • • 23-24 Orphan Girl Theater: “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” Butte 23-26 Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo • Boulder • 406-933-5360 & 30-31 406-723-2300 24 Blues Fest 2012 • Virginia City • 406-843-5700 25 car Show • Boulder • 406-465-2106 APril 31 Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival • Ennis • 406-682-3148 20 “Fight Force” Butte Brawl • Butte • 406-497-6400 31-9/2 montana’s Biggest Weekend • Dillon • 406-683-5771 21 grant-Kohrs Ranch Junior Ranger Day • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2070 21 Kids’ Springfest • Helena • 406-447-1535 September 1 labor Day Poker Ride • Virginia City • 800-829-2969 may 1-3 Board Walk Arts and Craft Fair • Dillon • 406-683-5511 4 vigilante Day Parade • Helena • 406-324-2000 1-7 Bamboo Jamboree • Alder • 406-842-5884 4-6 Sports Connection Gun Show • Butte • 406-497-6400 8-9 music and Art Festival • Boulder • 406-465-2106 5 Bannack 150 Years Celebration Kickoff • Bannack State Park • 406-834-3413 11-14 Montana Academy of Living History Classes • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2070 5-8/31 Saturday Wildflower Walks • Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park • 15 -16 Big Sky Draft Horse Expo • Deer Lodge • 406-846-3111 406-287-3541 16 Helena Education Foundation Carnival Classic • Helena • 406-443-2545 14 don’t Fence Me in Trail Run • Helena • 406-442-0490 20-23 gold Prospectors Show • Butte • 406-497-6400 17 Spring Fest • Helena • 406-457-8516 22-23 living History Weekend • Bannack State Park • 406-834-3413 19 4th Annual History Fair • Helena • 406-443-6057 25 Brewery Follies Opening Night • Virginia City • 800-829-2969 october • 25-8/31 Friday Evening Campground Programs Lewis & Clark Caverns 6 Oktober Fest • Anaconda • 406-563-2422 • State Park 406-287-3541 6 Kids Fall Fest • Helena • 406-447-1535 • • 26 illustrious Virginia City Players Opening Day Virginia City 800-829-2969 6-7 Fall Fest • Townsend • 406-980-1648 • • 26 Spring Horseback Poker Ride Virginia City 406-843-5700 11-13 northern Rodeo Association Finals • Butte • 406-497-6400 • • 26 virginia City Summer Kick Off Parade Virginia City 406-843-5429 13-14 Oktober Fest • Dillon • 406-683-6807 • • 31 memorial Day Parade Dillon 406-683-6807 19 Hunters Feed & Wild Game Cook-Off • Ennis • 406-682-4388 21 grant-Kohrs Ranch Pumpkin Sunday • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2070 June 31 little Tykes Trick or Treat • Helena • 406-447-1535 1-2 montana Preservation Road Show • Dillon • 406-683-6807 7-9/15 Thursday Night Ranger Programs • Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park • November 406-287-3541 9 Fall Art Walk • Helena • 406-447-1535 • • 12 governor’s Cup Helena 888-340-3724 11 veterans Day Dinner • Dillon • 406-683-6807 • • 15-16 White Trash Bash at the Bale of Hay Saloon Virginia City 406-843-5700 23 christmas Stroll • Anaconda • 406-563-2400 • • 16 Territorial Days Deer Lodge 406-846-2094 24 womens Club Annual Craft Bazaar • Ennis • 406-682-5680 16 monster Truck Show • Helena • 406-457-8516 16-17 Father’s Day Fly-IN • Twin Bridges • 406-684-5335 16-17 anaconda Bike Festival • Anaconda • 406-563-7988 December 22 mount Helena Music Festival • Helena • 406-447-1535 1 christmas Strolls: • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2094; 22-23 Senior Pro Rodeo • Dillon • 406-683-5511 Dillon • 406-683-6807; Townsend • 406-266-4101 23 RATPOD • Dillon • 406-683-6807 2 grant-Kohrs Ranch Holiday Open House • Deer Lodge • 406-846-2070 26-27 Senior Pro Rodeo • Twin Bridges • 406-684-5824 2 good Neighbor Day • Anaconda • 406-563-2400 28 Opera House Theatre - Opening • Philipsburg • 406-859-0013 7 Spirit of Christmas Stroll • Ennis • 406-682-4388 8 Parade of Lights • Dillon • 406-683-6807 July 1 Spring Meadow Triathlon Race-USAT Sanctioned • Helena • 406-447-1535 Recurring Events 3-4 Butte Freedom Festival & 4th of July Parade • Butte • 406-490-6655 Feb. - March: Mother Lode Theatre Series • Butte • 406-723-3602 3-4 Ennis Rodeo NRA Sanctioned • Ennis • 406-682-4700 Feb. - April: Winter Chautauqua at the Elling House • Virginia City • 406-843-5507 4 4th of July Celebrations: Boulder • 406-225-3181; Ennis • 406-682-4388; Feb. - May: Community Concert Series • Butte • 406-723-3602 Townsend • 406-266-4101; Virginia City • 800-829-2969 April - December: Saturdays • Farmers Market • Helena • 406-449-7446 7 annual Kid’s Fishing Derby • Virginia City • 406-843-5504 May - August: Alive @ 5 • Helena • 406-447-1535 13-15 montana Folk Festival • Butte • 406-497-6464 May - September: Saturdays • Farmers’ Market • Uptown Butte • 406-497-6464 14 Sidewalk Street Painting Festival • Helena • 406-494-8491 Memorial Day & Labor Day: Living History Events in Nevada City (weekends) 14 Symphony Under the Stars • Helena • 406-442-4860 June - August: Thursdays • Out To Lunch-Free Music • Helena • 406-457-5542 20-22 art in the Park • Anaconda • 406-563-2422 June - September: Thursdays • Farmer’s Market • Boulder • 406-465-2106 21 Dog & Grog - Microbrew Festival • Virginia City • 406-843-5700 Monthly: Helena Symphony Concert • Helena • 406-442-1860 21-22 Bannack Days – 150 Years Celebration • Dillon • 406-834-3413 Ongoing: Grand Street Theater • Helena • 406-442-42704 58 www.goldwest.visitmt.com If you have any questions call the Gold West Country Office at 406-846-1943 or email [email protected]. www.goldwest.visitmt.com 59 Index

Accommodations...... 50 Cross Country Skiing...... 54 Last Chance Gulch...... 5 Prospector’s Playground...... 27 Activity Resource...... 54 Crystal Park...... 20 Last Chance Tour Train...... 5 Quartz Hill – Vipond...... 35 Alder...... 16 Deer Lodge...... 27 Laurin...... 16 Red Rocks Lake Wildlife Refuge...... 47 Alder Gulch Short Line...... 15 Dell...... 20 Lee Metcalf Wilderness...... 16 Reeder’s Alley...... 5 Alive @ Five...... 6 Discovery Basin Ski Area...... 44 Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park...... 13 Rimini Ghost Town...... 35 Anaconda...... 23 Dillon...... 19 Lewis & Clark Interpretive Park...... 16 Robber’s Roost...... 15 Anaconda Stack...... 23, 57 Downhill Skiing...... 44 Lewis & Clark Murals...... 11, 13 Rochester Ghost Town...... 35 Anaconda Visitor Center...... 23 Drummond...... 28 Lewis & Clark Trail Sites...... 19 Rock Creek...... 28 Anaconda Walking Tour...... 23 Dude Ranching...... 42 Lima...... 20 Rockhounding...... 36 Archie Bray Foundation...... 6 East Helena...... 8 Lincoln...... 8 Rocky Mountain Front Migration Arrow Stone Park...... 28 Elkhorn Ghost Town...... 33 Little Blackfoot River...... 28, 32 Corridor...... 6 Augusta...... 9 Elkhorn Hot Springs...... 38 Lost Creek State Park...... 24 Rogers Pass...... 6 Bannack State Park...... 19, 32 Elkhorn State Park...... 57 MacDonald Pass...... 54 Ruby River...... 16, 43 Basin...... 13 Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area...... 7 Madison Range...... 16 Ruby Reservoir...... 16 Bear Trap Canyon...... 16 Ennis...... 15 Madison River...... 15, 16 Ruby Valley...... 16 Beaverhead County Museum...... 19 Ennis National Fish Hatchery...... 15 Madison River Valley...... 16 Sapphire Mining...... 36 Beaverhead-Deerlodge Nat.Forest... 20, 56 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort...... 38, 51 Mai Wah Society...... 11 Scapegoat Wilderness...... 6 Beaverhead River...... 16 Farlin Ghost Town...... 33 Maney Lake...... 13 Scenic Routes...... 46 Beaverhead Rock...... 19, 35, 57 Fishing...... 13, 17, 28, 43 Marysville...... 34 Sheepshead Mountain Rec Area...... 13 Berkeley Pit...... 11 Flint Creek...... 28, 47 Maverick Mountain Ski Area...... 44, 54 Sheridan...... 16 Big Hole National Battlefield....11, 35, 56 Frontier Montana Museum...... 27 Melrose...... 20 Snowboarding...... 44, 54 Big Hole River...... 16, 20 Garnet Ghost Town...... 33 Milwaukee Railroad...... 27 Snowkiting...... 24, 45 Biking...... 7, 24 Garnet Range...... 28 Mineral Museum...... 11 State Capitol Building...... 5 Birding...... 28 Gates of the Mountains...... 7 Missouri River...... 6, 7, 8 State Parks...... 57 Blackfoot River...... 28 Gem Mines...... 36 Montana Auto Museum...... 27 State Fish Hatchery...... 24 Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Georgetown Lake...... 24 Montana Folk Festival...... 12 St. Helena’s Cathedral...... 5 Museum...... 6 Ghost Towns...... 32 Montana Historical Society Museum.....5 St. Joseph’s Church...... 6 Blackfoot Waterfowl Area...... 28 Golf...... 55 Montana Military Museum...... 5 St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival....24 Bob Marshall Wilderness...... 7 Governor’s Mansion...... 5 Montana Shakespeare Company...... 6 Sun River Canyon...... 8 Boulder...... 8 Grandstreet Theatre...... 6 Montana State Prison Hobby Shop.....27 Thompson-Hickman Museum...... 15 Boulder Hot Springs...... 38, 50 Granite Ghost Town...... 23, 34 Motherlode Theater...... 12 Tizer Botanic Gardens...... 7 Boulder Creek...... 28 Granite County Museum...... 23 Mount Haggin Wildlife Area...... 24 Toston Dam...... 7 Brewery Follies...... 15 Granite Mountain Mine Memorial...... 11 Myrna Loy Center...... 6 Townsend...... 8 Browns Lake...... 28 Grant-Kohrs Ranch...... 27 National Forests...... 56 Travel Conditions...... 55 Butte...... 11 Great Divide Ski Area...... 7, 44 National Historic Sites...... 56 Trolley Tour...... 11 Butte-Silver Bow Trails System...... 13 Great Northern Carousel...... 6 Nevada City...... 15, 34 Twin Bridges...... 16 Butte-Silver Bow Arts Foundation...... 12 Hangman’s Building & Boot Hill...... 15 New Chicago School...... 28 Union Pacific RR Depot...... 19 Calendar of Events...... 58 Hauser Lake...... 7 Nez Perce...... 19, 20 Unionville...... 8 Calvert Hill Mine...... 36 Hearst Free Library...... 23 Nez Perce National Historic Trail...... 20 Uptown Butte Farmers Market...... 12 Camp Fortunate Interpretive Center....19 Helena...... 5 Norris Hot Springs...... 39, 52 Virginia City...... 15, 34 Camp Fortunate Overlook...... 20, 35 Hell Roarin’ Gulch...... 11 Old Butte Historical Adventures...... 11 Virginia City Players...... 15 Camping...... 50 Helmville...... 28 Old Montana Prison...... 27 Visitor Information...... 54, 56 Canyon Ferry Reservoir...... 6, 45, 46 Hiking...... 7, 13, 16, 20, 24, 43 Old Works Historical Trail...... 23 Warm Springs Ponds...... 28, 46 Cattail Marsh Nature Trail...... 20 Holter Lake Rec Area...... 7 Opera House Theatre...... 24 Washoe Park...... 24 Chambers of Commerce...... 56 Holter Museum of Art...... 6 Orphan Girl Theater...... 12 Washoe Theater...... 24 Charles W. Clark Mansion...... 12 Horseback Riding...... 43 Our Lady of the Rockies...... 12 Whitehall...... 13 Charter Oak Mine and Mill...... 32 Hot Springs...... 38 Outfitters, Guides & Tours...... 42, 50 Willow Creek Reservoir...... 28 Clark Canyon Reservoir...... 20 Ice Fishing...... 45 Ovando...... 28 Winter Activities...... 44 Clark’s Lookout State Park...... 19 Iceboating...... 45 Philipsburg...... 23 Wisdom...... 20 Comet Ghost Town...... 32 Jackson...... 20 Piccadilly Museum of Transportation...11 Wise River...... 20 Continental Divide Trail...... 13 Jackson Hot Springs...... 38 Pintler Scenic Route...... 24 World Museum of Mining...... 11 Coolidge Ghost Town...... 32 Jefferson City...... 8 Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway...... 19 Working Cattle Ranches...... 43 Copper King Mansion...... 11 Jefferson River...... 13, 16, 47 Polaris...... 20 Yesterday’s Playthings...... 27 Cottonwood City...... 27 Jefferson Valley Museum...... 11 Pony...... 35 Yellowstone Trail...... 27 Copper Village Museum...... 23 Kids’ Fishing Pond...... 20 Powell County Museum...... 27

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