When I wanted wide-open skies and small-town charm, I made my way to Dillon, Montana. Nestled right in the heart of the Beaverhead Valley, this place gave me everything I was looking for—Old West stories, quiet fly-fishing streams, and those endless, big-sky views Montana is famous for. If you’re dreaming of space to breathe and a slower pace, Dillon delivers in spades. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of that pioneer spirit you don’t find everywhere anymore.
Best Time to Visit
For me, the sweet spot is May through October. That’s when the weather’s just right for hiking, fishing, and driving out to ghost towns or historic sites tucked in the hills. I’ve wandered through old mining towns, picnicked along rivers, and watched wildflowers bloom across open fields in late spring. If you visit in winter, expect quiet streets and snow-dusted mountains—perfect if you’re after solitude and stillness.
How to Get There
- By Car: I always drive in along I-15—Dillon’s about 2 hours south of Butte and around 2.5 from Bozeman or Idaho Falls. The roads are open, scenic, and the kind that make you roll the windows down.
- By Air: I’ve flown into both Butte (BTM) and Bozeman (BZN). Butte’s closer, but Bozeman usually gives you more flight options. Either way, renting a car is the way to go—you’ll want the freedom to explore.
- By Bus: I’ve looked into buses before, but service is super limited. Honestly, renting a car is your best bet if you want to experience Dillon and all the gems nearby at your own pace.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Paradise Inn – I’ve stayed here for the convenience—clean, comfy, with a pool and quick access to the interstate and downtown. Great if you’re road-tripping and need a reliable spot to recharge.
- The Andrus Hotel – If you want something with history and a little style, this is the place. I loved how they restored this downtown gem—modern suites but with that Old West charm still intact. You can walk to shops and local restaurants right from the door.
- FairBridge Inn Express – When I was traveling on a tighter budget, this spot worked great. It’s got a rustic, Western vibe, and it’s close to everything without breaking the bank.
RActivities for Families in Dillon, Montana
1. Bannack State Park
Bannack State Park is where the first major gold discovery occurred in Montana, taking place on July 28th in 1862. This discovery kicked off a huge gold rush, causing the population of Bannack to grow to more than three thousand people by 1863. Bannack State Park, now a National Historic Landmark, features a Main Street lined by over fifty buildings, showcasing the historic log-and-frame structure of the formative years of Montana. Tours are offered starting at the visitor center between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The park also hosts the annual Bannack Days and includes a campground with nearly thirty campsites.
Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725, Phone: 406-834-3413
2. Lemhi Pass
Located at an elevation of 7,323 feet, Lemhi Pass is a rounded saddle within the Bitterroot Range’s Beaverhead Mountains, situated along the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana. This pass is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition saw the Columbia River’s headwaters for the first time in 1805. In 1960, the Lemhi Pass was made a National Historic Landmark due its significance to the expedition. The landscape of the pass remains today much as it did more than two hundred years ago. It’s still a remote mountain pass boasting a scenic natural landscape. Use of a high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised.
Lemhi Pass, 420 Barrett St, Dillon, MT 59725, Phone: 406-683-3900
3. Beaverhead River
One of Montana’s premier fishing rivers for brown trout, Beaverhead River is home to more brown trout on a fairly consistent basis than any other river in the state.
The river flows from the Clark Canyon Reservoir for eighty miles to the confluence of the Jefferson River, situated near Twin Bridges. The Beaverhead River is also one of the most famous rivers in Montana, located along the route taken in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There are several outfitters and guides along the river, offering anglers an opportunity to try their hand against Montana’s wild trout. Map
Attractions for Couples
4. Clark Canyon Dam
The Clark Canyon Dam, or also known as the Clark Canyon Reservoir, can be found just outside of the town of Dillon, along the Beaverhead River. Clark Canyon is also the site of one of the Lewis and Clark Trail’s more significant spots, Camp Fortunate. It was at this site that the expedition met the Limhi Shoshoni Tribe, as well as where Lewis and Clark kept canoes and supplies for their return trip. Camp Fortunate is also where Sacagawea was able to be reunited with her people. The Clark Canyon Dam is a good place for brown and rainbow trout fishing.
Clark Canyon Dam, 1100 Highway 41, Dillon, MT 59725, Phone: 406-683-6472
5. Beaverhead Brewing Company
The Beaverhead Brewing Company strives to produce quality, clean beers true to the various beer styles the brewery serves, known that preferences for certain styles of beer are very personal. The brewery’s goal is to provide people with a wide array of beers that are able to appeal to beer lovers all across the spectrum. The Beaverhead Brewing Company aims to provide a place with its tasting room where lager lovers and IPA lagers can find common ground and enjoy a pint or two of their preferred style of beer. The tasting room is open seven days a week.
Beaverhead Brewing Company, 218 S Montana St, Dillon, MT 59725, Phone: 406-988-0011
Attractions for First-Time Visitors
- Clark’s Lookout State Park – I love the quick climb up to the spot where William Clark once surveyed the valley. You’ll stand where history was made and soak in sweeping views of the Beaverhead River and surrounding peaks.
- Montana Western Campus – Whenever I’m downtown, I wander the campus for a dose of collegiate charm. You’ll pass red-brick halls, historic plaques, and plenty of quiet corners that make you feel part of the local rhythm.
- Dillon Jaycee Park & Trails – When I need an easy break, I head here with a coffee in hand. You can stroll shady paths, picnic on the grass, or simply watch the mountains change color as the sun drops.
Where to Eat
- Sparky’s Garage – I hit Sparky’s when I’m craving comfort food done right. You’ll dig into juicy burgers, smoky BBQ, and thick milkshakes under funky auto-shop décor that always sparks conversation.
- Blacktail Station – For a special night out, I book a table in the cozy, underground dining room here. You’ll savor Montana-raised beef, a solid wine list, and friendly service that feels like small-town hospitality at its best.
- The Den Steakhouse & Bar – If I want a rustic vibe, I head to The Den. You can mingle with locals, order a hearty steak or pork chop, and toast the day’s adventures without ever feeling rushed.
Local Events
- Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo (Labor Day) – I plan trips around this event whenever I can. You’ll catch heart-pounding PRCA action, a county fair, and nightly concerts that keep the party rolling.
- Dillon Farmers Market (summer Saturdays) – I wander the stalls for fresh huckleberry jam, baked goodies, and handmade soaps. You’ll meet local growers and leave with tasty road-trip snacks.
- Bannack Days (July) – Step into gold-rush history while costumed reenactors pan for gold and fire up old-timey machinery. I always learn something new, and you will too.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Dillon
- Glen (25 min) – I head here when I’m itching to cast a line in the Big Hole River. You’ll find quiet ranch land, wide skies, and plenty of trout waiting.
- Reichle (25 min) – Launch a drift boat or set up on the riverbank. I’ve spent entire afternoons here, and you’ll see why once you breathe that fresh mountain air.
- Argenta (20 min) – If you’re a ghost-town fan like I am, take the gravel road to this old mining camp. You can photograph weathered cabins and imagine life in the 1860s.
- Polaris (30 min) – I soak in Elkhorn Hot Springs after a hike or ski run at Maverick Mountain. You’ll get steamy pools, alpine views, and total relaxation.
- Clark Canyon Reservoir (20 min) – Pack a picnic, toss in a fishing rod, and you’re set. I love watching the light play across the water as afternoon turns to dusk.
- Barretts (15 min) – Sometimes I just need a riverside nap, and Barretts delivers. You’ll find picnic tables, shade trees, and almost no crowds.
FAQ
- Where is Dillon located?
- Dillon sits in a broad valley where the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby rivers meet. You’re in southwest Montana, surrounded by rolling rangeland and distant peaks.
- What outdoor activities are popular?
- Fly-fishing is king—especially on the Beaverhead River’s blue-ribbon stretches. You can also hike, camp, or cross-country ski right out of town.
- Are there historic sites nearby?
- Bannack State Park, Montana’s first territorial capital, is a perfectly preserved ghost town. I spend hours wandering its creaky boardwalks and imagining boom-town life.
- Where can I taste local craft beer?
- Pop into Beaverhead Brewing Company. I always sample the Beaverhead Red and chat with the brewers—you’ll feel like a regular in no time.
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