--- title: "Bannack vs Garnet: Montana Ghost Towns Compared (2026)" slug: bannack-vs-garnet description: "Comparing Bannack and Garnet ghost towns in Montana: preservation, accessibility, and which Montana ghost town offers a better experience." date: 2026-01-12 author: Ghost Towns Close-To-Me featured_image: /images/blog/bannack-vs-garnet.jpg keywords: bannack vs garnet, garnet or bannack, best ghost towns montana, montana ghost towns comparison --- # Bannack vs Garnet: Montana's Best Ghost Towns Compared Montana has some of America's best-preserved ghost towns. Bannack and Garnet are the top two. Both offer authentic Old West atmosphere, but with different experiences. --- ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Bannack, MT | Garnet, MT | Winner | |--------|-----------|------------|--------| | Preservation | 60+ buildings | 30+ buildings | Bannack | | Historical Significance | First territorial capital | Major mining camp | Bannack | | Accessibility | Paved to parking | 11 miles dirt road | Bannack | | Crowds | Moderate | Very quiet | Garnet | | Entry Fee | $8/vehicle | $3/person | Tie | | Winter Access | Open (limited services) | Snowmobile/ski only | Bannack | | Atmosphere | State Park (maintained) | Bureau of Land Mgmt | Garnet | | Photography | Excellent | Exceptional | Tie | --- ## The Towns ### Bannack: Montana's First Territorial Capital Bannack is where Montana began. Gold discovered in 1862 made it the first territorial capital. Now a State Park with over 60 preserved structures. History: - Founded: 1862 (gold discovery) - First territorial capital (1864-1865) - Population peak: 3,000 - Site of vigilante hangings - State Park since 1954 What You'll See: - Hotel Meade (3-story brick) - Masonic Lodge - Territorial courthouse - Original jail - Gallows site - Methodist Church Atmosphere: - Well-maintained State Park - Interpretive signs throughout - More "museum-like" - Family-friendly - Events and festivals --- ### Garnet: Montana's Best-Preserved True Ghost Town Garnet is managed by the BLM and volunteers. Less maintained than Bannack, it feels more authentically abandoned. Winter access is by snowmobile only. History: - Founded: 1895 (gold discovery) - Peak population: 1,000 (1898) - Major fire destroyed half the town (1912) - Abandoned by 1940s - BLM preservation since 1970s What You'll See: - 30+ standing structures - Wells Hotel (4-story) - Intact general store - Miners' cabins - Kelly's Saloon - Original mine equipment Atmosphere: - Raw, less curated - Volunteers only (seasonal) - Feels truly abandoned - Remote, quiet, eerie - Photography paradise --- ## Getting There ### Bannack - From Butte: 1.5 hours - From Missoula: 2.5 hours - From Dillon: 25 miles (paved) - Road: All paved - Open: Year-round (limited winter) ### Garnet - From Missoula: 1 hour (plus dirt road) - From Butte: 1.5 hours - Road: 11 miles of dirt/gravel (rough) - Summer: May-September - Winter: Snowmobile/ski access only --- ## Choose Bannack If... - You want easy accessibility - You prefer maintained facilities - You're traveling with children - Historical significance matters most - You want guaranteed year-round access Explore Bannack → --- ## Choose Garnet If... - You want raw, unpolished authenticity - You don't mind rough dirt roads - You prefer solitude over crowds - Photography is your priority - You want to feel truly remote Explore Garnet → --- ## Do Both! They're about 2 hours apart. A perfect Montana ghost town weekend: Day 1: Missoula → Garnet (explore morning light) → Butte Day 2: Butte → Bannack → Dillon or back to Missoula Winter Option: Garnet offers winter cabin rentals for adventurous visitors with snowmobile access. --- ## Honest Take Bannack is easier and more historically significant. It's where Montana's story began, and the State Park status means reliable access and facilities. Garnet is more atmospheric and authentic. The rough road keeps crowds away, and the lack of heavy curation makes it feel like a real discovery. Our recommendation: Visit both if possible. If you can only choose one, Bannack is the safer bet. Garnet is the reward for adventurous travelers. --- Explore All Montana Ghost Towns →