Ghost Towns in Montana
23 documented ghost towns
Explore on Map
History
Explore the ghost towns of Montana.
All Ghost Towns
Aldridge
Aldridge was built high on a mountainside to mine coal for the Northern Pacific Railroad. The town had 1,500 residents, a company store, and a dramati...
Bannack
Bannack was Montana's first major gold strike (1862) and territorial capital. The infamous Sheriff Henry Plummer and his 'Road Agents' were hanged her...
Butte
Butte was 'The Richest Hill on Earth', producing more copper than anywhere else. The Berkeley Pit is a toxic reminder of its mining past....
Cameron
Cameron is near Alder Gulch where Montana's first major gold strike occurred in 1863. The strike led to creation of Montana Territory. Today, Cameron ...
Castle
Castle was named for the dramatic rock formations surrounding the silver town. The 1893 silver crash killed it. Stone buildings remain among the rock ...
Castle Town
Castle Town was a silver mining town beneath dramatic castle-shaped rock formations. When silver prices crashed in 1893, the 1,500 residents left. Fou...
Coloma
Coloma was a Anaconda Copper Mining Company lumber town. When timber was exhausted, the town was abandoned. An unusual Art Deco-style schoolhouse ruin...
Comet
Comet was a gold and silver mining town with about 500 residents. The photogenic headframe, mill ruins, and wooden buildings against the mountain back...
Cooke City
Cooke City is a mining town that thrives as a Yellowstone gateway - but only in summer. In winter, the only road out is through Yellowstone (closed se...
Coolidge
Coolidge was a silver and lead mining town in the Pioneer Mountains. Buildings include a boarding house, schoolhouse, and mine structures. Access is v...
Elkhorn
Elkhorn was a silver mining town with 2,500 residents. Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall are among Montana's best-preserved ghost town buildings. Now a...
Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet is Montana's best-preserved ACTUAL ghost town—unlike state parks, BLM manages it with minimal intervention. 30+ buildings survive including the...
Garnet
Garnet is Montana's best-preserved ghost town with 30 structures managed by the BLM. The first floor of the hotel is intact, as is the jail and multip...
Glendale
Glendale smelted ore from the Hecla mines (Lion City). It was a major industrial center. Its most famous landmark is the tall brick smelter stack that...
Granite
Granite Mountain Mine was the world's richest silver mine. The town had 3,000 people, electric lights, and a hotel. When silver prices crashed in 1893...
Kendall
Kendall was a gold mining town that peaked at 1,500 in the early 1900s. The massive stone mill foundation is the main attraction. The town lasted only...
Marysville
Marysville boomed around the Drumlummon Mine, which produced $50 million in gold. At peak, 4,000 people lived here. About 80 remain today. The histori...
Philipsburg
Philipsburg was a silver mining town that nearly died. The Sweet Palace candy store and sapphire mining helped revive this charming Victorian town....
Pony
Pony was named for prospector Tecumseh 'Pony' Smith (short stature, loved horses). While neighboring gold camps died, Pony survived as a tiny ranching...
Southern Cross
Southern Cross was a gold and silver mining town at nearly 8,000 feet elevation. The town had 1,200 residents, two newspapers, and a hospital. Foundat...
Taft
Taft was called 'the wickedest city in America'—a lawless railroad construction town that existed for just three years. With 3,000 residents and no la...
Virginia City
Virginia City was Montana's second territorial capital and site of one of the richest gold strikes. Today, it is a preserved tourist town with over 10...
Zortman
Zortman was a gold mining town in the remote Little Rockies. It was a favorite hangout of the outlaw Kid Curry (Harvey Logan). The town suffered a maj...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Montana?
We have documented 23 ghost towns in Montana. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Montana safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Montana?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.