The mountains of the West hold a rich history, and ghost towns are among the most interesting reminders of the mining boom that once shaped the region. Many ghost towns in Montana began as fast-growing hubs built around silver and gold, then faded when the minerals disappeared. Today, these quiet, weathered places offer incredible chances to explore abandoned buildings, mining remnants, and open mountain scenery. Visitors love discovering Montana ghost towns because they offer a unique mix of outdoors, history, and storytelling.
Missoula makes an ideal home base for exploring ghost towns in Montana thanks to its location, recreation, and vibrant downtown. Before or after your day trips, you can enjoy breweries, galleries, parks, and riverfront paths that help you settle into the easygoing style of the city. Missoula keeps you close to the most interesting Montana ghost towns, including the well-known Garnet ghost town tucked into the nearby hills. It is a great place to start each morning, grab a bite to eat, and head out on scenic drives.
For a comfortable and welcoming stay, choose our Missoula Bed and Breakfast, Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. The property sits on quiet private grounds with hillside views, offering a relaxing setting close to town yet surrounded by nature. After exploring Garnet Ghost Town or other historic sites, many guests enjoy returning to this peaceful retreat to unwind outdoors or watch the sunset. It is a convenient and restful place to recharge before discovering more Montana ghost towns. Book your stay today!
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Explore Ghost Towns in Montana
The mountains around Missoula are dotted with sites that once buzzed with miners, merchants, and families hoping for prosperity. These ghost towns in Montana now sit quiet, but they still carry stories in their cabins, mining structures, tools, and pathways. Travelers who enjoy history will find that Montana ghost towns offer a combination of curiosity and open space that feels different from typical attractions. Many require scenic drives along forested roads, making the journey part of the experience.
Here are some of the best Ghost Towns in Montana near Missoula:
- The most intact example of mining life in the region, Garnet Ghost Town sits deep in the Garnet Mountain Range. Just 30 miles from Missoula, this site features preserved cabins, storefronts, and mining-era structures that give visitors a strong sense of daily life in the 1890s. Walk through the old rooms, read the posted stories, and imagine the community that once lived and worked here. Garnet Montana remains one of the finest surviving reminders of the state’s gold-rush history.
- Not far from Garnet ghost town, the mysterious settlement of Coloma has puzzled researchers for years. Very little written information survives, but you can still find ventilation systems, pumping machinery, and mining shafts. University teams continue piecing together the history of this remote corner of the Garnet Range. It is a great stop for travelers who enjoy lesser-known Montana ghost towns.
- Anaconda is known for producing the world’s largest gold nugget, discovered at its cable mine, which sold for an impressive sum in the late 1800s. Remnants include a barn, cabins, and a boarding house that stand as reminders of the once-active mining camp. While buildings cannot be entered for safety reasons, the setting still offers a fascinating window into early mining work.
- Perched at the end of a steep, windy mountain climb, Granite is another captivating stop among ghost towns in Montana. It once operated the richest silver mine on Earth, producing more than $40 million in ore. Today, visitors can view the old Superintendent’s house and the miners’ Union Hall, both recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey. The drive is beautiful, making the effort worthwhile.
- A longer day trip brings you to Bannack State Park, one of the most impressive Montana ghost towns, with more than 60 standing structures. Founded in 1862, this former gold rush community sits in a wide valley surrounded by scenic hills. Visitors can walk in and out of many buildings, including the old schoolhouse and hotel. Bannack offers an excellent look into life during one of Montana’s earliest mining booms.
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Stay at the #1 Bed and Breakfast in Missoula
At our Missoula Bed and Breakfast, guests enjoy a relaxed, memorable lodging experience, surrounded by views of wooded hillsides and open sky. The setting offers easy access to Missoula while still feeling quiet and peaceful, especially after a full day exploring Garnet Ghost Town or other sites. Guests often comment on how comforting it feels to return to the property after scenic drives and walks through historic landscapes. It is the ideal place to settle in and enjoy your getaway.
Each morning begins with a freshly prepared breakfast featuring warm entrees, baked items, fruit, and thoughtful touches. Meals are served with care so you can ease into the day before heading out to experience more ghost towns in Montana. Guests appreciate that breakfast feels filling yet relaxed, making it a pleasant start to the morning.
Your guest room offers soft linens, comfortable furnishings, and plenty of space to rest at the end of the day. Many rooms offer views of the valley or the surrounding hillside, providing a peaceful backdrop each morning. Whether you spent the afternoon at Garnet Montana or wandered the trails near Missoula, your room provides the perfect retreat. Settle in, unwind, and enjoy the calm atmosphere before your next adventure. Reserve your room now!