Dreaming of small-town charm and wide-open spaces? Discover Dillon, Montana! Nestled in the Beaverhead Valley, Dillon is a gateway to outdoor adventure, Old West history, fly-fishing streams, and breathtaking Big Sky Country landscapes. It’s a peaceful escape with a pioneer spirit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dillon is from late spring through early fall (May to October). These months offer the best weather for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring nearby ghost towns. Winter is great for solitude and snow-covered mountain views.
How to Get There
- By Car: Dillon is located on I-15, about 2 hours south of Butte and 2.5 hours from Bozeman or Idaho Falls.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte (BTM); Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) offers more connections.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service—renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring Dillon and its surroundings.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Paradise Inn – Comfortable rooms, a pool, and easy access to I-15 and downtown Dillon.
- The Andrus Hotel – Beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of downtown with stylish, modern suites.
- FairBridge Inn Express – Budget-friendly stay with a Western vibe and proximity to restaurants and shops.
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Bannack State Park
Explore a preserved ghost town and admire historic sights on a fall trip.
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
⮕ Lemhi Pass
Visit this mountain crossing and discover Lewis and Clark history on a quiet weekend.
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
⮕ Beaverhead River
Go fly fishing or walk along peaceful riverbanks on a relaxing retirement day.
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
⮕ Clark Canyon Dam
See vast water views and explore nearby trails on a quick outdoor stop.
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
⮕ Beaverhead Brewing Company
Savor craft beer and enjoy a laid-back tasting experience with couples or friends.
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 – Short hike to the site where William Clark surveyed the land during the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
- Montana Western Campus – Stroll through the small-town college known for its historic buildings and experiential learning approach.
- Dillon Jaycee Park & Trails – Great for a stroll, picnic, or play with mountain views in the background.
Where to Eat
- Sparky’s Garage – Fun automotive-themed diner with hearty burgers, BBQ, and comfort food favorites.
- Blacktail Station – Local steakhouse favorite with Montana beef, fine wine, and an underground dining room.
- The Den Steakhouse & Bar – Rustic dining spot known for steaks, chops, and a welcoming local crowd.
Local Events
- Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo (Labor Day Weekend) – PRCA rodeo, fair, and concerts celebrating Dillon’s cowboy culture.
- Dillon Farmers Market (Summer) – Weekly market offering local produce, crafts, and baked goods.
- Bannack Days (July) – Step back in time with costumed reenactors, gold panning, and historic demonstrations at Bannack State Park.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Dillon, Montana
- Glen (25–30 min) – Fish the Big Hole River, visit local ranches, or enjoy peaceful rural landscapes.
- Reichle (25 min) – Launch a boat or cast a line at this scenic spot along the Big Hole River.
- Argenta (20–25 min) – Explore old mining roads and discover remnants of this historic ghost town.
- Polaris (30 min) – Relax in Elkhorn Hot Springs or ski at Maverick Mountain in the Pioneer Mountains.
- Clark Canyon Reservoir (20 min) – Enjoy fishing, boating, and beautiful views at this expansive reservoir south of town.
- Barretts (10–15 min) – Picnic by the river or explore quiet natural spots near this tiny roadside community.
FAQ
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Where is Dillon, Montana located?
- Located within a sweeping valley, the town of Dillon, Montana lies near where the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby rivers drain.
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What outdoor activities are popular in Dillon?
- Dillon is a particularly popular place for outdoor recreational activities, especially fishing, with Beaverhead River being a blue-ribbon trout stream.
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Are there historical attractions in Dillon?
- For visitors wanting to step back in time to the Gold Rush era, the Bannack State Park is the site of the first major gold discovery in the state of Montana.
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Where can visitors find local craft beer?
- For fans of local craft beers, the Beaverhead Brewing Company offers a taste of Montana beer.
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Plan Your Trip