BannackOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Early Gold Discoveries and Rapid Growth

Bannack's history began on July 28, 1862, when prospector John White and his companions discovered gold in Grasshopper Creek. This discovery initiated Montana's first major gold rush, attracting thousands of prospectors, merchants, and Civil War deserters. By the spring of 1863, Bannack's population reached over 3,000. The town quickly became known for lawlessness, with roads in and out of Bannack experiencing bandit activity. In January 1863, Henry Plummer arrived and was elected sheriff, tasked with establishing order. Plummer was later suspected of leading a gang of road agents, known as the "Innocents," responsible for robberies and killings along the Montana Trail.

Vigilante Justice and Decline

In December 1863, town leaders formed the "Vigilance Committee" to address the crime. Over 42 days, the Vigilantes apprehended and executed 24 suspected gang members, including Sheriff Henry Plummer and two of his deputies in January 1864. Briefly, in 1864, Bannack served as the first territorial capital of Montana, with the first legislature meeting in a log cabin. However, the discovery of richer gold deposits in Alder Gulch, near what would become Virginia City, in May 1863, caused many miners to leave Bannack.

Bannack continued as a mining town, experiencing periodic revivals with new mining technologies, such as the first electric dredge in 1895. The town also served as the Beaverhead County seat until 1881. Electrification in 1930 brought power to the mines and the town. Bannack remained inhabited until the early 1970s, when its last residents departed. In 1954, the State of Montana acquired most of the town, and in 1961, Bannack was designated a National Historic Landmark, preserving it as a ghost town.

• —Bannack Hotel facade — This building, constructed as the Beaverhead County Courthouse in 1875, became the Hotel Meade in 1890. It served as a social center and lodging, reopening with mining revivals. The structure is a two-story brick building.
• —Sheriff's Office and Jail — This log building with a small window served as the first jail in Montana Territory. It shows early attempts to establish law.
• —Bannack General Store — This building housed a store where miners and residents purchased supplies, from tools to daily necessities.
• —Assay Office — This is where the purity and value of gold from Grasshopper Creek were determined. It was a crucial establishment for miners.
• —Methodist Church — Built in 1877, this was the only church constructed in Bannack. Its construction was partly influenced by a rumor of an impending Native American attack, prompting the community to build a dedicated place of worship.
• —Bannack Schoolhouse — The first floor of the Masonic Lodge building, constructed in 1874, served as the schoolroom for children from kindergarten to eighth grade. It operated until the early 1940s.
• —Bannack Masonic Lodge — Located on the second floor of the same building as the schoolhouse, this lodge was chartered in 1871. The building is an early example of a Masonic Temple in Montana, built in the Greek Revival style.
• —Historical marker of the Gallows Site — This marks the location where Sheriff Henry Plummer and other suspected outlaws were hanged by the Vigilance Committee in January 1864.

The best time to visit Bannack is from late spring through early fall, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this period, the weather is mild, and all park facilities, including the Visitor Center, are operational. Summer offers guided tours and special events like Bannack Days in July. September brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winters are harsh, with cold conditions and snowfall, and some roads or facilities may be limited. Avoid winter if you prefer full access and warmer weather, unless you plan for ice skating on the frozen dredge pond (January to March, weather-dependent).

Bannack State Park is in southwestern Montana, about 25 miles south of Dillon. To arrive, take I-15 to Exit 59 (Highway 278), drive west for about 17 miles, then turn south onto Bannack Road for another 4 miles to the park entrance. The park is best explored on foot, allowing access to the more than 50 historic log and frame buildings. Parking is available at the Visitor Center. The park is open year-round, but the Visitor Center operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited hours off-season. Bring your own water, as services are limited. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven. Pets are allowed on leash.