Step back in history by taking a stroll at Garnet Ghost Town. Tucked away in the Montana Mountains, Garnet offers a stark reminder of the west’s gold rush.
Abandoned in the 1910s, Garnet is now a ghost town preserved by the Garnet Preservation Association and Bureau of Land Management.
Perched at a 6000 feet elevation, Garnet dates back to the 1890s. The town’s prospects changed when Sam Ritchey discovered plenty of gold at the Nancy Hanks mine.
From that moment, the boom was on as prospectors and mining companies flocked to Garnet.
The Best Hotels For Garnet Ghost Town
At its peak, Garnet was home to approximately 1000 people. Despite its remote location, this town boasted 13 saloons, 20 mines, three livery stables, four hotels, four stores, two barbershops, a school, a doctor’s office, and a butcher shop. Similar to other mining towns, dances, gambling, prostitution, drinking, and parties provided entertainment for the miners. Gold reserves don’t last forever. Come 1905, most mines had been deserted, and Garnet only had 150 residents. The mortal blow came in 1912 when a fire razed down many of Garnet’s commercial buildings. The remaining residents chose to abandon the town rather than rebuild it. By 1940, Garnet was utterly deserted. After it was abandoned, treasure hunters and looters descended on Garnet’s buildings and stole furnishings and artifacts. Preservation campaigns started in the 1970s, and in 2010, the town was declared a historic district. Thanks to these efforts, Garnet is among the best-preserved ghost towns in Montana. Today, about 30 structurally sound buildings stand in Garnet. These structures include log cabins, stores, hotels, saloons, and everything in between. Below are the stand-out attractions in Garnet Ghost Town. Kelly’s saloon is the place to be if you aren’t scared of phantoms. Rumor has it that miners’ spirits roam freely in Kelly’s saloon. Music and sometimes laughter emanate from this saloon, particularly in winter when few visitors are present. At its prime, Garnet was home to about 13 saloons. Among the favorites was Kelly’s saloon, a two-story wooden building that offered alcohol, card games, and women. The establishment was commissioned before 1898. The saloon was transformed into a private residence in 1926. The main floor was partitioned into two, and newspapers were mounted on the partition to act as wallpaper. Paranormal activities have also been spotted at the Wells Hotel. Caretakers claim they sometimes hear footsteps and slamming doors in this hotel. Built-in 1897 by the Wells family, this 3-story hotel offered a touch of elegance. It featured elaborate woodwork, luxurious finishes, and private bedrooms. The unfurnished third floor provided a shared space for guests who couldn’t afford private rooms. Pay tribute to Garnet’s last resident by visiting the Dahl house. Erected in 1938 by Ole and Marion Dahl, this building is perhaps the youngest cabin in Garnet. The widowed Marion lived in this structure until the 1960s. During this period, she acted as the town’s protector, deterring plunderers seeking to loot Garnet’s artifacts. Dahl cabin is available for rent during the winter. By all means, have a spooky night here and confirm whether spirits roam Garnet. Most of the remaining miners’ cabins sit atop a small hill. The homes tell the story of how miners and their families survived in tiny spaces. Garnet has several trails, perfect for hiking. This interpretive trail begins at Garnet’s parking lot and takes hikers through the historic Sierra and Forest Lode Claims. Fields of beargrass and mining memorabilia dot this route. The Placer Trail is a detour on the Sierra Mine Loop. This one-hour route takes hikers around the mountainside, past old cabins, and back to the Visitor’s Center. Along the way, you can spot deer and different Montana bird species. The area around Garnet Ghost town is full of natural features and offers plenty of recreational activities. Although Garnet doesn’t have campgrounds, camping is available in the surrounding areas. Camping on the Public Land is permitted for a maximum of 14 days. While at it, ensure your camp isn’t within ½ mile of this ghost town. The Garnet Range provides over 110 miles of trails during winter, ideal for skiing and snowmobiling. Some trails are groomed, while others are rugged, offering the perfect winter challenge. The area around the Garnet Range is home to plenty of wildlife, including grouse, moose, deer, elk, and bear. Ensure you get a license and abide by Montana’s hunting regulations. Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby Elk Creek and Blackfoot River. You can reel in Cutthroat trout, Brook, and Rainbow trout in these waters. Experienced hikers can look forward to conquering the Wales Creek Wilderness Study Area. Expect steep timbered drainages that steeply rise from 4680 feet to about 7000 feet. About 30 miles of mountain bike trails are available in the Garnet Range. While biking, enjoy the scenic countryside view. Garnet Ghost Town has two cabins available for rental during the winter. Sleep with ghosts in the following cabins.
BEST BUDGET HOTEL
Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast
Main Attractions
Kelly’s Saloon
J.K Wells Hotel
Dahl House
Miners’ Homes
Recreation Activities
Explore Sierra Mine Loop Trail
Hike the Placer Trail
Special Events
Nearby Activities
Camping
Cross-Country Skiing
Hunting
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Accommodation
Lodging options near Garnet include:
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