Elkhorn State Park may be the smallest state park in Montana, but don’t underestimate its size: this unassuming state park is one of the great ghost towns reminiscent of the Old West frontier.
While it now features only two wooden buildings, these two beauties hold an incredible amount of local and state history within their walls.
Nestled within the Deerlodge National Forest, Elkhorn once had a thriving population of 2,500, a school, a mining industry, church, saloons, brothels – something for everyone.
But industrialization and progress can be double-edged swords of strife and epidemic, two things the local population of Elkhorn knew a thing or two about. Let’s start at the beginning.
Although silver was discovered in this Montana area in the 1870s, the silver craze didn’t take off in Elkhorn until the late 1880s. By 1888, the town’s mine produced over $30,000 in silver – instead of striking gold, they had another precious mineral on their hands.
With more of a family atmosphere than other mining camps, Elkhorn had a unique place within the storied Old West.
Having so many children around brought quickened epidemics like diphtheria in 1888 and 1889, something their weathered cemetery will attest to. But the people of Elkhorn did their best to thrive in trying conditions.
In happier times, the Fraternal Hall Association formed and built one of the stately buildings that still stand, Fraternity Hall. This building went on to be used by Freemasons, Knights of Pythias, and more – it was a grand gathering space for the community, along with the local church.
The other currently standing building, Gillian Hall, was a store, dance hall, and most likely a saloon. These were lively people! While it would be amazing to see this town at its peak, we’re lucky to have these two Elkhorn guardians still available.
It should be pointed out that there are multiple buildings still on private property, and we recommend looking around Elkhorn at those buildings, as well as the well-worn cemetery.
Speaking of aged beauty, by 1897, the town experienced a large decline due to dropping silver prices: a real silver panic. And while the mine discontinued its operations in 1900 beyond a brief reopening in the 1940s, it never recovered.
Elkhorn isn’t entirely a ghost town these days; a handful of people live in town as it stands. Still, its silver craze heyday is long gone, just relics of the past.
We’d recommend taking a sturdy vehicle into Elkhorn, since it’ll be maneuvering down an 11-mile-long dirt road. You won’t want to miss Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall and their frontier town architecture – don’t miss the opportunity to go inside them, and take note of their Greek Revivalist elements!
Between the halls and the town’s other buildings, you’ll leave with a piece of Montana history. Sure, it’s a bit eerie to walk around a town that used to have so much life, but the Treasure State is filled with surprises!
We love Elkhorn State Park for its charm, but let’s go over some nearby attractions, fun hiking routes, and food suggestions!
Elkhorn State Park Stats
- Size: 1 acre
- Season: Year Round
- Hours: 8am to Sunset
- Nearest Body of Water: Elkhorn Creek
- Number of Campsites: 0
- Number of Picnic Sites: 0
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
Main Attractions at Elkhorn State Park
Elkhorn State Park may be the smallest state park in all of Big Sky Country, but there are plenty of opportunities for fun.
Whether you’re into hot springs, museums, or rodeos, this southwest Montana area has plenty to do. Let’s get into it!
The Heritage Center
Continuing along to nearby Boulder, The Heritage Center is a non-profit founded by local residents to provide context and history of local families and characters.
The building was originally built in 1888 as Boulder’s first bank. If you remember, this was the same year as the silver explosion in a particular nearby mining town, but also the tragic diphtheria epidemic that saw so many lost lives.
Unfortunately, the bank closed during the Great Depression and passed through many changing hands – from a doctor’s office to a 1940s office to support the mining industry.
But similarly to Elkhorn, it couldn’t withstand the swift progress of the Americas and naturally fell into disrepair for years. These days, it’s home to genealogy research, holds tours about the town’s mining history, and has a passionate home in the hearts of its many local volunteers.
If the buildings at Elkhorn State Park are a relic of the past, The Heritage Center works to preserve that past for future generations.
Once you’re done getting your history on, head on over to the quaint Elkhorn Bistro for biscuits and gravy.
Boulder Fair & Rodeo Grounds
One of the most popular fairs and rodeos in Montana, Jefferson County’s annual affair isn’t one to be missed! Come through Boulder at the end of August and you’re sure to see a community and cowboy spectacle!
The Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo feature all of your fair favorites: food, crafts, animals, acrobats, live music, and of course, prizes. Entry is free!
While we love a good family fair, the rodeo is our favorite event of the year. Ladies cow riding, goat tying, steer riding for the kids, a parade, and one of the best in-county rodeos out there.
To be honest, the only thing we love more is Boulder Hot Springs. Good thing we’re going there next…
Boulder Hot Springs
Backed by the Deerlodge National Forest and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we couldn’t really ask for more from this hot spring and inn.
There’s a reason this area was originally called Peace Valley by its original inhabitants. The land surrounding Boulder Hot Springs has long been a source of healing and celebration, and it’s been visited by presidents (Theodore Roosevelt!), ranchers, indigeneous peoples, and now you.
This historic spot has an outdoor swimming pool using geothermal mineral water that’s perfect for families and large parties (Bachelorette party, anyone?).
A big bonus, it’s handicap accessible, due to having a graduated depth! But we’re even bigger fans of the steam room and cold water plunges. We dare you to try it!
If you’re in the mood for a luxurious stay after a dip in the healing waters, you’re in luck because Boulder Hot Springs has twelve beautiful bed & breakfast-style rooms, each with its own unique flair.
It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the Celebration S