Area Activities                                        

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There's plenty to do in southwestern Montana
And here's some quick ideas for you...

1. Dig for Crystals! Now here's something fun! Crystal Park on the Pioneer Scenic Byway between Wise River and Polaris, is a great place to dig for unique, jewelry quality crystals. And they're free!
2. Beaverhead County Museum! Come for a complete historical review of one of Montana's most interesting places... Southwest Montana & Beaverhead County.
3. Lewis & Clark - Follow the steps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition! Lewis and Clark, on their expeditions through here in 1805 & 1806, spent over three weeks in this area. Some of the most interesting parts of their journey involved Beaverhead County, including Beaver's Head Rock, Clark's Lookout, Camp Fortunate, Lemhi Pass, Lost Trail Pass and the Big Hole Valley.
4. Go Fishing! Southwest Montana has two Class I or Blue Ribbon trout streams, dozens of lakes and mountains streams that just beckon the angler.
5. Take a Charter Flight! Dillon has an excellent county airport, featuring two charter services as well as a 6,000 foot, modern runway for private airplanes.
6. Great Hiking Trails! The Beaverhead national Forest has an almost endless amount of great hiking trails to follow through some of the most beautiful scenery in Montana.
7. Be a Gold Prospector! Many streams still offer the amateur prospector the chance for a "little color in the pan."
8. Soak in a Hot Springs! Beaverhead County has several hot springs that offer good accommodations and a relaxing soak for very reasonable fees. Try Jackson Hot Springs, at Jackson; and Elkhorn Hot Springs in the Grasshopper Valley. The warm, natural spring waters are invigorating and soothing; and both places have excellent restaurants as well.
9. Scenic Photography! The scenery is breathtaking, the history still present, and the wildlife plentiful. Bring plenty of film and keep your eyes open
10. Western Montana College has a unique campus, with its soaring pine trees and the towing gothic architecture of Main Hall is a great way to take a breather from a busy day.
11. The historical walking tour takes you past beautiful Victorian homes and quaint business buildings from the 1880's.
12. Ghost Towns! Beaverhead and Madison Counties are the homes of dozens of ghost towns. From Bannack (just west of Dillon), with nearly 60 buildings, to more remote spots like Glendale, Vipond, Rochester, and others, ghost towning is great fun.
13. Relive History! Virginia City is a wonderful place to relive history. So is Bannack. Follow the Vigilante trail between Bannack and Virginia City, and see for yourself how rough the west really was!
14. See a Play! Southwestern Montana is a great place to see a play, there are a number of productions and entertainment schedules are at various times, including the Old Depot Theatre at the railroad station in Dillon.
15. Virginia City, there you will see the Virginia City Players for authentic melodrama, and the Brewery Players for vaudeville. Productions are scheduled most days during the summer.
16. Play in a forest! Over 2 million acres of forest land in Beaverhead and Madison County, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offer great opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, backpacking, cross-country skiing and boating.
17. Clark Canyon Reservoir, 20 miles south of Dillon, offers great boating and fishing along with camping and sightseeing. Other mountain lakes abound in the National Forest.
18. Go for a Swim! There's plenty of great places to swim in southwest Montana. Low-cost swimming is available at Jackson Hot Springs, Elkhorn Hot Springs, the Dillon KOA, the Dillon Super 8 Motel, the Guest House Inn, and the Western Montana College.
19. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge provides a scenic ride through the historic Centennial Valley, where stage coaches used to run to Yellowstone Park. An interpretive center is located there, as well as a first class chance to see this rare bird, and countless other types of birds and wildlife.
20. See Wildlife along Pioneer Scenic Byway! Plenty of wildlife can be seen from the highway, especially deer and antelope. A favorite spot to see wildlife is along the Pioneer Scenic Byway between Wise River and Polaris, through the Elkhorn area.
21. The Big Hole Battlefield is about 12 miles west of Wisdom and was the site of the famous Big Hole Battle between Col. Gibbons of the U.S. Army and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.
22. Go Golfing! Dillon features an excellent golf course with reasonable green fees.
23. Soar with Eagles! Beaverhead County is noted for a large population of Bald Eagles. Keep a sharp eye out for them as they soar the skies north of Dillon looking for small prey.
24. Go Camping! Dillon has several commercial camping areas, all reasonably priced. And Berretts Park, south of Dillon, is available for overnight camping as well. The Forest Service, State Parks Department and the Bureau of Land Management all have camping facilities throughout the area.
25. Montana Biggest Weekend!
    The Beaverhead County Fair & Dillon Jaycee Labor Day Rodeo and Concert is one special time. It all begins in Dillon on August 31, and runs through September 6, including the Jaycee Rodeo. It's all a great weekend should be. Rodeo action, carnivals, exhibits, games and food!
    
    The Fair and Jaycee Rodeo and Concert have a widespread reputation for excellence, built upon years and years of hard work and dedication by hundreds of Beaverhead County people.
    
    Beginning September 5, the Dillon Jaycees kick off their annual Labor Day Weekend Rodeo, a PRCA sanctioned event that is sure to put chills up your back as well, drawing top-rated contestants from around the nation, Sunday night is capped off by an outdoor concert featuring Country Music Stars - Terry Clark & Ty Herndon. The parade on Monday September 6, followed by the second performance of the PRCA sanctioned rodeo.