Elkhorn State Park

The Elkhorn State Park is one of 15 ghost towns you’ll come across in Southwest Montana. Located about 50 miles southeast of Helena in the Elkhorn Mountains, Elkhorn is a trek to get to, but you won’t be disappointed, as it is one of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. The town emerged after silver was discovered in the area in the 1870s, attracting miners, merchants, and families hoping to build a life in the rugged frontier. 

During its heyday, the town welcomed many different businesses, including a butcher shop, candy stores, a traveling photography studio, and a store that sold only hats and bonnets. But as silver prices declined and mining operations slowed, residents gradually moved away, leaving the town in the dust.

Elkhorn still retains a sense of solitude, being Montana’s smallest state park. This is in large part due to old mining claims that keep much of the area around the town and some of its buildings as private property. The iconic Fraternity and Gilliam Hall are the main attractions, with unique examples of Greek Revival and gold camp architecture, and are open to the public as part of the Montana State Park system. Built in the 1890s, the ornate wooden facades have stood the test of time and are now the treasured finds others come looking for.

Don’t expect many activities; this state park focuses on historical highlights, with interpretive signs providing context, keeping the experience largely self-guided throughout the property. The drive to Elkhorn is also part of the adventure, with rolling hills, mountain views, and quiet backroads that set the stage for an off-the-beaten-path experience.