18 Ghost Towns In Montana [MAP]

Last Updated on October 8, 2023 by Urbex Underground

If you’re searching for ghost towns in Montana, we’ve got you covered! Below are 17 different ghost towns you can explore across the great state of Montana along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.

We rate ghost towns in Montana based on their status. Here’s how our system works:

• Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers.
• Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone.
• Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
• Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families.
• Semi-Abandoned: Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
• Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.

History:

Bannack’s origin dates back to 1862 when a German immigrant named John White discovered gold near what would later become Virginia City. Established as the first town to support miners working along Grasshopper Creek, Bannack was officially incorporated on February 28, 1864. The city quickly expanded, with hundreds of buildings erected as mining rapidly evolved into a full-blown industry.

However, disaster struck in 1863 when a fire devastated much of Virginia City, which was quickly rebuilt. By 1865, the easily accessible gold deposits had been exhausted, leading many prospectors to leave in search of new opportunities. By 1870, the town, now renamed Bannack, had dwindled to a few hundred residents. It was largely abandoned by 1873, although some activity continued sporadically for several decades.

What’s Left?

Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved remnants of what was once one of Montana’s most bustling cities. Numerous historical markers are scattered around town, detailing significant events that occurred during Bannack’s heyday. While the town lacks modern amenities like hotels or restaurants, it is now a state park offering various educational programs and events. If you plan to visit, it’s advisable to bring your own food and water.

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History:

Rimini’s name originates from a local entrepreneur, Ulysses S. Rimini, who financed a portion of an excavation project during Yellowstone’s tourism boom. From 1891 to 1896, Yellowstone saw an unprecedented influx of over 3 million visitors each year, a staggering number considering the era.

Unfortunately, Rimini lost his investment due to a nearby geyser eruption but pivoted to a different business opportunity. Recognizing the demand for keepsakes, he opened up a souvenir shop near Old Faithful Geyser to cater to the throngs of tourists.

What’s Left?

Today, visitors can still catch a glimpse of the remnants of Rimini’s original building near the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Though the store itself is no longer operational, those interested in Yellowstone’s rich history can explore the visitor center’s museum and modern gift shop or delve into online resources on their website. For urban explorers, the ruins offer a tactile piece of history, a testament to the park’s early days of tourism.

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History:

As part of his exploration of the Montana Territory, Horace Greeley journeyed through Virginia City on a steamboat traversing the Missouri River. Upon reaching Bannack, he began to promote Virginia City as an ideal destination for settlers. Greeley famously dubbed it “The Queen of Mining Camps.”

This phrase sparked an advertising campaign that attracted thousands of people from across America to try their luck at gold prospecting. Incorporated in 1864, Virginia City rapidly became one of Montana’s largest cities, with a population nearing 10,000 at its peak. In its golden era, the city boasted over 3,000 buildings; however, today, only about 250 of those structures remain standing.

What’s Left?

Virginia City expanded at an astonishing rate, flourishing with ore miners, prospectors, merchants, saloons, hotels, entertainment venues (including one of America’s first theaters), restaurants, and even bakeries. The population swelled to around 2,000 within just a year of the city’s founding.

For today’s urban explorers, the remnants offer a rich tapestry of history, with the 250 surviving buildings serving as evocative landmarks of a bygone era. Tours and information boards throughout the city provide additional context for those interested in its colorful past.

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History:

Granite, one of Montana’s more overlooked ghost towns, was established when gold was discovered in Granite Creek, a tributary of Carver Creek. This find triggered a modest rush of individuals hoping to secure their fortune.

At its zenith around the year 1900, Granite was home to hundreds of people. The community featured three general stores, two restaurants, multiple saloons, and an opera house, which served as the hub of entertainment for miners working in the vicinity.

What’s Left?

Today, those daring enough to venture to Granite can still explore the remnants of this once-thriving community. Visitors have reported eerie phenomena, such as strange lights and disembodied voices emanating from seemingly empty buildings.

Granite Ghost Town State Park offers various historical points of interest, including a mine superintendent’s house and an old miners’ union hall. The drive from Philipsburg to Granite is a steep climb but well worth it for those interested in exploring a tangible piece of Montana’s mining history.

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History:

Situated in a secluded valley outside Helena, Montana, Colma was established as a modest community in 1883 and thrived until around 1910. Due to its remote setting and obscured, subterranean features, Colma gained a reputation as the “ghost town that wasn’t there.”

Its existence became so thoroughly forgotten by neighboring communities that a passing railroad employee accidentally detonated a store full of dynamite, not realizing the area was still inhabited.

What’s Left?

Information about Colma remains scarce, as local residents often claim ignorance and are generally reluctant to answer questions. There are two prevailing theories for this secrecy: either locals have had unsettling experiences with the place, or there’s something else in the area that remains yet to be discovered.

For those who are adventurous enough to seek it out, Colma can still be visited. Be on the lookout for a collapsed building situated on private property—just be sure to obtain the necessary permissions before exploring.

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History:

Elkhorn Ghost Town, founded around 1866 near present-day Elkhorn, Montana, was a bustling gold mining community. The town experienced rapid growth after a prospector named Warren Williams discovered gold near Last Chance Gulch, which is today’s Main Street.

By 1868, downtown Elkhorn was home to more than 20 saloons, two of which also functioned as brothels. In 1880, the population around Elkhorn peaked at nearly 10,000 residents. However, the town’s fortunes declined when silver prices plummeted and ore became increasingly scarce, leading many to abandon the area.

What’s Left?

Today, only a handful of buildings still stand in Elkhorn, most of which are private residences or have been repurposed as businesses.

While there are no official tours of Elkhorn, interested visitors can often get directions to the town or “The Old Cemetery” by inquiring at local businesses during regular operating hours. These remaining structures and sites offer a tangible glimpse into Montana’s gold mining past for those willing to seek them out.

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History:

Approximately a century ago, Garnet was a bustling mining town after gold was discovered in the area. People traveled from various parts of the country to try their luck at striking it rich. While some found fortune, others returned home empty-handed, carrying only stories of their adventures.

What’s Left?

Today, all that remains are dilapidated buildings gradually being reclaimed by nature, blending seamlessly into the landscape of Garnet Mountain. Although the town is not marked on any official maps due to its dwindled significance, adventurous hikers can still uncover various artifacts and relics. These remnants provide a fascinating look into the lives of the people who once called this now-abandoned mining town their home.

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History:

Nevada City was initially settled in 1862 and was officially established as a town in 1864. Its growth was spurred by its proximity to Fort Owen and the Virginia City supply depot. Despite its promise, the town was largely abandoned by 1876 due to a confluence of factors.

Early mining operations initially fueled the town’s growth, but these mines were quickly depleted and subsequently abandoned. This led to an economic downturn, as mining was the primary source of income for many businesses. Adding to its woes, Nevada City was said to be built atop an ancient Native American settlement, leading to rumors that the town was haunted.

All these factors contributed to a mass departure until only about 100 residents remained. These residents ultimately decided to burn down most of the town, sparing only a schoolhouse and a saloon, where they had their final gathering before setting the rest ablaze.

What’s Left?

Today, only the foundations of buildings are left as evidence of the town’s existence. However, the area around Nevada City has been revitalized as a tourist destination, featuring various gift shops and bed & breakfast establishments for those looking to explore—or be spooked by—this long-abandoned settlement.

The remaining foundations and ruins provide a tangible connection to the past, inviting curious visitors to ponder the lives and stories of those who once called Nevada City home.

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History:

Aldridge, named after its multifaceted founder Eli Aldridge, boasts one of Montana’s most intriguing histories. Eli was a renaissance man of sorts, having worked as a trapper, Indian scout, road builder, and miner.

When he heard about a gold strike on Muddy Creek near his cabin in 1864, he couldn’t resist the allure. The creek, already named “Muddy” due to its murky waters, soon had miners flocking to it, and Eli was among them. As the population grew, they established a town and named it Eldridge City in honor of their illustrious neighbor.

By 1870, the town had burgeoned into a thriving community of over 600 residents and even boasted an opera house. However, the prosperity was short-lived. Mining activities came to a halt in 1880 due to falling prices and diminishing ore reserves.

What’s Left?

Today, all that remains of Aldridge City are a few cellar holes and rusted cans that once contained food or whiskey. These vestiges can be spotted along Muddy Creek Road for those who know where to look.

If you’re interested in exploring abandoned mining towns, you might also want to visit Silver King Mine in Granite County. Not only does it have a rich history, but it also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

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History:

Saint Marie is a unique military town that has faced multiple periods of abandonment since the end of the Cold War. Built in 1957, the base was designed to accommodate 10,000 people. However, it has consistently struggled with low demand and population, with only about 200 residents remaining, leaving hundreds of buildings abandoned.

What’s Left?

Today, nature is steadily reclaiming this abandoned community, with maintenance efforts barely keeping the overgrowth in check. Unlike many other ghost towns in Montana that attract urban explorers, Saint Marie is situated on a military base and is therefore off-limits to the general public. This makes it one of the few inaccessible ghost towns in the state.

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History:

While Castle Town’s early history remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, its rapid decline is well-documented. According to local lore, gold miners were allegedly killed by cattle rustlers near Castle Creek in 1896 while prospecting on their own land. This grim tale has led many to believe that the town is haunted, a reputation that has persisted over the years.

Mining operations in Castle Town ceased in 1907, and its population dwindled down to just 50 permanent residents. The town’s last resident passed away in 1982, marking the end of an era and leaving behind an unsettling snapshot of life during Montana’s mining boom.

What’s Left?

Today, Castle Town has gained notoriety as a popular tourist attraction and has even been featured on television shows like Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. The town’s haunting ambiance and abandoned structures continue to attract both paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs. If you’re in search of a real-life ghost story to add a little thrill to your day, Castle Town is definitely worth a visit.

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History:

Located 14 miles east of Billings, Montana, Comet came into existence in 1885 when a crew building a railroad from Miles City to Great Falls founded the town. Because most of its residents were railroad workers or store owners, the town had little scope for diversification or expansion. When the Union Pacific line bypassed Comet by a mere 2 miles, the town lost its purpose. Consequently, residents began leaving until the town was completely abandoned.

What’s Left?

Today, Comet is largely a collection of memories and scattered ruins. Although its human residents may be long gone, some say that their ghosts linger in the remaining structures. The eerie atmosphere of an abandoned town with its past etched into the decaying walls serves as a haunting reminder of the transitory nature of human life and endeavor. These stories, captured and shared, ensure that while our physical presence may be fleeting, our stories can live on.

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History:

Founded in 1885, Maudlow was once a thriving mining boom town where thousands sought their fortunes in copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, limestone, and tungsten.

At its zenith in 1910, the town boasted over 300 buildings and had a population of approximately 2,000 residents. However, the town faced a rapid decline after World War I due to the exhaustion of ore deposits. By 1938, only one family remained, and they eventually departed in 1955, leaving Maudlow abandoned.

What’s Left?

Today, Maudlow is a ghost town with nothing more than empty lots and heaps of rubble. Urban explorers might find traces of the past like old bottles, dishes, or books left behind by former inhabitants.

There are also eerie tales suggesting that the spirits of miners who never received their final paychecks or were unable to collect their belongings still haunt the area. If you’re brave enough to visit, especially during the Halloween season, make sure to pack extra batteries—you never know what might transpire.

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History:

Pony, with its quirky name, stands as one of Montana’s more memorable ghost towns. The town received its name from an early settler who worked as a miner in the region. He chose the name Pony in honor of his friend, a small man who also went by the nickname “Pony.”

Established in 1860, Pony was yet another mining boomtown in Montana that saw rapid growth and decline. At its peak, the town had a population of around 5,000 residents, but as mining activities ceased, the population plummeted. By 1922, all the mines had closed.

What’s Left?

Today, Pony still boasts 96 buildings that remain standing, preserved through historic conservation efforts. This makes the town a rich site for urban explorers and photographers, offering a glimpse into the past. With so many structures intact, there’s plenty to discover and document for those interested in history or architecture.

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History:

The town of Sixteen earned its somber name in memory of 16 miners who were tragically trapped underground during a devastating cave-in. Today, only two modest log cabins stand as relics of the town’s past.

The first cabin is notable for being occupied by an active beehive that becomes agitated if disturbed. Visitors who approach can see honey jars hanging from a tree near the cabin’s entrance. The second structure is used as a storage shed by a nearby rancher and is off-limits unless explicit permission is granted.

Curiously, items stored inside this second cabin have been reported to vanish and reappear in different locations. Many visitors claim to experience physical discomfort, strange auditory phenomena, or unsettling sensations within the walls of this cabin. There’s a widespread belief that the cabin is haunted by the spirit of a former resident—a woman who lost her husband in a nearby mining accident and later died, overcome by grief and loneliness.

What’s Left?

The remaining log cabins are the main features left for urban explorers to discover. In addition, numerous graves marked only by small stones adorn the area. These stones often bear initials like J&L or D&M or M&E, carved into them.

The austere and somewhat eerie nature of these remnants makes it clear why individuals would choose to leave this place behind. The town offers a poignant reminder of the harsh conditions that once shaped the lives of its residents.

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History:

Once one of Western Montana’s most talked-about gold mining towns, Vananda—also known by its alternative name, Wyola—began with great promise but soon met a series of unfortunate events. The town was founded in 1892 following the discovery of gold near Mount Garnet. However, its early optimism was short-lived; a catastrophic flood nearly obliterated the town within months of its establishment.

Vananda experienced its heyday in 1895, boasting a population of close to 3,000 residents. But disaster struck again in 1896 when a devastating fire ravaged the town, sparing only one building. This calamity, along with declining gold yields, led to the steady decline of Vananda, culminating in its complete abandonment by 1910.

What’s Left?

Today, a surprising number of structures, including the Vananda Inn Hotel, remain standing. These buildings have been preserved by state historians and are protected to maintain their historical value. Although other Montana ghost towns may offer more in terms of exploration, Vananda still holds a unique allure for those who find themselves nearby. The town provides a glimpse into the challenges and short-lived triumphs of the gold rush era.

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History:

Washoe, situated in southwestern Montana’s Washoe County, captures imaginations with its haunting stories and remnants. The county is no stranger to abandoned mining towns, boasting other forgotten places like Copper City, Gold Creek, and Idaho Gulch.

However, Washoe holds a unique distinction; historians note that if the town had been perched on a hillside, its full layout would be visible, trees notwithstanding. The town was once bustling with miners who worked in a nearby mine. Unfortunately, the operation was halted around 1907 due to water flooding the tunnels. By 1910, the majority of its residents had abandoned the town in search of better opportunities.

What’s Left?

Today, all that endures are ruins and the collapsed mine shafts, buried under layers of earth and rock. Nonetheless, local lore suggests that spirits may still haunt these hills. Despite its desolate state, Washoe remains one of the more captivating ghost towns in Montana, largely because many of its original structures are still standing, albeit in various states of decay.

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History:

Wheat Basin was once a prosperous town, flourishing due to its abundant gold and silver deposits. The town enjoyed a period of affluence, but as the mineral resources depleted, so did its population. Although it may not have the drama or allure of some other ghost towns in Montana Wheat Basin retains a unique charm worth exploring.

What’s Left?

Today, what remains of Wheat Basin are a few overgrown foundations blending into the landscape. For urban explorers with an eye for detail and perhaps a metal detector in hand, there’s the potential to uncover some long-forgotten relics or pieces of the town’s bygone era.

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Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of ghost towns in Montana, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.

If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore other ghost towns across the country.