Location: Dillon
Top Things to do in Dillon
The 10 Best Things to Do in Dillon, United States
Dillon is a city in and the county seat of Beaverhead County, Montana, United States. The population was 4,134 at the 2010 census. The city was named for Union Pacific Railroad President Sidney Dillon.
Restaurants in Dillon
1. Bannack State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 282 reviews
A park with over 60 original structures still standing from the 1800s, including the old hotel, the governor's mansion, the Masonic Hall and the Methodist Church.
Reviewed By jesse o - Jackson, Wyoming
This is the way it should be done. Unlike actively commercial tourist towns where great competition for space and high prices drive the destruction of even national register of historic places sites, here all is under one jurisdiction, the state of Montana, who has preserved this matchless resource to the highest degree imaginable. Another factor was the end of mining here, leaving no real financial support for a viable community, which led to the slow and recent abandonment of the homes. There is evidence of recent upgrades and habitation in many of the houses. Because this town has not moldered empty since the 1860s, decaying, but was lived in and maintained, mostly, the intact state of many of the structures is simply remarkable!
Do get the self guided booklet. If you have the time, do stay in the campground! This is an amazing district that will enthrall and captivate the history and architecture lover.
It is the most intact historical “ghost town” I have ever seen.
2. Beaverhead County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By jesse o - Jackson, Wyoming
The town of Dillon is full of remarkable architecture attesting to its history as a rail and university town but without the contextual interpretation found in this museum a casual visitor may be left simply guessing at what is seen. Delightful displays enjoyed for a pittance and friendly conversation with the docent/cashier gave me us pleasurable overview of the area and its heritage and the outbuildings including a one-room school were delightful as well!
3. Beaverhead River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Pure and natural river with cascading waterfalls.
Reviewed By Jim W - Hamilton, Montana
The Beaverhead River run 69 miles from Clark Reservoir south of Dillon to Twin Bridges, Montana. It helps form the Jefferson River which along with the Madison and Gallatin Rivers forms the Missouri. The Beaverhead's tributary Red Rock River is the headwaters of the Missouri River, the longest river in he United States. The Beaverhead River is a wonderful Trout Stream and the Rainbow and Brown Trout can run very large and always exciting to catch. You don't have to go far from downtown Dillon to put your line in the water and enjoy great fishing. Hiring a guide assures you of a good day here on the Beaverhead River. I suggest Cameron Williams at "Tight Lines Fly Fishing Shop as he is the best. 406 880 1653
4. The Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Tesssa U - Montana
This bookstore has a variety of books for all ages and all interests. They even bring in authors to do book signings and readings. My child loves coming here and sitting in their kid section just looking at all the books.
5. Clark's Lookout State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Jim W - Hamilton, Montana
Great place of historical value to just drive a short distance and take a walk. It's a kind of "lover's leap" promontory overlooking Dillon, Montana where William Clark stood in 1805 and took sighting to determine direction for the Corps of Discovery. This area was also the home of the Shoshone Indians of which Sacajawea was a long lost member wo she found her family here. It is worth the short walk up the promontory and imagine being there in 1805.
6. Lemhi Pass
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By touristDetroit - detroit michigan
In August, 1805, Lewis and Clark crossed this beautiful pass over the Continental Divide achieving one of their most important objectives of their journey - locating the headwaters of the Missouri River and the farthest most reaches of the Louisiana Purchase. By crossing this pass, the Corps of Discovery left US territory and entered lands then claimed by various European powers. The pass offers spectacular views of the Jefferson River valley to the east and the rugged and impassible peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains to the west. At the pass there is a shady picnic area dedicated to Sacajawea with parking and vault toilets. A short path leads to a spring which may be the exact spot that Merriweather Lewis identified as the headwaters of the Missouri. Very little has changed here in the over 200 years since Sacagawea was reunited with her brother Cameahwait, Chief of the Shoshone Tribe, at this very location.
Hiking, picnicking, photography, mountain biking, horse back riding and trail riding are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed at this National Historic Location.
From the east, take I15 Exit 44 and proceed west on 324 for 22 miles, then turn right on Lemhi Pass Road, where there is a road side park with info about Lewis and Clark. You'll pass through beautiful ranch land on the 12 mile drive up Lemhi Pass road to the pass. Both 324 and Lemhi Pass Road are very good gravel roads and are drivable in cars, RV's and buses.
You have 2 choices from the west, both from Idaho 28 in Tendoy, Idaho. First is Warm Springs Road #185 which is the longer (26 miles) and less demanding drive. About 2 miles east of Tendoy are the inviting Sharley Hot Springs, complete with changing rooms and 2 "hot tubs" that contain the spring water. Second is road 013 which is shorter (13 miles) with steep grades near the pass. Road 013 is recommended for SUV's and high clearance vehicles only. Both roads are well maintained gravel.
7. Clark Canyon Dam
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By TXLUV2TVL - Southlake, Texas
We ventured about 15 miles into the Canyon and camped, accessing it off of Hwy 324 and then turned on Bloody Dick road. Road was awful, complete washboard, very rough driving.
Beautiful scenery throughout with the trees, the fall colors, the river, etc. Definitely worth visiting. Drove through Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest one day--have never seen so many trees in my life! Gorgeous views from different stopping points throughout. Surprisingly saw very little wildlife, had expected to see at least some Elks. Only deer and birds.
Absolutely no cell connectivity except on some of the highest peaks so if you must be in contact 24/7, this place is not for you.
8. The Daily Yarn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By cmcba
I always check Trip Advisor for yarn and needlework shops when I am visiting in a new area. None were mentioned for little Dillon, Montana. So it was a delightful surprise to come across The Daily Yarn when we were there today dropping off our granddaughter at UMW. This is a lovely shop with very friendly and helpful staff, wonderful selection of yarns and knitted samples, knitting books, and needles and notions. They also had a number of beautiful and very reasonably priced yarn bowls in both pottery and woodwork styles. There is a table at the back of the shop where local knitters were working on projects and visiting - a very welcoming atmosphere. Yarn lovers: Do not miss this shop the next time you are in Dillon!
9. Pioneer Mountain Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Grasshopp
Access to strictly defined wilderness does begin here, preferably with good maps/gear/experience. But for those of us who love our forest, mountains, snow, skiing and hot springs a little nearer a paved roadway, it is still a wonderfully "wild" area. Yes, you will see cattle in surprisingly forested places, as the other reviewer pointed out, but you may see moose, lion, bear, elk, mule deer, goats, sheep, "antelope" and more in the same areas. Make sure you top off gas tank in Dillon. Grasshopper Inn has petrol at "stranded/desperate" pricing, Wisdom has after hours fuel with credit card only. Am unsure about Wise River. Scenic Byway incredible drive but closes "over the top" to vehicles in winter and becomes snowmobile trails. Ski Maverick Mountain. Dig for cystals, visit Coolidge. No toll roads
10. Frontier Anglers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
For 40 years, Frontier Anglers in Dillon, Montana has been the premier fly shop in Southwest Montana. We are a full service shop and are proud to offer guided fly fishing trips, knowledgeable gear recommendations, helpful fishing tips, and the best customer service available.
Reviewed By Zeb06109 - Wethersfield, Connecticut
This year, instead of going to Patagonia in February to fish, my friends and I decided to go to Montana in July. Friends referred us to Frontier Anglers, a fly fishing shop and outfitter, and we booked a package deal with them to fish for 5 days with a 6th day off to sight see on our own. "The Deal" included floating and fishing famous rivers in the area, guides, flies, and lunches on the days we fished, dinner tickets for restaurants in town for 6 nights, lodging for 6 nights in a nice motel (which had a complimentary breakfast set up every morning).
Our only expenses not covered on our trip package were our flights, rental car, and lunch on our day off from fishing.
The trip was fantastic: everything was well thoughtout and easy to navigte, AND the weather and fishing were great. We'll definately be back, and Frontier Anglers will again be our outfitters.
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