Dillon (Montana)

Dillon is a city in Southwest Montana. In 2020, about 3,800 people lived there. Dillon is home to University of Montana Western. == Understand == Dillon began as a railroad town. It served as the transportation hub for the many nearby towns with gold and silver mines. University of Montana Western is a smaller college, so there is not the degree of student-life and activity as other college towns. == Get in == The town is off Interstate 15 (I-15). The nearest airports are Butte and Idaho Falls. == Get around == The central business area can be easily traveled on foot. Most sightseeing activities will require driving. The city offers a free City Bus M-F during the day, you can request a ride by calling. == See == 1 Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd (25 miles west), ☏ +1 406-834-3413, bannackstatepark@mt.gov. Open daily. Jun-Sep 8AM-sunset; Oct-May 8AM-5PM. Visitor Center summer only, 10AM-6PM. Best preserved of all Montana ghost towns. Guided tours available in the summer. Ice skating allowed on pond in winter with loaner skates available; call ahead to see if pond is frozen. $8 per vehicle; campsite fees range from $4 to $34. (updated Apr 2023) 2 Beaverhead County Museum, 15 S Montana St, ☏ +1 406-683-5027, bvhdmuseum@hotmail.com. M-F 9AM-5PM. Local history in a log building complex. (updated Apr 2023) 3 Beaverhead Rock State Park (16 miles east of Dillon), ☏ +1 406-834-3413, bannackstatepark@mt.gov. A landmark from the Lewis and Clark Trail. == Do == The Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers offer world class trout fishing. The Labor Day PRCA rodeo includes a parade and concerts and is named "Montana's Biggest Weekend". Clark Canyon Reservoir (20 miles south of Dillon, take exit 44 off I-15 onto MT-324), ☏ +1 406-683-6472. Boating and fishing. Several campgrounds. Site of Camp Fortunate, a significant point from the Lewis and Clark expedition. (updated Apr 2023) Dillon Skatepark. The Race Track, Built by Grindline 1 Maverick Mountain Ski Area, Polaris (50 miles west, take Pioneer Mountains Scenic By-Way off MT-278), ☏ +1 406-834-3454. Uncrowded skiing for all levels with 24 trails. Lodging available in town so you can play all day and not make the 50-mile drive back to Dillon. There is no cellular service for almost the entire drive and at the resort. The lodge does have free WiFi. (updated Apr 2023) Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, ☏ +1 406-683-3900. Largest national forest in Montana. Breath-taking scenery, hiking trails, and numerous campgrounds. (updated Apr 2023) == Buy == 3-D Gift Shop, 130 S Montana St, ☏ +1 406-683-4261. Tourist gifts. (updated Apr 2023) Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply, 851 N Montana St, ☏ +1 406-683-6855. One-stop shop for any outdoor activity gear. (updated Apr 2023) == Eat == Dillon has a few national food chains such as Pizza Hut and McDonald's. Buffalo Lodge, 155 Lake Front Dr (south of Dillon by Clark Canyon Reservoir), ☏ +1 406-683-5535. Burgers and steaks. (updated Apr 2023) 1 Klondike Inn, 33 E Bannack St, ☏ +1 406-683-3531. 8AM-9PM. Diner style food. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (updated Apr 2023) 2 Papa T's, 10 N Montana St, ☏ +1 406-683-6432. M-W 11AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 11AM-9PM. Casual family dining. Pizzas and burgers. (updated Apr 2023) 3 Sparky's Garage, 420 E Poindexter, ☏ +1 406-638-2828. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-9:30PM. 1950s-themed decor. Menu has smokehouse, burgers, and sandwiches. (updated Apr 2023) == Drink == 1 Beaverhead Brewing Company, 278 S Montana St, ☏ +1 406-988-0011, info@beaverheadbeer.com. Su-F 3-8PM, Sa noon-8PM. Microbrewery with a good selection of beers always on tap plus seasonal specialties. They also serve handcrafted ginger ale and root beer. Occasionally there is live music. (updated Apr 2023) Dillon Tap House, 24 E Center St, ☏ +1 406-683-9463. Tu W 5-10PM, Th-Sa 5PM-midnight. Rotating craft beer and wine. Bar games, yard games, and occasional live music. (updated Apr 2023) Hotel Metlen and Bar, 5 S Railroad Ave, ☏ +1 406-683-2335. Th-Sa 7PM-2AM. A gorgeous bar in the historic Metlen Hotel, built in 1897. Free pool on Thursday, dancing and karaoke on Friday and Saturday. (updated Apr 2023) 2 Mac's Last Cast, 26 S Montana St, ☏ +1 406-683-2444. M-F 11AM-11:30PM, Sa Su 10AM-11:30, may close earlier if no customers. Sports bar with full menu. Also a liquor store. Downstairs has Blacktail, a high-end steakhouse with seafood that is open evenings. (updated Apr 2023) 3 The Moose, 6 N Montana, ☏ +1 406-683-2649. Looks questionable from outside but a great small town bar. (updated Apr 2023) Susie's, 75 Swenson Way (in the Y lobby), ☏ +1 530-927-9142, funfitnutrition@gmail.com. M-F 6AM-1PM, 4:30-6PM; Sa 9AM-1PM. Smoothie and juice bar. (updated Apr 2023) == Sleep == Dillon has a Best Western, Motel 6, Quality Inn, and Super 8. Andrus Hotel, 33 S Idaho St, ☏ +1 406-925-5024. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Luxury hotel in historic hotel. Rooftop terrace, fully equipped kitchen, pets welcome. (updated Apr 2023) === Camping === Ruby Creek Campground, 1005 Selway Dr, ☏ +1 406-683-8000. Water on site. Boat ramp to Madison River. (updated Apr 2023) 1 Southside RV Park, 104 E Poindexter St, ☏ +1 406-683-2244. Good Sam Park. Full service sites, showers, laundry, free internet. No tents. (updated Apr 2023) == Connect == 1 Dillon Public Library, 121 S Idaho, ☏ +1 406-683-4544. Free. (updated Apr 2023) 2 Sweetwater Coffee, 24 S Idaho, ☏ +1 406-683-4141, hello@sweetwatercoffeemt.com. M-F 7:30AM-2PM. Serves coffee, juice, and Italian sodas. Made fresh daily light breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats. Free wi-fi. (updated Apr 2023) 3 Lima Post Office, 700 Peat St, Lima, ☏ +1 406-276-3515. M-F 8AM-noon, 12:30-2:30PM; Sa 9:30-10:45AM; Su closed. Post office; accepts general delivery and resupply packages. == Go next == Anaconda Butte Idaho Falls Virginia City