Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town
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Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town

4.3
·52 reviews·Boulder, United States

Explore a genuine Montana ghost town with preserved buildings and scenic mountain drives, offering a raw glimpse into the Wild West.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town

Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a genuine Montana ghost town with preserved buildings and scenic mountain drives, offering a raw glimpse into the Wild West.

4.3
(52 reviews)

"A rustic place with intact buildings and amazing mountain views, worth the drive for sure."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 4WD Recommended

Gravel roads can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best for exploring the scenic routes.

💧 Pack Essentials

No services here! Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 52 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gillian Hall & Fraternity Hall

Gillian Hall & Fraternity Hall

Main townsite

Step inside these remarkably preserved historic buildings and glimpse life in a 19th-century silver mining town.

Scenic Mountain Drives

Scenic Mountain Drives

Surrounding roads

Navigate backcountry gravel roads for breathtaking panoramic views of the Elkhorn Mountains.

Remnants of a Bygone Era

Remnants of a Bygone Era

Throughout the park

Wander among the scattered foundations and piles of wood, imagining the bustling town that once stood here.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Rustic Charm

Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town is a genuine relic, not a polished tourist trap. Expect intact historic buildings alongside remnants of others. Roads can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the best experience. Remember, some residents still live here, so be respectful of private property.

Plan for Remote Exploration

This ghost town is remote, with no services. Bring all your own food, water, and supplies. Allow ample time to explore the buildings and enjoy the scenic mountain drives. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on buildings
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We went on a 6.5 mile loop hike to Boulder field, and the whole time @Jasmine Mom Life❤️ thought we were hiking to a river 😭😭😭 she was NOT happy 😩😂 #boulderfield #hickoryrunstatepark #hike #pennsylvania #NEPA
@rockie.r0ad
72.3K likes • 505.3K views

🚗 4WD Recommended

Gravel roads can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best for exploring the scenic routes. Reddit

💧 Pack Essentials

No services here! Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need. Reddit

#boulderfield #hickoryrunstatepark #Hiking #rocks #pennsylvania #pa #pahikes #hikes
@caseyshail
14.5K likes • 209.5K views
Elkhorn State Park! There are two buildings, Gillian Hall and Fraternity Hall, that can be viewed and walked in. Elkhorn was a silver mining town. There are markings of other locations and other buildings standing, but they are locked up, private property, or deteriorating. One building was locked but had historical items on display viewable through the windows. Although the park is open year-r...
roamingnearandfar
179 likes • 746 views

🚶‍♀️ Respect Residents

Some people live here. Be mindful of private property and driveways. Reddit

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

Explore the buildings and enjoy the views; don't rush your visit. Reddit

Head to Boulder, Montana for some classic Montana fun! Enjoy a steak at the Windsor Bar, explore Elkhorn Ghost Town State Park, and soak in Boulder Hot Springs under a big Montana sky! #montana #steak #vacation #roadtrip #explorelocal #thingstodo #montanamoment #statepark
southwestmontana
150 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 4WD Recommended

Gravel roads can be rough; a 4WD vehicle is best for exploring the scenic routes. Reddit

💧 Pack Essentials

No services here! Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Respect Residents

Some people live here. Be mindful of private property and driveways. Reddit

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

Explore the buildings and enjoy the views; don't rush your visit. Reddit

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is unreliable; ensure you have maps downloaded beforehand. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(52 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town for its authentic, rustic charm and the opportunity to step back in time. The preserved buildings and scenic mountain drives are highlights, offering a genuine glimpse into Montana's mining past. However, the remote location and rough access roads require careful preparation, and the lack of amenities means visitors must bring all their own supplies.

"This a rustic place in the Elkhorn Mountains of central Montana. It has somewhat of a ghost town with several intact buildings that are open to the public. There are backcountry gravel roads to drive which are four-wheel drive vehicles only, but offer some of the most amazing mountain views you're likely to see. It's worth the driver for sure."

Ben Moore

"For some reason there are still people living there.But it’s a gorgeous drive and I would do it again. Also a good place for a quick supper over a fire."

Laci Coblentz

"Nice scenic drive to.this place, quite remote with some trails leading off, nice views when you get there.

Took about an hour to walk around . There are quite a lot of buildings which are just piles of wood which is very sad. The 2 buildings in the photo are the only ones you can go into. Also, some people live here in renovated lodges so you need to be mindful not to walk onto their driveways. There are no shops etc so bring your own drinks etc if you need refreshment."

Anna L-S

What People Like

Authentic ghost town feel
Preserved historic buildings
Scenic mountain drives

What People Dislike

Rough access roads
Remote location
No services available

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town is located in the Elkhorn Mountains of central Montana, near Boulder. Access is via backcountry gravel roads. While some reviews suggest a 4WD vehicle is recommended due to rough road conditions, others mention it's a scenic drive. Reddit

No, the roads leading to and within Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town are primarily gravel and can be rough, with some reviewers noting many potholes. A 4WD vehicle is often advised for the best experience. Reddit

The driving distance can vary depending on your starting point, but it's considered remote. Reviewers mention it's a scenic drive, and some suggest it takes about an hour to walk around the town itself once you arrive. Reddit

While possible, it's not always recommended. The gravel roads can be challenging, and a 4WD vehicle is often preferred to navigate them comfortably and safely. Reddit

Due to its remote location, there are no public transportation options directly to Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town. You will need your own vehicle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town is a state park and generally does not require an entrance fee. It's a rustic, undeveloped historical site. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town is typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for exploration. Reddit

While the park is generally accessible year-round, winter conditions can make the gravel roads impassable or hazardous. Summer and early fall are the most favorable times to visit. Reddit

Two main buildings, Gillian Hall and Fraternity Hall, are open to the public for viewing. Other buildings are either deteriorating, private property, or locked. Be respectful of these boundaries. Reddit

No, there is typically no admission fee to enter Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town, as it's a historical site focused on preservation and public access to its remnants. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the intact historic buildings like Gillian Hall and Fraternity Hall, walk among the remnants of other structures, and enjoy scenic drives with mountain views. It's a place to imagine the past. Reddit

Reviewers suggest it takes about an hour to walk around the main townsite. However, you might want to allocate more time for scenic drives and soaking in the atmosphere. Reddit

While not extensively developed with marked trails, the area offers opportunities for walking and exploring the ghost town site and surrounding natural beauty. Some Reddit users mention it as a place for hiking. Reddit

One review mentioned it's a good place for a quick supper over a fire, suggesting that campfires might be permissible in designated areas or with caution, but always check local regulations. Reddit

Absolutely! The historic buildings, rugged mountain scenery, and remnants of the past offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, Elkhorn State Park Ghost Town is a remote historical site with no services. You must bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for a picnic. One reviewer even mentioned it's a good place for a quick supper over a fire, so packing a picnic is highly recommended. Reddit

The nearest dining options would be in the town of Boulder, Montana, which is a short drive away. Boulder offers classic Montana experiences like steakhouses. Instagram

Definitely. There are no water sources or facilities available at the ghost town, so bringing plenty of water is essential. Reddit

You'll need to stock up on supplies before heading to Elkhorn State Park. The nearest towns with grocery stores would be Boulder or Whitehall. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The two main buildings, Gillian Hall and Fraternity Hall, are prime subjects. Also, capture the surrounding mountain vistas and the scattered remnants of the town for a sense of history. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting on the historic buildings and landscapes. Early mornings can also provide soft, atmospheric light. Reddit

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's always best to check with Montana State Parks or local authorities before flying a drone in a state park. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both buildings and landscapes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive mountain views. Instagram

No, you should not photograph private residences. Be respectful of the people who still live in the area and only photograph the designated public areas of the ghost town. Reddit

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