When it comes to fall getaway destinations, Missoula has plenty to offer – including a healthy mix of vibrant city life and stunning natural beauty. As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, Missoula beckons outdoor enthusiasts to get out and explore its colorful canvas, while the city’s restaurants, breweries, and bars offer a great place to unwind each afternoon. But there’s another, perhaps spookier, side of Missoula and Western Montana that makes for an interesting destination this October. There are several fascinating Montana ghost towns near Missoula.
Step back in time, explore the remnants of the state’s rich history, and find yourself face-to-face with a unique fall excursion. Visiting these nearby Montana ghost towns is a great way to get out and explore the surrounding countryside, too. Near many of them, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for recreation, including some of western Montana’s best hiking, biking, and fishing. Western Montana is a playground for adventures in the fall, as the surrounding forests and mountains are ablaze with fall colors.
Regarding accommodations, the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy retreat just outside downtown Missoula. This lodge-style Missoula Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring nearby ghost towns or enjoying other outdoor pursuits near Missoula. Perhaps more importantly, our Missoula Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect combination of cozy, rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for a fall escape. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find our Missoula Bed and Breakfast is the best place to stay. Book your fall getaway today!
Unique Montana Ghost Towns to Explore
Exploring ghost towns near Missoula, Montana, is a thrilling way to dive into the spooky season this October. As fall colors paint the landscape and a crisp chill fills the air, these abandoned towns take on an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere. Visiting any one of these Montana ghost towns near Missoula is like stepping back in time to the days of the Old West, where you can wander through decaying buildings and imagine the stories of the people who once lived there. It’s a unique adventure that offers a mix of history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
These Montana ghost towns are particularly enchanting in the fall, with the quiet, deserted streets framed by the brilliant colors of autumn leaves. The contrast between the vibrant fall foliage and the weathered, forgotten structures creates a striking visual that’s both haunting and beautiful. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply in the mood for a bit of Halloween-inspired adventure, a day trip to one of these ghost towns near Missoula will surely be a memorable experience.
Top Ghost Towns Near Missoula, Montana:
- Just 30 miles east of Missoula, Garnet is one of the best-preserved Montana ghost towns. Known for its well-maintained structures, this ghost town offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of miners and their families in the late 1800s. Garnet is situated between the Clark Fork and the Black Foot Rivers, making it a scenic destination that is a must-visit during the fall. In addition to exploring the structures in this historic ghost town, there are great hiking trails in the Garnet area worth exploring. You can easily spend an entire day here.
- Just a few miles north of Garnet is another of our favorite nearby Montana ghost towns. Coloma Ghost Town is equally intriguing, even if not as well-preserved as Garnet. Here, you’ll find the crumbling remains of Coloma, which offer an authentic look at Montana’s mining past. The remote location adds to the town’s eerie charm, making it an excellent spot for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures. We highly recommend you explore the Garnet Back Country Byway, a 12-mile circular route on Garnet Range Road that travels through old mining campsites, including Reynolds City, Springtown, Beartown, and Garnet.
- Bannack State Park is about two hours south of Missoula, near the town of Dillon. This striking ghost town is well worth the day trip, though. It was here that gold was first discovered in Montana in 1862, thus bringing in a rush of miners to the area. It was also the first territorial capital of Montana and is the best preserved of all Montana ghost towns, which means there’s plenty of history to explore here. Today, you’ll find over 50 buildings lining Main Street.
- If you’re looking for mining lore, head to one of our favorite Montana ghost towns, Cable Mine. This historic mining town, near Anaconda, Montana, about 90 minutes from Missoula, was where the largest gold nugget ever was found. This also is the site of the Old Atlantic Cable Mine. Here, you’ll find cabins, a boarding house, a historic mill, and, of course, the mine. To get to the town, you’ll follow the Pintler Scenic Route, a stunning drive to take in the fall.
Unwind at our Missoula Bed and Breakfast
Whether you’re venturing out to explore these Montana ghost towns, spending your time hiking in the mountains around Missoula, or otherwise exploring the wonderful shops, restaurants, breweries, and museums of downtown Missoula, you’ll want a cozy place to call home for a few days. There’s nowhere better to stay than our Missoula Bed and Breakfast. The Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast is located just outside downtown Missoula in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and offers a charming experience that is perfect for a relaxing fall getaway.
Located on a scenic mountainside, our Missoula bed and breakfast provides stunning views of the Bitterroot River and surrounding mountains. It’s close enough to enjoy the best of the area but far enough away to feel as though you’ve truly “gotten away.” Guests enjoy delicious and hearty breakfasts, often served with a view of the beautiful gardens, and can relax in spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities like jetted tubs.
Like any great lodging experience, you can expect nothing but the best when it comes to personalized service. We love living in the Missoula area, and, more importantly, we love sharing everything about rugged western Montana with our guests. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, our Missoula Bed and Breakfast is an ideal base for your fall escape. Everything about it here is designed to create a rejuvenating experience. Book your getaway & enjoy an unforgettable October today!
