(Dillon, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) invites you to explore the past during Bannack Days at Bannack State Park on July 16 and 17, 2016. Activities run from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, and 9am to 4:30pm on Sunday.
Held on the third weekend in July, Bannack Days is a celebration of pioneer life. Breakfast will be served in the Hotel Meade beginning at 7:00 am both days. Lunch will be available as well as other delicious treats like ice cream, kettle corn, fry bread, and fresh lemonade. From 9am to 5pm on Saturday and from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday folks will be demonstrating many of the pioneer skills.
Watch the quilters craft a quilt and skilled demonstrators make lace. Up Hangman’s Gulch you can learn about buffalo guns, the Cavalry and Infantry, and experience a 1860s gold camp. Try your luck at gold panning, hand-dip your own souvenir candle, or watch the blacksmith forge an incredible work of art from a flat piece of iron. Horse drawn wagon rides will be available throughout the day or if you prefer more modern transportation there is a Model AA truck motoring around the town.
Be sure to watch your step – Bannack has been known to have a few ruffians about. It is not uncommon for a gunfight to break out on Main street or for people to be shouting from the hotel porch about one cause or another…imagine women wanting to vote. Throughout both days there will be music in the air – bluegrass, barbershop, gospel, old time fiddlers, and junior fiddlers to mention a few. Swing your partner and try camp dancing on the green Sunday afternoon or step in time with the strolling musicians.
Throughout the weekend the visitor center will be open and guided tours of the Masonic Lodge and the Mill will be available. We do ask that you please leave your pets at home during this busy weekend. Special Event Admission to Bannack is $5 for Montana registered vehicles and $10 for non-Montana registered vehicles. There is limited parking so car pooling is encouraged. Bannack State Park is located 25 miles southwest of Dillon, Montana just off of Highway 278.
For more information, call the park office at (406) 834-3413.
What: Bannack Days
When: Saturday, July 16th from 9am to 5pm
Sunday, July 17 from 9am to 4:30pm
Where: Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT
Visit Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) and enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and more and discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on earth.
