Getaway to the past at Garnet Ghost town

Winter at Garnet Ghost Town uncovers a wonderland of seclusion and history

Located just 40 miles east from Missoula, Garnet was once a booming gold-mining town with over 1,000 residents and 13 saloons around the turn of the century. Just 10 years later, less than 150 people remained and this once-prosperous town faded away.

David Reese photo/Montana Living

Now with its buildings preserved, the town is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with assistance from the Garnet Preservation Association, a private nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the Winter Cabin Rental Program benefit the Garnet Preservation Association and are used for the protection, preservation and historical interpretation of the town. You can ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile into the heart of the Garnet Range and spend the night in one of two historic miner's cabins in Garnet Ghost Town.
Rentals are available until April 30 at two historic miners cabins: The Dahl ($40/night, sleeps 8-10) and the McDonald Cabins ($30/night, sleeps 4). The cabins come fully furnished with beds, dishes, a propane cook stove and propane lanterns, and wood heat stove. Trails into town range from four to 12 miles.
For more information about cabin rentals log on to www.garnetghosttown.org or contact the Garnet Preservation Association at 329-3883 or e-mail garnetghosttown@yahoo.com.