Overview
Dillon is a city in Southwest Montana. In 2020, about 3,800 people lived there. Dillon is home to University of Montana Western.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 4 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Dillon
Bannack State Park
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.
Beaverhead Rock State Park
A landmark from the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Clark Canyon Reservoir
Boating and fishing. Several campgrounds. Site of Camp Fortunate, a significant point from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Maverick Mountain Ski Area
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.…
Beaverhead County Museum
Local history in a log building complex.
Dillon Skatepark
The Race Track, Built by Grindline
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Bozeman)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTM Bert Mooney Airport, Butte — 51 mi away. Directions
- SMN Lemhi County Airport, Salmon — 61 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 211 mi away (major hub). Directions
The town is off Interstate 15 (I-15).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bannack State Park, Beaverhead Rock State Park
- Lunch Buffalo Lodge
- Afternoon Dillon Skatepark, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- Dinner Klondike Inn
- Evening Beaverhead Brewing Company
Day 2
- Morning Beaverhead County Museum, Clark Canyon Reservoir
- Lunch Papa T's
- Afternoon Maverick Mountain Ski Area
- Dinner Sparky's Garage
- Evening The Moose
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
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
See Bannack State Park
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.
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".
Do Clark Canyon Reservoir
Boating and fishing. Several campgrounds. Site of Camp Fortunate, a significant point from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Do Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Largest national forest in Montana. Breath-taking scenery, hiking trails, and numerous campgrounds.
Buy
Eat
- Dillon has a few national food chains such as Pizza Hut and McDonald's.
Eat Buffalo Lodge
Burgers and steaks.
Eat Klondike Inn
Diner style food. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Eat Papa T's
Casual family dining. Pizzas and burgers.
Eat Sparky's Garage
1950s-themed decor. Menu has smokehouse, burgers, and sandwiches.
Drink
Drink Beaverhead Brewing Company
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.
Drink Dillon Tap House
Rotating craft beer and wine. Bar games, yard games, and occasional live music.
Drink Hotel Metlen and Bar
A gorgeous bar in the historic Metlen Hotel, built in 1897. Free pool on Thursday, dancing and karaoke on Friday and Saturday.
Drink Mac's Last Cast
Sports bar with full menu. Also a liquor store. Downstairs has Blacktail, a high-end steakhouse with seafood that is open evenings.
Drink The Moose
Looks questionable from outside but a great small town bar.
Sleep
- Dillon has a Best Western, Motel 6, Quality Inn, and Super 8.
Camping
Stay Southside RV Park
Good Sam Park. Full service sites, showers, laundry, free internet. No tents.
Go next
Nearby
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City / town · 3 listings · 33 mi away
Virginia City
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Butte
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