Montana's Vigilante Trail | Southwest Montana Travel

A Historic Detour

It is along the Vigilante Trail visitors should travel if they “want to visit these places of interest and desire to learn first-handed the details of these early days and see the places where the Vigilance Committee did their work of bringing order out of chaos.” In other words, this is the perfect itinerary for anyone interested in the rich mining history of Montana, the ghosts of the area, or if you are simply traveling through the region on your way to Yellowstone.

History of the Vigilante Trail

In the early 1900s, Montana was said to have the worst roads in the Union. The grandeur of the mountains and lifestyle of the “wild west” beckoned travelers, yet very few chose to make the difficult trek through the state. Untouched by travelers, Montana’s tourism potential was not being met. In the 1920s, the Vigilante Trail was created to encourage family vacationing by way of automobile to Yellowstone National Park.

Officials believed that the wide open and untouched spaces of Montana would market themselves – if only there were roads on which to travel.

The roads that did exist at the time followed the rugged path of old wagon trails and were often too steep or narrow to allow for travel by automobile. It was not an uncommon site to find passengers aiding vehicles along from the ground, or drivers making their way back down the steep grade.

Dedicated by President Harding in 1924, the new “Vigilante Trail” was deemed a scenic byway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The gentle grade of the road that cuts through what is now “Pipestone” made travel easy and promoted Yellowstone as a favorite travel destination.

Day 1

Butte | Richest Hill on Earth

As one of the largest and most prominent towns in Southwest Montana, Butte will be our starting point. While in Butte, see the World Mining Museum, take a historic trolley ride, grab a drink at one of the breweries or Headframe Spirits, visit the infamous Dumas Brothel, learn about the Chinese in the American West at the Mai Wah Museum, spend a night with American royalty at the Copper King Mansion, and try one of Butte’s signature dishes: pasties — introduced by Cornish miners.

World Museum of Mining

Headframes litter the landscape of Butte. The “Orphan Girl” headframe is located in the World Museum of Mining and provides an opportunity to visitors to further explore the mining history of the area – underground. Join us for a tour of the mine and explore the 66 exhibits found in the museum.

Headframe Spirits

Headframe Spirits opened in 2010 and has become a staple in the Butte community. The distillery has won numerous awards and as of January 2017 is a certified B Corporation ®. Step into Butte’s past at the tasting room or schedule a tour of a Montana micro-distillery.

Copper King Mansion

This adorable Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of Butte, was originally the home of Copper Baron W. A. Clark. Construction began on this 34-room Victorian mansion in 1884 and was completed in 1888. Visitors can stay in the mansion or swing by for a guided tour throughout the summer.

Day 2

Explore Big Sky Country

From Butte you will head toward Whitehall over Homestake Pass, consider spending some time in the great outdoors. The Pipestone ATV Area provides visitors with opportunity to explore the mountains of Montana, and there are several rental options near Butte. If you aren’t looking to camp, consider spending the night at Homestake Lodge or continue to the small town of Whitehall. As you wander through through Whitehall, take a look at the murals that cover the buildings! A quick jaunt off the planned excursion (about 16 miles) you will find the Lewis & Clark Caverns, one of Montana’s State Parks.

Homestake Lodge

Homestake Lodge is situated beneath the Continental Divide, nestled in the mountains with woods, trails, wildlife, and outdoor recreation out the front door. The Lodge offeers comfortable private cabins in addition to the main lodge with bunk style rooms and even a yurt!

Corps of Discovery Murals

Whitehall is a quintessential Montana small town, with unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, local diners, adorable shops, and of course just a touch of art to brighten the streets. As you wander through town can you spot all 10 of the murals depicting the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Caverns

The Lewis & Clark Caverns offer tours from May 1 through September 30. The tours take visitors on about a 2-mile hike up to and through the caverns in the cool comfort of the naturally air-conditioned space. These Ranger led tours provide visitors with the history and geological significance of limestone.

Day 3

Living History

As you travel down MT Highway 41, you will find yourself in the beautiful town of Twin Bridges. This area is a fisherman’s paradise, and visitors will find a variety of tackle and equipment shops as well as guided trips. It is from here that the mining history of the area becomes increasingly prevalent. You will travel through a series of small towns, once booming and now nearly forgotten. Sheridan, followed by Alder Gulch — one of the great gold producers of all time. The site of the largest placer gold strike in world history. It produced $10,000,000.00 during the first year. Continuing to Nevada and Virginia Cities, ghost towns that come alive between Memorial and Labor Days with living history.

Twin Bridges

While you are in the area, take the time to get to know the community of Twin Bridges. Stop by the Madison County Fairgrounds and explore the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Park, dive into the history of the state orphanage, and grab a bite to eat at a local hot spot. Twin Bridges is known as a bike friendly community, offering countless ways to explore the area!

Alder Gulch

Gold was first discovered at Alder Gulch in 1863 by Bill Fairweather and his crew. The gulch was named after the incredible alder trees that lined the banks of the river. This was the site of the largest placer gold strike in world history, producing $10,000,000 in its first year of operation. This strike brought hundreds to the area.

Virginia City

Virginia City offers one of the most fascinating stories of any town in Southwest Montana. At one time the most important city in the Territory and little more than a ghost town at another, today Virginia City provides one of the most well preserved and approachable glimpses into Montana's gold rush days.

Day 4

Yellowstone

Coming into Ennis from Virginia City, visitors will be met with signs for the National Fish Hatchery. As you stroll along main street you will find an outdoor art walk, restaurants, tackle shops and more. Continue along the Vigilante Trail, winding along the Madison River, there are countless opportunities to make a quick trip out to the water. If you are looking for a place to rest for the night, Cliff and Wade Lakes are Southwest Montana favorites. Shortly thereafter, you’ll find Earthquake Lake. Just before Hebgen Lake, you can stop for a hearty breakfast any time of day at the Campfire Lodge Restaurant and Cabins. With the trail coming to an end, you will drive along Hebgen Lake. From here, you are just outside of Yellowstone.

Ennis

Start with families that have been ranching the same land for five generations. Add anglers chasing blue ribbon fly fishing, and you begin to understand Ennis, Montana. Water dominates Ennis. Come for the fishing, the history and the mountains, stay for the hometown atmosphere.

Earthquake Lake

On August 17, 1959, an earthquake (magnitude of 7.3) devastated the Madison River Canyon area, causing a massive landslide which dammed the river and created Quake Lake. The visitor center is open Memorial Day through mid-September and provides a detailed account of the aftermath of the quake.

Yellowstone National Park

Taking time to dig deeper in Southwest Montana on your way to Yellowstone may just lead to unexpected memories. Yellowstone, known for its incredible geologic and thermal features became the first National Park on March 1, 1872 thus preserving beautiful public land.

3-7-77

The enigmatic Montana code "3-7-77" remains a legendary fixture of Montana’s frontier history, famously appearing as a warning linked to 19th-century vigilantism. While theories range from Masonic symbols and stagecoach schedules to the specific dimensions of a grave, no single explanation has ever been definitively proven. Today, the numbers have transitioned from a cryptic threat into a ubiquitous cultural icon, appearing on everything from state highway patrol logos to local brewery labels.

Learn More about 3-7-77

Road Trips Do End Eventually. Where are You Staying?

Southwest Montana is full of places to rest when your eyes are tired and your back is sore. Everything from 5-star hotels and resorts, to affordable hostels and rustic cabins.

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