Boulder

Placed in an almost idyllic setting midway between Butte and Helena on the north bank of the Boulder River is Boulder, MT, county seat of Jefferson County. Massive rocks that litter the valley and surrounding hills gave the town its name. These igneous specimens are a result of an igneous intrusion – the Boulder Batholith.

Now a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder was first established as a stagecoach station in the 1860s on the route between Fort Benton and Virginia City. In 1894, Boulder was on the ballot for state capitol but with only 295 votes, it did not make it to the second round.

When gold was found in the gravels of the Boulder River valley, miners flocked to the streams, hoping to make it rich. No fortunes were found in placer mining, but nearby source lodes in the mountains became rich sources of copper, lead, zinc, silver, and some gold.

Distinct mining districts themselves, Elkhorn Mining District, Comet Mine, and Baltimore Company’s Mines eventually merged into the present town of Boulder. In 1888, the Great Northern Railway branch from Helena to Butte reached the town. The place eventually became a trading center for farmers, ranchers, and miners of the valley. Not only a hub for locals, it also became a resort town for the wealthy. A nearby geothermal feature long known of by the Native Americans, had been discovered by prospector James E. Riley, and following owners converted into a first-class spa and resort for wealthy families from Helena and Butte.

Changing ownership many times over the years, the hot springs still exist today and offer a renovated space to rejuvenate in the midst of the mountains. Boulder Hot Springs is a must-stop in this valley.

Today there are many reasons to visit Boulder. Not only are there numerous hiking trails, but fly-fishing in the Boulder River is excellent. Harder to access due to less boat ramps, swift currents, and slippery rocks, fishing here is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is worth the effort.

Elkhorn State Park, in the mountains south of town is a remnant of the Montana silver boom and has two preserved building from the mining era.

Local produce, meat, handwork, and local art are sold every Thursday from July to September at the Boulder Farmer’s Market. Other events not to be missed in Boulder are the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo, Boulder Car Show, and Christmas Bazaar. The Chamber of Commerce also holds a Music and Art Festival every September showcasing both local and statewide performers and artists.

Students from Basin, Clancy, Jefferson City, and Montana City are served by the Boulder school system as seat of Jefferson County. Today, about 1,200 people call it home.