Elkhorn

A Montana State Park

Elkhorn, a mostly abandoned town and remanent of Montana’s mining past, is in the southern Elkhorn Mountains. Established in 1872 when silver was discovered, it grew quickly and became one of Montana’s largest producers of the metal. By the 1890s, mining reached its peak with a population of 2,500. Most of the residents were immigrants from Europe.

Densely populated, Elkhorn’s main street had a hotel, a school, saloons, general stores, and brothels. It also boasted a rail connection linking the area to the nation. By the end of the 1890s, a nationwide depression and a crash in the price of silver caused the town’s population to sharply decline. Mining continued at a lower capacity but by the 1930s, the mines finally closed, and Elkhorn had very few people left.

Although it is called one, Elkhorn is not a true ghost town as the area has never been fully deserted. Today, ten folks call the area home and only two of the original wood buildings still stand. Both structures, the Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall, are preserved and make up the entirety of Elkhorn State Park, the smallest state park in Montana. Visitors can go inside the historic buildings and get a sampling of what Montana nineteenth century mining towns buildings were like on the inside.

Elkhorn gives visitors to the site, access to Helena National Forest and Elkhorn Mountains, allowing for many opportunities to hike, cycle, and view wildlife. Crow Peak (9,414 ft) and Elkhorn Peak (9,410) the highest points in the range, are in reach for peak baggers from a trailhead on the north side of town.

The best way to reach Elkorn is by taking I-15 to the nearby town of Boulder. Once there, follow Montana Highway 69 and turn onto White Bridge Road. From there, head southeast and turn left onto Elkhorn Road which ends at the townsite.

Boulder provides lodging in town and at the Boulder Hot Springs.