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Garnet Day brings ghost town to life
Experience the sights and sounds of a 19th-century Montana mining town at this year’s family friendly Garnet Day on Saturday, June 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The annual event revives the now-dormant ghost town 40 miles east of Missoula, paying tribute to those who lived and worked in the Garnet Mountains.
This year’s highlights include a presentation by Montana pioneer impersonator Jennie Pak at 1 p.m., portraying Garnet resident Jennie Starr Adams and sharing tales of the town. Music will be provided by the Rocky Mountain Meadowlarks and Old Time Fiddlers & Accordion Players.
The Rocky Mountain Meadowlarks tune up at last year’s Garnet Day. The band will be back at this year’s Garnet Day June 22, just one of many sights and sounds to greet visitors at the historic mining town east of Missoula.
Activities include a wool-spinning display, gold panning for a nominal fee, old-fashioned games for children and a pie auction. Enjoy a watermelon-eating contest, free sarsaparilla and taffy. Lunch will be available for purchase on-site.
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Garnet Day offers a fun, Wild West experience in one of Montana’s most intact ghost towns. Now managed by the BLM’s Missoula Field Office, the ghost town is publicly owned.
To reach Garnet from Highway 200, turn south on Garnet Range Road between mile markers 22 and 23 and travel 11 miles. From I-90, take the Bearmouth or Drummond exit, then follow the Frontage Road to Bear Gulch. Garnet is 10 miles north on Bear Gulch Road, which is steep and rough, not recommended for cars, trailers or RVs.
Visitors will be charged a $10 standard usage fee; admission is free for those 15 and younger.
Due to limited parking, carpooling is recommended. A shuttle service will be provided from the main parking lot to the town’s main street for those needing assistance.
For more information, contact the BLM’s Missoula Field Office at 406-329-3914.
Helena History Tours underway
The Foundation for Montana History has announced the 2024 launch of the Helena History Tours program.
These tours, now in their fourth season, offer locals and visitors a glimpse into Helena’s history, promoting heritage tourism, outdoor recreation and supporting downtown businesses. Running daily through Labor Day Weekend, Helena History Tours feature five distinct tours, with additional private tours available.
