Montana isn’t just big skies and mountain views—it’s a place layered with stories. From ghost towns to frontier forts, our state holds a rich, complex history that still echoes through the landscape. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a newcomer looking to explore more of what makes Montana special, here are seven must-see historic sites to add to your summer list.
1. Virginia City & Nevada City
Just an hour and a half from Bozeman, these neighboring towns are like walking into a time capsule. Once booming mining towns during the gold rush of the 1860s, Virginia City and Nevada City now offer boardwalks, preserved saloons, and costumed interpreters. Ride the train between the two, catch a live play at the opera house, and don’t miss the old-time candy store.
2. Moss Mansion – Billings
Built in 1903 and designed by renowned architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (who also designed NYC’s Plaza Hotel), the Moss Mansion is a stunning example of turn-of-the-century wealth and elegance. With original furnishings, velvet wallpaper, and intricate woodwork, it’s a peek into the life of one of Montana’s most influential families—and a reminder that the West wasn’t all rough edges.
3. Grant-Kohrs Ranch – Deer Lodge
Known as the “birthplace of the open-range cattle era,” this National Historic Site offers an immersive experience into ranch life in the late 1800s. You’ll find historic barns, cattle herds, original homesteads, and costumed rangers who bring the past to life. It’s a must for anyone who appreciates Montana’s deep ranching roots.
4. Fort Benton – Missouri River Country
Often called the “Birthplace of Montana,” Fort Benton was a critical fur trading post and steamboat hub in the 1800s. Today, it’s packed with museums, walking tours, and restored riverfront buildings. Visit the Old Fort, walk the historic levee, and dive into stories that shaped the state’s earliest settlements.
5. Bannack State Park – Near Dillon
Montana’s first territorial capital and the site of the state’s first major gold discovery, Bannack is now a preserved ghost town with over 60 original structures. Wander through the silent streets, peek inside the old schoolhouse and saloon, and imagine the dusty hustle of the 1860s boomtown. Bonus: it's especially spooky (and fun) during the Bannack Days event in July.
6. Bozeman’s Historic Main Street & Willson District
319 S Third Avenue | Bozeman, MT | Offered at $3,495,000.
Closer to home, Bozeman’s Main Street offers a walkable mix of old and new. Many of the buildings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the Willson Avenue Historic District is a favorite for architecture buffs. Think Queen Anne homes, craftsman porches, and a dose of character that just can’t be replicated.
7. Little Bighorn Battlefield – Crow Agency
A deeply significant site where cultures and histories collided, Little Bighorn Battlefield honors the Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho warriors, and U.S. soldiers who fought in the 1876 battle. Walk the ridge lines, read the markers, and take time to reflect. It’s not just a battlefield—it’s a place of memory and meaning.
Make It a Summer of DiscoveryMontana's beauty is more than scenic—it's storied. These places offer a meaningful way to connect with the land, the people who shaped it, and the paths that brought us to where we are today. Whether you're road tripping, hosting out-of-towners, or just exploring your own backyard, these historic gems are well worth the stop.
Looking for a home with history of its own? Let’s talk—there are some Bozeman properties that carry a story as timeless as the state itself. 📞 406.600.2477
