Even life in the beautiful state of Montana requires a change of scenery now and then. But sometimes, our big need for a vacation doesn’t quite fit our small budgets. That being said, there are plenty of free and surprisingly affordable places you can go in our state and still return home feeling as refreshed and rejuvenated as if you’d hopped a flight to an exotic location. The next time you need a break from the grind, consider embarking on a day trip to Dillon.
Dillon is a ridiculously charming little city in Beaverhead County that is often overlooked.
Jasperdo / Flickr It may not be a major tourist destination, but it certainly has a lot to offer, especially for the budget traveler.
Dillon was founded as a railroad town in 1880 by the Union Pacific Railroad President, Sidney Dillon.
Jasperdo / Flickr And while the railroad was obviously a big deal back then, these days, the economy relies heavily on farming and ranching.
The city is known not only for its historic charm, but its close proximity to abundant outdoor recreation.
GreggeryPeccary / TripAdvisor Clark’s Lookout State Park is one of many popular spots in the area. As the name indicates, this was a stop on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, and specifically a spot where William Clark stood. Plus, visiting state parks is free for Montana residents.
Check out the Beaverhead County Museum for an even more in-depth look at our local history.
CAPoppy28 / TripAdvisor The museum is open Monday to Friday, and admission will only set you back a few dollars.
Bannack State Park is a quick 25 minute drive from Dillon, and it’s definitely worth seeing.
cepjr238 / TripAdvisor This well-preserved ghost town is absolutely loaded with local history. Bannack was Montana’s first territorial capital, and it’s free for Montana residents to visit.
Of course, all that exploring will make you hungry. Luckily, Dillon has several great restaurants to enjoy.
Sparky’s Garage Dillon / Facebook We highly recommend having lunch or dinner at Sparky’s Garage, a delightful 1950s car garage themed eatery.
Sparky’s serves classic comfort food like wings, nachos, brisket, ribs, and burgers, and the food is delicious.
Sparky’s Garage Dillon / Facebook It also happens to be quite affordable, a perfect pit stop on a budget-friendly road trip.
A trip to Dillon offers a change of scenery and a change of pace at a reasonable cost.
Jasperdo / Flickr The community is warm and welcoming, so don’t be surprised when you’re greeted like an old friend as you’re walking around town.
When was the last time you paid Dillon a visit?
Jasperdo / Flickr
It may not be a major tourist destination, but it certainly has a lot to offer, especially for the budget traveler.
And while the railroad was obviously a big deal back then, these days, the economy relies heavily on farming and ranching.
GreggeryPeccary / TripAdvisor
Clark’s Lookout State Park is one of many popular spots in the area. As the name indicates, this was a stop on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, and specifically a spot where William Clark stood. Plus, visiting state parks is free for Montana residents.
CAPoppy28 / TripAdvisor
The museum is open Monday to Friday, and admission will only set you back a few dollars.
cepjr238 / TripAdvisor
This well-preserved ghost town is absolutely loaded with local history. Bannack was Montana’s first territorial capital, and it’s free for Montana residents to visit.
Sparky’s Garage Dillon / Facebook
We highly recommend having lunch or dinner at Sparky’s Garage, a delightful 1950s car garage themed eatery.
It also happens to be quite affordable, a perfect pit stop on a budget-friendly road trip.
The community is warm and welcoming, so don’t be surprised when you’re greeted like an old friend as you’re walking around town.
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Address: Dillon, MT 59725, USA
