Go Way Off The Grid
Bureau of Land Management on Wikimedia
Garnet, Montana wasn't built to last, and yet, it has.
Built in 1897 to coincide with Montana's gold rush, Garnet was one of numerous boomtowns constructed during the western gold rush of the 19th century. The Garnet Mountains were rich, not with the gems they were named after, but with gold which could easily be panned by lucky prospectors. Following the close of many silver mines in the region, the town of Garnet was built quickly and efficiently.
Buildings were small and easy to heat, with many lacking foundations or amenities of the time such as indoor plumbing and electricity. However, miners and their families quickly staked their claims in Garnet, hoping to strike it rich. Within a year, the town had a population of nearly 1000 people! In addition to homes, the budding town was also home to a school, a candy shop, four hotels and a thirteen saloons to wet the whistles of thirsty prospectors.
Far from being a rough-and-tumble den of crime like Tombstone or Deadwood, Garnet was a remarkably safe place to live. Not only was there minimal crime and fortunes on the rise, but Garnet was community-oriented. In addition to community dances on Saturday night, they also hosted outings in the winter such as sledding and ski trips.
From Boomtown To Ghost Town
Unfortunately, what comes up, must come down. Within a decade of its foundation, Garnet's luck, and its gold ran out. The population dwindled with the end of the gold rush. Many of the mines were abandoned, and the population shrunk to 150 by 1905. A fire in 1912 decimated both the town and its remaining population. Despite a short revival in the 1930s, Garnet was destined to be abandoned.
Today, however, fortunes have changed for Garnet. Because the remaining buildings were abandoned rather than disassembled (presumably because they weren't worth much), Garnet is considered one of Montana's best-preserved ghost towns. Over 16,000 visitors a year stop by Garnet to check out the remaining structures, including the hotel and saloon.
Garnet's ramshackle appearance is deceiving. The Bureau of Land Management along with the Garnet Preservation Association have given this ghost town a new lease on life. In addition to a visitor's center, the GPA hosts school tours, haunted hikes, and an annual Garnet Day celebration in June.
Bureau of Land Management on Wikimedia
If you're looking to stay for a night or two, Garnet is about an hour east of Missoula in the western part of Montana. While Garnet is technically accessible year-round, be aware that this means snowmobile or ski only in the colder months. If you want to stay directly on the property, you can apply to stay in one of two authentic cabins from December to April. Be warned that they really are authentic, meaning no electricity or indoor plumbing. If you aren't ready to rough it, Garnet is equally charming as a day trip from Missoula.
