Bannack State Park located 25 miles southwest of Dillon, MT in Beaverhead County, is one of the most important historic sites in the state. The town of Dillon with approximately 5000 residents is the service center for the area. The environment is semi-arid, and the landscape runs from big sage to high mountain peaks. Recreational opportunities abound in the area which is nationally known for excellent fly fishing on the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers. Bannack State Park is a ghost town with approximately 100 remaining buildings, and it is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States. Founded in 1862 the town epitomizes the tough, primitive towns that sprang up with the gold rush. Its story also illustrates a century of survival through the boom-and-bust periods