Montana has 55 state parks, and each one has its own unique traits. Whether you’re looking for a place to camp, fish, hike, or learn about local history, you’ll find it in the Treasure State. And if you live in Montana and drive a vehicle, admission to our state parks is always free.

The next time you’re looking for a new spot to explore, check out Montana’s smallest state park, Elkhorn, which also happens to be a ghost town. This piece of living history has been well-preserved for your enjoyment and education.

Elkhorn State Park is located just outside of Boulder, in Jefferson County.
Bryan Hermans / Google
The park sits on less than one acre of land, but it's an acre you'll want to explore.
Elkhorn was founded in 1872, a few years after silver veins in the Elkhorns were discovered by Swiss miner Peter Wys.
Ralph Hershberger / Google
When Wys died in 1872, Helena entrepreneur Anton M. Holter and his partners developed the Elkhorn Mine. Soon after, a bustling town developed.
By 1888, the mine was the largest in the area, producing $30,000 of ore monthly.
JB Chandler / Google
In 1889, the Northern Pacific Railroad came to town, and Elkhorn continued to flourish.

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But eventually, the price of silver dropped and the area suffered from a diphtheria epidemic.
jcbonbon / Flickr
The Elkhorn Cemetery has a lot of headstones with death dates between 1884 and 1889, many of them children.
While the mines operated on and off in the 1900s, the town lost its luster when Northern Pacific Railroad removed its Elkhorn rail line in 1931.
Adventures Northwest / Google
The area soon became a ghost town, and eventually, a state park.
Only two original Elkhorn buildings remain: the historic Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall.
jcbonbon / Flickr
However, this area is definitely worth checking out. Explore the cemetery, photograph the two remaining buildings, read up on the history of Elkhorn, and remember to be respectful. We want these structures to last for many years to come.

Did you know that Elkhorn was Montana’s smallest state park?

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Elkhorn State Park, Boulder, MT 59632, USA