Step Back in Time: Visiting Garnet Ghost Town Near The Hohnstead

Did you know Montana’s best-preserved ghost town is just a short, scenic drive from your cabin?

If you’re staying at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, you’re already soaking in the quiet magic of Montana’s forests—but did you know that just down the road is one of the state’s most fascinating historical gems? Garnet Ghost Town, nestled in the mountains of western Montana, is a must-visit for history lovers, hikers, photographers, and curious travelers alike.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this unforgettable piece of the past.

What is Garnet Ghost Town?

Garnet was a booming gold-mining town in the 1890s, once home to over 1,000 people. But when the gold ran out, so did the miners—and by the 1940s, Garnet was mostly abandoned. Today, it stands as Montana’s best-preserved ghost town, with original log cabins, saloons, and general stores still standing in eerie, beautiful silence.

Wander through more than 30 historic buildings and imagine life in a frontier town, surrounded by nothing but mountains and trees.

Read more in depth about the history of Garnet here.

How to Get There from The Hohnstead

The drive to Garnet Ghost Town is part of the adventure. It’s located about 40 minutes from The Hohnstead, with forested roads and scenic views the whole way.

From Montana Route 200: Turn south at the Garnet Range Road located between mile markers 22 and 23, about 30 miles east of Missoula. Follow the Range Road for approximately 11 miles to Garnet where the parking area is located.

Note: The last few miles of road are gravel and seasonal. It’s best visited May–October (and 4WD is helpful in spring or fall). Always check road conditions before heading out.

Why It’s a Great Day Trip from The Hohnstead

• Easy to pair with a half-day hike or picnic

• Dog-friendly! Leashed pets are welcome to explore with you

• Offers a break from total solitude without venturing into a big town

• Great for photographers, families, and history buffs

• Cool temperatures and forest shade make it enjoyable even in summer

• Easy pairing with a trip to the lakes (Holland, Seeley, Inez, Rainy, Salmon, or Placid Lakes with kayaks or Sup available for rent from The Hohnstead).

“Named one of America’s coolest ghost towns by
Travel + Leisure”

What to Do at Garnet

• Take a self-guided tour through the preserved buildings

• Play guessing games (inside the main building as well as at the Visitor Center) to see what old objects were used for

• Visit the Garnet Visitor Center (summer only) for maps, info, and souvenirs

• Explore nearby trails like the Warren Park Trail, Sierra Mine Loop Trail, or Placer Trail

• Attend seasonal events like guided history walks or ghost tours (check ahead). Check Garnet's Facebook page for more.

• Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch in the designated picnic areas

Admission is subject to change, but it was $10 during our last visit in Summer 2024. Bring cash!

Return to Comfort at The Hohnstead

After a day of walking dusty trails and peeking into the past, come back to your private glamping cabin to relax, stargaze, and unwind. Maybe even tell a ghost story or two around the fire...

Whether you're into Montana history or just looking for a unique side adventure, Garnet Ghost Town is the perfect local gem to explore during your stay.

Plan Your Stay

Ready to explore the ghostly past and the peaceful present? Book your stay at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins—a forest retreat perfectly located for day trips, hikes, and off-grid relaxation.

Located just a short drive from Garnet Ghost Town and other hidden Montana treasures.

Let’s pick your cabin in the woods.

Explore Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in The Wild in Lincoln, Montana

If you had 20 acres in rural Montana and wanted to somehow unite international artists under one mission, how would you do it?

Welcome to Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in The Wild in Lincoln, Montana, where rich cultural, environmental and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley is celebrated through contemporary artworks by various artists in residency in about 3 weeks time.

Located about one hour away from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins and 1.5 hours from Missoula, Montana, Sculptures in The Wild is a wonderful, pet-friendly (on the leash) and free park, where you can take a walk, have a picnic, and enjoy the works of over a dozen international artists who created various sculptures made of natural and industrial materials.

26 acres of forested land have been allotted for this artistic endeavor and every time I’ve visited, it has been so peaceful and serene, with very little human traffic, making me feel like the place was built just for me.

You’re able to explore the space on your own time, walking in any direction on easy to traverese trails.

There are maps in the beginning to guide you in the direction of specific sculptures, but I prefer to let mystery and curiosity guide me every time I go.

Some of the artists include Jaakko Pernu (Finland), Jorn Ronnau (Denmark), Steven Siegel (USA), Chris Drury (UK) and Patrick Dougherty (USA). Since Sculptures in The Wild is a residency program with an annual changeover, you’re likely to see some new pieces of art regularly.

For me, one of my favorites is called Hill and Valley by Steven Siegel from USA. His art work has been there since 2014 and it’s still an impressive site - 30,000 pounds of newspaper, 400 pounds of nails, and 28 pine lodge poles.

It just makes me ask one question: How?

There are no specific open hours, just dawn to dusk, my favorite time was during Golden Hour.

So go ahead, grab your pet and some picnic lunch, and check off this Top 15 Places To Road trip as named by Sixt Magazine in 2023.

If you enjoy the peaceful nature of Sculptures in The Wild, you’ll definitely enjoy staying at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, about one hour away in Bonner, Montana. We’ve got 5 cozy, peaceful cabins for you and your pet to enjoy and if you’re an artist yourself, ask us about our own Artist Fellowship Program.