“Montana is my favorite place ever — after visiting the Southwest region of Montana, you can get a glimpse as to why. There's just something so awe-inspiring about the landscapes and all of the daily things that can draw you in.”
— Ramontay McConnell (@rodeoramontay) traveled through southwestern Montana and came face-to-face with the Western culture that defines this region.
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Looking for a Labor Day getaway? Set your GPS to Dillon for Montana’s Biggest Weekend, a celebration of Western tradition with rodeos, exhibitions and a carnival. Along the way, visit historic sites that help to tell the story of the region and discover the area’s natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. This southwestern adventure embraces the end of summer the Montana way.
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Your Labor Day weekend excursion begins in Ennis, a charming small town situated in the heart of the Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root mountain ranges. Its prime location makes Ennis popular for fly-fishing on the Madison River or recreating in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. With an eclectic mix of cowboy culture and outdoor energy, this is the perfect base camp for adventure. Enjoy a hearty meal and settle in for the night to prepare for the days ahead.
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Start the day with breakfast before visiting some of Ennis’ popular attractions, including the RiverStone Gallery for art enthusiasts, Shedhorn Sports to stock up on outdoor gear or the Ennis National Fish Hatchery, where you can tour the largest facility in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Broodstock Program. Looking for some relaxation? Just a short drive north is Norris Hot Springs, home to geothermal pools that are naturally warmed to 120 degrees. On select days, local artists perform live on the pool deck, turning the place into a real party. Return to town for lunch, and travel to Virginia City to wander the streets of this historic gold rush boom town. Serving as Montana’s territorial capital for 10 years, Virginia City and neighboring Nevada City have been largely restored with their Old Western charm preserved. Stop in to Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery to peruse the collections of locally and nationally acclaimed artists, or visit the Nevada City Museum and Music Hall to see the largest collection of Old West artifacts outside of the Smithsonian.
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Today, you’ll wake up before the sun and head to Boot Hill Cemetery to watch the sunrise. This historic area is the final resting place of five infamous vigilantes and offers a scenic vantage point. Then, grab breakfast and head to Dillon for their Labor Day weekend celebrations. Located just south of Butte, Dillon is squarely placed in the center of a sweeping valley. There’s plenty to see in town, including Clark’s Lookout State Park and Atomic 79 Boots and Western Wear. After, you’ll make your way to the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds for the first events of Montana’s Biggest Weekend. This jam-packed festival weekend includes livestock shows, exhibitions, youth and PRCA rodeos and a country concert. Tonight, you’ll attend the Dillon Jaycee PRCA Rodeo to experience Montana’s state sport the way it’s meant to be.
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Enjoy breakfast in town before setting out for a UTV excursion nearby with Beaverhead Adventures. Routes take riders along exciting terrain that is paired with stunning scenery along the way. After your ride, head back to the fairgrounds to catch another PRCA rodeo and the annual Labor Day concert, which features an internationally recognized country artist each year. Spend the rest of the night jamming out under the stars before returning to your hotel for some well-deserved shut-eye.
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To kick off the final day of your southwestern Montana getaway, head to the Dillon Fire Department for their annual Labor Day pancake breakfast. This fundraiser for the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department is a Labor Day weekend mainstay and is the perfect way to fuel up. Then, scope out the best spot on Glendale Street to watch the Labor Day Parade — a beloved local tradition with bands, floats and a showcase of local organizations. End your trip enjoying the electric energy to celebrate the end of another summer.
