Life in Dillon centers on agriculture, history and the outdoors
This small ranching community in Montana's Beaverhead Valley was named after Union Pacific Railroad President Sidney Dillon, a key figure in the town's development in the 19th century. Originally known for gold mining, Dillon evolved into a hub for cattle and sheep ranching. "There's a lot of agriculture and cows here. It has a bit of a cowboy culture," says resident Bailey Escott, a Realtor with Beaverhead Home and Ranch. Outdoor recreation also defines life in Dillon, from horseback riding to fishing. “Everything is outdoors,” Escott adds. A quaint downtown district connects residents to locally owned shops and restaurants.
Public lands and parks make Dillon an outdoor playground
Recreation is abundant in Dillon. “People hunt and horseback ride, and fishing is huge here,” Escott says, Nearby Grasshopper Boat Launch provides access to the Beaverhead River, and Anderson & Platt Outfitters offers fly-fishing charters. Clark’s Lookout State Park is one of several hiking destinations, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Public land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management surrounds the community. “You can pick about any direction from town and be in the mountains on a side-by-side or ATV,” Escott says. Jaycee Park features a pair of playgrounds and a splash pad open on days when temperatures are above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Beaverhead Golf Course borders the community's northeastern side, with a nine-hole course open to the public. Maverick Mountain Resort is a 40-mile trip west, with 24 ski runs open on weekends throughout winter. The local YMCA and Dillon Public Library offer indoor programs year-round.
Tree-lined streets feature 1900s homes and recently built ranch styles
Housing options are mainly single-family homes. Early 1900s Victorians, bungalows and cottages line residential streets in the heart of town, and mid-to-late 20th-century ranch styles fill the rest of the community. Sidewalks run throughout the area. Backyards are typically fenced in, and most feature a detached garage for additional storage. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $400,000, slightly above the national figure. Several townhouses are also available across the community with a median sales price of around $300,000.
Independent shops and restaurants dot downtown Dillon
Downtown Dillon features an assortment of locally owned retailers, like Bookstore and the Patagonia Outlet specializing in outdoor clothing and equipment. Several restaurants share the walkable district, including Papa T’s, a popular American diner. Sparkies Garage is another busy spot in town, with a 1950s car garage-inspired interior. Here, a beer comes paired with traditional barbecue entrees like brisket and cornbread. Safeway and Dollar Tree are available in town, and Dillon Farmers Market runs on select Saturday mornings from late June through late September. The nearest big-box store is Walmart Supercenter in Butte, 68 miles north.
Local schools and University of Montana Western
Parkview Elementary School and Dillon Middle School both score A-minus ratings on Niche. Beaverhead County High School earns a B-minus and is widely regarded for its athletic teams. Since 2000, its football team has won eight Class A State Championships, and its boys’ basketball team has won four. University of Montana Western, founded as Montana State Normal School in 1896, is the area’s sole higher education institution, offering more than 90 undergraduate programs.
Montana's Biggest Weekend and other annual events
Dillon hosts multiple events throughout the year, and Escott notes Montana’s Biggest Weekend as a staple of the area. “It’s over Labor Day weekend, and that’s when we have the big ranch rodeo, parade and a bunch of activities,” she says. Dillon Days in late July celebrates the community’s history with guided tours of historic downtown buildings and living history demonstrations of the area’s early industries. Competitions like the Barbeque Cook Off and Old Fashioned Baseball are annual staples of the event.
Getting around on Interstate 15
Interstate 15 connects the area to surrounding cities like Butte, home to the Bert Mooney Airport. The throughway also leads to Idaho Falls, some 140 miles southeast. State routes 41 and 91 are also accessible from within town.
Dillon's fire risk concerns and resources
Much of the area faces a major risk of wildfires, specifically during summer. Beaverhead County has several online resources, including information on fire prevention and emergency alerts.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
