Upper Canyon Outfitters is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, clear rushing rivers and the 3.35 million acres of the Beaverhead National Forest just a few steps from our home. But take a short drive and you’ll find even more to explore in towns, cities and attractions rich in western history.
From larger cities like Bozeman, Dillon and Butte, to frontier boomtowns like Nevada City and Virginia that still reflect the history of the way the west was, and the natural wonders of attractions like the Lewis and Clark Caverns, and our nation’s first National Park – Yellowstone.
VIRGINIA CITY, Est. 1863
This former mining town established in 1863 still gives visitors a chance to step back in time to the early days of the old west. The main street is lined with authentic western shops, saloons, museums, restaurants and historic buildings still filled as they were when the doors were closed forever. Located just 33 miles from our ranch, Virginia City is a great place to take a history tour, ghost walk, kick back with your favorite drink, or catch an authentic 19th century show at the Virginia City Players and the Opera House. For a schedule of performances and times, ask for the play schedule in our UCO Store. Virginia City Chamber of Commerce Website
NEVADA CITY, Est. 1863
As you drive from the ranch to Virginia City, you pass through the old mining camp of Nevada City, which today stands as an outdoor historical museum with more than 90 buildings to explore and artifacts from the area’s colorful past and mining history.
ENNIS, Est. 1863
Ennis is a great little western town of art galleries, golf, unique western shops, restaurants, and fly shops that serve fly fishermen from across the country who come to fish the Madison River and other nearby waters. Ennis is an easy 47 mile drive from our ranch. Ennis Chamber of Commerce Website
DILLON, Est. 1880
Seventy miles from Upper Canyon is the farm and ranch community of Dillon. Here you can explore history at the Beaverhead County Museum or enjoy the art galleries and collection of native Montana wildlife at the Western Montana College.
BUTTE, Est. 1870
Montana’s first major city and at one time the largest city west of the Mississippi between Chicago and San Francisco, Butte began as a gold and silver mining camp. But when the demand for copper grew at the turn of the century, the city boomed and was soon known around the world as the “Richest hill on earth.” Today, visitors can explore Butte’s rich history and find shops, an airport, a hospital and The Lady of the Rockies – a 90-foot tall statue overlooking the city from its mountain-top location. Each day busses take visitors to and from the statue for breathtaking panoramic views from the observation deck. Butte is located 90 miles from our ranch.
BOZEMAN, Est. 1864
For many of our guests, Bozeman is where Montana adventure begins as they land at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Founded in 1864, today this city features shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University, where visitors can find a world-class dinosaur exhibit, native American artifacts and learn about the history of Montana through exhibits and displays. Located 90 miles from our ranch, Bozeman is a bustling hub of activity and also offers the area’s largest concentration of hotel accommodations. If you’re looking for a room for the night, we recommend the Best Western Gran Tree Inn, which offers our guests a special rate. Just call 1-800-624-5865 and tell them you’re a guest of Upper Canyon for a room discount.
YELLOWSTONE PARK
Designated as our nation’s first National Park by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, Yellowstone features over two million acres of lakes, rivers, canyons, mountain ranges and amazing examples of geothermal activity, including the world famous Old Faithful Geyser. In addition to the beauty of this amazing landscape, the park is also home to grizzly bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. Just 90 miles from our ranch, Yellowstone is a national treasure everyone should explore. Yellowstone National Park Website
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Seventy miles from our ranch you’ll find Montana’s first and best-known park where you can camp, hike and experience one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. For more information about tour times, activities and visitor center hours, visit the Lewis & Clark State Park Website.
