Overview
Dillon is the county seat and the primary trading area for the residents of Beaverhead and western Madison counties. In town, you will find the headquarters of the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forests, the local field office for the Bureau of Land Management and the University of Montana Western.

Dillon also is the center of Montana’s largest cattle and hay producing areas, and is one of Montana’s top agricultural areas.

Location
Dillon is located at an altitude of 5102 feet, approximately 40 miles east of the Continental Divide and about 115 miles southwest of Bozeman, MT. Butte, MT is 65 miles to the north and Idaho Falls, ID lies 150 miles south on I 15.

Services/Amenities
Due to its close proximity to the surrounding forests and BLM lands; there are many campgrounds in the area. In addition, you will find motel, hotel, cabins and guest ranches in Dillon.

From drive-in fast food to family restaurants, you can find something to satisfy your appetite in town.

Dillon also has a Visitor Center, several banks, service stations and various other amenities normally found in a community of approximately 4,000 individuals.

Activities
Every section of the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest has dozens of mountain lakes, great fishing rivers and streams and lots of wildlife. Here you will find great opportunities for all type of outdoor recreation.

Downtown, you will find unique shops and galleries, and the feeling you get in a small western college town.

Attractions
The highlights of this area of Southwestern Montana include the picturesque area of Clark Canyon Dam and Reservoir, fishing on the Beaverhead River, many opportunities for hunting and camping, as well as the chance to explore part of the section of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

The University of Montana Western‘s main hall was built in 1896. It houses a museum and gallery that features traveling exhibits, student art, and a permanent art collection.

Getting Here
To travel from Dillon to Bozeman, the shortest and most scenic route is to take MT-41 north and follow the signs until you get to the junction of I-90 – a distance of approximately 65 miles.

At the junction with I-90 turn east and travel another 50 miles to Bozeman.

As you travel north prior to the junction of I-90, you will pass through the charming communities of Twin Bridges, Silver Star, Waterloo and Whitehall. All of which would warrant a stop to check out the local stores and shops.

The countryside will be dotted with cattle ranches with rolling hills in the background.