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Marysville Ghost Town

4.7
·1k reviews·Garnet, United States

A remarkably preserved 1890s gold-mining town, Marysville offers a tangible journey into Montana's past with its intact log cabins and historical char...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime exploration

History comes alive

CrowdMedium
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Garnet Ghost Town

Marysville Ghost Town

Best Time

Daytime exploration

History comes alive

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remarkably preserved 1890s gold-mining town, Marysville offers a tangible journey into Montana's past with its intact log cabins and historical charm.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"It’s like walking through time; history almost comes alive as you explore the grounds."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Avoid Cave Gulch Road

If you have a low car or aren't comfortable on gravel, skip Cave Gulch Road. Opt for the main road for a smoother arrival.

🗺️ Grab a Map

Maps are available at the gift shop or entrance box, essential for navigating and understanding the history of each building.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Preserved Log Cabins

Preserved Log Cabins

Throughout the townsite

Step back in time exploring compact, furnished log cabins from the 1890s gold rush era.

Informational Plaques & Maps

Informational Plaques & Maps

Gift shop and town entrance

Gain historical context with detailed plaques and maps that bring the town's past to life.

Coloma Ghost Settlement

Coloma Ghost Settlement

On the way to Marysville

Discover a smaller, intriguing ghost settlement on your approach to Marysville for an extended historical experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Past, Respect the Present

Marysville, Montana, isn't a true ghost town but a living historical site. While it evokes the 1890s gold rush era with preserved log cabins, it's actively maintained by a society and has residents. Visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully, as many buildings are fragile. Maps and informational plaques guide your journey through this tangible piece of Montana's mining history. Reddit

Navigating the Journey

Accessing Marysville involves gravel roads, with Cave Gulch Road being particularly challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Travelers recommend avoiding it if you're not accustomed to rough terrain or driving a car not suited for it. The scenic drive offers glimpses of wildlife, adding to the adventure before you even arrive. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime exploration
Why
History comes alive
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Scenic drives, wildlife
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Garnet from #StevenUniverse as requested ☺️ should I do #WhiteDiamond too? 🖤 #nonbinary
@theesudani
1.6M likes • 5.2M views

🚗 Avoid Cave Gulch Road

If you have a low car or aren't comfortable on gravel, skip Cave Gulch Road. Opt for the main road for a smoother arrival. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Map

Maps are available at the gift shop or entrance box, essential for navigating and understanding the history of each building. Reddit

i love them sm (don't pay attention to lyrics) #rupphire #stevenuniverse #stevenuniversegarnet #rupphireedit #garnetstevenuniverse #rubyandsapphire #stevenuniversesapphire #stevenuniverseruby #stevenuniverseedit #edit #fyp #cartoon #cartoonnetwork #lgbt #maryonacross
@lavaxxq
796.7K likes • 3.7M views
When you see pictures of Marysville, Montana online, it looks pretty deserted- but in actuality, it is quite opposite. This little town is home to a handful of incredible people who have helped keep the spirit & history alive. During its heyday, Marysville, had a population of over 3,000 people & featured multiple businesses, including saloons, hotels, stores, & even a newspaper! The town thrive...
vespervanlife
132 likes • 1.9K views

🦌 Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for deer and cows along the scenic drive and even in the parking lot! Reddit

⏳ Allow 1 Hour

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the town, perfect for a family outing or a quick historical stop. Reddit

Took a little drive, with friends, to Marysville, Mt. Stepped back in time and had a tasty dinner at Marysville House.#marysvillemt #marysvillehouse
dawgsontheroad
12 likes • 111 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Avoid Cave Gulch Road

If you have a low car or aren't comfortable on gravel, skip Cave Gulch Road. Opt for the main road for a smoother arrival. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Map

Maps are available at the gift shop or entrance box, essential for navigating and understanding the history of each building. Reddit

🦌 Wildlife Sightings

Keep an eye out for deer and cows along the scenic drive and even in the parking lot! Reddit

⏳ Allow 1 Hour

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the town, perfect for a family outing or a quick historical stop. Reddit

🤝 Consider Volunteering

You can volunteer as a steward to live in Marysville for a period, helping preserve its history. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Marysville for its excellent preservation, making it feel like a genuine step back in time. The historical context provided by plaques and maps enhances the exploration. While the scenic drive is a plus, some caution is advised regarding the gravel road conditions, particularly for certain vehicles.

"Such an incredibly fun experience, Garnet had been so well preserved it’s like walking through time and as you walk the grounds history almost comes alive. They have maps available at the gift shop and in a box near the entrance of the town, there are also several plaques which tell information about each building. A great place to spend the day exploring, also don’t forget about the small ghost settlement on the way in called Coloma."

Justin Brummage

"A fun experience! There are 2 gravel roads in and out The Cave Gulch road is a little scary if you're in a low car or aren't used to gravel I'd avoid the Gulch road. We spent about 1 hour here as a family. Definitely worth the stop."

Sarah Taylor

"Beautiful scenic drive to get there. Saw deer along the road and cows were munching right in the parking lot. Feels like everyone just left a decade ago. Worth the trip if you like the history."

Michelle Golding

What People Like

Incredibly well-preserved
Walking through time
Great historical context

What People Dislike

Rough gravel roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Marysville is accessed via gravel roads. While scenic, Cave Gulch Road can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. It's recommended to use the main road for a more comfortable journey. The drive itself offers beautiful Montana scenery and potential wildlife sightings. Reddit

While often called a ghost town, Marysville is more accurately a preserved historical site with a small community and residents. It offers a glimpse into the 1890s gold rush era with intact structures. Instagram+1

The drive is scenic, with opportunities to see deer and cows. Be prepared for gravel roads, especially if taking routes like Cave Gulch, which can be washboarded and rough. Reddit

It's advisable to have a vehicle suitable for gravel roads. Low-clearance cars may struggle with routes like Cave Gulch Road. Reddit

While the atmosphere can be eerie and evocative of its past, there's no widespread confirmation of paranormal activity. The focus is on historical preservation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Marysville is generally free, though donations are appreciated to support preservation efforts. Maps are often available for a small fee or donation. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, Marysville is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to explore the buildings and grounds. Reddit

There is no strict entrance fee, but donations are highly encouraged to help maintain the historic structures and grounds. Reddit

Maps are usually available at the gift shop or in a box located near the entrance of the town. Reddit

Many buildings are open for exploration, allowing you to see period furnishings. However, some may be closed for preservation or safety reasons. Always be respectful of the structures. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that about an hour is sufficient to explore the main areas of Marysville and appreciate its history. Reddit

You can explore preserved log cabins with period furnishings, historical plaques detailing the town's past, and the smaller Coloma ghost settlement nearby. Reddit+1

Basic facilities like a gift shop are usually available. Restrooms might be limited, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, Marysville offers a fun and educational experience for families, providing a tangible connection to Montana's mining history. Reddit

Marysville symbolizes an important era in Montana's hard rock mining history, showcasing the life and structures from the 1890s gold rush. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Marysville itself is a historical site, nearby towns like Helena offer dining options. Some sources mention Marysville House for a meal. Instagram

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's always good practice to pack out everything you pack in to help preserve the site. Reddit

The closest significant dining options would be in Helena, Montana, which is a short drive away and offers various restaurants. Instagram

Information on on-site cafes or snack bars is limited. It's best to check with the preservation society or plan to bring your own snacks. Reddit

Expect typical American fare in nearby towns. Marysville House is mentioned for a tasty dinner, suggesting a local, possibly hearty, menu. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The preserved log cabins, historical streetscapes, and the surrounding Montana landscape offer excellent photographic subjects. The infrared photography of the town has also been highlighted. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted and encouraged to capture the historical essence of Marysville. Instagram

While generally allowed, be mindful of any private residences or areas marked as off-limits. Respect the historical integrity of the site. Instagram

Its well-preserved 1890s architecture, rustic log cabins, and the sense of stepping back in time create a unique and photogenic atmosphere. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the historic buildings and landscape. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Marysville offers a unique and engaging experience for families looking to step back in time. The preserved log cabins and historical plaques provide a tangible history lesson that can capture children's imaginations. It's a great opportunity to discuss the gold rush era and pioneer life in a real-world setting. Reddit

Keep in mind the gravel roads leading to Marysville; ensure your vehicle is suitable for such terrain. While the town itself is compact and manageable for exploring with children, supervise them closely to ensure they respect the historical structures. The drive can also be an adventure, with potential sightings of deer and cows adding to the excitement. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love scenic drives and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Marysville is a perfect addition to a Montana road trip. The journey itself, with its gravel roads and potential wildlife encounters, is part of the adventure. Reddit

Be prepared for the road conditions, especially if opting for routes like Cave Gulch. The reward is reaching a well-preserved historical town that feels like a genuine step back in time. It’s a great spot to break up a longer drive and immerse yourself in local history. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

Marysville is a must-visit for anyone interested in Montana's mining history. As one of the state's most intact ghost towns, it offers an unparalleled look into the 1890s gold rush era. The preserved buildings, complete with period furnishings, and informative plaques provide rich historical context. Reddit

Take your time to explore each cabin and read the stories behind them. The effort put into preservation by the local society is evident and greatly enhances the visitor experience. Don't miss the nearby Coloma settlement for an even more comprehensive historical immersion. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Marysville: A Gold Rush Legacy

Marysville, Montana, was established in the 1890s during a significant gold rush. At its peak, it was a bustling town with a population of over 3,000, featuring numerous businesses like saloons and hotels. The town's existence was tied to the rich veins of gold discovered in the surrounding mountains. This era of prosperity, however, was relatively short-lived as mining fortunes eventually dwindled. Instagram

Today, Marysville stands as one of Montana's most intact ghost towns, a testament to its hard rock mining history. A dedicated society has put substantial effort into stabilizing and protecting the remaining historic structures, allowing visitors to experience a remarkably preserved slice of the past. Exploring the compact log cabins, many furnished with period details, offers a vivid impression of life during the late 19th century. Reddit+1

Beyond the main townsite, a smaller ghost settlement called Coloma is located on the way in, providing an even deeper dive into the region's mining heritage. This historical preservation ensures that the stories and legacy of the gold rush era continue to be told and appreciated by future generations. Reddit

Navigating Marysville's Roads and Access

Reaching Marysville, Montana, involves navigating rural roads, and the condition of these routes is a key consideration for visitors. The town is primarily accessed via gravel roads, which can present challenges depending on your vehicle and driving comfort. One specific route, Cave Gulch Road, is frequently mentioned as being particularly rough, with significant washboarding and potential difficulties for cars with low ground clearance. Reddit

Travelers strongly advise caution and suggest avoiding Cave Gulch Road if you are not accustomed to driving on such terrain or if your vehicle is not well-suited for it. The main road into Marysville is generally considered more manageable, though still a gravel surface. The scenic drive itself is often highlighted as a positive aspect of the journey, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer and cows along the way. Reddit

This emphasis on gravel road access means that planning your route and ensuring your vehicle is prepared is crucial for a smooth visit. The slightly remote location, about an hour off the main highway, also contributes to its preservation by deterring vandalism and maintaining its off-the-beaten-path charm. Reddit