Smuggler Mine Ghost Town

Smuggler Mine is a small ghost town located about seven miles from Sheridan, MT, on Mill Creek. On our two-day drive exploring the history of the “Vigilante Trail” that encircles the Tobacco Root Mountains, we found this cool location steeped in history.

After waking up from a beautiful night camping at the Campsite on Mill Creek, we started driving toward Branham Lakes and stumbled upon this great little ghost town right off the road! The lack of signage and fanfare made this spot seem secretive — as if John and I were the first people discovering the ruins of about a dozen of the Smuggler Mining Company’s abandoned, dilapidated buildings.

In 1864, folks found some mining luck along Mill Creek. This operation changed hands a couple of times, and wasn’t ever a huge operation — but apparently the Smuggler Mine was producing gold, silver, and copper until the end of the 1930s, and then the place was abandoned and fell into decay.

There's a tiny l road that drives off the main road through the old buildings, but you'll absolutely need a four wheel drive vehicle to delicately drive on this. But you can easily park and walk around the whole area.

You should be able to get here easily by clicking on driving directions. You’ll see the remains of the buildings and the awesome stone gateposts off the road on the left. Take your time exploring, and leave no trace so that others can enjoy it!

Here's the link to the Campsite on Mill Creek in the area — https://www.montanamadeeasy.com/adventures/campsite-on-mill-creek-in-the-tobacco-root-mountains-camping-montana Here's the Branham Lakes Adventure nearby! — https://www.montanamadeeasy.com/adventures/branham-lakes-campground-and-picnic-area-hiking-swimming-photo-opp-floating-kayaking-camping-montana