Distinguished as the largest in Montana, Beaverhead County includes 5,551 square miles of diverse geography including 30 square miles Blue Ribbon Trout Streams. Larger than the state of Connecticut, the county is home to less than 10,000 residents.

The county is home to many generational cattle ranches, including the largest, Matador Ranch.  Ranching and agri-business is the largest economic sector in the county.  In Beaverhead County, there are more cows than people.

Beaverhead County cities include Dillon, the county seat, and Lima, as well as the communities of Argenta, Bannack, Dell, Dewey, Glen, Grant, Elkhorn, Jackson, Lakeview, Monida, Polaris, Wisdom and Wise River. Geologic features, abundant recreational opportunities, a rich cultural history and a wide array of events and activities make the county a very attractive destination for a vacation or a lifetime.

Climate

Surrounded by the Continental Divide on three sides, Beaverhead County area is unique in that it is both cold and dry. Locally known as the Montana’s Banana Belt, precipitation varies widely. Average annual amounts range from 10 inches in Dillon to over 50 inches in mountains forming the Continental Divide. Two-thirds of precipitation in mountains is snow.  Typical winter has snow in the mountains and relatively dry in the valleys.

• Average Temperatures: January 21°F; July 66°F
• Normal frost-free days for Dillon is 99. Cloudy weather rarely exceeds more than few days.

Cultural

Community Concert Series, community theater, community band and orchestra, Shakespeare in the Park, The University of Montana Western Art Gallery, Lunch in the Park series, Southwest Montana Arts Council.

Activities

Hiking in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (the largest in Montana), snowmobiling, skiing, hot springs, hunting, camping, and of course, fly fishing in either the Big Hole or Beaverhead Rivers.  Rodeos are a big attraction each summer.  The Dillon Jaycees hosts Montana’s Largest Rodeo over Labor Day weekend each year and the Beaverhead Chamber hosts the Sr. Pro Rodeo each summer.

Visit Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture or Dillon Convention & Visitors Bureau for more tourism information:  www.beaverheadchamber.org  www.visitdillonmt.com  

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