BANNACK – This year, Bannack State Park will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park's signature event—Bannack Days.
In recognition of this significant milestone, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Bannack Association are hosting an art contest to commemorate how Bannack Days has showcased Montana's rich history over the past 50 years.
Art entries must feature a scene or subject related to Montana's pioneer days or Bannack's early history. Art entries must be submitted by March 1. Details on contest rules and entry information can be found here.
The winning artist will receive a cash award, and their art entry will be used in 2026 Bannack Days merchandise and featured in other FWP promotional materials.
About 20 miles west of Dillon, Bannack State Park is a national historic landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862. More than 50 historic buildings still line Bannack's Main Street. Bannack Days is a two-day annual event that celebrates the lifestyles of Montana citizens dating back to the 1860s. Held during the third weekend in July, Bannack Days brings this ghost town alive again with music, gunfights, wagon rides, gold panning and other family-friendly festivities.
For more information about the art contest, click here. For more information about Bannack State Park, click here.