Lima MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lima, Montana.
1. Spencer Opal Mine
GEM HUNTING ADVENTURE
Spencer Opal Mine offers visitors a unique opportunity to dig for their own precious opals in Montana. Visitors can spend hours sifting through opal-bearing material, keeping whatever treasures they find. The mine is considered one of the region's most hands-on geological attractions, perfect for families and rockhounding enthusiasts.
2. Clark Canyon Dam
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Clark Canyon Dam creates a picturesque reservoir that serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The dam offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and is known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities nearby, making it an ideal spot for multi-day outdoor adventures.
3. Lima Community Church
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
Lima Community Church stands as a historic landmark in this small Montana town, representing the spiritual heritage of the community. The church features charming architecture that reflects the town's history and rural character. Visitors appreciate both the building's aesthetic appeal and its significance to local culture.
4. The Peat
LOCAL CULTURAL HOTSPOT
The Peat serves as a cultural gathering place for locals and visitors in Lima. This establishment offers a taste of authentic Montana small-town hospitality and community spirit. Visitors can experience local culture and potentially enjoy regional entertainment while mingling with Lima residents.
5. Lima Reservoir
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lima Reservoir attracts anglers from across the region seeking excellent fishing opportunities in a scenic mountain setting. The reservoir is known for its healthy fish populations and picturesque surroundings that showcase Montana's natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy floating, boating, and wildlife viewing while spending time on these peaceful waters.
6. Jan's Café and Cabins
FAMOUS HOMEMADE PIES
Jan's Café and Cabins has earned recognition from Montana Magazine for serving the "best homemade pies" in the region. This charming establishment offers comfortable accommodation options for visitors exploring Lima and the surrounding natural attractions. The café provides hearty, home-style meals that perfectly complement a day of outdoor adventure in Southwest Montana.
7. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
TRUMPETER SWAN SANCTUARY
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for the majestic trumpeter swan and numerous other wildlife species near Lima. The refuge offers exceptional bird watching opportunities, particularly at twilight when swans can be photographed in stunning natural light. Visitors can explore this pristine wilderness area while appreciating its vital role in conservation efforts.
8. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest encompasses over 3.3 million acres of pristine wilderness near Lima, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure. The forest features diverse ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests, all teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Visitors can explore numerous trails, fish in crystal-clear streams, or simply enjoy the tranquility of Montana's largest national forest.
9. Red Rock River
PREMIER FLY FISHING WATERS
Red Rock River stretches for nearly 70 miles, offering world-class fly fishing opportunities and scenic vistas near Lima. The river is renowned for its healthy trout populations and relatively uncrowded fishing conditions compared to more famous Montana waterways. Visitors can float sections of the river while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
10. Crystal Park
MOUNTAIN CRYSTAL DIGGING
Crystal Park is a unique recreational area where visitors can dig for quartz crystals in a designated 220-acre site near Lima. This high-mountain site at 7,800 feet elevation has been producing beautiful crystals for enthusiasts for decades. Families particularly enjoy this hands-on experience where everyone can take home their crystal treasures as souvenirs of their Montana adventure.
11. Bannack State Park
PRESERVED GHOST TOWN
Bannack State Park preserves a well-maintained ghost town that was Montana's first territorial capital and the site of a major gold discovery in 1862. Visitors can walk the deserted streets and explore more than 60 historic structures that tell the story of Montana's mining boom. The park offers guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and special events like Bannack Days that bring the town's colorful history to life.
12. Big Hole National Battlefield
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Big Hole National Battlefield commemorates a tragic 1877 battle between the Nez Perce tribe and U.S. Army forces during the tribe's attempt to flee to Canada. The site preserves both the battlefield and the Nez Perce camp, offering visitors a chance to learn about this significant event in American history. Walking trails with interpretive signs guide visitors through the terrain while the visitor center provides exhibits and educational programs about the conflict and Nez Perce culture.
13. Centennial Outfitters
AUTHENTIC MONTANA ADVENTURES
Centennial Outfitters provides guided outdoor experiences for visitors wanting to explore the wilderness areas surrounding Lima. Their services include fishing expeditions, hunting trips, and backcountry pack trips led by experienced local guides. Visitors can enjoy authentic Montana adventures while benefiting from local knowledge about the best spots for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
14. Lewis & Clark Caverns Trail System
LIMESTONE CAVE WONDERS
Lewis & Clark Caverns Trail System leads to one of the most spectacular limestone caverns in the Northwest, featuring stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The trail system offers various hiking options with beautiful views of the Jefferson River valley before reaching the cave entrance. Guided tours take visitors through electrically lit passages where they can marvel at the natural underground architecture that has developed over millions of years.
15. Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
MONTANA'S LIVING MUSEUM
Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is Montana's only full-time botanic garden and arboretum, showcasing plants that thrive in the region's challenging climate. The gardens feature themed areas including a rose garden, vegetable garden, and wildflower meadow, all nestled in a picturesque mountain setting. Visitors can stroll along peaceful paths beside Prickly Pear Creek, enjoying the diverse plant collections and seasonal blooms in this living museum.