Drummond calls itself the “Bullshippers Capital of the World” — and earns the title without irony. For decades, cattle ranchers from across Granite County drove their herds to Drummond’s Northern Pacific stockyards for shipping east.
The town built its identity around livestock, railroads, and the rodeo culture that connects both. The annual Drummond Rodeo has been running for generations.
The Northern Pacific tracks still run through town. And Drummond still sits at one of the best intersections in southwest Montana — the eastern junction of the Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1), one of the state’s finest scenic byways.
TL;DR
- Drummond (~340) is a ranching and railroad community in Granite County on I-90, at the eastern terminus of the Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1) toward Philipsburg, Georgetown Lake, and Anaconda.
- Self-proclaimed “Bullshippers Capital of the World” — a legitimate title earned through livestock shipping history.
- Home to the Drummond Rodeo, one of Montana’s longest-running annual rodeos.
- The Flint Creek Valley begins south of Drummond — one of Montana’s most scenic I-90 detours.
- Best for: I-90 road trippers, the Pintler Scenic Route detour, rodeo culture, and the scenic MT-1 corridor.
Drummond at a Glance
| Population (2020) | ~340 |
|---|---|
| County | Granite County |
| Region | Southwest Montana |
| I-90 exit | Exit 153 |
| Distance to Missoula | ~55 miles west (~55 min) |
| Distance to Butte | ~60 miles east (~1 hour) |
| Distance to Philipsburg | ~25 miles south on MT-1 (~30 min) |
| Best for | Pintler Scenic Route access, Drummond Rodeo, Flint Creek Valley |
What Makes Drummond Different
Most I-90 drivers pass Drummond at 80 mph without registering its significance. That’s because the significant thing about Drummond isn’t the town itself — it’s the MT-1 junction immediately south of town.
The Pintler Scenic Route begins here, running 63 miles south through the Flint Creek Valley, past Philipsburg (Sweet Palace, sapphires, Philipsburg Brewing), Georgetown Lake, and Anaconda (Smelter Stack, Old Works Golf) before rejoining I-90 west of Butte. This is one of Montana’s most rewarding scenic detours and Drummond is the door.
The rodeo culture is genuine. The “Bullshippers” nickname emerged from the real history of Northern Pacific livestock shipping — the stockyards that once defined the town’s economy. Today that culture lives in the annual rodeo, which draws from a real agricultural community rather than from tourism.
The Flint Creek Valley itself — running south toward Philipsburg — holds the Sapphire Range to the east and the Flint Creek Range to the west, with the creek itself forming Blue Ribbon trout water accessible from MT-1.
For broader trip context, see my Montana cities and towns hub.
The Top 10 Things to Do In & Around Drummond
1. Drive the Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1 South)
The 63-mile MT-1 corridor from Drummond to I-90 near Warm Springs — through the Flint Creek Valley, past Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake, to Anaconda. One of Montana’s finest scenic byways and the single best reason to exit I-90 at Drummond. Allow half a day.
2. Drummond Rodeo (Summer)
One of Montana’s longest-running annual rodeos — genuine agricultural community event with PRCA competition. Draws from the ranching families of Granite County and surrounding areas. Dates vary; check the Granite County Chamber.
3. Flint Creek Valley Drive
The valley south of Drummond follows Flint Creek — the Sapphire Range rises to the east. Excellent deer and elk viewing in morning and evening. The creek itself holds brown and rainbow trout.
4. Georgetown Lake (35 miles south)
A mountain reservoir between Philipsburg and Anaconda — boating, fishing (kokanee salmon, rainbow trout), swimming, and Discovery Ski Area adjacent.
5. Philipsburg (30 miles south)
Sweet Palace, Sapphire Gallery, Philipsburg Brewing, Granite Ghost Town. See Philipsburg guide.
6. Anaconda & Smelter Stack (50 miles south)
The 585-foot Anaconda Smelter Stack, Old Works Golf Course, Washoe Theatre. See Anaconda guide.
7. Flint Creek Trout Fishing
MT-1 parallels Flint Creek for much of its length — multiple fishing access sites with brown and rainbow trout.
8. Clark Fork River Access (I-90 near Drummond)
The Clark Fork runs near I-90 in this area — walleye, bass, and some trout.
9. Drummond Bar & Café
The genuine community gathering place — Granite County ranchers, truckers, and travelers sharing the same counter since the railroad era.
10. Garrison Junction Area (10 miles east)
Where I-90 meets US-12 — the junction leading to Avon and Powell County. Small but historically significant railroad junction.
Where to Stay
| Hotel | Vibe | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pintlar [sic] Hotel | Historic basic | $80–120 | Budget travelers |
| Drummond motels | Basic options | $80–130 | Road trippers |
| Philipsburg (30 min south) | Broadway Hotel, more character | $120–180 | Character seekers |
| Missoula (55 min west) | Full selection | $140–250 | More variety |
Where to Eat
- Drummond Bar & Café — the community institution; Western bar food
- Wagon Wheel Bar — local alternative
- Philipsburg dining (30 min south) — Philipsburg Brewing, better options
Getting There
I-90 Exit 153. From Missoula: 55 miles east (~55 min). From Butte: 60 miles west (~1 hour).
When to Visit
Summer (June–August): Drummond Rodeo, full Pintler Scenic Route access. Year-round for the scenic route to Philipsburg (open all winter, though check conditions).
Personal Tips
Take MT-1 south. Every I-90 traveler between Missoula and Butte should know that the Pintler Scenic Route from Drummond to Philipsburg and Anaconda is dramatically more beautiful than the I-90 direct route and only 30 minutes longer.
Drummond Bar is the authentic stop. Not polished for visitors — that’s exactly the point.
Quick Facts
| Founded | 1883 (Northern Pacific Railroad) | | Named for | C.M. Drummond, railroad official | | Pintler Scenic Route | Begins at Drummond; 63 miles to I-90 near Warm Springs | | Average summer high | 81°F | | Average winter low | 10°F |
Conclusion
Drummond’s value to travelers is almost entirely about what’s south of it — the Pintler Scenic Route is one of Montana’s best I-90 detours, and Philipsburg at its end is worth every mile. But the town itself, with its rodeo heritage and Bullshippers identity, deserves a stop long enough to appreciate what genuine ranch-country Montana looks like from the inside.
Have a Drummond question? Drop it in the comments — I read every one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drummond Montana worth visiting?
Worth an I-90 stop primarily as the junction for the Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1) — one of Montana’s finest scenic byways running south 63 miles through the Flint Creek Valley to Philipsburg, Georgetown Lake, and Anaconda. The Drummond Rodeo is worth attending if timing aligns; the Drummond Bar is an authentic western community stop.
What is the Pintler Scenic Route from Drummond?
The Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1) runs 63 miles south from Drummond through the Flint Creek Valley, past Philipsburg (the Sweet Palace, sapphire mining, and Philipsburg Brewing), Georgetown Lake, and Anaconda (the 585-foot Smelter Stack and Old Works Golf Course), rejoining I-90 near Warm Springs. It’s significantly more scenic than the I-90 direct route with only modest additional travel time.
How far is Drummond from Missoula?
Drummond is approximately 55 miles east of Missoula on I-90 — about a 55-minute drive. Exit 153.
How far is Drummond from Philipsburg?
Drummond is approximately 25 miles north of Philipsburg via MT-1 (the Pintler Scenic Route) — about a 30-minute drive south through the Flint Creek Valley.
