The Bank

The Bank

Nestled in the heart of the Shield Valley is the small ranching community of Wilsall, Montana. The wide-open space of this valley is surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Bridger to the west, the Crazy to the east and the Absaroka to the south. A real smorgasbord for the eyes.

What keeps bringing me back to Wilsall in addition to the natural beauty is the Bank. What used to be the town bank is now a bar. Located on Main Street, you can’t miss this stone edifice that was built to last. What used to be the town’s financial institution is now a mighty fine bar and restaurant.

Walking through the door is stepping into old Montana. A long bar with plenty of elbow room. The back bar with its classic mirror accents all the liquid refreshments a thirsty cowboy needs after a long day in the saddle. With high table seating and buckets of salted peanuts and discarded shells scattered on the floor, it’s a great place to kick back and relax. On the back bar in a large glass case is a stuffed two headed calf with six legs! The floor to ceiling vault is now the walk-in cooler.

Every once in a while, my boys and I take a drive and head to the Bank. The next time you are driving down Interstate 94 turn north on Highway 86. It is well worth the side trip to enjoy a burger and a beer. I suggest you try the Vault burger with blue cheese, or the Thunder Jack with jalapeños and fried onions. Mighty fine eating!

Here, in Montana, it’s getting difficult to find places that haven’t been changed by modernization. Still, there remains places like Wilsall that keep the flavor of the old West. I enjoy finding those oases that give a sense of the past in the midst of the grandeur of Montana.

It must be time to head out again to Wilsall to make a deposit at the Bank.