Polaris, Montana facts for kids

Polaris is a small, quiet place in Beaverhead County, Montana, in the United States. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it's not officially a city or town with its own local government, but it's still a recognized place where people live. Polaris has its own post office and a special code called a ZIP code, which is 59746. You can find Polaris in the beautiful Grasshopper Valley, right along the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway. It's located southeast of a town called Wisdom.

The Story of Polaris

Polaris got its name from the Polaris Mine. This mine was a very busy place where people dug for silver. It operated for many years, from 1885 until 1922.

Early Days of Polaris

Long ago, Polaris was a busy mining town. It had a general store, a post office, and even a saloon. Hundreds of miners lived north of Polaris. They worked at places like the Elkhorn Mine and the Coolidge Mine, along with other smaller mines. Mail for the entire Grasshopper Valley was sent to the Polaris post office. It still is today!

What Polaris is Like Now

Today, Polaris is known for different things. People here grow hay and raise horses and cattle. But more and more, Polaris is becoming a popular spot for visitors. Many people come here for fun and outdoor activities.

Fun Things to Do in Polaris

There are many exciting places to visit around Polaris.

• Maverick Mountain Ski Area is a great place for skiing.
• You can also find the Montana High Country Tours Lodge and the Grasshopper Inn.
• Elkhorn Hotsprings offers a chance to relax in warm water.
• Bannack State Park is nearby, where you can explore an old ghost town.
• Crystal Park is another unique spot to visit.

Polaris is also very close to amazing outdoor adventures. You can find "blue ribbon" trout streams, which are perfect for fishing. There are also hundreds of trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Plus, you can find trailheads that lead to beautiful mountain lakes.

Weather in Polaris

Polaris has a type of weather called a semi-arid climate. This means it's usually quite dry. On climate maps, this is shown as "BSk." On average, Polaris gets about 49 inches of snow each year.

Learning in Polaris

Kids in Polaris attend elementary school right in the community. When they are ready for high school, students go to Beaverhead County High School.