Bonner- West Riverside, MT
Established- 1886
Population- 1,445
Elevation- 3,288′
Bonner, Montana, historically emerged as a bustling company town in 1886 with the establishment of a large sawmill by the Montana Improvement Company, founded by Edward L. Bonner and his partners. For over a century, the mill was the heart of the community, providing housing, a store, and even establishing the first school and churches. While the mill eventually closed in 2008, Bonner has since transformed into a quiet, scenic community at the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers, just east of Missoula. Living in Bonner today offers a blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to Missoula’s amenities. Residents enjoy abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking trails at Milltown State Park, and golf at Canyon River Golf Course, all within a landscape defined by mountains and rivers. The community still retains some of its historic charm with early 1900s homes, though it’s also seeing modern development, and while the industrial past is evident, efforts are underway to preserve its heritage and natural beauty.