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Experience the Old West of America established 1863
Explore a scenic route full of adventure...
ROBBERS ROOST
VIRGINIA CITY & NEVADA CITY
The Heart of Vigilante Country
2021 OFFICIAL REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE
1 . 8 0 0 . 8 2 9SOUTHWESTMT.COM .2969 w w w•. 800.879.1159 v i rg i n i a c i t y. c o m
CANADA
Cardston Rexford
Yaak Bonners Ferry
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
Sandpoint
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Heron
Trout Creek
Somers
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Elliston Haugan Plains De Borgia Paradise St. Regis
Charlo
the
ad
Swan Lake
er
ID AH O
Florence Stevensville Victor Corvallis
Hamilton
Philipsburg
Avon
Garrison GRANTKOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Boulder
Wisdom
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
278
Jackson
Salmon
McCall
DRIVING DISTANCES Calgary, AB, Canada 356 miles, 572 km Challis
Spokane, WA 264 miles, 424 km Seattle, WA 478 miles, 769 km
Silver Star Twin Bridges
Judith Gap
Three Forks
Laurin RUBY Nevada RIVER Ennis City VALLEY SCENIC Alder 278 ROUTE Virginia Dillon City MADISON Bannack Cameron RIVER VALLEY Grant SCENIC ROUTE 324 RED ROCK LAKES 324 Quake NATIONAL Lake WILDLIFE REFUGE BIG Dell SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY Lima BYWAY Lakeview Monida
Mud Lake
Rexburg
Sun Valley
Fishtail
Nye Roscoe Silver Gate
Gardiner
Tower Junction
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Cooke City
Robe
Red Lodge
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
Wapiti
AIRPORTS
Grand Teton
26
26
Bert Mooney Airport • Butte
Helena Regional Airport • Helena
406.494.3771, www.butteairport.com
406.442.2821, www.helenaairport.com
Idaho Falls
Dubois
Burris
Blackfoot
Bondurant
Alpine Shoshone
Absarokee
Pray Emigrant
Mammoth Hot Springs
C
McLeod
Bozeman
Big Sky
Greycliff Reed Poin
Me St. Anthony
Idaho Arco Denver, CO Falls, ID 577 miles, 928 km Las Vegas, NV 176 miles, 694 miles, 283 km Fairfield 1,116 km Phoenix, AZ Salt Lake City, UT Carey 867 miles, 363 miles, 584 km 1,395 km
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Gallatin Gateway Norris
Minneapolis, MN 936 miles, 1,506 km
Yellowstone National Park 148 miles, 238 km
Manhattan
Harrison
Stanley
Butte
Wilsall
Logan
Sheridan
Harlowton
Martinsdale Ringling
Cardwell LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS Pony
Two Dot
Townsend
Glacier National Park 245 miles, 394 km
Portland, OR 491 miles, 790 km
Los Angeles, CA 878 miles, 1,413 km
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
Whitehall
Jefferson City TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Utica
White Sulphur Springs
IDAHO
Horseshoe Bend
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide
Cascade
Basin
Lew Hobson
Neihart
Montana City Winston
Clancy
Stanford
Monarch
East Helena
Elliston
Anaconda
Sula
New Meadows
Helena
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
Wolf Creek
Deer Lodge
569
Belt
Stockett
Craig
Canyon Creek Marysville
Drummond PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Conner
Riggins
Ulm
Cascade
Georgetown Lake
Darby Grangeville
Winifred
Fort Shaw
Lincoln
Virgelle
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Ovando Bonner Greenough Helmville Clinton
Loma
Fort Benton
Condon
Missoula Lolo
Craigmont
Big Sandy
Brady
Bynum
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Havre
Box Elder
Conrad
Riv
Choteau Ronan
Rudyard
Dupuyer
St. Ignatius
Alberton
Kooskia
Heart Butte
Fla
Chester
Galata
Valier
Moiese Dixon
Superior
Orofino
Shelby
East Glacier Park
Polson
Avon
Kellogg
Bigfork
Lakeside
Noxon
85 95
Kila
Marion
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
MONTANA
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Climax
Opheim
Turner Loring
Scobey
Peerless
Whitewater
Crosby 85
Plentywood
Chinook
re
Westby
Whitetail Flaxville
Four Buttes
Medicine Lake
Fort Belknap Agency
Hinsdale
Saco
Dodson
Vandalia
Malta
Froid
Saint Marie
Glasgow
Culbertson
Wolf Point
Nashua
Williston
Poplar
Bainville Fairview
Fort Peck Landusky
Lambert
Crane
Savage
Bloomfield
Circle Jordan
Brockway 253
Lewistown Grass Range
Glendive
Sand Springs
Winnett
Cohagen
Terry
ton
Fallon
Ingomar
Ismay
Miles City
Roundup
Plevna
Rosebud
Bighorn
85
Baker
Forsyth
Hysham
Wibaux
253
Mosby
Melstone
Watford City
OTA NORTH DAK
Brusett Roy
85
Sidney
Zortman
d
Ray
Lustre
85
Custer Worden
Laurel
Billings Hardin
Columbus
Park City Roberts
Joliet
Rockvale
Bridger
Lodge
Saint Xavier
Pryor
Lame Deer
Crow Agency Garryowen
HI G
H WA Y
Broadus
Birney Otter
Wyola
Belfry
Olive
T R A IL
Busby
Lodge Grass
Fort Smith
Ashland
WA R RI O R
Biddle
Alzada
Decker
Ranchester
AN ROAD
WYOMING
Spearfish
Greybull
Meeteetse
85
Basin
120
ROUTE MARKERS
HIGHWAYS Worland
Interstate Route16 Principal Highways Sleep Other Ten Highways
789
Interstate U.S. Route State Route Other Route State Capital
MILES 0 25
Thermopolis
ubois
85
Shell
Emblem
Wapiti
Buffalo
Belle Fourche
Weston
Cody
OTA SOUTH DAK
ed Point
Ekalaka
Colstrip
Pompeys Pillar
789
urris Kinnear Moneta Riverton
Waltman
Natrona
50
Greybull
MAP SYMBOLS AND OTHER FEATURES Four
Corners Airports Amtrak Line 16 Continental Divide Lewis & Clark National Historic Custer Trail Newcastle 16 WrightNez Perce National Historic Trail 85
75
100
KILOMETERS 0 25 50
75
100
S
E
There’s so much to see and do in Southwest Montana, you might be curious where to start. Here are five things you absolutely shouldn’t miss while you’re with us.
1 2 3 4 5
VIRGINIA CITY AND NEVADA CITY
Enjoy panning for gold, stagecoach rides, ghost tours, train rides, firetruck tours, old-time plays, goldrush-era buildings, and living history reenactments.
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Explore one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest—fascinating caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites.
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Discover the battlefield, memorial, visitor center, video program, museum, and self-guiding trails at this historic Nez Perce battle site.
HOT SPRINGS
Soak up the mineral waters of Southwest Montana at your pick of six developed hot springs.
SCULPTURE IN THE WILD
Stroll the outdoor sculpture park just outside Lincoln, featuring 14 large-scale sculptures on 26 acres.
Trout Creek
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
85 95
Swan Lake
Elliston Haugan Plains De Borgia Paradise Regis Yellowstone andSt.Glacier national
Charlo
Ronan
AH
O
Victor
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Corvallis
Philipsburg
Hamilton
On the Cover: Torrey Lake, East Pioneer Darby Mountains. PHOTO BY: VALERIE MANNE Grangeville
Fort Shaw Ulm
Helmville
Canyon Creek Marysville
Deer Lodge
569
Wisdom 278
Jackson Salmon
Challis
Basin
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
Whitehall
Silver Star
Twin Bridges
Jefferson City TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
White Sulphur Springs
Townsend
Logan
Cardwell
Manhattan
Belgrade L
LEWIS Three & CLARK Forks CAVERNS Harrison Pony Sheridan
Bozema
Norris
Laurin RUBY Nevada RIVER Ennis City VALLEY SCENIC Alder 278 ROUTE Virginia Dillon City MADISON Bannack Cameron RIVER VALLEY Grant SCENIC ROUTE 324 RED ROCK LAKES 324 Quake NATIONAL Lake WILDLIFE REFUGE BIG SHEEP CR. Dell BACKCOUNTRY Lima BYWAY Lakeview Monida
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
Mammo Hot Sprin
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
2021 OFFICIAL Shoshone REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Printed on 10% recycled paper.
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Deer Lodge Area ������������������52 St. Anthony Lodging ��������������������������������56 Mud Lake Calendar of Events �������������60 Rexburg Rodeos & Farmers Markets ��������������62 Visitor Information �26�������������63 Index ������������������������������������64 Idaho Falls
Southwest Montana Travel Guide is published annually by Southwest Montana. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of Southwest Montana is prohibited. Address all editorial and photo material to Southwest Montana, 1105 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. All submitted material must have an SASE enclosed. Maps provide general information only. Maps are not accurate in miles or geographic distances. Refer to theBlackfoot official Montana Highway Map, available at all chambers of commerce, for accurate information before you travel. Information in this guide may have changed since its publication. Please verify all information prior to travel. Southwest Montana is not a regulatory agency and, therefore, has no authority to inspect businesses or require that they meet certain health, safety or travel industry standards for inclusion in this guide. Printed in the USA or free distribution. Alternative accessible formats of this document can be provided upon request. © 2021
Produced with accommodations tax funds.
C Norris Mad Jun
IDAHO
COMMUNITIES Helena Area ��������������������������34 Augusta, Lincoln & Ovando ����������������������������38 Butte Area �����������������������������40 Virginia City & Ennis Area �����44 Sun Valley Anaconda Arco & Philipsburg Area ��������������46 Dillon & Beaverhead County Area ��������������������������50 Carey
Clancy
Boulder
Anaconda
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Montana City Winston
Elliston
Garrison GRANTKOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Georgetown Lake
Sula
East Helena
Helena
Avon
M
Craig Wolf Creek
Lincoln
Ovando
Belt
Stockett
Cascade
Conner
CONTENTS
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Drummond
Stevensville
Craigmont
INSIDE Fort Bento
Condon
ID
Florence
SOUTHWESTMT.COM | 800.879.1159 Orofino
MAPS
Brady
Bynum
Choteau
Between Moiese St. Ignatius parks lies the best of Montana. Take timeDixon Superior to enjoy this vast region of mountains, Arlee Seeley Lake waterways, wildlife, hot springs and ghost towns. Our cities and towns offer locallyAlberton Missoula Greenough owned restaurants, breweries, shopping Bonner Lolo and lodging experiences. Clinton
ATTRACTIONS / ACTIVITIES Scenic Riggins Drives ��������������������������2 Ghost Towns ���������������������������6 Ghost Tours ����������������������������9 Hot Springs & Water Parks ����10 New Meadows Rockhounding & Geology ����12 BirdingMcCall & Wildlife Watching ��14 A Day on the Water ��������������16 Ranches, Outfitters & Guide Services ��������������������������������18 Cascade Public Lands �������������������������20 National Park Service Sites ��20 State Parks ���������������������������22 Lewis & Clark ������������������������23 Stanley American Indian Sites &Horseshoe Events �������������������������������23 Bend Performing Arts & Culture ����24 Art Galleries ��������������������������24 Performing Arts ��������������������27 Golf ���������������������������������������28 Breweries & Distilleries ���������30 Fairfield Winter Adventures ����������������32
r
Polson
Avon
Kooskia
Conrad
ive
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
WELCOME Kellogg
dR
Lakeside
Noxon
85 95
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
Alpin
1 1
SCENIC DRIVES
USDA PHOTO BY PRESTON KERES
MILES OF DISCOVERY: SCENIC DRIVING Around every bend and over every hill awaits another beautiful view—at least that’s the case when you’re driving through Southwest Montana. The point of the drive is the drive itself, each bend a new opportunity to dig deeper and explore a little further. Here, we’ve suggested a few of our favorite routes and some things to do and see along the way. Be sure to have your camera handy and allow plenty of time for “Pull over! I have to get a picture of that.”
1
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1: WEST YELLOWSTONE TO BUTTE VIA MADISON AND RUBY VALLEYS (167 miles) • From West Yellowstone, head north along U.S. Highway 191, turn left onto U.S. Highway 287. It is only 8 miles from West Yellowstone to the junction. • Stay on U.S. Highway 287, continuing northwest through the Madison River Valley with a stop at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center. • Continue northwest on U.S. Highway 287 into Ennis, a fly-fishing mecca and home to quaint shops and galleries. • Head west out of town on Montana Highway 287 (U.S. Highway 287 heads north from Ennis). Stop and visit the ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City. • Continue north on Montana Highway 41, then take Montana Highway 55 to Whitehall and admire the town’s murals depicting the Lewis and Clark Expedition. • Leaving Whitehall, take I-90 northwest to Butte. Visit the Butte Visitor Center for a historic trolley tour, the World Museum of Mining, the historic landmark district or stretch your legs on one of the many urban trails. 2
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DAY 2: BUTTE TO WEST GLACIER VIA THE BLACKFOOT RIVER VALLEY (245 miles) • Leaving Butte, continue west on I-90. Stop in Deer Lodge to tour the Old Montana Prison Complex, the Montana Auto Museum and the Frontier Museum. Don’t miss the GrantKohrs Ranch National Historic Site, the only working cattle ranch in the National Park Service. •F rom Deer Lodge, continue west on I-90 until reaching Garrison. Veer east on U.S. Highway 12 to Avon, turn north onto Montana Highway 141. Turn west on Montana Highway 200, stop in Ovando for a meal at Trixi's Antler Saloon. • Continue on Montana Highway 200 to Montana Highway 83. • Head northwest on Montana Highway 83 following along the majestic Mission Mountains and Bob Marshall/ Scapegoat wildernesses to Bigfork. • Head north on Montana Highway 35 toward Kalispell, take U.S. Highway 2 north to West Glacier, the entrance to Glacier National Park.
SCENIC DRIVES Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Charlo
2
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ALTERNATE ROUTE
Corvallis
Hamilton
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Garrison
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Boulder
569
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
278
Jackson
278
Bannack State Park
Butte Whitehall Silver Star
Twin Bridges
1
Dillon
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Three Forks
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ALTERNATE ROUTE: EAST GLACIER TO WEST YELLOWSTONE (360 MILES) •L eaving Glacier National Park at East Glacier, drive east on U.S. Highway 2 and then south on U.S. Highway 89. •A t Choteau, turn south onto U.S. Highway 287 toward Augusta. This route follows the Rocky Mountain Front, where the towering peaks of the Rockies meet Montana’s rolling plains. •N ear Wolf Creek, travel south on I-15 and take exit 209 to experience the Gates of the Mountains. • Continue south along I-15 to the city of Helena. The capital city is a great spot for an overnight stay. • From Helena, head south on I-15 for 18 miles, take exit 176. Stop at Tizer Botanical Gardens, Montana’s only full-time botanical garden and arboretum.
Wilsall
2 Nevada City
Gallatin NorrisGateway
Big Sky
324
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Quake Lake
Greycliff Reed
McLeod
Bozeman
Ennis
Virginia City Cameron
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Absarokee Fishtail
Nye Roscoe
Pray Emigrant
Gardiner
324
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
Ringling
Manhattan
Harrison
Harlowto
Martinsdale
Logan
Pony
Alder
Two Dot
2
Cardwell
Sheridan
Laurin
White Sulphur Springs
Jefferson Townsend City TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Grant
2
Utica
Judith Gap
Montana City Winston
Elliston Clancy
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC Basin SITE
Anaconda
Conner
Hobson
Neihart
East Helena
Helena
Georgetown Lake
Darby
Stanford
Monarch
Canyon Creek Avon
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Victor
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Helmville
Drummond
Stevensville
Stockett
Cascade
nt
Florence
F ro
Clinton
Belt
Ulm
2
ain
1
Lolo
Bonner
Winifred
Fort Shaw
unt
Missoula
Alberton
YELLOWSTONE TO GLACIER
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Augusta
Virgelle
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
St. Ignatius
Dixon
Loma
Fort Benton
Choteau
Mo
Superior
Big Sandy
Brady
Bynum
Moiese
Havre
Box Elder
Conrad
er
1 Ronan
Rudyard
Dupuyer
Riv
ky
Paradise
ad
Chester
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte the
Swan Lake
Polson
Plains
2
Roc
Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Bigfork
Somers
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Mammoth Hot Springs
Silver Cooke Gate City Tower Junction
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Red Lo
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN
• Continue 10 miles to exit 164 to Boulder, turn onto Montana Highway 69. Just south of Boulder visit Elkhorn Ghost Town before continuing south 34 miles to Cardwell. • Turn left at Montana Highway 2 and stop at Lewis & Clark Caverns, best known for its limestone caverns. • Leaving the caverns turn left onto Montana Highway 2 for 5 miles. Turn right on Montana Highway 287, continue for 35 miles to Ennis. Turn left to continue on Montana Highway 287 for 65 miles. Turn right on Montana Highway 191 for 8 miles into West Yellowstone. 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
3
SCENIC DRIVES
BLACKFOOT RIVER. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
3
BLACKFOOT RIVER RUN: MISSOULA TO HELENA VIA BLACKFOOT RIVER VALLEY (150 miles) • Heading east from Missoula on I-90 to Bonner, exit onto Montana Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River Valley. Between mile markers 22 and 23, turn right onto Garnet Range Road for an 11-mile side trip up to the very well-preserved Garnet Ghost Town. • Continue east, turning south upon reaching Montana Highway 141. Enjoy a quiet drive and wildlife watching opportunities through the picturesque valley near the Garnet Range. • At Avon, merge onto U.S. Highway 12 and drive east over spectacular MacDonald Pass into Helena.
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE. ERIC BUNTING
PIONEER MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY. PATH LESS PEDDLED
5
4
PIONEER MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY: DILLON TO ANACONDA VIA PIONEER MOUNTAINS BYWAY (118 miles) • From Dillon head south on I-15 to exit 59, Montana Highway 278, toward Jackson and Wisdom. • Travel west for 21 miles and turn left onto Bannack Bench Road to visit Bannack State Park, Montana's first territorial capital turned ghost town. • Turn north onto the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, a stunning drive following Wise River through historic ranching and mining communities. • At Wise River, turn west on Montana Highway 43 and then continue north onto Montana Highway 569 to reach Anaconda and to access I-90.
SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE LOOP: BUTTE TO ANACONDA, PHILIPSBURG, DRUMMOND, DEER LODGE (132 miles) •F rom Butte, head west on I-90, taking exit 208 toward Anaconda and the start of the Pintler Scenic Highway (Veterans Memorial Highway/MT Hwy 1). • I n Anaconda play a round at the Jack Nicklausdesigned Old Works Golf Course and look south to view the historic Anaconda Smoke Stack. • C ontinue west through Anaconda to Georgetown Lake and on to Philipsburg. Here you can dig for sapphires or shop at the old-time candy shop. •C ontinue north to Drummond and stop in at Parker’s Restaurant to try one of more than 100 different hamburgers on their menu. •H op back onto I-90 east toward Butte with another stop in Deer Lodge, home to the Grant-Kohrs National Historic Site that commemorates and preserves the Western cattle industry. Tour the Old Montana Prison, the first Territorial Prison in the western United States before heading back to Butte on I-90.
4
6
IMMATURE RED-TAILED HAWK AT RED ROCKS LAKES NWR. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
SWAN’S ROUTE: DILLON TO RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, (153 miles) • From Dillon, get on I-15 S. Stop at Clark Canyon Reservoir along the way for some wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. • Continue on I-15 to Lima, a popular destination for fossil hunters, wildlife viewing and year-round outdoor recreation. • From Lima continue to Monida. Take exit 0 and make a left on to South Valley Road. Follow the gravel road for 29 miles, through the Centennial Valley, to Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, home of the largest population of trumpeter swans in North America. The South Valley Road is accessible in summer.
SCENIC DRIVES Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Heart Butte the
ad
Charlo
Florence Stevensville Victor Corvallis
Hamilton
Bonner Clinton
Ovando Greenough Helmville
Drummond
Philipsburg
Deer Lodge
4 5
5 6
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Wisdom BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Boulder
Butte
Wise River
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
278
Jackson
5
278
PIONEER SCENIC BYWAY
Bannack Grant 324
SWAN’S ROUTE
Utica
Whitehall Silver Star
Twin Bridges
Dillon
6
Three Forks
Ringling
Wilsall
Manhattan
Gallatin NorrisGateway
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Big Sky
Dell Lima
Monida
6
Lakeview
Quake Lake
Greycliff Reed
McLeod
Bozeman
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Harrison
Harlowto
Martinsdale
Absarokee Fishtail
Nye Roscoe
Pray Emigrant
Gardiner
324
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Two Dot
Logan
Cardwell
Pony
Alder
White Sulphur Springs
Jefferson Townsend City TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Sheridan Laurin
Judith Gap
Montana City Winston
Elliston Clancy
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC Basin SITE
569
Dewey Divide
BLACKFOOT RIVER RUN
Hobson
Neihart
East Helena
Helena
Anaconda
Sula
4
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Avon Garrison
Conner
3
Stanford
Monarch
Canyon Creek
3
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Craig
Lincoln
Georgetown Lake
Darby
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
nt
Lolo
Stockett
F ro
Missoula
Alberton
Belt
Ulm Cascade
ain
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Winifred
Fort Shaw
unt
St. Ignatius
Dixon
Augusta
Virgelle
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Mo
Superior
Moiese
Loma
Fort Benton
Condon ky
Paradise
Big Sandy
Brady
Bynum
Polson
Plains
Havre
Box Elder
Conrad
er
Choteau Ronan
Rudyard
Dupuyer
Riv
Swan Lake
Chester
Galata
Valier
Roc
Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Bigfork
Somers
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Mammoth Hot Springs
Silver Cooke Gate City Tower Junction
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Red Lo
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN
DIG DEEPER: Southwest Montana’s picturesque landscapes and historic buildings are more popular than ever for
major movies and television series including Return to Lonesome Dove, Yellowstone, Mickey and the Bear. Look for new movies and TV series including Please Baby Please, Bring on the Dancing Horses, and Warm Springs.
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
5
GHOST TOWNS
NEVADA CITY. ANDY AUSTIN
GHOST TOWNS Explore the past and visit the many ghost towns that helped influence Montana today. From the first territorial capitol of Bannack to the most "alive" ghost town of Virginia City to the many towns nestled in the mountains, Southwest Montana is the place to uncover the Old West. For directions and information, visit www.southwestmt.com. 1 VIRGINIA CITY / NEVADA CITY 1. Virginia City is a vast National Historic Landmark, housing America’s finest collection of 1860s “boom town” buildings on their original sites plus collections of Old West artifacts. Nearby Nevada City is an open-air museum with more than 100 buildings, thousands of artifacts and gem mining. 406.843.5247, www.virginiacitymt.com, www.montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov 2 BANNACK STATE PARK 2. The discovery of gold on Grasshopper Creek in 1862 triggered a major gold rush to what would become Montana. Bannack was founded that fall and became the first territorial capital. Bannack is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country and was once home to the infamous Sheriff Henry Plummer and his gang of outlaws. More than 50 buildings still stand in Bannack. The visitor center is open from May through October. Town tours, mill tours, living history, gold panning and Saturday entertainment programs are scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bannack Days, a celebration of pioneer life, takes place the third weekend of July. The park and campground are open all year. Bannack is located 25 miles southwest of Dillon off Highway 278. 406.834.3413, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack-state-park
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3 COOLIDGE 3. Located in the eastern Pioneer Mountains above 7,000 feet, Coolidge was the last silver boom town in Montana. A narrowgauge railroad was built for mine access, but the quantity of silver ore did not justify the expense of the rail line or the huge mill that was built. Coolidge can be reached by a 5-mile gravel road and a 1/2 mile hike at Mono Creek along the Pioneer Scenic Byway. 406.832.3178, www.southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/ghosttowns/coolidge.htm 4 QUARTZ HILL (VIPOND DISTRICT) 3. The Vipond brothers built a road to Dewey in 1872 to transport the rich silver ore discovered there in 1868. Numerous old buildings and mining sites are found in the area. The Quartz Hill mining camp can be reached via the Quartz Hill Road about a half mile south of Dewey on Montana Highway 43. Take Quartz Hill Road about 5 miles to the area. 406.683.5511, www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ghosttowns/ quartzhillandvipond.htm
DIG DEEPER: There are over 60 ghost towns
in Montana, with almost half located in Southwest Montana, many with intact buildings that preserve the state’s rich history. Three of the five spookiest ghost towns are in Southwest Montana.
GHOST TOWNS
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
bridge
ish
pell
a
mers
Browning
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Bigfork
eside
Rollins ctor yton mo ig Arm
ad
er
Ghost Town
Arlee
Augusta
Lolo
lorence
ensville
Great Falls
Ulm
Missoula
n
Stockett
Cascade
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Clinton 14
Drummond
Craig
Lincoln
Wolf Creek
Helmville Canyon Creek
Avon
Marysville 13
Helena
Elliston
Dodson
Hinsd
Saco
Malta
Vandalia
Gla
Big Sandy BANNACK STATE PARK. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Virgelle 5 GLENDALE 5. AND CANYON CREEK CHARCOAL KILNS Loma Zortman Landusky Once a thriving smelting town, the little that remains of Glendale includes a stone Confederate office building, a smelter stack and a few other buildings. During the boom period of the 1880s, the town boasted a population of Winifred Brusett 2,000. In order to supply charcoal for the smelter, the Belt Roy Canyon Creek charcoal kilns were built about 5 miles up Denton Raynesford Geyser Creek beyond Glendale. Numerous beehive-shaped Canyon kilns remain. StanfordTake the Melrose exit off I-15 and head west Lewistown Monarch Sand Springs on Trapper Creek Road for 5 miles to Glendale. Winnett To reach Hobson Grass Mosby Neihart the kilns, turn right on Canyon Creek Road at Glendale and Range Utica travel about 5 miles. 406.832.3178, 406.683.3900, www.fs.usda.gov/main/bdnf/learning/history-culture
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Seeley Lake
Fort Belknap Agency
Fort Benton
Ghost Tours
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Moiese
ixon
Havre
Brady
Bynum
Polson
Charlo
Box Elder
Dupuyer
Choteau Ronan
Rudyard
GARNET GHOST TOWN. HUNTER DAY Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
Chester
Galata
Valier
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
Heart Butte
the
Loring
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Fla
Turner
Sunburst
Lake Apgar McDonald Columbia West Glacier
Falls
Sweetgrass
Babb
5
East Helena
Judith Gap
Melstone
Ingomar
6 FARLIN 6. Garrison Victor Two 12 11 The boomDotyears for Farlin were 1905 and 1906 when Harlowton Clancy 3 Deer 10 vallis Jefferson Martinsdale Philipsburg the Indian Queen produced half a millionRoundup pounds of Hysham Lodge Basin City 15 ton Townsend Ringling copper. Farlin had its own post office and school. Today, 9 Bighorn Georgetown Lake a few cabins remain along Birch Creek Road, and the Boulder Anaconda rby 569 schoolhouse is a short hike up a side gulch. Take the Birch Custer nner 4 Butte Creek exit between Glen and Dillon and goWorden west for 6 miles. Wilsall Wise Logan Cardwell Big Pompeys River Manhattan Sula 406.683.5511, Pillar Timber Clyde Park Dewey Three Belgrade Greycliff Whitehall Silver www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ Forks Reed Point Star Livingston Laurel 4 Divide Harrison Billings Hardin ghosttowns/farlin.htm Columbus Crow Wisdom 5 7 Pony 8 McLeod Melrose Agency Gallatin Twin Bozeman Park Gateway Sheridan Absarokee Norris Bridges 278 City 7 7. ROCHESTER 3 Rockvale Saint Xavier Fishtail Garryowe Nevada Jackson Joliet City Laurin 6 The Watseca gold was discovered in 1869, and Lodge Roberts Nye mine Ennis Pray Pryor Polaris Fort Smith Grass 11 Roscoe Emigrant Bridger Alder the town of Rochester sprang up. The Watseca mine 278 Bannack 2 2 Big Sky Virginia Dillon operated until the 1980s. A few stone buildings, a wooden City 1 Cameron Red Lodge Wyola headframe, aCooke modern gold mill and Belfry the old cemetery Grant Silver Gardiner City Gate 324 remain. Rochester is located approximately 12 miles from 324 Quake Tower Junction Mammoth Twin Bridges. 406.684.5121, Lake BEARTOOTH Hot Springs ALL-AMERICAN ROAD YELLOWSTONE 1 3 www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ghosttowns/ Dell Canyon Norris NATIONAL rochester.htm Lima Monida
Montana City Winston
Lakeview
White Sulphur Springs
Madison
Junction West Lake Yellowstone Old Faithful
PARK
West Thumb
Grant Village
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
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GHOST TOWNS
COOLIDGE GHOST TOWN. USDA PHOTO BY PRESTON KERES
8 PONY 8. This town is named after Tecumseh “Pony” Smith, discoverer of the placer gold deposits in 1867. Although Pony has seen better days, this picturesque little town refuses to die. Many old abandoned buildings remain, including the Morris State Bank and the Morris Elling stamp mill. It is located 6 miles southwest of Harrison on Montana Highway 283. www.southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/ghosttowns/pony.htm 9 ELKHORN STATE PARK 9. Rich silver deposits were discovered here in 1870, and the population of Elkhorn soon reached nearly 2,500. Much of the remaining town site is owned by private individuals, so be sure to heed the “no trespassing” signs. Fraternity Hall and the adjacent Gillian Hall are managed by Montana State Parks. From I-15, take the Boulder exit, go 7 miles south on Montana Highway 69, then travel 11 miles north on Lower Valley Road and take Elkhorn Road/FS-258. 406.495.3270, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/elkhorn 10 9 COMET The Comet Mine was developed in the 1880s and a large mill was built in 1926. During this period, it is reported that Comet had 22 saloons. The town is on private property now, but is open to the public. It is located approximately 5 miles north of I-15 on High Ore Road between Boulder and Basin. 11 RIMINI History has it that Rimini was either named after a city in Italy or a drama production that traveled through during the town’s formative years. Several of Rimini’s old buildings are inhabited today and make up the Rimini community. Rimini is located about 17 miles west of Helena just off U.S. Highway 12. Turn south on Rimini Road to reach the old town site. 406.442.4120, www.southwestmt.com/listings/6775.htm
NEVADA CITY. ANDY AUSTIN
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12 CHARTER OAK MINE AND MILL The Charter Oak Mine and Mill was a lode mine and mill, active off and on from 1916 to 1955. It is located near the Little Blackfoot River south of the community of Elliston. It contains standing buildings and mining/milling buildings and equipment. The mine has been stabilized and is open for public visitation on select summer weekends. 406.449.5201, www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ghosttowns/ charteroak.htm 13 MARYSVILLE Once a thriving gold camp, Marysville is now a small community with several buildings listed on the National Historic Register. There is a lot to see here in this almostghost town. The town is not deserted and some mining still goes on. The Catholic Church and general store still serve the community. Marysville is just 21 miles northwest of Helena. Leaving Helena, take Lincoln Road heading west for approximately 7 miles. Turn left onto Marysville Road and follow for about 6 miles. 406.442.4120, www.southwestmt.com/listings/6757.htm 14 GARNET Gold was discovered at the Nancy Hanks Mine in 1898. Garnet’s population boomed to nearly 1,000 people, but by 1950 the town was deserted. More than 30 buildings have been preserved. Garnet offers a visitor center, interpretive signs and self-guided trails. From I-90, take either of the Drummond or Bearmouth exits, then follow the north side frontage road to the Bear Gulch Road and proceed 11 miles up the gravel road. This road is not suitable for trailers or motor homes. Use access 30 miles east of Missoula on Montana Highway 200. 406.329.3914, www.garnetghosttown.org 15 GRANITE GHOST TOWN STATE PARK The remnants of this once-thriving 1890s silver boom town bear stark witness to Montana’s boom-and-bust mining history. Montana State Parks preserves the Granite Mine Superintendent’s House and ruins of the old Miners Union Hall. The road is narrow, steep and winding; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. From the flashing light/ stop sign in the middle of Philipsburg, turn right. Just past the railroad trestle, turn left. Follow this gravel road for approximately 1 mile, then turn right at the sign marking the way. Granite is about 4 miles from Philipsburg. 406.859.3388, www.philipsburgmt.com/ghost-towns.php
GHOST TOURS
SPOOKS AND SPIRITS HAUNTED TOURS. HUNTER FISK
GHOST TOURS In addition to spectacular natural beauty, Montana is known for having a penchant for the peculiar. With the state’s history of Copper Kings, trying hardships and rowdy residents, it’s no surprise that many of Montana’s ghost towns and historical sites have tales of lingering souls and spooky spirits. Whether you are a thrill seeker, ghost hunter or history buff, a ghost tour will provide a different type of adventure. For information about additional haunted locales, contact the Southwest Montana office at 800.879.1159. 1 VIRGINIA CITY / NEVADA CITY 1. The frenzied energy of the gold rush at Alder Gulch produced a spirited history in this part of Montana—famous local ghosts include a gunslinger walking through the walls of the Hangman’s Building, Virginia Slade thundering down the hill on her black stallion and Sister Irene, who cared for the sick. You can stay with ghosts at Fairweather Inn or Nevada City Hotel, where guests and staff have reported strange noises, mysterious footsteps and visions of previous inhabitants. 406.843.5247, www.virginiacitymt.com, www.montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov 2 BANNACK STATE PARK Bannack’s haunted history has little to do with its infamous gold rush beginnings. The spirit of 16-year-old Dorothy Dunn, who drowned in 1916, is said to be fond of showing glimpses of herself to children visiting the Meade Hotel. On the park’s seasonal ghost walks you may encounter some of Bannack’s most illustrious citizens. 406.834.3413, www.bannack.org, www.stateparks.mt.gov/bannack
DIG DEEPER: The Travel Channel’s Ghost
Adventures visited the Old Montana State Prison in 2015, where the crew experienced unexplainable technical issues with their cameras including a battery explosion.
3 OLD PRISON MUSEUM - DEER LODGE From 1871 to 1979, inmates at the Territorial/Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge left pieces of their souls behind. More than 200 men took their last breaths within these walls, where it’s said the dead are not at rest. Visitors may encounter foul odors, cell doors clanging and heavy footsteps clomping down deserted corridors. Ask about ghost tours. 406.846.3111, www.pcmaf.org/explore/our-museums/old-montana-prison/ 4 SPOOKS AND SPIRITS HAUNTED TOURS Enjoy an interactive two-hour tour of Butte's historically verified hauntings found under the Big Sky. Small to large groups can participate in this interesting history of the Mining City's haunted buildings. 406.723.3177, www.facebook.com/spooksandspiritshauntedtours/ 5 HELENA Board the Last Chance Tour Train Trolley and hear stories of Helena's haunted past. Visit Reeder's Alley and Benton Avenue Cemetery. Each October, visit the original Montana Club and the original Governor’s Mansion. Join a spirit guide on a historical tour of Montana’s oldest gentleman’s club, including scandals and unmentionables, or explore the neighborhood surrounding the Original Governor's Mansion and enjoy the spine-tingling side of its history. 406.449.2107, www.visithelenamt.com
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
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HOT SPRINGS & WATER PARKS
HOT SPRINGS & WATER PARKS Southwest Montana's proximity to the geothermal activity of Yellowstone Rexfordyear-round National Park has given this region a variety of Yaak developed Eureka GLACIER hot spring facilities. From simple soaking pools to resort locations, warm NATIONAL Polebridge Fortine water awaits. Trego PARK St. Mary Troy
Sunburst
Lake Apgar McDonald Columbia West Glacier
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Cut Bank
Browning
Shelby 1. FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT 1 Falls Coram Martin City Whitefish East Glacier Enjoy two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two mineral soaking Galata Hungry Park Valier Horse pools—one of each located indoors and outdoors—plus a 350-foot Kalispell Essex Butte HEIDI A. LONG/LONGVIEWS STUDIOS RIDGE WATERS WATERPARK Heart IN BUTTE. Kila Dupuyer enclosed waterslide. Lodging, a golf course, a spa and dining Marion are located Fla Bigfork the Heron Somers a dR on-site. 406.797.3241, 800.332.3272, www.fairmontmontana.com Conrad i ve Noxon Lakeside Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Trout 2 2. BOULDER HOT SPRINGS INN, SPA & RETREAT CENTER Creek This hundred-year-old historic inn in a natural, healing,Thompson relaxing Falls Polson Hot Springs environment offers outdoor and indoor pools filled with geothermal waters for soaking and swimming. 406.225.4339, Haugan Plains Charlo De Borgia Paradise www.boulderhotsprings.com St. Regis
r
Swan Lake
Brady
Bynum
Fort Bento
Choteau
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese
Dixon
St. Ignatius
Ulm
Superior 3 3. BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS & FITNESS Arlee Seeley Come soak in the pools and enjoy Big Sky Country. Pools are outdoors Lake and available to comfortably swim in year-round. No city water is used in Alberton Missoula the pools or spas. 406.443.5777, www.thebroadwater.com Lolo
4 4. ELKHORN HOT SPRINGS Florence This year-round resort offers two outdoor hot mineral pools, a Grecian sauna Stevensville and a restaurant and bar. Accommodations include rustic cabins, modern Victor cabins and lodge rooms. 406.834.3434, www.elkhornhotsprings.com Corvallis
Hamilton
5 5. NORRIS HOT SPRINGS A unique wooden pool and lush wetlands make this historic hot springs Darby a special location. A café serves delicious organic entrées from on-site Conner gardens plus local produce, microbrews and wines. 406.685.3303, Sula www.norrishotsprings.com 6 6. JACKSON HOT SPRINGS William Clark noted this hot springs in his journal in 1806. Cabins, full-service restaurant, large Western-style bar and dance hall, are all centered around a natural hot springs mineral pool. 406.834.3151, www.jacksonhotspringslodge.com 7 7. RIDGE WATERS WATER PARK Montana’s newest destination waterpark located in Butte’s Stodden Park is managed by Butte-Silver Bow Parks and Recreation Department. Ridge Waters features Montana’s longest lazy river, diving board, water basketball goal, water volleyball, six-way tippy tree, climbing wall, gusher jet, two slides, play structure with a slide, and rope climb, aqua arch and concession stand. Enjoy the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 406.497.6585, www.co.silverbow. mt.us/2092/Ridge-Waters-Waterpark 8 8. LAST CHANCE SPLASH WATERPARK AND POOL Located at Memorial Park and managed by Helena Parks and Recreation, the waterpark features a splash deck, lazy river, slides, zero depth, and concessions stand. Open June through August. 406.447.1559, www.lastchancesplash.com 10 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Ches
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Marysville
Helena
Avon Garrison
1
9
Wisdom
Melrose
4
278
Jackson
6
278
Dillon
Bannack
2
Logan
Cardwell
Sheridan
Alder
White Sulphur Springs
Townsend Boulder
Harrison Pony
Laurin
Polaris
Montana City Winston
Three Forks
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
East Helena
Jefferson City
Basin
7 Butte
Dewey Divide
8
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
Wise River
3
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
569
M
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
Drummond
Anaconda
Belt
Stockett
Cascade
5
Norris
Manhattan
Belgrade L
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Big Sky
Grant 324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammo Hot Sprin
C Norris Mad Jun
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
9 9. BASIN RADON MINES Since the 1960s, a few radon mines in the Basin/ Boulder area have marketed themselves as health mines, citing the reputed health-giving benefits of radon exposure. 406.225.4039, www.discoverjeffersonmt.org
W Th
GEnuInE. MonTana. ExpErIEncE. Hot SpringS
Lodging
dining
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Spa
Visit our website to see all of our online packages and specials! FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272 I-90 Exit 211, 15 miles west of Butte, MT 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 11
ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY
CRYSTAL PARK ALONG THE PIONEER SCENIC BYWAY SOUTH OF WISE RIVER. USDA PHOTO FOREST SERVICE
ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY Even today, you can tap into the euphoria of making a find in Montana. Many sites are open to the public. We’ve suggested a few options below, but we also recommend you contact the local Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Mineral Museum at Montana Tech or World Museum of Mining in Butte for other opportunities. 1 LIMA AREA Prehistoric ocean seabeds west of the Rocky Mountain Continental Divide and prehistoric tropical swamplands east of the divide feature displays of tempered rocks, lava and fossils. 406.276.3535
6 VIRGINIA CITY AREA Flecks of gold still sparkle in tailings between Virginia City and Alder. Pan for gold at the River of Gold and visit Alder Gulch Mining Museum. 406.843.5247, www.virginiacitymt.com
2 CRYSTAL PARK This unique public dig site offers rockhounds the chance to find amethyst and smoky, brilliant clear quartz scepters in normal form, double terminated, and Japanese Law Twin forms. 406.683.3900, www.southwestmt.com/listings/11967.htm
7 LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS - WHITEHALL Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana’s first and best-known state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. See page 22 for more 406.287.3541, information. www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns
3 HUMBUG SPIRES The Humbug Spires Primitive Area is a non-motorized area popular for rock climbing. Impressive outcroppings of quartz monzonite, part of the Boulder Batholith, rise 300 to 600 feet. www.southwestmt.com/listings/904.htm
8 RINGING ROCKS - WHITEHALL The rocks in this unique geologic area chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. It is believed that the ringing is a combination of the composition of the rock and the way the joining patterns have developed as the rocks have eroded away. If a boulder is removed from the pile, it doesn’t ring. Please don’t disturb this natural phenomenon! www.southwestmt.com/listings/16408.htm
4 RUBY RESERVOIR Calcite, opalite and garnets are found south of Alder. Some people find gem-quality almandine garnets by screening the gravel along the shores of the reservoir. www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/rockhounding 5 SHERIDAN AREA The area near Indian Creek offers white and banded masses 406.842.5431, of calcite. www.southwestmt.com/communities/Sheridan.htm
12 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
9 BUTTE AREA Smoky quartz and amethyst can be found in the porphyry deposits in the Delmoe Lake area. Check out the Mineral Museum at Montana Tech. 406.496.4414 10 ANACONDA AREA Find old tailings of scheelite and epidote at Cable Mountain, northeast of Georgetown Lake. Argillite and quartzite can be found west of Georgetown Lake. 406.563.2400, www.anacondamt.org
ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY
ebridge
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
pell
Somers
Bigfork
the
keside
Rollins octor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
ad
er
Brady
Bynum
Choteau
Polson
Charlo
Malta
11 PHILIPSBURG AREA Big Sandy Indoor “mining” can be done at Sapphire Gallery and Gem Mountain. There is outdoor mining with a seasonal water flume 406.859.3388, at MontanaVirgelle Gems of Philipsburg. Loma Fort Benton Landusky Zortman www.philipsburgmt.com
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
Rudyard CRYSTAL PARK ALONG THE PIONEER SCENIC BYWAY SOUTH OF WISE RIVER. USDA PHOTO BY PRESTON KERES Chester Havre Hinsdale Fort Galata Saco Box Belknap Dodson Elder Vandalia Agency
Valier
Heart Butte
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Augusta
St. Ignatius
Arlee
Ulm
Lolo Florence
vensville
Seeley Lake
ilton
Canyon Creek
Avon Garrison
Philipsburg 11 Georgetown Lake
Anaconda 10
Darby
Wolf Creek
Marysville Drummond
569
Conner
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
2
278
Jackson
Helena
Twin Bridges
East Helena
Jo
Geyser
Co
Judith Gap
Montana City Winston
Pony
Sheridan
5
Laurin
Dillon
Bannack
12 HELENA AREA The Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and Gold Fever Rock Shop is an Winifred excellent place to mine for beautiful Montana sapphires. Tools areBrusett Belt Roy Denton provided. 406.227.8989, www.sapphiremine.com Raynesford
Melstone Ingomar 14 EARTHQUAKE LAKE Two In 1959 an earthquake in the Madison Canyon River Area, near West Clancy Dot Deer Harlowton Yellowstone, Lodge Basin Roundup created a massive Jefferson Martinsdale formed Quake Lake. The earthquake City landslide of about 80 million tons of rock, which stopped the flow Hysham 13 Townsend Ringling Boulder Bighorn of the Madison River in the Madison River Canyon gorge. The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center displays a Memorial Boulder from Custer Butte 9 the earthquake with a plaque of the names of the 28 people who Worden 8 Cardwell Wilsall Logan Big of the earthquake. www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ Pompeys Manhattan died and the events Pillar Timber Clyde Park Three Belgrade 7 custergallatin/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5127785 Whitehall Greycliff 3 Silver Forks Reed Point Livingston Laurel Star Harrison Billings Hardin Columbus
12
Elliston
Polaris 278
Glasgow
Stanford 13 BOULDER RIVER Lewistown Monarch Sand Springs Winnett Nice cubic crystalHobson of barite can be found about 5 miles west of the Grass Mosby Neihart RangeBoulder River. WhitehouseUtica Campground along the 406.465.2106, www.bouldermtchamber.com
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Victor
orvallis
Stockett
Cascade
Missoula
on
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
Moiese
Dixon
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Loring
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Kila
Turner
Sunburst
Apgar
efish
Sweetgrass
Babb
Alder
4
Nevada City
6
Ennis
324
Cameron
Quake Lake Dell
1
Lima
14 14
Monida
Lakeview
Park City
DIG DEEPER: Boulder Batholith geology extends from Absarokee Fishtail
Joliet
Rockvale
Saint Xavier
south of Butte to and is namedPryor for the prominent Lodge Roberts NyeHelena Fort Smith Grass Roscoe boulders. These boulders areBridger the result of weathering when Big Sky water moves into the fractures and the rock begins to Red Lodge Wyola decompose Look for these outcrops Belfry Cookeloose fragments. Silverinto Gardiner Gate City along I-90 between Butte and Whitehall and I-15 from Helena Tower Junction Mammothto Butte as well as many trails in the area. BEARTOOTH Hot Springs Pray Emigrant
Grant 324
McLeod
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Norris
Virginia City
White Sulphur Springs
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL ACTIVITY KEY Madison PARK Junction West Camping Lake Yellowstone West Biking Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Garryowen
ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
Horseback Riding Fishing Access Four Wheeling/ATV
La D
Crow Agency
Hiking Rock Climbing Watchable Wildlife
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 13
B
Dec
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING
BISON SOUTHWEST OF LIMA, NEAR LITTLE SHEEP CREEK. USDA FOREST SERVICE
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING Throughout Southwest Montana visitors have an opportunity to view, hunt, or fish a variety of wildlife. Whether it’s birds, deer, elk or moose you can observe wildlife on any day of the year. There are few activities that can make you feel “in touch” with nature like watching wildlife. For more information on birding, call 800.879.1159 or visit www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/birdingtrails. For more information on state wildlife areas, call 406.444.3570 or visit www.fwp.mt.gov.
5 DEER LODGE - GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Here you can find plenty of healthy riparian habitat populated by diverse bird species. www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/birdingtrails/ grantkohrsranch/
1 RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE This remote area has one of the largest populations of trumpeter swans in the lower 48 states as well as a bevy of other birds. Best viewing is June to July for breeding birds. www.fws.gov/refuge/red_rock_lakes/ 2 CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR & BANNACK STATE PARK The sprawling reservoir teems with birds and other wildlife along its shores and in the surrounding foothills, the streams and flats of the territorial capital. www.bannack.org 3 GEORGETOWN LAKE & WEST OF ANACONDA This scenic high mountain lake is surrounded by forest providing a home for many resident waterfowl, raptors and other birds. Look for moose, elk and deer around the lake. As you drive west from Anaconda look for bighorn sheep along Montana Highway 1. www.southwestmt.com/communities/anaconda.htm 4 OVANDO Browns Lake, Blackfoot Waterfowl Production Area and the Aunt Molly Wildlife Management Area is where you will see eagles, loons, herons, trumpeter swans, buffleheads and other waterfowl.
BIGHORN SHEEP. SHUTTERSTOCK
DIG DEEPER: Of the 428 bird species recorded in Montana, 316 can be found in Southwest Montana.
www.southwestmt.com/communities/ovando.htm ACTIVITY KEY Camping Biking
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Horseback Riding Fishing Access Four Wheeling/ATV
Hiking Rock Climbing
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING
USDA FOREST SERVICE
USDA FOREST SERVICE
USDA FOREST SERVICE
6 HELENA VALLEY / CANYON FERRY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Located on one of North America’s major north-south migration routes, this network of dikes and ponds provides nesting birds plenty of protection. www.myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail. action?lmsId=39753388 7 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD This quiet high-valley landscape near Wisdom is rich in diverse bird species. www.nps.gov/biho/learn/nature/birds.htm 8 WARM SPRINGS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Autumn brings 28 species of shorebirds to this series of human-made ponds in the Upper Clark Fork Valley and winter is the time to spot rough-legged hawks, prairie falcons and gyrfalcons. www.myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/ siteDetail.action?lmsId=39754067 9 TIZER BOTANIC GARDENS & ARBORETUM Tizer is one of only three privately owned internationally accredited arboretums in the United States. Open April to September. www.tizergardens.com 10 ENNIS LAKE AREA Just north of Ennis, this 3,692-acre lake beckons with exceptional bird-watching, solitude and more. www.ennischamber.com 11 B EARTOOTH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA / AUGUSTA All of Montana’s big game species call this area home at various times of the year, as do upland game birds, raptors, songbirds, furbearers and small mammals. www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ birdingtrails/beartooth/ STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS For opportunities to view wildlife, visit one of the 19 Montana Wildlife Management Areas in Southwest Montana. They provide vital habitat for a variety of wildlife including bears, bighorn sheep, birds, deer, elk, furbearers, moose, mountain goats, wolves and an array of other game and nongame species. 406.444.2535, www.dnr.state. mn.us/wmas/index.html Here are just a few popular wildlife management areas to visit for wildlife viewing opportunities: • Anaconda-Butte: Fleecer Mountain, Mt. Haggin and Warm Springs • Seeley Lake: Blackfoot Clearwater, Nevada Lake • Helena: Canyon Ferry, Lake Helena • Ennis: Wall Creek, Bear Creek
12 MOUNT HAGGIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Montana's largest at, 54,000 acres. Moose, elk, cranes and other native species abound. Cross country skiing in winter. From Anaconda, SE on Highway 1 to Mill Creek State Highway 273. 406.444.2535
REMEMBER - GIVE ANIMALS THEIR SPACE
for the best viewing so they do not run away. Keep your distance and avoid chasing or touching wildlife. Help Keep Wildlife Wild and Healthy—Human food is not healthy for wild animals, and they do not need food from humans to survive. Wildlife can become a nuisance for others if they become used to human food. 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 15
A DAY ON THE WATER
MADISON RIVER. ED COYLE
A DAY ON THE WATER Cast your sights on some of the best blue-ribbon trout streams, rivers, and lakes with majestic mountains, bald eagles, and waterfowl as the backdrop to your fishing experience. Whether you fish on your own or with a guide, Southwest Montana has an abundance of public fishing access for high-quality angling, boating, rafting, and water sports. 406.444.2535, fwp.mt.gov/fish
1 CLARK FORK RIVER The Clark Fork offers boaters, floaters and anglers mile upon mile of beautiful recreation. The river offers excellent trout fishing, and the light use from anglers and floaters ensures hours of uninterrupted enjoyment. 2 JEFFERSON RIVER The Jefferson, along with the Madison and Gallatin rivers, is one of the three forks that form the Missouri River. This river offers a day of solitude on the water. 3 HAUSER LAKE RESERVOIR Fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye and perch at this 3,200 acre reservoir on the Missouri River. Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, several campgrounds are located nearby. Explore the picturesque “Devil’s Elbow” of Hauser Lake. It offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn mountains.
16 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
4 HOLTER LAKE Located near Helena, this is a popular location for both day trips and overnight camping. Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, walleyes and perch are found in this beautiful lake setting. 5 MADISON RIVER The Madison deserves its reputation as the best trout stream in Montana. The “Fifty Mile Riffle” between Quake Lake and Bear Trap Canyon is home to vast quantities of trophy trout. 6 ENNIS LAKE At the McAllister junction on U.S. Highway 287 turn onto Ennis Lake Road. Ennis Lake is a 3,692-acre lake that has designated areas for camping, fishing, boating and a beach area for swimming. There is also a good birding loop that circles the lake. www.bigskyfishing.com/lakes/southern-montana-lakes/ ennis-lake/ 7 BEAVERHEAD RIVER With its willowy banks and tight twists, the Beaverhead offers plenty of challenges even to skilled anglers. However, the river boasts more trophy brown trout than any other waterway in the state.
A DAY ON THE WATER
8 BIG HOLE RIVER Over its 150-mile course, the Big Hole offers a chance to fish for trophy rainbow, brook and brown trout and for fluvial arctic grayling—a fish unique to the Big Hole in the lower 48.
9 BLACKFOOT RIVER This is the river that braids its way through the dramatic prose of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, and it remains one of Montana’s wildest and most productive fisheries. GLACIER Sweetgrass Babb NATIONAL bridge Sunburst St. Mary 10 PARK MISSOURI RIVER Below Holter most popular Lake Dam, this is one of CutMontana’s Bank Apgar McDonald destination fisheriesBrowning with enormous trout found in dense, West Glacier Columbia Shelby shallow-water pods. Falls Coram Martin City sh East Glacier Galata Hungry Park Valier 11Horse CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR ell Essex Here you’ll find some of Heart the Butte finest stillwater fishing for large a Dupuyer Fla in the state. Bigfork rainbow trout t he mers ad
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White Sulphur Springs KIDS' FISHINGTwo PONDSHarlowton Dot Canyon Ferry There Martinsdale are fishing ponds in Anaconda, Reservoir
Butte, Dillon,Roundup Ennis, Helena and Virginia City that provide kids under 12 a free place Ringling to learn the art of fishing and the thrill of catching a fish.
r ive Harrison
Three Forks
Pony
6
Norris Ennis Lake Nevada Ennis City
Virginia City Cameron
Lakeview
Wilsall
Logan
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Belt SUN RIVER-GIBSON RESERVOIR Roy 17 Denton Raynesfordon the Sun Located River Gibson Reservoir built to Geyser control flooding is located just south of the Bob Marshall Stanford Wilderness, 20 miles northwest of Augusta. Enjoy Lewistown Monarch Winnett Hobson camping, boating, and fishing with spectacular views Grass Mosby Neihart of the wilderness. cutthroat, and Range Utica Rainbow, westslope brown trout provide for great fishing opportunities. The Sun River continues northeast providing additional fishing opportunities. Judith Gap Melstone
Stockett
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14 RUBY RESERVOIR Loring Whitew Stocked with trout, this remote reservoir is lined by Chinookfishing when water peaceful willows and makes for good levels permit. Rudyard Chester Havre Fort Box Belknap 15 NEVADA LAKE Elder (NEVADA CREEK RESERVOIR) Dodson Agency Located 34 miles from Lincoln, Nevada Lake is a great little Malta fishing hole. Tucked between two mountain ranges, the Big Sandy reservoir is host to excellent fishing and beautiful scenery. Virgelle LAKES 16 BROWN’S-KLEINSCHMIDT-UPSATA Loma Zortmanlakes Located between Helmville and OvandoLandusky these small offer great fishing and bird viewing around marshy areas. Fish for trout, bass, perch, and bluegill at Brown’s Lake; and walleye and northern pike at Kleinschmidt Lake. Winifred
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
13 CANYON FERRY LAKE If you’re looking for walleye, look no further than this scenic lake. Big, plentiful walleye lurk in its waters, coexisting with fat, red-fleshed rainbows.
Fort Benton
Choteau
olson
Charlo
Brady
Bynum
12 GEORGETOWN LAKE Yearlong fishing for kokanee salmon and rainbow and brook trout along with its breathtaking scenery make Georgetown Lake the perfect setting for fishing and boating.
Manhattan
Clyde Park
Greycliff Reed Point
Bozeman
Fishtail
Gardiner Mammoth Hot Springs
Nye Roscoe
Silver Cooke Gate City Tower Junction
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Laurel
Park City
Absarokee
Pray Emigrant
Pompeys Pillar
Billings
Columbus
McLeod
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
Worden
Big Timber
Belgrade Livingston
Big
Roberts
Red Lodge
Joliet
Rockvale
Bridger
Pryor
Hardin
Saint Xavier Fort Smith
Belfry
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
BLACKFOOT RIVER, RICK GRAETZ
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 17
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RANCHES, OUTFITTERS & GUIDE SERVICES
RANCH AT ROCK CREEK. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
RANCHES, OUTFITTERS & GUIDE SERVICES Southwest Montana offers a variety of ranch experiences. Visitors can choose to saddle up at dude ranch, delve into the rough and rowdy activities of a working ranch or pamper themselves at a glamorous resort ranch. Perhaps the opportunity to spend a day enjoying the rich beauty found in this region of Montana is all that is needed. The following organizations promise to make the experience rewarding. DUDE RANCHES Dude ranches offer an authentic western experience where horseback riding in the mountains, valleys and prairies is a central activity. Dude ranches can also include horsemanship clinics, kids' programs, hiking on mountain trails, rafting, fishing, interpretive tours, campfires, cookouts and more. This all-inclusive vacation includes lodging, meals and activities. www.montanadra.com WORKING RANCHES Working ranches help preserve the authentic cowboy lifestyle and heritage. Working ranches offer a variety of activities including cattle drives, round ups, chores, fence mending, tending to livestock and moving cattle. Horseback riding is the main activity and ranch horses are used to move cattle. Working ranches usually accommodate smaller group sizes. www.montanaworkingranches.com RESORT RANCH – THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK Offering traditional activities of horseback riding and fishing, the Ranch at Rock Creek offers creature comforts, lavish all-inclusive amenities and world-class luxury accommodations. This deluxe ranch is the only 5-star ranch resort in the Forbes Travel Guide and is featured in Top 10 lists of the finest vacation resorts in the world. 877.786.1545, www.theranchatrockcreek.com 18 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
MONTANA OUTFITTERS & GUIDES ASSOCIATION Montana outfitters and guides are prepared to showcase all Montana offers in outdoor recreation whether it is for a half day or a week. Outfitters and guides offer: • Horseback Riding • Fishing • Hunting • Rafting & Floating • Hiking • Pack Trips • Camping • Wildlife Viewing • Photography • National Park Tours • Snowmobiling • ATVing • Activities for Disabled Clients
USDA FOREST SERVICE
Many outfitters offer schools, seminars and clinics pertaining to the outfitter and guide lifestyle. 406.449.3587, www.montanaoutfitters.org Additional information on fishing outfitters is available at www.foam-mt.org.
WE TREASURE OUR WATERS BRINGING YOUR BOAT TO MONTANA? BEFORE YOU LAUNCH
• Watercraft inspection required • Purchase Vessel AIS Prevention Pass HELP PROTECT MONTANA’S WATER. CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY YOUR WATERCRAFT AND FISHING GEAR.
CleanDrainDryMT.com
: Protect Our Waters Montana : 406.444.2440
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 19
PUBLIC LANDS
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
Sunburst
Lake McDonald West Glacier
Libby
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell
Marion
Noxon
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish Kila
Somers
Bigfork
Fla
the
Shelby
ad
Riv
Swan Lake
Conrad
er
Brady
Bynum
Fort Bento
Choteau
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Fort Shaw Ulm
Seeley Lake
Hamilton
HISTORIC SITE
Anaconda 569
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide
Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson
Twin Bridges
Harrison Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Dillon
Bannack
White Sulphur Springs
Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris 278
M
Townsend Boulder
Georgetown Lake
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Bel
Stockett
Cascade
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SITES Craig Lincoln Missoula Big Hole National Battlefield preserves a Nez Perce WarAlberton Ovando Wolf Creek Greenough battlefield located in Montana, United States. The Nez Perce Bonner Helmville Lolo Canyon Creek Clinton fought a delaying action against the 7th Infantry Regiment here Marysville on August 9 and 10, 1877, during their failed attempt to escapeFlorence Drummond Helena East Avon to Canada. The 655 acre park has a visitor center with fully Helena Stevensville accessible exhibits, a 26 minute film, and four trails to explore Victor Montana Elliston Garrison City Winston Clancy GRANTthe park. 406.689.3155, Deer KOHRS RANCH Corvallis Jefferson Philipsburg www.nps.gov/biho/contacts.htm NATIONAL Lodge Basin City Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, created in Darby 1972, commemorates the Western cattle industry from its Conner 1850s inception through recent times. The original ranch was established in 1862 by a Canadian fur trader, Johnny Grant, Sula at Cottonwood Creek, Montana, along the banks of the Clark Fork river. The site offers tours, ranger-led activities for adults and kids, and 7 miles of trails to experience parts of the ranch. 406.846.2070, https://www.nps.gov/grko/index.htm
Ches
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte Dupuyer WHITETAIL RANGE NEAR BUTTE. USDA FOREST SERVICE
Fallsit’s Hot Polson recreation, adventure, and sightseeing. Whether enjoying Springs urban trails and parks, exploring the many ghost towns and Condon Ronan Haugan historic sites, trekking backcountry trails, camping, fishing Plains Charlo De Borgia St. Regis orParadise blue-ribbon rivers, lakes and streams, viewing wildlife, Moiese enjoying winter sports Southwest Montana welcomes you for Dixon St. Ignatius Superior an outdoor experience to remember. Arlee
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Lakeside
Rollins Proctor Dayton Explore over 6 million acres of breathtaking Trout scenery. Southwest Elmo Montana’s public lands offer an array ofCreek opportunities Big Arm Thompson for
Sweetgrass
Babb
Apgar
WELCOME TO YOUR PUBLIC LANDS Heron
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
Three Forks
Norris
Manhattan
Belgrade L
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Big Sky
Grant 324
Quake Lake
324
Wilderness Area BLM WADE LAKE NEAR ENNIS. USDA FOREST SERVICE
20 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
National Forest
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammo Hot Sprin
Norris Mad Jun
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
Th
PUBLIC LANDS
WHITETAIL RANGE. USDA FOREST SERVICE
BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE AND HELENA-LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL FORESTS BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM) (See page 22 for contact information.) Straddling the continental divide, these national forests and BLM lands encompass more than 6 million acres of rugged mountain ranges, high mountain lakes, rivers, and streams, unique geological formations, wildlife habitat and thousands of miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV/motorcycle adventures for the entire family or solitude for the solo traveler. TRAILS There’s lots of ‘shoulder room’ for visitors to explore Southwest Montana's natural beauty on largely uncrowded trails. Explore urban and nationally designated trails open to non-motorized and motorized travel. Whether you want to trek wilderness and backcountry areas, travel the hundreds of miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, enjoy an urban trail experience or four-wheeling adventure on a motorcycle, jeep or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or winter fun on snowmobiles, there’s a trail suited to your curiosity and sense of adventure. CAMPING There are many ways to enjoy camping, including primitive to urban-style campgrounds and historic cabins and lookouts. Most campgrounds are open May through September, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, water sports and wildlife viewing. CANYON FERRY AND CLARK CANYON RESERVOIRS BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (See page 22 for contact information.) The Bureau of Reclamation oversees water resources on dams and reservoirs to provide a variety of irrigation and power benefits, including recreation. Fishing, camping and boating are popular activities that can be enjoyed and provide some of the best year-round fishing for rainbow trout and walleye. MONTANA STATE PARKS (See page 22 for contact information.) Discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on earth in Southwest Montana at one of 10 state parks that celebrates our history and unique geologic formations. These areas offer interpretation, camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating experiences. URBAN TRAILS AND PARKS (See page 63 for contact information for a local Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center.) Every community in Southwest Montana boasts urban trails that provide connections to local parks, points of interest and backcountry trails. Whether it’s a picnic, family gathering or pet friendly park, our local communities welcome visitors at local parks.
MILWAUKEE RAILROAD-THOMPSON PARK, BUTTE. USDA FOREST SERVICE
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 21
STATE PARKS
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS. WANDERLUST CREW
MONTANA STATE PARKS Southwest Montana’s state parks take visitors back in history through interpretation, special events and tours. Explore landscapes and rich history away from the crowds of Montana’s national parks. From interpretive programs to visitor centers and marked trails, our state parks feature amenities to help guide your adventures. Visit www.stateparks.mt.gov. 1 BANNACK STATE PARK- DILLON The site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862, Bannack was Montana’s first territorial capital. Now a preserved ghost town, the state park takes visitors back to life in the Old West through reenactments, special events and oldfashioned ice skating in the winter. 406.834.3413, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack-state-park 2 LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS - WHITEHALL This state park, easily accessed off I-90 near Whitehall, features one of the largest-known limestone caverns in the Northwest. Experience the amazing geologic wonders of the caverns lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites with guided tours in the summer and candlelight tours in December. 406.287.3541, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns 3 SPRING MEADOW LAKE - HELENA This family-friendly urban park in Helena is perfect for a day of swimming, fishing, hiking and more. 406.495.3270, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/spring-meadow-state-park 4 BLACK SANDY - HELENA Come visit and enjoy one of the few public parks on the shores of Hauser Reservoir. Black Sandy State Park is an extremely popular weekend boating, fishing, camping and water skiing location. 406.495.3270, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/black-sandy 22 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
5 LOST CREEK - ANACONDA Near Anaconda, enjoy a short hiking trail to view the spectacular Lost Creek Falls, cascading over a 50-foot drop. Scan the limestone cliffs for bighorn sheep and mountain goats. 406.287.3541, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lost-creek 6 ANACONDA SMOKE STACK - ANACONDA At 585 feet, the 100-year-old Anaconda Smoke Stack is one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. 406.563.2400, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/anaconda-smoke-stack 7 ELKHORN STATE PARK See more information on page 8. 8 GRANITE GHOST TOWN - PHILIPSBURG See more information on page 8. 9 BEAVERHEAD ROCK - DILLON See more information on page 23. 10 CLARK’S LOOKOUT - DILLON See more information on page 23.
ACTIVITY KEY Camping Biking
Horseback Riding Fishing Access Four Wheeling/ATV
Hiking Rock Climbing Sightseeing
LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL | AMERICAN INDIANS
LEWIS & CLARK
2 CLARK’S LOOKOUT STATE PARK Located above the Beaverhead River near Dillon, this is the site where Captain Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition viewed the route ahead on August 13, 1805. Admire the same magnificent view Clark did that day. Interpretive signs explain the expedition’s navigational methods and a monument shows Clark’s compass readings. 406.834.3413, www.stateparks.mt.gov/clarks-lookout/
The Lewis and Clark Expedition made their way through what would eventually become the state of Montana in 1805. Moving up the Missouri River they encountered amazing natural wonders, endured grueling hardships, were met and aided by many American Indian tribes and crossed Lemhi Pass in the Rocky Mountains in their pursuit of a Northern Route to the Pacific Ocean. www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/lewisandclark/
3 GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS - HELENA Meriwether Lewis named this spectacular canyon north of Helena. Steep limestone cliffs flanking the Missouri River create the illusion of a gate that seems to open as you travel toward these cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely, narrated boat tour during the summer months. 406.458.5241, www.gatesofthemountains.com
1 BEAVERHEAD ROCK STATE PARK On the Lewis and Clark expedition, Sacagawea recognized this natural landmark, resembling the head of a beaver. This gave the expedition hope that they were in the vicinity of Sacagawea’s relatives, from whom they would acquire horses. 406.834.3413, www.stateparks.mt.gov/beaverhead-rock/
4 WHITEHALL LEWIS & CLARK MURALS When you pull into the quaint town of Whitehall, you’ll notice something unique. A variety of vibrant murals adorns the town, depicting Lewis and Clark historic Montana events that provide a glimpse of the area during a unique time in history.
AMERICAN INDIAN SITES & EVENTS Southwest Montana encompasses the traditional hunting grounds of many American Indian people, stretching back more than a thousand years. In addition, there are several sites significant to the native tribes that came later—the Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Shoshone and Salish—throughout the region. Visit www.southwestmt.com. Eureka
ne ego
Polebridge
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
DIG DEEPER: Lewis and Clark NHT National Sweetgrass
Babb
Sunburst
Parks Passport stamp Cut books Lake Bank can be purchased Apgar McDonald Browning West Glacier online from at eParks.com. You can also buy passport Columbia Shelby Falls Coram Rudyard Martin City Chester Whitefish books East Glacier Galata and other Hole National Battlefield Hungry at the Big Park Valier Horse Kalispell Essex Heart Butte national park sites. Kila Dupuyer
Marion
Bigfork
Somers
Fla
the
Lakeside
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
ad
er
Plains
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
Brady
Bynum
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese St. Ignatius
Dixon
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Missoula
Alberton Lolo
Marysville
Florence
Drummond
Stevensville
Helena
Avon
Philipsburg
Hamilton
8
Georgetown Lake
5
Deer Lodge
569
Conner
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide
5
Wisdom
91
Jackson
Polaris
9 1 22
Silver Star
Melrose
278
Bannack
1
Grant
278
4
Montana City Winston
10 2
Dillon
4
Townsend
2
Harrison Twin Pony Bridges Sheridan
Three Forks
Norris
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
6
324
22
324
Quake Lake Dell Lima
Monida
Ringling
Lakeview
Wilsall
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
Alder
Dot
Martinsdale
7
Boulder
8 Butte
6 CAMP FORTUNATE Lamb After passing Beaverhead Rock, the Corps of Discovery Winifred Bloomfield followed the river south where it met the Shoshone. There, Nez Perce National Brusett Circle Belt Historic Trail Roy Cameahwait, and Denton Sacagawea recognized her brother, Chief Jordan Stockett Raynesford Brockway Geyser through her translations, horses were obtained for the trip Montana State Park Stanford Lewistown west. Today, travelers can walkSand inSprings the footsteps of SacagaweaGlendive Monarch Winnett Cohagen Hobson Grass and her brother by visitingMosby Lewis and Clark Memorial, Lewis & Clark orUtica Neihart Range American Indian Camp Fortunate Overlook and Cameahwait Campground Terry Fallon Site or Event (Clark Canyon Dam and Recreation Area, exit 43 off I-15). Judith Gap Melstone Ingomar Ismay White Sulphur 406.683.6472, www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/clarkcanyon Springs Two
Jefferson City
Basin
Zortman
253
East Helena
Clancy
Anaconda 6
Darby
7
Elliston
Garrison
Victor Corvallis
Wolf Creek
3
Canyon Creek
Peck
Landusky
253
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Virgelle
Lewis & Clark Great National Historic Falls Trail
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Loma
Fort Benton
Choteau
Polson
Springs
Big Sandy
Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
Box Elder
5 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL Whitetail Four HISTORIC SITE Flaxville Buttes Opheim Turner Big Hole National Battlefield is a memorial to the brave men Scobey Plentywood Peerless Loring Whitewater and women who fought and died here in August of 1877. The Chinook Medicine Lake historic site features a visitor center with interpretive video and Havre Hinsdale Fort Saint a museum with photographs, artifacts and interpretive displays. Saco Lustre Belknap Marie Dodson Vandalia Malta Culbertso You canAgency also take a self-guided tour of the battlefield and visit Wolf Poplar Nashua Glasgow Point River. the deeply moving teepee memorial along the Big Hole 406.689.3155, www.nps.gov/biho Fort
Manhattan
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Harlowton
Miles City
Roundup
Forsyth 7 LAST CHANCE COMMUNITYHysham POWWOW - HELENA Bighorn While all powwows are family-oriented events,Rosebud the Last Chance Custer Community Powwow holds particular appeal because of its Worden Colstrip Big focus: honoring the children. The three-day powwow is held Pompeys Pillar Timber Greycliff every September at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Reed Point Lame Laurel Billings Hardin Deer Columbus Crow Helena. 406.439.5631, www.lastchancepowwow.com Ashland Olive McLeod Agency Absarokee Fishtail
Park City
WA R RI O R
Rockvale
Saint Xavier
Garryowen
Busby
T R A IL
HI G
H WA Y
Broadus
JolietAMERICAN INDIAN ALLIANCE POWWOW - BUTTE 8 NORTH Lodge Roberts Nye Pryor Pray Birney Fort Smith Grass Roscoe Emigrant Bridger The North American Indian Alliance Powwow offers Big Sky Otter Biddle Red Lodge participants and visitors an unforgettable immersion in colorful Wyola Belfry Silver Cooke Decker Gardiner Gate City regalia, captivating dancing and moving and traditional music, Tower Junction Mammoth while creating new community bonds across tribes and Hot Springs YELLOWSTONE Canyon cultures. The three-day powwow takes place at the Butte Civic Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction Center every September. 406.782.0461 West Lake BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
Yellowstone
Old Faithful
West Thumb
Grant Village
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 23
PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
MONTANA FOLK FEST IN BUTTE.
PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE Art galleries in Southwest Montana offer diverse displays of original, historic, reproductive and unique made in Montana pieces. Performing arts include children’s theater, concerts, symphonies, festivals and plays featuring both professional and amateur talent. Many of the facilities offering cultural attractions are in preserved and historic venues.
ART GALLERIES ANACONDA FRED BOYER STUDIO A living legend sculptor, Boyer's work depicts nature frozen for a moment in time. 406.797.3386, www.fredboyer.com
AUGUSTA LATIGO AND LACE Features art that reflects the old western heritage of the area, local scenery and wildlife. 406.562.3665, www.latigoandlace.com TIPPETS FINE ART Nationally recognized artists exhibiting paintings of the western landscape. 406.562.3611, www.lindatippetts.com
DILLON UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA WESTERN GALLERY/ MUSEUM A collection of traveling exhibits, student art, and a permanent art collection including C.M. Russell and Ansel Adams. 406.683.7232, www.umwestern.edu
DRUMMOND OHRMANN MUSEUM AND GALLERY Featuring paintings and sculptures by rancher-turned-artist Bill Ohrmann. 406.288.3319, www.ohrmannmuseum.com
ENNIS AREA
BUTTE
CATTLEMAN GALLERY A collection of Western Art, prints and more from local artists and nationally known artists. 406.682.5775
MAIN STOPE GALLERY OF ORIGINAL ART Joint venture gallery consisting of a number of Montana member artists. 406.723.9195, www.mainstopegallery.com
CARLETON MCCAMBRIDGE FINE ART Representational oil paintings depict the beauty and intrigue of the West. 612.722.2744, www.carletonmccambridge.com
DEER LODGE
HELENA AREA
THE ART GALLERY Across from the Old Montana Prison, the gallery features summer exhibits and local art year-round. 406.846.3111
A.L. SWANSON CRAFTSMAN STUDIOS Offers handmade fine furniture and luxurious consumer goods and teaches woodworking courses. 406.443.3342, www.alswanson.com
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OLDEST CANDY STORE IN VIRGINIA CITY, MT
ROBBERS ROOST
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PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
ARCHIE BRAY FOUNDATION IN HELENA. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
TREE CIRCUS BY ARTIST PATRICK DOUGHERTY AT BLACKFOOT PATHWAYS: SCULPTURE IN THE WILD NEAR LINCOLN. KEVIN O’DWYER
BASIN CREEK POTTERY & GALLERY A selection of handmade work by artists and craftspeople from Montana and beyond. 406.225.3218, www.basincreekpottery.com GHOST ART GALLERY Features paintings of buildings and themes from the surrounding ghost towns. 406.443.4536, www.ghostartgallery.com HOLTER MUSEUM OF ART Includes the best in regional fine arts and crafts with new shows opening every six weeks. 406.442.6400, www.holtermuseum.org
AN RI RA IRISH FESTIVAL IN BUTTE. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MARY MONTANA GALLERY Showcases the work of Mary Montana and numerous other artists. 406.475.3811 MOUNTAIN SAGE GALLERY Enjoy a variety of styles from realism to abstract, including Montana landscapes, historical sites, wildlife and more. 406.457.8240, www.mountainsagegallery.com TURMAN - LARISON CONTEMPORARY Since 2000, the gallery has been exhibiting contemporary artists of national and international acclaim. 406.443.0340, www.turmanlarison.com
DIG DEEPER: Quilt shops abound! In the pioneer days, quilting and needlework were essential to survival on the frontier. From shops to retreats, quilting still adds a splash of color to life in Southwest Montana today. www.southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/quilting
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PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
PERFORMING ARTS HELENA AREA GRANDSTREET THEATRE Offering up to 10 productions each year, this Montana theater blends modern comfort with historic ambience. 406.447.1574, www.grandstreettheatre.com HELENA SYMPHONY The Helena Symphony performs in the Helena Civic Center and the Cathedral of Saint Helena. 406.442.1860, www.helenasymphony.org MYRNA LOY CENTER This independent movie theater is housed in the former 1886 country jailhouse, and shows two films every evening. 406.443.0287, www.myrnaloycenter.com
BUTTE AREA MOTHER LODE THEATRE Serves as a venue for the Mother Lode Series, Butte Symphony, Butte Community Concert Series and the Orphan Girl Children's Theatre. 406.723.3602, www.buttearts.org
VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA VIRGINIA CITY PLAYERS The oldest continuously operating summer stock theater west of the Mississippi features melodramas and comedies in a 19th-century-style opera house. 800.829.2969, www.virginiacityplayers.com BREWERY FOLLIES Enjoy adult comedy performances of the Brewery Follies at Montana’s first brewery. 800.829.2969, www.breweryfollies.net
ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA PHILIPSBURG THEATRE Historic Montana theatre is open year-round with a variety of programming from the nonprofit Philipsburg Playhouse Productions. 406.859.0013, www.philipsburgtheatre.com
DEER LODGE CUTLER BROS. PRODUCTION Live theatre, musicals, and comedy acts year-round! 406.846.4096, www.cutlerbros.com RIALTO COMMUNITY THEATRE Live performances by national and local talent with weekend movies showing throughout the year. 406.846.7900, www.deerlodgerialto.com
MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM. WANDERLUST CREW
CULTURE MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Collects, preserves, and interprets fine art and Montana artifacts, including works from Charlie Russell. 406.444.2694, www.mhs.mt.gov/museum CHARLES W. CLARK CHATEAU This historic mansion features changing art exhibits, marvelous collections and elegant architecture. 406.490.6678, www.clarkchateaubutte.wordpress.com, www.facebook. com/clarkchateau ST. TIMOTHY’S SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL Playing host to some of the world’s best chamber groups, this festival is held on a hillside 600 feet above Georgetown Lake. 888.407.4071, www.sttimothysmusic.org BLACKFOOT PATHWAYS: SCULPTURE IN THE WILD This outdoor park celebrates the rich environmental, industrial and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot Valley. www.sculptureinthewild.com ARCHIE BRAY FOUNDATION Established in 1951, the Bray attracts artists from around the world. 406.443.3503, www.archiebray.org COPPER VILLAGE MUSEUM AND ART CENTER Includes a historical museum, archives and art center along with a retail shop and historical society. 406.563.2422, www.facebook.com/coppervillagemuseumandartcenter WASHOE THEATRE Anaconda’s historic 1930s working movie theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. 406.563.6161, www.discoveranaconda.com
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GOLF
PUBLIC GOLF Great value and gorgeous vistas are the common denominators among Southwest Montana’s courses. And no matter where you decide to settle for the evening, there’s always a green nearby. OLD WORKS GOLF COURSE. ERIC BUNTING
1 ANACONDA Jack Nicklaus Old Works Golf Course 1205 Pizzini Way, Anaconda, 406.563.5989, www.playoldworks.com Fairmont Hotsprings Resort Golf Course 1500 Fairmont Road, Anaconda, 800.332.3272, 406.797.3241, www.fairmontmontana.com
5 ENNIS Rexford Eureka GLACIER Madison Meadows Golf Course NATIONAL Polebridge Fortine 108 Golf Course St. Mary Trego Drive, Ennis, PARK 406.682.7468, Lake Apgar McDonald Troy www.madisonmeadowsgolfcourse.com West Glacier Yaak
Libby
Nowegian Wood Golf Course 8445 Canyon FerrySweetgrass Road, Helena, Sunburst 406.475.3229, www.norwegianwoodgolf.com
Babb
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Shelby 7 TOWNSEND East Glacier Galata Old Baldy Golf Course 6 HELENA Park Valier KalispellGolf Course 99 Delger Lane, Townsend, Bill Robert's Municipal Heart Butte Kila Dupuyer Fla 406.461.5116, Bigfork Marion 2201 N. Benton Avenue, Helena, the Heron Somers ad Conrad R www.facebook.com/oldbaldygolf ive 406.442.2191,www.billrobertsgolf.com Noxon Lakeside r
Anaconda Country Club 1521 Country Club Road, Anaconda, 406.797.3220, www.golfanaconda.com 2 BUTTE Highland View Golf Course Stodden Park, 3150 S. Utah Avenue, Butte, 406.497-6578, www.co.silverbow.mt.us/452/HighlandView-Golf-Course 3 DEER LODGE Deer Park Golf Course 838 Golf Course Road, Deer Lodge, 406.846.1625, www.deer-park-golf-course.business.site
Whitefish
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Trout Creek
Fox Ridge Golf Course Thompson 4020 Lake Drive, Helena, Falls Helena Polson Hot Springs 406.227.8304, Ronan Haugan www.foxridgegolfcourse.com Plains De Borgia St. Regis
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese
Lolo
Elliston
Lodge
Philipsburg
569
2 Butte
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Melrose
278
Jackson
22
4 4
Nevada City
Dillon
Grant
Townsend
R
Logan
Three Forks
Norris
Sheridan
Alder
7
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Twin Bridges
4
Bannack
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris 278
East Helena White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Boulder
Anaconda 1
Darby
Old Works Golf Course, sits on the site of Anaconda’s first copper smelter. Relics from this mining history can be found scattered throughout the course, making it a unique Montana experience.
Basin
Georgetown Lake
Conner
6
Clancy
3 Deer
Wisdom
DIG DEEPER: The Jack Nicklaus signature golf course,
Helena
Garrison
Corvallis
M
Canyon Creek
Avon
Victor
R
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Stevensville
Belt Stockett
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Drummond
Hamilton
4 DILLON Beaverhead Golf Course 1260 Montana Highway 41, Dillon, 406.683.9933, www.beaverheadgolf.com
Ulm Cascade
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Florence
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Green Meadow Country Club St. Ignatius Dixon Superior 2720 Country Club Avenue, Arlee Seeley Helena, 406.442.5750, Lake www.gmcchelena.com Alberton Missoula
Golf Course
Fort Benton
Choteau
Charlo
Paradise
Brady
Bynum
Swan Lake
Chest
5
Manhattan
Belgrade L
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Ennis
Virginia City Cameron
E
Big Sky
324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammot Hot Spring
C Norris Madi Junc
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
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BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES
BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES With Montana ranking second in the nation for most breweries per capita and a growing number of distilleries, Southwest Montana is the perfect place to try out some tasty brews and spirits.
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company 1 ANACONDA 1517 Dodge Avenue, Helena, Smelter City Brewing 101 Main Street, Anaconda, 406.563.0344, 406.442.5960, Rexford www.facebook.com/SmelterCityBrewing Yaakwww.lewisandclarkbrewing.com Eureka 2 BUTTE Butte Brewing Company 465 E. Galena Street, Butte, 406.299.3953, www.facebook.com/ buttebrewingcompany Headframe Spirits 21 S. Montana Street, Butte, 406.299.2886, www.headframespirits.com
GLACIER NATIONAL Fortine Ten Mile Creek Brewery Trego PARK St. Mary Polebridge
8 WINSTON Stonehouse Distillery 37 Muffley Lane, Winston, 406.465.2816, Sweetgrass Babbwww.stonehouse-distillery.com Sunburst
48 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Lake Apgar McDonald Troy 406.502.1382, West Glacier Libby Columbia www.tenmilecreekbrewing.com Falls Coram Whitefish
9
TOWNSEND Cut Bank
Browning Canyon
Ferry Brewing Co. Shelby 300 Broadway Street, Townsend, East Glacier Galata 406.266.9939, www.cfbrew.com Park Valier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
6 PHILIPSBURG Kalispell Kila Company Philipsburg Brewing Fla Bigfork Marion the Heron Somers ad 101 W. Broadway Street, Philipsburg, Riv Noxon Lakeside er Rollins 406.859.2739, Proctor Swan Lake Dayton Trout www.philipsburgbrew.com
Quarry Brewing 124 W. Broadway Street, Butte, 406.723.0245, www.wedig.beer 3 DILLON Beaverhead Brewing Company 218 S. Montana Street, Dillon, 406.988.0011, www.beaverheadbeer.com 4 ENNIS Willie's Distillery 312 Main Street, Ennis, 406.682.4117, www.williesdistillery.com Burnt Tree Brewing 311 East Main Street, Ennis, 406.682.5552 www.burnttreebrewing.com
Creek
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Gulch distillers 790 Front Street, Helena, 406.449.2393, www.gulchdistillers.com
Dupuyer
Conrad
7 SHERIDAN Condon Ronan Ruby Valley Brew Haugan Plains Charlo De Borgia ParadiseSheridan, 111 S. St. Main Regis Street, Moiese 406.842.5977, St. Ignatius Dixon www.rubyvalleybrew.com Superior
Augusta
Fort Shaw
6
Ulm Cascade
Missoula
Stevensville
Helena
Elliston
Garrison
Corvallis
Philipsburg
Hamilton
Deer Lodge
6
Georgetown Lake
Anaconda
Darby
2 Butte
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Jackson
22
Melrose
3
Bannack
Brewery
7
Townsend
Nevada City
R
Logan
Three Forks
Norris
Sheridan
Alder
Dillon
Grant
4 4
Twin Bridges
9
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Polaris 278
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star
9
278
Basin
East Helena White Sulphur Montana City 8 Winston Springs
Boulder
Wise River
Sula
5
Clancy
81 569
Conner
M
Wolf Creek
Marysville Avon
Victor
R
Canyon Creek
7
Drummond
Belt Stockett
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Florence
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Lolo
Fort Benton
Choteau
Polson
Alberton
Brady
Bynum
Elmo Big Arm
5 HELENA Blackfoot River Brewing Company 66 S. Park Avenue, Helena, 406.449.3005, www.blackfootriverbrewing.com Copper Furrow Brewing 2801 N Roberts Street, Helena, 406.422.5975 www.copperfurrow.com
Heart Butte
Chest
4
Manhattan
Belgrade L
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Ennis
Virginia City Cameron
E
Big Sky
324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammot Hot Spring
C Norris Madi Junc
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
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WINTER ADVENTURES
WINTER ADVENTURES Enjoy untrammeled winter adventures whether its downhill or cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fat-biking, ice fishing, and skating. There are hundreds of miles of groomed ski and snowmobile trails, downhill ski areas with vertical drops over 2,000 feet and breathtaking views, and ice fishing on many lakes. MAVERICK MOUNTAIN SKI AREA. AARON THEISEN
DOWNHILL SKIING & SNOWBOARDING Discovery Ski Area - Anaconda area 406.563.2184, www.skidiscovery.com Great Divide Ski Area – Helena area 406.449.3746, www.skigd.com Maverick Ski Area – Dillon area 406.834.3454, www.skimaverick.com
Lewis & Clark Caverns - Cardwell 406.287.3541 www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns
SNOWMOBILING
Clark Canyon Reservoir – Dillon area 406.683.6472, www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry/
Montana State Parks Find your ride on hundreds of miles of groomed trails on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forests, Bureau of Land Management and MT Haggin Wildlife Management Area. Montana Snowmobile Association clubs groom trails in cooperation with Montana State Parks. Snowmobile Trail Pass/Permits, interactive trail and avalanche information is available at 406.444.2535, www.fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/activities.
Georgetown Lake – Anaconda area 406.683.3900, www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest 406.689.3900, www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest 406.449.5201, www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf
ICE FISHING
Canyon Ferry Reservoir – Helena area 406.683.6472, www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry
Chief Joseph – Wisdom area 406.689.3243, www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf Echo Lake – Anaconda/Philipsburg areas 406.859.3211, www.echolaketrails.org www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf Homestake Lodge – Butte area 406.581.6202, www.homestakelodge.com MT. Haggin – Butte/Anaconda area 406.498.9615, www.milehighnordic.org MacDonald Pass – Helena area 406.449.5201, www.lcnsc.org/macdonald-pass Moulton – Butte area 406.494.2147, www.milehighnordic.org www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
FAT-TIRE MOUNTAIN BIKING
Thompson Park – Butte area 406.494.2147/497.6571, www.milehighnordic.org www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf South Hills – Helena Area www.pricklypearlt.org/trails
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ICE SKATING
Butte Parks and Recreation 406.497.6571 Butte Community Ice Center 406.782.2901 High Altitude Speed Skating Center 406.723.4839 Helena Parks and Recreation 406.447.8463 Philipsburg 406.859.3821 Bannack State Park 406.834.3548 (fee area)
DIG DEEPER: The Yellowstone Trail was the
first transcontinental automobile highway in the United States through the northern tier of states from Washington through Massachusetts. Started in 1912, it passes through SW Montana from Harrison to Drummond. www.yellowstonetrail.org
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HELENA AREA
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Marion
Trout Creek
Kila
Somers
Bigfork
HELENA AREA
Thompson
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Shelby
the
ad
Dupuyer
ConradHELENA. AARON THEISEN
Riv
er
Brady
Bynum
Fort Ben
Choteau Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan Haugan Plains Charlo De Borgia Paradise transportation St. attributed to the lifestyle Regis Moiese
Ch
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Swan Lake
Falls HELENA, Polson Hot Springs HELENA, AUGUSTA, BOULDER, CLANCY, EAST JEFFERSON CITY, TOWNSEND
Mining, agriculture and and wealth for the Helena region. Helena became known as Dixonand the “Queen City of the Rockies” for the fabulous mansions Superior flamboyant business blocks financed by Montanan’s early Arlee elite. Helena was named the state capital in 1894.
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Augusta
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
B Stocke
Ulm
Seeley Lake
Cascade Ovando
Craig
Lincoln Missoula STATE CAPITOL BUILDING Wolf Creek Montana’s stunning neoclassical-style Capitol reflects the AmericanBonnerGreenough Helmville Lolo Canyon Creek Renaissance of the late 19th century. The building, fully restored to its Clinton East Marysville 1902 appearance, features a dome of Montana copper. Self-guided tours Helena emphasize the blending of fine Western art and classicalFlorence architecture that Drummond Helena Avon makes the Montana Capitol unique. 406.444.2694, Stevensville Elliston Montana Garrison Victor www.mhs.mt.gov/education City Winston Clancy Deer Corvallis Jefferson Philipsburg Lodge Basin CATHEDRAL OF ST. HELENA City Patterned after the renowned Votive Cathedral of Hamilton the Sacred Heart in Townsend Boulder Georgetown Lake Vienna, Austria, St. Helena’s 230-foot spires dominate the Helena skyline. Anaconda Darby The impressive interior features 59 spectacular Munich-style stained-glass 569 Conner406.442.5825, panels crafted in Germany by renowned artist F.X. Zettler. Butte Wise Logan www.sthelenas.org Cardwell River Alberton
Sula
34 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Dewey Divide
Wisdom
Melrose
Silver Star Twin
Whitehall Harrison Pony
Three Forks
Gallatin
W S
Be
Enjoy our outdoor spaces and recreational experiences that are perfect for social distancing. Fish, boat, or kayak on our rivers and lakes. Hike and explore our many wilderness and urban areas. Mountain bike our 80+ miles of trails in and around Helena. In the winter months, ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe in our downy snow. And, don’t forget to grab a craft beer on the patio of one of our award winning breweries. Helena is open for a safely distanced getaway when you are ready for a visit!
Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone Learn | Shop | Dine | Play | Stay
HelenaMT.com · 800-743-5362 HELENA, KEVIN LEAGUE
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 35
HELENA AREA
STATE CAPITOL BUILDING. ANDY AUSTIN
LAST CHANCE TOUR TRAIN Step aboard and experience Helena’s history on this one-hour, narrated train ride through the state capital. You’ll view the original Governor’s Mansion, the current executive residence, the state Capitol, the historic Guardian of the Gulch and much more. It’s the best way to see it all. 406.442.1023, www.lctours.com LAST CHANCE GULCH Prospectors took “one last chance” that paid off in 1864. Helena grew along the gulch that today is the most historic mile in Montana. Victorian-era buildings now line the site where digs produced millions in gold. Enjoy great shopping, dining, art galleries and history. 406.447.1535, www.downtownhelena.com MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM Founded in 1865, the society houses art, artifacts, archives and photographs. The museum features the work of cowboy artist C.M. Russell and American Indian and Montana history exhibits. Discover your roots at the Research Center and find a Montana treasure at the gift store. 406.444.2694, www.mhs.mt.gov/museum ORIGINAL GOVERNOR’S MANSION Take a guided tour of the 1888 Queen Anne-style mansion that served as the official home of Montana’s governors from 1913 to 1959. 406.444.4794, www.mhs.mt.gov/education/ogmtours REEDER’S ALLEY This quaint alley, once home to miners, is Helena’s most intact territorial-period neighborhood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can take a self-guided tour. The Montana Heritage Commission, the managing entity for Virginia City and Nevada City, maintains this historic stateowned property. 406.843.5247, www.reedersalley.com
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REEDER'S ALLEY. ANDY AUSTIN
MONTANA MILITARY MUSEUM Montana’s official military repository offers a rich collection of memorabilia, artifacts and archives ranging from Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery through modern times. The museum is located just west of town at the Fort Harrison complex. 406.324.3550, www.montanamilitarymuseum.org HELENA CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES For more information on the Archie Bray Foundation, the Holter Museum of Art, the Myrna Loy Center and Grandstreet Theatre, please see page 24. GREAT NORTHERN CAROUSEL Thirty-eight hand-sculpted animals and century-old stained glass from the famed Broadwater Hotel promise a memorable ride. Enjoy the enclosed carousel year-round. 406.457.5353, www.gncarousel.com EXPLORATION WORKS A museum of science and culture for children and adults, Exploration Works is 3,500 square feet of hands-on fun and science education. For those who like to play, create, discover and explore, Exploration Works is the place to be. 406.457.1800, www.explorationworks.org GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS Meriwether Lewis named this spectacular canyon north of Helena. Steep limestone cliffs flanking the Missouri River create the illusion of a gate that seems to open as you travel toward these cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely, narrated boat tour during the summer months. 406.458.5241, www.gatesofthemountains.com WOLF CREEK (PRICKLY PEAR) CANYON One of the most beautiful scenic drives in Montana, this canyon was the most difficult section along the route from Helena to Fort Benton. Stagecoach drivers and teamsters feared the narrow canyon and swift-flowing Prickly Pear Creek. To access the canyon, take I-15 north from Helena. www.southwestmt.com/communities/wolfcreek.htm
HELENA AREA
TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN AND ARBORETUM Situated in the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains, there are seven acres of perennials, annuals, roses, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables and more than 12,000 bulbs. Features include theme gardens, shade gardens and a Lewis and Clark garden. The gardens are located in Jefferson County, 18 miles south of Helena. 406.933.8789, www.tizergardens.com
EAST HELENA Freight wagons once camped where East Helena’s business district grew. The nation’s longest operating lead smelter opened here in 1888 and processed 70,000 tons annually until it closed in 2001. Today, the resilient community offers visitors a charming main street, warm hospitality and a good meal. 406.227.5321, www.easthelenamt.us
MOUNT HELENA CITY PARK Acres of hiking and biking trails in the South Hills and on National Register-listed Mount Helena offer great panoramic vistas and diverse landscapes in all seasons. The city trail system rivals biking destinations like Moab, Utah and includes runs from butter-smooth single track to challenging rock garden trails. www.helenamt.com/content/hiking-helena-montana-trails
JEFFERSON CITY Named to honor President Thomas Jefferson, the town began as a stagecoach stop for passengers and freight between Fort Benton and Virginia City. In the early years, this area yielded millions of dollars in gold and silver. 406.225.4015, www.bouldermtchamber.org/plan-a-trip, www.discoverjeffersonmt.org
MONTANA LEARNING CENTER The Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry Lake, just 20 miles northeast of Helena provides visitors with the perfect place for teaching, learning, experiencing the outdoors, and viewing the night sky with multiple state-of-the-art telescopes. The center is the largest public-use observatory in Montana. 406.475.3638, www.montanalearning.org/astronomy/
TOWNSEND Along the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark’s epic route, Townsend sits at the pristine south end of Canyon Ferry Lake. It is home to excellent hunting, fishing and seasonal cattle drives. 406.266.4101, www.townsendmt.com
NEARBY COMMUNITIES BOULDER Historic Boulder, the Jefferson County seat, is home to the magnificent 1888 Jefferson County Courthouse and Boulder Hot Springs, both listed on the National Register. Elkhorn Ghost Town is nearby, along with Radon Health Mines which, while there is no guarantee, some claim improves health and eases arthritis, lupus, asthma and other ailments. 406.465.2106, www.bouldermtchamber.com, www.discoverjeffersonmt.org
HISTORIC CANTON CHURCH - TOWNSEND A Colonial-style church dating to 1875, the historic Canton Church reflects the roots of many local settlers who came here from Canton, New York. The church was moved to its present location on Montana Highway 284 east of Townsend in 1952 when Canyon Ferry Reservoir was filled. 406.266.4101, www.canton-church.org THE BROADWATER COUNTY MUSEUM - TOWNSEND The museum preserves local American Indian, Lewis and Clark and Broadwater County history through its exhibits and collected artifacts. The facility features an extensive library with copies of most of the early local newspapers. 406.266.5252, www.broadwatercountymuseum.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER - BOULDER Located in an 1888 bank building on nearby Boulder’s Main Street, the center preserves the rich history and culture of Jefferson County. The center houses a museum, library and genealogy collections. 406.422.9879, www.theheritagecenter.yolasite.com CLANCY South of Helena in Jefferson County, Clancy began in 1873 as a gold camp but soon became famous for its silver mines. Clancy district silver, hauled by oxen team to Fort Benton and shipped to Swansea, Wales, for smelting, was so rich it still made a profit even after all that travel. 406.224.5106 JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - CLANCY Housed in an 1898 schoolhouse at Clancy, the museum interprets pioneer living and features a 19th-century classroom in a hand-built frontier town and hosts traveling exhibits. 406.933.5528, www.jeffersoncounty-mt.gov/Museum_ Clancy.html GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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AUGUSTA, LINCOLN & OVANDO
EAST BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS. KYLE SCHMAUCH
AUGUSTA, LINCOLN & OVANDO AREA AUGUSTA Augusta sits on the northern edge of Southwest Montana and is a gateway to the immense Bob Marshall Wilderness and adjoining Scapegoat Wilderness. A friendly town in a scenic location, there are restaurants, motels and a full array of visitor services. 406.562.3491, www.augustamontana.com
OVANDO Montana's 2018 Community of the Year, home to the famous institution Trixi's Antler Saloon. Mountain meadows ablaze with wildflowers and the mountain peaks of the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas greet Ovando visitors. A number of guides and outfitters in the area can take you into the wild lands and several guest ranches offer accommodations. 406.793.0018, www.ovandomontana.net
AUGUSTA – OLD NORTH TRAIL The Augusta area provides access to over a million acres of rugged beauty in the high country with nearby lakes and BRAND BAR MUSEUM - OVANDO rivers for excellent fishing. The Blackfeet Rexford called it the “Old Located in the town square of Ovando, the Brand Bar Eureka Yaak GLACIER North Trail,” following it along the east side of the Rockies Museum housesBabb a collection of local Sweetgrass memorabilia, stories NATIONAL from their northern hunting grounds to their southern winter of settlers, homestead maps and historic information. There Polebridge Fortine Sunburst St. Mary Trego PARK encampments. isn’t always an attendant present, so please ask someone at Lake Cutor Bank Blackfoot Commercial Company Blackfoot Angler to open Apgar McDonald Troy Browning LINCOLN-SCAPEGOAT AREA the door for you. 406.793.5685, West Glacier Libby Columbia Shelby Stretching from Ovando to Augusta along the Upper www.southwestmt.com/listings/12897.htm Falls Coram Martin City Chester Whitefish East Glacier Blackfoot River, this area includes much of the Scapegoat Galata Hungry Park Valier Horse Wilderness, part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Kalispell Essex Heart Butte The Scapegoat Wilderness was designated through a Kila Dupuyer Fla Bigfork Marion the grassroots community effort,Heron earning a place in history Somers ad Conrad Riv Noxon Lakeside er as the first citizen-initiated wilderness area in the nation. Rollins Brady Bynum Proctor Swan Lake Generations of ranching families continue to live in the area Dayton Trout along with businesses with a rich Creek history. Elmo Fort Benton Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Choteau
Big Arm
Polson
LINCOLN Condon The Sun River Canyon, the Blackfoot River Ronan Haugan Valley and pristine Plains Charlo De Borgia wilderness surround Lincoln. Its charming National RegisterParadise St. Regis listed community center is a focal point. Visit the Hi-Country Moiese St. Ignatius Trading Post, the Helena National Forest Ranger Station, Dixon Superior which displays a mounted 830-pound grizzly bear, and Arlee Seeley Lake Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild. www.lincolnmontana.com Alberton
Missoula
PPER BLACKFOOT VALLEY HISTORICAL U Lolo SOCIETY MUSEUM - LINCOLN This museum collection of displays and Lincoln Gulch GoldFlorence Mine artifacts preserves the local history and character ofStevensville Lincoln, the Blackfoot Valley and its residents. Located in Victor Lincoln behind the Hi-Country Trading Post, the museum Corvallis features logging, mining and agricultural equipment and local Hamilton historic buildings. 406.362.4949, www.lincolnmontana.com
Augusta
Ulm Cascade
Ovando Lincoln
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Craig
Sula
Belt Stockett Ra
Mon
Wolf Creek
N
Canyon Creek Marysville
Drummond
Avon Garrison
Elliston
Clancy Basin
Georgetown Lake
Wise River Dewey
East Helena
Helena
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
569
Conner
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
Anaconda
Darby
38 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Fairfield Vaughn
Butte
Montana City Winston
Jefferson City
Townsend Boulder
Cardwell
White Spring
Rin
Logan
Man
Belgrad
WASH SAPPHIRE GRAVEL GEM CUTTING
Returned in as little as 90 days!
LOOSE SAPPHIRES GOLD PANNING
GOLD & SILVER SAPPHIRE JEWELRY THUNDER EGGS KNIVES
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800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 39
BUTTE AREA Rexford
Yaak
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Bigfork
Somers
Trout Creek
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING. ANDY AUSTIN
BUTTE AREA Butte, Basin, Whitehall
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Heart Butte
Fla
the
ad
Dupuyer
OUR LADY OF THE ROCKIES. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
Charlo
Paradise
er
Brady
Bynum
Choteau
Augusta
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Ulm
Sto
Cascade MAI WAH SOCIETY ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE PROCESSION. TRAVIS MCADAMS
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Missoula
Alberton
Grea Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Moiese Dixon
Galata
Valier
Polson
Plains
Superior
Shelby
East Glacier Park
UPTOWN BUTTE. LISA WAREHAM Lakeside
Noxon
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Lolo
Birthplace to labor unions, battleground of industrial titans and home to thousands of immigrants, Butte’s mining past broughtFlorence wealth and colorful characters. Today, Butte is home to festivals, Stevensville locally owned/ operated restaurants and outdoor recreation.
Ovando Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Sula TROLLEY TOUR The Butte Trolley is temperature controlled and enclosed. Tour Butte’s historic sites during the summer months. 406.723.3177, www.buttechamber.org
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek Marysville
Drummond
Helena
Avon Garrison
Victor
Corvallis BUTTE VISITOR CENTER Open year-round, the Visitor Center houses a collection of George Hamilton F. Grant hand-tied fishing flies, native Montana taxidermy mounts, exhibits on Butte’s mining history and the first stop visitors Darby make when delving into Butte’s history and outdoor recreational opportunities. 406.723.3177, www.visitbutte.com Conner
Craig
Lincoln
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Basin
Anaconda
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278 WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING, EXHIBITS & MINE TOUR Situated on an actual mine yard, the museum preserves the rich Jackson Polaris historical legacy of mining and related culture of Butte. Bring the family to explore this mining camp and descend 65’ or 100’ feet into 278 the earth on a tour of an underground mining tunnel. 406.723.7211, Bannack www.miningmuseum.org
Dillon
Townsend Boulder
Sheridan
Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Laurin
Wh
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
Montana City Winston
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
569
East Helena
Three Forks
Norris
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Ga Gate
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
B
Grant
GRANITE MOUNTAIN MINE MEMORIAL Dedicated to the 168 men who died in a hard rock mine disaster in 1917, this exhibit features letters from the families of the fallen miners and memorial bricks. This memorial offers a stunning panoramic view of Butte and is open all year. 406.782.3280, www.minememorial.org 40 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
W Yello
BUTTE AREA
HIKING IN THOMPSON PARK. USDA FOREST SERVICE
THE MAI WAH SOCIETY In the heart of Butte’s old Chinatown, this historic building houses displays and artifacts relating the story of Chinese immigrants. 406.723.3177, www.maiwah.org BERKELEY PIT View one of the largest truck-operated open-pit copper mines in the nation: 1½ miles across, 3 miles around and 1,700 feet deep. Along with the viewing stand is a gift shop and personnel to assist with local information. 406.723.3177, 800.735.6814, www.pitwatch.org MINERAL MUSEUM Not just for the rockhound, this fascinating collection holds 1,500 specimens and real-time data from Montana’s seismic network. The museum is open year-round on the Montana Tech campus. 406.496.4414, www.mbmg.mtech.edu/mineralmuseum/about.asp COPPER KING MANSION A designated National Historic Place, the mansion was built for copper baron William A. Clark. This home depicts the wealthy lifestyle of the 20th century with exquisite architectural detail, 32 rooms of antiques and serves as a bed & breakfast. Guided tours are available during the warm season and year-round for lodging guests. 406.782.7580, www.thecopperkingmansion.com SCIENCE MINE Provides hands-on, interactive exhibits allowing visitors, particularly children, to not only learn about scientific principles but to think critically and ask, “what happens if?” 406.559.7279, www.facebook.com/sciencemineorg/
BUTTE TROLLEY. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
OLD BUTTE HISTORICAL ADVENTURES Explore the colorful side of Butte history with a tour into an authentic underground speakeasy from the prohibition era, the city jail frequently housed by Evel Knievel, and a brothel. 406.498.3424, www.buttetour.info BUTTE-SILVER BOW ARCHIVES A collection of manuscripts, documents, and photographs relating to story of Butte can be viewed. Some of the collections housed at the Archives include cemetery records, voting registration, naturalization and union records. 406.782.3280, www.buttearchives.org OUR LADY OF THE ROCKIES Take a bus tour for a close-up look at the 90-foot statue overlooking Butte from 8,015 feet. The statue is dedicated to women, especially mothers. The views from the statue are spectacular. 406.782.1221, 800.800.LADY, www.ourladyoftherockies.net SILVER BOW DRIVE IN Watch a movie under the stars in this old-fashioned way sure to ignite the senses. Located outside city limits southwest of Butte, this drive-in theater is open seasonally. 406.782.8095, www.silverbowdrivein.com DUMAS BROTHEL Butte’s longest running brothel closed in 1982. Paranormal activity, colorful stories, and tours are available. www.dumas-brothel.com
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BUTTE AREA
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT AND HEADFRAMES Uptown Butte is filled with fine, well-preserved examples of early-20th-century architecture, a testament to the wealth and lifestyle from Butte’s early mining heyday. Also dotting Butte’s landscape are 14 tall, black steel structures, the remnants of the hoist houses to over 10,000 miles of underground mine tunnels honeycombing the Butte hill. A variety of tours are available. 406.723-3177, www.visitbutte.com OLD LEXINGTON STAMP MILL AND GARDENS Located in historic uptown Butte, the Lexington was Butte’s first stamp mill used to crush extracted ore for smelting. The mill is surrounded by native plant gardens, including a replica of the historic Columbia Gardens Amusement Park’s butterfly. 406.723.3177, 406.723.3177, www.visitbutte.com THOMPSON PARK Enjoy year round use on 3,500 acres for non-motorized recreation and picnicking 10 minutes from Butte on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Over 25 miles of trails with interpretive signage connect to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and takes recreationists on the Milwaukee Road through tunnels and across a train trestle. 406.494-2147, 406.497.6571, www.co.silverbow.mt.us/453/Thompson-Park
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
COPPERWAY TRAILS This network of non-motorized urban trails connects to surrounding open spaces utilizing many of Butte’s railroad and stream corridors. 406.723.3177, www.co.silverbow. mt.us/454/Trails-Outdoor-Recreation
BASIN Basin is a mining community home to several historic buildings and radon mines, used for their claimed health benefits. It’s also a haven for musicians and other artists. 406.225.4039, www.discoverjeffersonmt.org
HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH View the freehand painted frescoes on the walls and ceiling visually conveying the word of God. The church is available for tours; please call for appointments. Donations are appreciated to sustain charities the Church supports. 406.723.7889, www.holytrinitybutte.org
WHITEHALL In the Jefferson River Valley, Whitehall is a good base for fishing and hunting. It has a nice city park and a historical museum. Be sure to check out the Lewis and Clark Murals. 406.287.2260, www.townofwhitehall.org, www.discoverjeffersonmt.org
SPIRIT OF COLUMBIA GARDENS CAROUSEL Located at Stodden Park, next to Ridge Waters Waterpark and destination playground, the carousel is available for year-round fun. Hand-carved ponies and seats, each with a story and a sponsor, are sure to please riders of all ages. 406.494.7775, www.buttecarousel.com
LEWIS & CLARK BICENTENNIAL MURALS In Whitehall, more than a dozen billboard-size murals depict scenes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the Jefferson Valley. 406.287.2260
PICCADILLY TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM View hundreds of transportation-related advertising and memorabilia from across the USA. Open summer season. 406.723.3034, www.piccmuseum.com BUTTE MULE TOURS Board a side-by-side vehicle from the Miner’s Hotel to learn of Butte’s days of prostitution and prohibition or view the headframes and mine yards dotting Butte’s landscape. 406.723.8928, www.buttemuletours.com
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COPPER KING MANSION. CHERYL ACKERMAN
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS STATE PARK Off I-90 east of Cardwell, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park offers year-round cabin rentals, camping and picnicking. Daily guided tours May through September in the lighted caves are also available with candlelight tours starting in December. 406.287.3541, www.stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clark-caverns JEFFERSON VALLEY MUSEUM In Whitehall, artifacts and memorabilia depict the history and heritage of the Jefferson Valley area. 406.287.7813
WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING
a
a
406.723.7211 www.miningmuseum.org /worldmuseumofmining 155 Museum Way, Butte, MT 59701
W H E R E H I S T O R Y T E L L S A S T O R Y. Advertisement Drafts V2.indd 1
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Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Troy
VIRGINIA CITYLibby & ENNIS AREA
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Somers
Bigfork
Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Shelby
East Glacier Park
the
ad
er
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
Brady
Bynum
Fort Benton
Choteau
Polson
Plains
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
Arlee
Augusta
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Lolo USDA FOREST SERVICE Florence
Stevensville
Ovando
Helena
Avon
Philipsburg
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Anaconda
Nowhere is the mix of Montana’s past and present more evident than this 569 Conner region. Virginia and Nevada cities remain virtually unchanged from the Wise mining glory days of the 1860’s gold rush. Meanwhile, Ennis is a working River Sula cowboy town, catering to visitors with art galleries, quaint shops and Dewey anglers looking to do some serious fishing along the Madison River. Divide Melrose
278
VIGILANTE TRAIL Jackson The Vigilante Trail, originally dedicated in 1924, provides a corridor for Polaris Montana tourists from Butte to West Yellowstone. The trail was marked 278 with the vigilante code, 3-7-77, on bright signs to ensure that visitors Bannack would not lose their way. This code served as a warning for frontier Grant ruffians and criminals to leave the area immediately—or else. The trail 324 cuts through the heart of Southwest Montana, taking travelers along 324 the road that was frequented by so many of the early Montana settlers. Rich in territorial history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and genuine Montana hospitality, a trip along the Vigilante Trail provides a memorable experience for all visitors. www.southwestmt.com/itineraries/vigilantetrail
44 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Butte Silver Star Twin Bridges
Townsend Boulder
Three Forks
Sheridan Nevada City
Ri
Logan
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Alder
White Sulphur Springs
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Laurin
Dillon
Montana City Winston
Clancy Basin
ALDER, ENNIS, LAURIN, NEVADA CITY, SHERIDAN, SILVER STAR, Georgetown Lake TWIN BRIDGES, VIRGINIA CITY
ALDER GULCH SHORTLINE RAILROAD From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Shortline Railroad, a 1½-mile scenic train ride, goes through the dredge tailings between Virginia City and Nevada City. Be sure to check out our 1910 steam locomotive on display in Nevada City. 406.843.5247, 800.829.2969, www.virginiacitymt.com
East Helena
VIRGINIA CITY. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
VIRGINIA CITYHamilton & ENNIS AREA
VIRGINIA CITY
N
Canyon Creek
Garrison
Wisdom
Mo
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Drummond
R
Craig
Lincoln
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Darby
Stockett
Cascade
Seeley Lake
Victor Corvallis
Belt
Ulm
Missoula
Alberton
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Moiese Dixon
Cheste
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
Cut Bank
Browning
Norris
Manhattan
Belg Liv
Bo
Gallatin Gateway
Ennis
Virginia City
Em
Big Sky Cameron
G Quake Lake Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammoth Hot Springs
Ca Norris Madis Juncti
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
We Thum
VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA VIGILANTE CARRIAGES Narrated 35 minute stagecoach tour. This authentic stagecoach will take you up the Alder Gulch to the Point of Discovery, the location of the largest placer gold strike in history. Enjoy th comfort of our luxurious padded leather seats and open windows. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. mid-May to midSeptember. 406.633.3397, www.vigilantecarriages.com
EARTHQUAKE LAKE VISITOR CENTER In 1959, a violent earthquake triggered a massive landslide that killed 28 people and created Earthquake Lake. Interpretive displays, movies and talks, and a bookstore can be found here. The center is located 44 miles south of Ennis. 406.682.7620, www.fs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/ specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5127785
ROBBER’S ROOST This stagecoach stop was built on the site of a roadhouse where outlaws planned their holdups. (Don’t worry, the roads are safer now.) Find this gem 4 miles south of Sheridan on Montana Highway 287.
BEAR TRAP CANYON Eight miles of whitewater and wilderness begins at the spillway of Ennis Lake Dam. Hiking and fishing are accessed via the trails. Kayakers and rafters should be very experienced or hire a guide. 406.688.3200, www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/16202/2
VIRGINIA CITY / NEVADA CITY Virginia City is a vast National Historic Landmark and territorial capital, housing America’s finest collection of 1860s “boom town” buildings on their original sites and collections of Old West artifacts. Nearby Nevada City is an open-air museum with more than 100 buildings, thousands of artifacts and gem mining. Historical reenactments or “Living History” weekends are a popular summer attraction. 800.829.2969, www.virginiacitymt.com HANGMAN’S BUILDING & BOOT HILL Five lonely grave markers on Boot Hill tell the story of road agents who were hanged in 1864. At Hangman’s Building in Virginia City you can still see the rope burns on the crossbeam from the fateful event. THOMPSON-HICKMAN MUSEUM Exhibits include Civil War era guns, photos, American Indian artifacts, a 100-year-old birthday cake, geological rock examples, fascinating oddities and much more. THE HISTORIC TOUR COMPANY Ride this Fire Truck Tour for an accurate and entertaining description of Virginia City’s past and present. Learn about the city’s determined founders, early development, Alder Gulch gold, vigilantes, road agents, historical buildings and more. It is open daily from May to September. 406.600.2598 VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES For more information on the Virginia City Players and the Brewery Follies, please see page 27.
ENNIS MADISON VALLEY HISTORY MUSEUM This museum in Ennis is home to collections of artifacts, tapes, photographs and stories of historical importance to the region and home to the famous “Beast.” It is approximately 4 miles from Ennis on Montana Highway 287 towards Virginia City. 406.682.4685 ENNIS NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY This is one of three rainbow trout brood stock hatcheries in the federal hatchery system featuring a visitor center, display pond and tours. It is located 12 miles southwest of Ennis. 406.682.4847, www.fws.gov/ennis
NEARBY COMMUNITIES ALDER Hunt for garnets south of town. Visit the Red Rock Gem Mine 2 miles east of town; it’s open to the public for a fee. 406.842.5770, www.rubyvalleychamber.com LAURIN This quaint, turn-of-the-century village situated on the banks of the Ruby River boasts a trophy trout stream, a historic Catholic church and other architectural gems. 406.842.5770, www.rubyvalleychamber.com/community SHERIDAN In the heart of the Ruby Valley, this friendly, quintessential small town is a gateway to the scenic Tobacco Root and Ruby mountains. Within a few miles of town, outdoor adventures in hiking, fishing (with or without ice), hunting, bicycling and ATV trips can be enjoyed. 406.842.5770, www.rubyvalleychamber.com/community SILVER STAR Nestled along the Jefferson River (one of the five blue-ribbon trout rivers in Montana) with the majestic Tobacco Root Mountains as its backdrop, it is a well-known experience for hunting and fishing. www.rubyvalleychamber.com/community TWIN BRIDGES Three blue-ribbon trout streams converge in this ranching town to form the Jefferson River and is a mecca for fly-fishing. Stop by R.L. Winston Rod and Co. and tour their showroom featuring premium, custom-made fishing rods. A local museum features unique displays of local and American Indian history. There is also special camping facilities for touring cyclists and a kids' fishing pond. 406.684.5243, www.rubyvalleychamber.com/community LEWIS & CLARK INTERPRETIVE PARK - TWIN BRIDGES Located at the entrance to the county fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, the park offers the public insight into the five days the Corps of Discovery spent in this area. Don’t miss the six-foot bronze statue of Sacagawea. 406.684.5824, www.southwestmt.com/listings/15096.htm 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 45
ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Valier
Heart Butte the
ad
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
er
Swan Lake
Charlo
Paradise
Choteau
Augusta
Fort Shaw
GEORGETOWN LAKE, ANDY AUSTIN
ANACONDA CHAMBER
Arlee
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Moiese
Dixon
Brady
Bynum
Polson
Plains
Superior
She
East Glacier Park Fla
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Somers
Bigfork
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
St. Ignatius
Cascade
Seeley Lake
ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA ANACONDA, PHILIPSBURG
Alberton
Nestled in the Pintler Scenic Route, these two communities are truly hidden Lolo gems. Take in a round of golf on Anaconda’s Jack Nicklaus designed Old Works Golf Course then walk along the business district for shopping and Florence dining. Philipsburg, a 19th century mining town, offers a main street full of Stevensville unique shops including an old-time candy store, soda fountain, sapphire Victor mining and jewelry shops.
ANACONDA
Corvallis
Hamilton
Darby ANACONDA COURTHOUSE Construction began on the courthouse in June of 1898 and was completed Conner in the early spring of 1900 at a cost of $199,539. The building boasts a rotunda, circular staircases, frescoes and a dumbwaiter so the clerk of the court Sula wouldn’t have to carry books up and down stairs. www.discoveranaconda.com
ANACONDA VISITOR CENTER This building is a replica of an old train depot and includes information on Anaconda’s many attractions and adventures. Vintage bus tours begin here. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com VINTAGE BUS TOURS Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from the visitor center. Tours include historic attractions and buildings from Anaconda’s early smelting days. Tours run from mid-May through mid-September. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com
46 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Missoula
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek Marysville
Drummond
Helena
Avon Garrison
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
569
Basin
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson
278
Dillon
Bannack
Townsen Boulder
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Polaris
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
Montan City W
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
Anaconda
East Helena
Alder
Th Fo
Norri
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Grant 324
Qu L
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
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ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA
SWEET PALACE IN PHILIPSBURG. AARON THEISEN
OLD WORKS HISTORICAL TRAIL Interpretive plaques address the history of the Old Works smelter. Kiosks and benches are provided for resting along the 1¼-mile-long paved trail. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com WALKING TOUR Tour Anaconda’s four national historic districts that tell the story of the city’s past. View unique homes and striking downtown architecture. www.discoveranaconda.com HEARST FREE LIBRARY The library was built in 1898 with classic beauty and is located on Main Street in Anaconda. 406.563.6932, www.hearstfreelibrary.org WASHOE PARK Dedicated in the 1890s and expanded just after 1910, this historic park is located in Anaconda. Park attractions include the historic Glover Cabin (the oldest standing building in Anaconda), a swimming pool, tennis courts, approximately 6 miles of walking trails, a large picnic area, a playground and Legion Baseball Field. 406.563.3408, www.discoveranaconda.com WASHOE PARK TROUT HATCHERY Located in Anaconda’s Washoe Park, the hatchery originally opened in 1908 and is the state’s oldest-run fish hatchery facility still in existence. The visitor center is open daily with underwater trout stream viewing. 406.563.2531, www.myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/ siteDetail.action?lmsId=39754097 GEORGETOWN LAKE Nestled in the mountains, picturesque Georgetown Lake is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, camping and windsurfing.
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PHILIPSBURG. ERIC BUNTING
PHILIPSBURG GEM MINES The Philipsburg area is home to a well-known cache of sapphire and ruby gems discovered over a century ago. Area businesses allow digging for a fee. GEM MONTANA 406.859.6463, www.gemmountainmt.com SAPPHIRE GALLERY 800.525.0169, www.sapphiregallery.com MONTANA GEMS 406.859.6725, www.montanagems.net THE MONTANA LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the men and women of Montana’s law enforcement and is open May through September. 406.859.6536, www.mlem.org GRANITE COUNTY MUSEUM Explore the daily routine of the turn-of-the-century underground miner. This museum in Philipsburg features a replicated silver mine complete with equipment, a prospector’s cabin and a fire assay lab. 406.859.3020, www.granitecountymuseum.com ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES For more information on the Copper Village Museum and Art Center, Opera House Theatre, Washoe Theatre and St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival, please see page 26. THE SWEET PALACE Chocolate and fresh fudge aromas greet you even before you step inside this glorious Victorian confectionery. See saltwater taffy pulled and wrapped by an antique wrapper. Over 1000 selections of candies, including hand-dipped fine chocolates.
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Yaak
Rexford
Eureka
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA
Polebridge
Fortine Trego
Troy
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Heart Butte the
ad
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
er
Swan Lake
Charlo
Paradise
Brady
Bynum
F
Choteau Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Augusta
Arlee
Alberton
St. Ignatius
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Missoula
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Lolo Clinton MONIDA, POLARIS, WISDOM, WISE
Wolf Creek
RIVER Canyon Creek
Florence
Marysville
Eastrush Lewis and Clark met the Shoshone Indians near Dillon at Camp Fortunate. This ranch-rich area is also home to the gold Drummond Helena Avon Helena Stevensville mining camp of Bannack, where Montana history comes to life at this State Park. Take time to learn about the Nez Perce War Elliston Montana Garrison Victor of 1877 at the Big Hole National Battlefield. City Winston Clancy Deer Corvallis Jefferson Philipsburg Lodge Basin City Hamilton DILLON Townsend Darby
BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MUSEUM Find both indoor and outdoor exhibits in Dillon including a Conner genealogy research center, an extensive bird display and a boardwalk, a one-room schoolhouse, a Union Pacific Railroad Sula Depot, a theater and a restored Lewis and Clark diorama. 406.683.5027, www.beaverheadcounty.org/departments/beaverheadcounty-museum
Anaconda 569
BANNACK STATE PARK Bannack State Park (see page 6 for more details), one of the best preserved ghost towns in the country, is the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862 and was the foundation for making Bannack the first territorial capital in Montana. DILLON NOTABLES Great Harvest University Headquarters, Patagonia Outlet, and LaCense Montana Equine Center.
50 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Butte
Wise River
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
Twin Bridges
278
Sheridan
Dillon
Bannack
Harrison Pony
Laurin Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris
Jackson
White S Sprin
Boulder
Georgetown Lake
278
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD This famous battlefield memorializes the Nez Perce and U.S. troops who clashed at the Battle of the Big Hole in 1877. Here, find a national park interpretive center, trails, picnic sites and special events. It is open year-round and located 10 miles west of Wisdom. 406.689.3155, www.nps.gov/biho
Stockett
BANNACK STATE PARK. CANDI WHITWORTH
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA DELL, DILLON, JACKSON, LIMA, MELROSE,
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
Moiese Dixon
Galata
Valier
Polson
Plains
Superior
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Somers
Bigfork
Cut Bank
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Heron
Sunburst
Apgar
Libby
Sweetgrass
Babb
Three Forks
Norris
Manha
Be
B
Gallatin Gateway
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Big S
Grant 324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
We Yellows
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA
DONNIE SEXTON/ MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL SITES Lewis and Clark passed through Southwest Montana on their famous journey westward, and various sites of special interest can be found throughout the region including: Beaverhead Rock, Clark’s Lookout State Park, a Lewis and Clark diorama, Camp Fortunate Outlook, Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark and Gibbon’s Pass-Trail Creek. 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org PIONEER SCENIC BYWAY This scenic route through the national forest to Wise River begins 30 miles northwest of Dillon. Spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, wildlife and ghost towns can all be found along the way. 406.683.3900, www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf BIG SHEEP CREEK BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY Fifty miles from Bannack, this byway was originally a freight road used for hauling supplies to mining towns. The road is a two-lane dirt and recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles. Side roads lead to trailheads into the mountains. This is a beautiful drive through gorgeous countryside. Look up at high rock cliffs and look down long valleys with the Beaverhead Mountains to the west and the Tendoy Mountains to the east. Early morning and evening hours bring out the deer, elk and bighorn sheep. A rustic campground can be found at Deadwood Gulch. Road conditions vary dramatically with the weather, and travel is safest from June until September. 406.683.8000, www.southwestmt.com/listings/894.htm CATTAIL MARSH RECREATION AREA This easily accessible recreation area features a nature trail and is found near Clark Canyon Dam south of Dillon. To access the trail, drive over the dam and turn right at the fishing access sign. 406.683.6472, www.southwestmt.com/listings/12547.htm
NEARBY COMMUNITIES DELL A small town near the Red Rock River, this is a once sheep now cattle and American Bison ranching community. 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org JACKSON Near the headwaters of the Big Hole River, the Jackson area offers exceptional fishing, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Jackson Hot Springs is a central attraction based around the natural hot springs mineral pool first discovered by Captain William Clark in 1806. 406.683.5511, www.bigholevalley. com/Jackson,MT/tabid/5697/Default.aspx
BEAVERHEAD ROCK. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LIMA This community is the southern gateway to Montana, Red Rock Lakes and Centennial Valley. Enjoy bird-watching and wildlife viewing at an elevation of 6,232 feet and beautiful scenery along the Continental Divide. Here, find the historic railroad town, rockhounding, city pool and park 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org MELROSE Melrose is known for great fishing on the Big Hole River between Butte and Dillon. 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org MONIDA Exit 0, on the border of Montana/Idaho. Almost a ghost town, a hidden Silver Mine it is the entrance to Centennial Valley & Yellowstone Stage Route. POLARIS On the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway in the Grasshopper Valley, this historic ranching and mining community enjoys outdoor recreation year-round. Activities include skiing, ATV riding and snowmobiling, hot springs, hiking and trail riding, digging for crystals, camping, fishing and hunting. 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org WISDOM Nestled in the beautiful Big Hole Valley, this cowboy town adopted the name given to the Big Hole River by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Big Hole National Battlefield and the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest provide a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. 406.683.5511, www.bigholevalley.com/Jackson,MT/ tabid/5697/Default.aspx WISE RIVER Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and located at the north end of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Wise River’s high peaks, quiet lakes and rippling rivers offer many outdoor opportunities. 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org
DIG DEEPER: Why is it called the Big Hole Valley? The Big Hole was named by settlers because it is the highest and widest of the broad mountain valleys in western Montana. Some of the coldest temperatures recorded in Montana are in the Big Hole Valley.
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 51
Trego
DEER LODGE AREA
Troy
PARK Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
DEER LODGE AREA
Charlo
Paradise
St. Regis
Superior
DEER LODGE HISTORIC GRANT-KOHRS RANCH - NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Operated by the National Park Service as an 1880s working ranch, this is a well-preserved slice of Western history. Once home to a Montana cattle baron, it features original home furnishings, horse drawn equipment and living history events. The ranch is open year-round and admission is free. 406.846.2070, www.nps.gov/grko OLD MONTANA PRISON COMPLEX This prison was in use from 1861 until 1979. Today, selfguided tours behind the gray stone walls and towers take you through a massive cell block, maximum security and to the hanging gallows. Ask about ghost tours. MONTANA AUTO MUSEUM The museum offers interpretive exhibits and more than 160 classic cars. With an exceptional muscle car exhibit, you can cruise down memory lane and enjoy seven decades of automotive history. FRONTIER MONTANA MUSEUM The best display of cowboy collectibles between Cody and Calgary can be found here. Displays include an extensive gun collection along with Civil War, Bill Cody, Custer, American Indian, U.S. Cavalry, Yellowstone Photographs and World War II memorabilia. POWELL COUNTY MUSEUM Old mining exhibits, Huntoon woodcarving collection and life in Powell County are featured in this local history museum. 406.846.3111, www.pcmaf.org
East Glacier Park
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
the
ad
Conrad
Riv
er
Swan Lake
Dupuyer
Brady
Bynum
Choteau Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Augusta GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Fort Shaw
Moiese St. Ignatius
Dixon Arlee
AVON, DEER LODGE, DRUMMOND, HELMVILLE The second-oldest city settled in Montana by gold miners and ranchers, Deer Lodge is home to the Grant-Kohrs Ranch. This ranch is the only U.S. National Historic Site with a working cattle ranch operated by the National Park Service. The surrounding communities are rich with ranchland, wonderful wildlife viewing and history.
Shelb
Polson
Haugan OLD MONTANA PRISON COMPLEX. Plains DeDEVELOPMENT Borgia MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS
52 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Bigfork
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Somers
Cut Bank
Browning
U Cascade
Seeley Lake
Missoula
Alberton Lolo Florence Stevensville
Greenough Bonner Clinton
Ovando
Hamilton
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
Helmville
Marysville Drummond Garrison Philipsburg
Helena
Avon
Victor Corvallis
Craig
Lincoln
GRANTKOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Basin
Anaconda
Darby
569
Butte
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson
Bannack
Townsend Boulder
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Sheridan
Dillon
Alder
Norris
Virginia City Cameron
COTTONWOOD CITY Grant 324 This place represents the early days of Deer Lodge. Visit the Snowshoe Creek School,324the Blood Homestead Cabin, the post office, the jail and the barber shop and witness Spanish Fork blacksmith shop demonstrations. Dell Lima
Lakeview
Monida MILWAUKEE RAILROAD This display features the 1909 Last Spike Monument, an all-electric “Little Joe” engine built in 1948 for Joseph Stalin, a Bayside caboose and an E9 diesel locomotive.
DIG DEEPER: Deer Lodge is home to Janette
Thre Fork
Nevada Ennis City
Laurin
Polaris 278
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
Montana City Wins
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
Conner
East Helena
Kelley, the driving force behind the iconic character Betty Crocker. A prominent figure in the home economics profession, Kelley was born in Deer Lodge in 1894, and grew up there as one of five children.
Quak Lak
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 53
DEER LODGE AREA
MONTANA AUTO MUSEUM. ERIC BUNTING
YESTERDAY’S PLAYTHINGS See an intriguing collection of handmade porcelain dolls and toys from days gone by, including a Model Train Display and Railroad Exhibit. MONTANA STATE PRISON HOBBY STORE The shop has been nationally known since 1880 for “horsehair” products including belts, bridles, head stalls, hat bands, earrings and an assortment of other handcrafted products. The shop is open seven days a week. 406.846.1320 ext. 2515, www.cor.mt.gov/MCE/ ProductsServices/HobbyStore YELLOWSTONE TRAIL Called “A Good Road from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound,” the first transcontinental route in the upper-tier states came through Deer Lodge in 1916. Construction of the trail began in 1912 with steam-powered tractors, horse-drawn graders, shovels and picks and was completed in 1915. www.yellowstonetrail.org RROW STONE PARK A Arrow Stone Park is a relaxing refuge for Deer Lodge visitors who want to picnic, fish the Clark Fork, walk the trails or just sit on a bench to view the variety of wildlife in the area. DEER LODGE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES For more information on the Cutler Bros. Production, Rialto Community Theatre, Art Gallery and the Bill Ohrmann Museum and Gallery, please see page 27.
54 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
NEARBY COMMUNITIES AVON Picturesque Avon, Montana sits on the banks of the Little Blackfoot at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and MT Highway 141. Highway 141 is the easiest route from Helena to the lakes of the Swan Valley, making Avon a perfect gateway into the wilds of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Flathead National Forest. www.southwestmt.com/communities/avon.htm DRUMMOND This authentic Western community just off I-90 is filled with hardworking, friendly people and marks the beginning of the Pintler Scenic Route. Ranching remains the focus of the town—home of the World Famous Bullshippers. www.townofdrummondmontana.com NEW CHICAGO SCHOOLHOUSE - DRUMMOND One of Montana’s early schools built in 1874, the school was moved to West Edwards Street in Drummond and renovated by the Lower Valley Historical Society. It houses local history and pictures of the area and is set up as closely as possible to its original school house décor. 406.288.3297, www.southwestmt.com/listings/18855.htm HELMVILLE A quiet ranching community nestled in a pretty valley between the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses and the Garnet Range provides a picturesque setting for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. www.southwestmt.com/communities/helmville.htm
V I S I T W H I T E H AL L WE HAVE IT ALL
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 55
PETS
RESTAURANT
$$$$ = Over $125 $$$ = $101-$125 $$ = $75-$100 $ = Under $75
POOL
HOTELS & MOTELS
BREAKFAST
LODGING
ANACONDA The Forge Hotel 7 Gables Resort Marcus Daly Motel Fairmont Hot Springs
$$$$ $$ $$ $$$$
100 Union Ave. 150 Southern Cross Road 119 W. Park 1500 Fairmont Road
406.498.9595 406.563.5052 406.563.3411 406.797.3241
bestwestern.com www.7gablesresort.com www.marcusdaly.com www.fairmontmontana.com
• • • • • • • • • • • •
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
www.boulderhotsprings.com/
• •
www.butte.hamptoninn.com www.comfortinnbutte.com
• • • • • •
BOULDER Boulder Hot Springs
BUTTE Hampton Inn $$$$ 3499 Harrison Ave. 406.494.2250 Comfort Inn Butte $$$ 2777 Harrison Ave. 406.494.8850 Holiday Inn Express & Suites $$$$ 2609 Harrison Ave. 406.782.2000 Best Western Plus Butte Plaza $$ 2900 Harrison Ave. 406.494.3500 Copper King Mansion 219 W. Granite St. 406.782.7580 Miners Hotel & Speakeasy $$$$ 53 W. Park 406.723.8928
www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/destinations/ us/en/united-states/montana/butte-hotels • • www.bestwestern.com/butteplazainn • • • • www.copperkingmansion.com www.theminershotel.com
DEER LODGE Warden Inn
809 Main St.
808.987.2234
www.wardeninn.com
24 Main St.
406.276.3332
www.dellmerc.com
• • • •
450 N. Interchange
406.683.6831
www.qualityinndillon.com
• •
•
4787 U.S. HWY 287 N. 564 MT Hwy 287N.
406.682.4217 406.682.5050
www.elwestern.com www.mcallisterlodging.com
•
750 N. Fee St.
406.443.1000
www.baymontinnsuiteshelena.com
DELL Elk Mountain Lodging
DILLON Quality Inn of Dillon
$$
ENNIS El Western Cabins & Lodges $$$ McAllister Inn & Lodging
HELENA Baymont Inn & Suites
Best Western Great Northern Hotel $$$$ 835 Great Northern Blvd. 406.457.5500 www.bestwestern.com Comfort Suites Airport Helena 3180 N. Washington St. 406.495.0505 https://www.choicehotels.com/ montana/helena/comfort-suites-hotels Jorgenson’s Inn Suite $$ 1714 11th Ave. 406.442.1770 www.jorgensonsinn.com Laquinta Inn & Suites 701 Washington St. 406.449.4000 www.lq.com Double Tree 22 N. Last Chance Gulch 406.443.2200 www.hilton.com Oddfellow Inn 2245 Head Lane 406.578.1305 www.mt.farm
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
JACKSON Jackson Hot Springs
108 Jardine Ave.
406.834.3151
www.jacksonhotspringslodge.com
$
111 Bailey St.
406.276.3535
•
$ $$
110 1st. Ave S. 203 Main St.
406.362.4333 406.362.4355 www.threebearsmotelmontana.com
• •
$$
540 Main St.
406.835.2141
www.sportsmanmt.com
•
4 Boulder Creek Road 915 W. Broadway
406.859.3190 406.859.3959
www.bouldercreeklodgemontana.com • • • www.theinn-philipsburg.com •
220 S. Main St.
406.842.5491
www.moriahmotel.com
308 W. Idaho 305 Wallace
406.843.5333 855.377.6823
www.heritageaccommodations.com www.aldergulchaccommodations.com
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
www.boulderhotsprings.com
2245 Head Lane
406.578.1305
www.mt.farm
15 Desert Drive
406.465.7054
airbnb
40 Cedar Hills Road
406.494.2960
www.ironwheel.com
53 W. Park
406.723.8928
www.theminershotel.com
66 South Park Ave.
406.449.3005
www.blackfootriverbrewing.com
LIMA Mountain View Motel & RV Park
LINCOLN Leepers Ponderosa Motel Three Bears Motel of Lincoln
MELROSE Sportman Motel
PHILIPSBURG Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park The Inn at Philipsburg $
SHERIDAN Moriah Motel
$$
VIRGINIA CITY Bonanza Inn Fairweather Inn
BED & BREAKFASTS BOULDER Boulder Hot Springs
HELENA Oddfellow Inn & Farm
TOWNSEND View of Old Baldy
WHITEHALL Iron Wheel Guest Ranch
BARS, BREWERIES & BAKERIES BUTTE Miners Hotel & Speakeasy
HELENA Blackfoot River Brewing
56 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
LODGING
VACATION HOMES, CONDOS & CABINS ANACONDA Fairmont Estates Condominiums Sugar Loaf Lodge and Cabins
101 High Country Drive 10800 Mill Creek Road
406.797.3228 406.491.3748
www.fairmontestates.com www.sugarloaflodgeandcabins.com
4787 U.S. HWY 287 N.
406.682.4217
www.elwestern.com
38 Tizer Lake Road
406.933.8789
www.tizergardens.com
7 Up Lane
406.382.4045
www.blackfootriverinn.com
47 Trapper Creek Road
406.596.1007
www.pioneermountaincabins.com
5 Rivercrest Lane
602.405.5037
www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4837189
8 Stagecoach Northwest Lane 300 1/2 W. Wallace 307 Wallace
406.842.7295 406.843.5333 855.377.6823
www.elijahsreSt.com www.heritageaccommodations.com www.virginiacity.com
ENNIS El Western Cabin & Lodges
JEFFERSON CITY Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
LINCOLN Blackfoot River Inn
MELROSE Pioneer Mountain Cabins
SILVER STAR River Rest Luxury Cabin Rental
SHOWERS
RV DUMP
WI-FI
ELECTRICITY
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
RV SITES
Elijah’s Rest Heritage Accommodation Nevada City Cabins
TENT SITES
VIRGINIA CITY
ALDER Ruby Valley Campground
2280 Montana Highway 287 406.842.5677
www.rubyvalleycampground.com
• • • • • •
1700 Fairmont Road
406.797.3505
www.fairmontrvresort.com
• • •
745 Maverick Lane
406.846.3848
www.indiancreekcampground.net
• • • • • •
Countryside RV Park
30 Sawmill Road
406.683.9860
www.countryside.camp
• • • • • •
Southside RV Park
104 E. Poindexter Street
406.683.2244
www.southsidervpark.com
70616 MT Hwy 43
406.832.3107
www.hydepark.com
• • • • •
15 Geyser St.
406.682.5272
www.ennisrv.com
• • • • • •
108 Jardine Ave.
406.834.3151
www.jacksonhotspringslodge.com
4 Boulder Creek Road
406.859.3190
www.bouldercreeklodgemontana.com
• • • • • •
300 Goose Bay Lane
406.266.3065
www.goosebaymarina.camp
• • •
1302 E. Warren St.
406.843.5493
www.ramblingmoosecampground.com
• • • • • •
ANACONDA Fairmont RV Resort
• •
DEER LODGE Indian Creek Campground
DILLON • • • •
•
DIVIDE Hyde RV Park
ENNIS Ennis RV Village
JACKSON Jackson Hot Springs
PHILIPSBURG Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park
TOWNSEND Goose Bay Marina & Campground
• •
MINIMUM STAY
TRAIL RIDES
MEAL INCLUDED
HIKING
RANCHES & LODGES
FISHING
Rambling Moose Campground
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
VIRGINIA CITY
PHILIPSBURG The Ranch at Rock Creek
79 Carriage House Lane
877.786.1545
www.theranchatrockcreek.com
• • • • •
40 Cedar Hills Road
406.494.2960
www.ironwheel.com
112 Pole Creek Road
406.227.6918
2020 Chevallier Drive
406.465.5534
WHITEHALL Iron Wheel Guest Ranch
• •
•
www.staubachcreekranch.com
• • •
•
www.rockingz.com
• • • • • •
WINSTON Staubach Creek Ranch
WOLF CREEK Rocking Z Guest Ranch
EQUIPMENT RENTALS ANACONDA Montana Zip Line Adventures Pintler Adventures
467 Swissmont Drive 10800 Mill Creek Road
406.560.3115 406.925.9154
www.montanazip.com www.pintleradventures.com
730 N. Montana St.
406.925.9059
www.beaverheadadventures.com
300 Goose Bay Lane
406.266.3065
www.goosebaymarina.camp
DILLON Beaverhead Adventures
HELENA Goose Bay Marina
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 57
LODGING | ACCOMMODATIONS HOT SPRINGS ANACONDA Fairmont Hot Springs
5225 Fairmont Resort Road
866.969.5093
www.fairmontmontana.com
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
www.boulderhotsprings.com
4920 West U.S. Highway 12
406.443.5777
www.broadwatermt.com
108 Jardine Ave.
406.834.3151
www.jacksonhotspringslodge.com
BOULDER Boulder Hot Springs
HELENA Broadwater Hot Springs
ATV RENTAL
TRAIL RIDES
PACK TRIPS
LODGING
FLOAT TRIPS
FISHING
GUIDED RECREATIONAL SERVICES & OUTFITTERS
WATERFOWL
Jackson Hot Springs
BIG GAME
JACKSON
ALDER Upper Canyon Outfitters
6 Tate's Upper Canyon
800.735.3973 www.ucomontana.com
351 Lovers Lane
406.599.3500
www.markyoungoutfitters.com
730 N. Montana St. Suite 5
406.925.9059
www.beaverheadadventures.com
127 Main Street
406.682.4263
www.thetackleshop.com
• •
1020 Tiller Court
406.788.0803
www.mikenilesoutfitting.com
• •
307 S. Main St.
406.684.5639
www.flatlineoutfitters.com
40 Cedar Hills Road 3131 Gates of the Mountain Road
406.494.2960 406.458.5241
www.ironwheel.com • • • • • www.gatesofthemountains.com •
AUGUSTA Mark Young Outfitters
• • •
• •
DILLON Beaverhead Adventures
•
ENNIS The Tackle Shop-Fly Shop and Outfitter
HELENA Mike Niles Outfitting
•
TWIN BRIDGES Flatline Outfitters
• • •
WILDLIFE VIEWING
PHOTOGRAPHY
RETAIL, TOURS & MUSEUMS
HISTORY/ NATURAL HISTORY
Iron Wheel Guest Ranch Helena Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
MUSEUM
WHITEHALL
ALDER Red Rock Mine and Garnet Gallery
2044 MT Hwy 287
406.842.5760
www.virginiacity.com/red-rock-mine-garnet-gallery
•
305 Main St.
406.563.6161
www.washoetheatre.com
155 Museum Way 1300 W. Park 17 W. Quartz 316 W. Park 315 W. Park 1000 George St.
406.723.7211 406.496.1300 406.782.3280 406.723.3602 406.782.5657 406.723.3177
www.miningmuseum.org • • www.mbmg.mtech.edu/mineralmuseum/main.asp • • www.buttearchives.org • www.buttearts.org www.orphangirl.org www.buttechamber.org
ANACONDA Washoe Theatre
BUTTE World Museum of Mining Montana Mineral Museum of MT Tech Butte Silver Bow Public Archives Mother Lode Theatre Orphan Girl Children's Theatre Butte Trolley Tours
DEER LODGE Old Prison Museum
1106 Main St.
406.846.3111
www.pcmaf.org
•
•
HELENA Montana Historical Society Mountain Sage Gallery Last Chance Tour Train Montana Masonic Museum & Library Exploration Works Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
1301 E. 6th Ave. 406.444.2694 www.mhs.mt.gov • • 433 N. Last Chance Gulch 406.457.8240 www.mountainsagegallery.com 225 N. Roberts St. 406.442.1023 www.lctours.com • • 425 N. Park 406.442.7774 www.grandlodgemontana.org • 995 Carusell Way 406.457.1800 www.explorationworks.com 3131 Gates of the 406.458.5241 www.gatesofthemountains.com • • Mountains Road
JEFFERSON CITY Tizer Botanical Gardens
38 Tizer Lake Road
406.933.8789
www.tizergardens.com
PHILIPSBURG Granite County Museum & Cultural Ctr. Montana Law Enforcement Museum Montana Gems of Philipsburg Gem Mountain Sweet Palace Sapphire Gallery
135 S. Sansome 212 E. Broadway 204 W. Broadway 201 W. Broadway 109 E. Broadway 115 E. Broadway
406.859.3020 406.859.6536 406.859.6725 406.859.4367 406.859.3353 406.859.3236
www.granitecountymuseum.com • • www.mlem.com • www.montanagems.net www.gemmoutainmt.com www.sweetpalace.com www.sapphiregallery.com
Broadwater County Museum and Library 133 N. Walnut Canton Church HiSt.orial Site 3497 Highway 284
406.266.5252 406.266.3710
www.broadwatercountymuseum.com www.canton-church.org
406.600.2598 406.843.5371 406.843.5247
www.historicfiretrucktour.webs.com • • www.virginiacitycandymt.com www.virginiacitymt.com • •
TOWNSEND • •
VIRGINIA CITY HistoricTour Company of Virginia City Cousins Candy Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad
Main St. 217 W. Wallace St. 300 W. Wallace St.
GOLF ANACONDA Old Works Golf Course
58 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
53 W. Park
406.723.8928
www.playoldworks.com
Sapphire Mine STARTING 2020 Seasonal: Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: Reservations required, NO Walk-Ins, Wednesday through Saturday CLOSED: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and all holidays
“We Own and Operate the Mine” 21 Sapphire Gulch Lane, Philipsburg, MT 59858 (406) 859-GEMS (4367) • www.GemMountainMT.com
Philipsburg, MT Open 7 days a week • 10 am to 5 pm (with the exception of holidays) Walk-ins welcome, first come first serve for gravel washing 201 West Broadway, Philipsburg, MT 59858
Phone: 406-859-GEMS (4367) info@GemMtn.com • www.montanasapphirecompany.com
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 59
EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE 2021 (CONT.) Governor's Cup - Marathon/Half Marathon, Jefferson City/Clancy , 406.437.6198 Cave Week, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541
APRIL 2021 Junior Ranger Day, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, Deer Lodge, 406.846.2070
Greer Gulch Guided Hike, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541 Firemen's Ball, Lincoln, 406.465.7691
National Trails Day TWALK Orienteering, MT State Park, 406.287.3541 Fairy & Wizards Festival, Tizer Gardens - Jefferson City, 406.933.8789
MAY 2021
Walleye Tournament at Canyon Ferry Lake ($10,000 first prize), Townsend,
Community Day, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
Law Enforcement Day, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run (5K, 12K, 20K, 30K), Downtown Helena, 406.442.0490
Helenduro (Montana Enduro Series), Downtown Helena, contact@montanaenduro.com Roll & Stroll, Downtown Helena, 406.447.1535
Spring Art Walk, Downtown Helena, 406.447.1535
406.980.0027
Townsend 100 Mile ATV Poker Run, Townsend, 406.980.0027 Brothel Days, Virginia City, 406.600.3391
Montana Mule Days, Whitehall, 406.596.1000
Spring Shuttle Fest, Downtown Helena, 406.449.2107
JULY 2021
Memorial Day ATV Fun Run (Poker Run), Lincoln, TBD
Bannack Days, Bannack State Park - Dillon, 406.834.3413
Wildflower Weekend, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541
Art in the Park, Anaconda, 406.563.2422
Putt Putt, Lincoln, 406.590.2672
4th of July Parade, Boulder, 406.225.4039
Pie Social, Discovery Park, Virginia City, 406.600.3391
Memorial Day Horseback Poker Ride, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext1
Season Kick Off Parade and Duck Race, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext1
Montana Folk Festival, Butte, 406.497.6464 Butte 100 Bike Race, Butte, 406.723.3177
Annual BBQ & Fireworks, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
Overnight Convict Lockdown, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
JUNE 2021
Cookin' on the Clark Fork BBQ Cook-off & Brewfest, Deer Lodge, 406.498.4877
Miners’ Union Day, Butte, 406.723.7211
Masquerade Ball, Discovery Park, Virginia City, 406.600.3391
Clancy Days, Clancy, 406.225.4039
Opening Day for Western Montana Photography Exhibit, Deer Lodge, 406.846.3111 All Museums Open, Deer Lodge, 406.846.3111
Pen Art Gallery Through September, Deer Lodge, 406.846.3111 Flag Day, Deer Lodge, 406.846.3111
31st Annual Territorial Days Car Show, Deer Lodge, 406.846.2094 Color Run to Benefit Teachers, Deer Lodge, 406.491.2892 Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, Deer Lodge, 208.589.3974
Territory Days/Sr. Pro Rodeo/Dog Agility Competition/Parade, Dillon, 406.683.5511 The Governor’s Cup Race (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Fun Run),
Freedom Festival, Butte, 406.723.3177
Downtown Helena, 406.437.6198
Beer-Wine-Spirits Festival, Ennis, 406.682.438
Branding Event, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, 406.846.2070
Haying with Horses Event, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, 406.846.2070
Big Sky Star Festival, Montana Learning Center - Helena, 406.475.3638 Symphony Under the Stars, Carroll College - Helena, 406.442.1860 Lincoln 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, Lincoln, 406.362.4949 Lincoln Motorcycle Rally, Lincoln, lincolnbikerally@gmail.com Artists at Play, Virginia City, 406.843.5247
Fireworks at Dusk, Virginia City, 406.843.5247
Vigilante Car Show, Virginia City, 406.843.5247
Christmas in July Show at the Opera House, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext. 2 Brewfest, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext. 1
Art Show and Quick Draw, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext. 1 Frontier Days, Whitehall, 406.287.2260
Classic Car Show, Whitehall, 406.287.2260
AUGUST 2021 Smeltermen's Days Events, Anaconda, 406.563.5538 Tennis Shoe Ball, Anaconda, 406.563.5538 Smelter Tours, Anaconda, 406.563.5538
Boulder Car Show, Boulder, 406.225.4039 Serbian Festival, Butte, 406.723.7889
An Ri Ra Irish Festival, Butte, 406.723.3177
Rockin' The Rivers, Cardwell, 406.285.0099 Country Jam, Cardwell, 855.821.9212
Shakespeare in the Park, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
Overnight Convict Lockdown, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111 Tri-county Fair, Deer Lodge, 406.691.0582
Demolition Derby, Deer Lodge, 406.846.2094
Box Social, Discovery Park - Virginia City, 406.600.3391
Summer Shuttle Fest, Downtown Helena, 406.449.2107
Haying with Horses Event, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, 406.846.2070 Jefferson City Day, Jefferson City, 406.225.4039 Bat Week, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541
Lincoln Arts & Music Festival, Lincoln, 406.202.4566 CDT Trails Day, Lincoln, 406.459.1925 Heritage Day, Lincoln, 406.362.4949
Montana Brewers Summer Rendezvous, Memorial Park - Helena, 406.948.2739 BUTTE FOLK FESTIVAL. DONNIE SEXTON
60 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Bikes, Hikes & Brews Music Festival, Memorial Park - Helena, 406.442.5960 York 38 Special, Helena, 406.475.3085
SEPTEMBER 2021
NOVEMBER 2021
Foreigner, Butte, 406.497.6400
The Price is Right Game Show, Butte 406.497.6400
Wildlife Art Expo, Anaconda, 406.563.2422
Air Force Band, Butte, 406.723.3602
Free Fallin - Tom Petty Tribute, Butte 406.723.3602 Living History Event, Bannack State Park - Dillon, 406.834.3413 Music & Art Festival, Boulder, 406.225.4039
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, Butte, 406.723.7211 Mine Rescue Competition, Butte, 406.723.7211
Overnight Convict Lockdown, Deer Lodge, 406.846.3111 The Amazing Race, Deer Lodge, 406.491.2892
Fly Fishing & Oudoors Festival, Ennis, 406.682.4388 Ned LeDoux, Civic Center - Helena, 406.447.8481
Ales for Trails, Downtown Helena, adam@narratechurch.org Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food & Gifts,
Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds - Helena, 406.841.2757
Stargazing Family Event, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541 Labor Day Poker Run, Lincoln, TBD
Sculpture in the Wild Artist in Residence/Sculpture Reveal,
Lincoln, 406.431.0325
Artists at Play, Virginia City, 406.843.5247
Labor Day Poker Ride and Donkey Drop, Virginia City, 800.829.2969 ext. 1
Winter Bizaar, Butte, 406.497.6400
Christmas Bazaar, Boulder, 406.225.4039
An Evening with David Sedaris, Civic Center - Helena, 406.447.8481 Parade of Lights, Downtown - Helena, 406.447.1535 Fall Festival, Lincoln, 406.362.4444
DECEMBER 2021 Christmas Stroll, Butte, 406.497.6464 Ice Carving, Butte, 406.497.6464
Christmas Stroll, Whitehall, 406.287.2260
Festival of Trees, Civic Center - Helena, 406.457.4760 Christmas Stroll, Deer Lodge, 406.846.2094
Holiday Open House, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, 406.846.2070 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lincoln, 406.362.4949
Christmas Stroll, Bazaar, Santa Workshop, Lincoln, 406.633.0073
JANUARY 2022 Snoflinga Winter Festival, Butte, 406.723.3177
OCTOBER 2021 Mission Mountain Wood Band, Butte, 406.723.3602
FEBRUARY 2022
Oktoberfest, Anaconda, 406.563.2400
Ponderosa Snow Warriors Moonlight Ride & Poker Run, Lincoln, 406.475.5786
Bacon and Brew Fest, Butte, 406.497.6400
The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute, Civic Center - Helena, 406.447.8481
Ghost Walks, Bannack State Park - Dillon, 406.834.3413
Race to the Sky Dog Sled Race - Helena, 406.881.2909
Spooks & Spirits Tours, Butte, 406.723.3177
MARCH 2022
Big Rock Fright Nights, Boulder, 406.225.4015
Old Montana Prison Haunted House, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111 Art Club Bazaar, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Butte, 406.782.2263
Western Harvest Weekend, Deer Lodge, 406.491.2892 Fall Art Walk, Downtown Helena, 406.447.1535
Kids Fall Fest, Downtown Helena, 406.447.1535
Hunters Feed and Chili Cookoff, Ennis, 406.682.4388
Pumpkin Sunday, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, 406.846.2070 Escape Cabin, Lewis & Clark Caverns, 406.287.3541 Townsend Fall Fest, Townsend, 406.530.5251
Whitehall Fall Festival, Whitehall, 406.287.2260 Screams Come True, Whitehall, 406.225.4039
RECURRING EVENTS 2021 May – September, Treasure Hunt in Beaverhead County, Dillon Ghost Tours May – October, Deer Lodge, 406 846.3111
June – August, Alive at Five, 4:30 – 7:30pm every Wednesday, Downtown Helena Fridays (Summer), Camgpround Evening Guest Presenter Programs,
Lewis & Clark Caverns
July - The Montana Folk Festival - Butte, 406.497.6464,
www.montanafolkfestival.com
July - Bannack Days - Bannack State Park, July, 406.834.3413,
www.southwestmontana.com/listings/8784.htm
Saturdays (Summer), Ranger Led Hikes or Talks, Lewis & Clark Caverns Mondays (Summer), Ranger Programs, Lewis & Clark Caverns
Fridays and Saturdays (Summer), Living History in Nevada City Old Town,
Nevada City
Tuesdays (Summer), Show and Shine , Virginia City
October-April Mother Lodes Series, Butte Symphony,
and Community Concerts Butte, MT
Monthly Helena Symphony - Helena, MT
DIG DEEPER: Race to the Sky is recognized as
PARADE IN VIRGINIA CITY. MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
one of the most challenging and beautiful sled dog races in the world. Working together, teams negotiate the trail through Montana’s scenic Rocky Mountains. The race is a qualifier for the Iditarod Race in Alaska. The 300-mile race starts and ends in Lincoln. www.racetothesky.org
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 61
RODEOS & FARMERS MARKETS
RODEOS & FARMERS MARKETS Montana is known for some of the West’s best farmers markets, rodeos and signature events that draw crowds from far and wide. Stroll a weekly farmers market for a taste of farm-fresh Montana products, pull on your cowboy boots for a rowdy good time at a small-town rodeo, and mosey on over for Southwest Montana’s signature events.
RODEOS
FARMERS MARKETS
Augusta Rodeo - Augusta
Anaconda Community Market - Anaconda
June
406.563.5259
4th of July Parade & Rodeo - Ennis
Boulder Farmers Market - Boulder
July, 406.682.4388
Last Chance Stampede Fair & Rodeo - Helena July, 406.457.8516
Lincoln Rodeo - Lincoln July, 406.362.4949
Drummond PRCA Rodeo - Drummond July, 406-288-3479
406.225.3288
Butte Farmers Market - Butte 406.497.6464
Capitol Square Farmers Market - Helena 406.422.2920
Helena Farmers Market - Helena 406.437.1855
East Helena Valley Rodeo - East Helena
Deer Lodge Community Garden Farmers Market - Deer Lodge
Red Eye Daze - Deer Lodge
Dillon Farmers Market - Dillon
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo - Boulder
Ponyland Farm - Pony
Townsend Rodeo and County Fair (NRA Sanctioned) - Townsend
Sheridan Farmers Market - Sheridan
July July
August, 406.225.4039
August, 406.980.1873
Don Harrington Rodeo - Butte August
Madison County Fair & Rodeo - Twin Bridges August
Tri-County Fair Rodeo - Deer Lodge
623.680.4525 406.498.6198 541.499.4762 406.842.7702
Townsend Farmers Market - Townsend 406.422.7933
Twin Bridges Farmers Market - Twin Bridges 406.596.1978
For more information, visit southwestmt.com/fooddrinkandshopping/farmersmarkets.
August
Jaycee's Labor Day Rodeo - Dillon September, 406.683.5511
Helmville Rodeo - Helmville September, 406.360.0500
62 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
DIG DEEPER: Rodeos evolved from the days of open range ranching where cowboys showed off their quick skills with riding and roping.
VISITOR INFORMATION
MONTANA’S TOURISM REGIONS SOUTHWEST MONTANA
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
SOUTHEAST MONTANA
GLACIER COUNTRY
MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY
CENTRAL MONTANA
1105 Main Street Deer Lodge, MT 59722 406.846.1943 • 800.879.1159 www.southwestmt.com
4852 Kendrick Place, #101 Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.3234 • 800.338.5072 www.glaciermt.com
P.O. Box 3048 Bozeman, MT 59772 800.736.5276 www.visityellowstonecountry.com
815 S. 27th Street Billings, MT 59101 406.294.5270 • 800.346.1876 www.southeastmontana.com
P.O. Box 118 Fort Peck, MT 59223 800.653.1319 www.missouririver.visitmt.com
P.O. Box 3166 Great Falls, MT 59403 406.761.5036 • 800.527.5348 www.centralmontana.com
AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTERS ANACONDA CHAMBER
DRUMMOND CHAMBER
AUGUSTA CHAMBER
ENNIS CHAMBER
306 E. Park Ave., Anaconda 406.563.2400, www.anacondamt.org
P.O. Box 364, Drummond www.townofdrummondmontana.com
P.O. Box 2, Augusta www.augustamontana.com
201 E. Main St., Ennis 406.682.4388, www.ennischamber.com
BEAVERHEAD CHAMBER
10 W. Reeder Street, Dillon 406.683.5511, www.beaverheadchamber.org
BOULDER CHAMBER
P.O. Box 278, Boulder 406.465.2106, www.bouldermtchamber.org
NATIONAL FORESTS BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST 422 Barrett Street, Dillon 406.683.3900 www.fs.usda.gov/main/bdnf
HELENA-LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL FOREST 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena 406.449.5201 www.fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf
RUBY VALLEY CHAMBER 730 N. Montana St., Twin Bridges www.rubyvalleychamber.com
TOWNSEND CHAMBER
LINCOLN VALLEY CHAMBER
VIRGINIA CITY & NEVADA CITY CHAMBER
225 Cruse Ave., Suite A, Helena 1.800.7HELENA • 406.442.4120 www.helenamt.com
PHILIPSBURG CHAMBER
1000 George St., Butte 406.723.3177 • 800.735.6414 www.buttecvb.com
529 Main St., Deer Lodge 406.846.2094, www.powellcountymontana.com/deerlodge
HELENA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
216 Stemple Pass Road, Lincoln 406.362.4949, www.lincolnmontana.com
BUTTE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
POWELL COUNTY CHAMBER
135 S. Sansome St., Philipsburg 406.859.3388, www.philipsburgmt.com
110 Broadway St., Townsend 406.266.4101, www.townsendmt.com
P.O. Box 218, Virginia City 406.843.5555 • 800.829.2969 www.virginiacity.com
WHITEHALL CHAMBER
501 N. Whitehall St., Whitehall 406.287.2260 www.whitehallchamberofcommerce.com
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
BUTTE FIELD OFFICE
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH
DILLON FIELD OFFICE
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
106 N. Parkmont, Butte 406.533.7600 www.blm.gov/office/butte-field-office
1005 Selway Drive, Dillon 406.683.8000 www.blm.gov/office/dillon-field-office
266 Warren Lane, Deer Lodge 406.846.2070 x250 www.nps.gov/grko/index.htm
16425 Montana Highway 43, Wisdom 406.689.3195 www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm
OTHER RESOURCES BUTTE-ANACONDA HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT
MONTANA HERITAGE COMMISSION
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
406.723.3177, www.buttecvb.com
300 Wallace Street, Virginia City 406.843.5247, www.virginiacitymt.com
HELENA INDIAN ALLIANCE
MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MONTANA STATE PARKS
WEATHER FORECAST
MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM
501 Euclid Avenue, Helena 406.442.9244, www.helenaindianalliance.com
255 N. Roberts Street, Helena 406.444.2694, www.mhs.mt.gov
1420 E. 6th Avenue, Helena 406.444.2535, www.fwp.mt.gov
1420 East 6th Avenue, Helena 406.444.3750, www.stateparks.mt.gov
TRAVEL CONDITIONS ROAD CONDITIONS
Statewide 800.226.ROAD • Interstate 511 www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo
Helena: 406.443.5151 www.weather.com
301 S. Park Avenue, Helena 406.841.2870 • 800.VISIT.MT www.visitmt.com
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 63
INDEX
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Alder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad. . . . . . 44 American Indian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Anaconda. . . . . . . . . . 12, 13 ,26, 46, 48 Anaconda Country Club. . . . . . . . . . 30 Anaconda Courthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Anaconda Smoke Stack . . . . . . . . . . 22 Anaconda Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . 46 Anaconda Walking Tour. . . . . . . . . . . 48 An Ri Ra Irish Music Festival. . . . . . . 26 Antiquing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Archie Bray Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . 24 Arrow Stone Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Art Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 63 Bannack State Park . . . . . . . . . . 6,9,14 Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Basin Radon Mines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Bear Trap Canyon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Beaverhead Adventures . . . . . . . . . . 59 Beaverhead Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Beaverhead County. . . . . . . . . . . 50, 51 Beaverhead County Museum . . . . . . 50 Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,63 Beaverhead River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Beaverhead Rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Bed & Breakfasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Big Hole National Battlefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 50 Big Hole River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Birding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture In The Wild. . . . . . . . 26, 54 Blackfoot River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Black Sandy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Boulder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Boulder Batholith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Boulder Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Boulder River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Breweries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Broadwater Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . 10 Bureau Of Land Management. . . . . . 63 Butte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 30, 40, 41 Butte-Anaconda Historic Landmark District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Butte Community Ice Center. . . . . . . 32 Butte Convention and Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Butte Parks And Recreation. . . . . . . . 32 Camp Fortunate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Campgrounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 57 Canyon Ferry Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cathedral Of St. Helena. . . . . . . . . . . 34 Cattail Marsh Recreation Area. . . . . . 51 Chambers of Commerce & Visitor Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Charles W. Clark Chateau. . . . . . . . . 24 Charter Oak Mine And Mill . . . . . . . . . 8
Chief Joseph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Clancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Clark Canyon Reservoir. . . . . . . . 15,17 Clark Fork River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Clark’s Lookout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Coolidge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Cottonwood City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Crystal Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cutler Bros. Production. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Deer Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 52, 54 Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Dillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,51 Distilleries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Drummond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Dude Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Earthquake Lake Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 East Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Elkhorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,22 Elkhorn Hot Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Elk Ridge Brewing Company. . . . . . . 31 Ennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 44, 45 Ennis Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ennis National Fish Hatchery. . . . . . . 45 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Exploration Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 28 Farlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Flatline Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Four-Wheeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fox Ridge Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Frontier Montana Museum . . . . . . . . 52 Garnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Gates Of The Mountains . . . . . . . . . . 36 Gem Mines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Gem Montana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Georgetown Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 17 Glacier National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Glendale and Canyon Creek Charcoal Kilns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Granite County Museum. . . . . . . . . . 48 Granite Ghost Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Grant Kohrs Ranch . . . . . . 15,20, 50,63 Great Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Great Northern Carousel. . . . . . . . . . 36 Green Meadow Country Club . . . . . . 28 Guided Recreational Services & Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Gulch Distillers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Hangman’s Building & Boot Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Hauser Lake Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Headframe Spirits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Hearst Free Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 28, 34 Helena Indian Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 63 Helena Parks And Recreation . . . . . . 32
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Helmville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 High Altitude Speed Skating. . . . . . . 32 Historic Canton Church. . . . . . . . . . . 37 Holter Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17 Hotels & Motels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 59 Humbug Spires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ice Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ice Skating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Jackson Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jefferson City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Jefferson County Heritage Center. . 37 Jefferson County Historical Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Jefferson Valley Museum . . . . . . . . . 42 Lakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Last Chance Gulch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Last Chance Splash Waterpark and Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Last Chance Tour Train. . . . . . . . . . . 36 Laurin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lewis And Clark Trail Sites . . . . . . . . 51 Lewis & Clark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Murals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lewis & Clark Caverns. . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13, 51 Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Lost Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 MacDonald Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Madison Meadows Golf Course. . . . . 28 Madison River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Madison Valley History Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Marysville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Maverick Mountain. . . . . . . . . . . 32,58 Melrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Milwaukee Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Missouri River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Montana Auto Museum. . . . . . . . . . . 52 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks . . . . . 63 Montana Gems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Montana Heritage Commission. . . . . 63 Montana Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . 63 Montana Military Museum . . . . . . . . 36 Montana Office Of Tourism. . . . . . . . 63 Montana Outfitters & Guides Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Montana State Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Montana State Prison Hobby Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Mount Helena City Park. . . . . . . . . . . 37 Nevada City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 9, 45 Nevada Creek Reservoir. . . . . . . . . . 17 New Chicago Schoolhouse. . . . . . . . 54 Norris Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Norwegian Wood Golf Course. . . . . . 28 Old Montana Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Old Works Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Old Works Historical Trail. . . . . . . . . 48 Original Governor’s Mansion. . . . . . . 36 Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ovando. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 38 Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Philipsburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 46, 48 Philipsburg Brewing Company . . . . . 30 Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway. . . . . 4 Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Pony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Powell County Museum . . . . . . . . . . 52 Private Campgrounds. . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Public Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Quartz Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ranches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ranches & Lodges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Reeder’s Alley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Retail, Tours & Museums. . . . . . . . . 59 Ridge Waters Water Park. . . . . . . . . . 10 Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Robber’s Roost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rockhounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ruby Reservoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sapphire Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Scenic Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sheridan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 45 Skiing and Snowboarding. . . . . . . . . 32 Smelter City Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Snowmobiling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Spring Meadow Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 State Wildlife Management Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Stockton Outfitters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Ranch at Rock Creek. . . . . . 18, 57 Thompson-Hickman Museum. . . . . . 45 Tizer Botanic Garden and Arboretum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Townsend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 30, 37 Trolley Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Twin Bridges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Upper Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Vacation Homes, Condos & Cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Vigilante Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Vintage Bus Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Virginia City . . . . . . . . . 6, 9, 12, 44, 45 Visitor Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Washoe Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Washoe Park Trout Hatchery. . . . . . . 48 Water Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Weather Forecast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Whitehall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Wildlife Watching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Willie’s Distillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Wise River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Wolf Creek (Prickly Pear) Canyon. . . . . . 36 Working Ranches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yellowstone National Park. . . . . . . . . . 2 Yellowstone Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Yesterday’s Playthings . . . . . . . . . . . 54
ENDORPHINS NOW. BREWPUBS LATER.
Which IPA goes best with a full suspension? What stout best complements a hard tail? These are the kind of questions you’ll find the answers to in Butte, Montana, when you conquer the nearby, uncrowded Continental Divide Trail. So after you saddle up, mosey up to a chair at one of our popular brewpubs or restaurants. Start your adventure at buttecvb.com.
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 65
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