EXPLORE MONTANA’S HIS ORY
SCENIC DRIVES • GHOST TOWNS • HOT SPRINGS 2024 OFFICIAL REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
MAPS INSIDE
Cardston Rexford
Yaak Bonners Ferry
Eureka Fortine Trego
Troy
Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Sandpoint
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
Polebridge
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Somers
Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Elliston Haugan Plains De Borgia Paradise St. Regis
85 95
Conrad
Riv
er
Fort Benton
Augusta
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Arlee
ID AH
Missoula Greenough Ovando Bonner Clinton
O
Stevensville Victor
Garrison
GRANT-KOHRS Philipsburg RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Corvallis
Hamilton
Helena
569
Jefferson City TIZER BOTANIC GARDEN & Boulder ARBORETUM
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Dewey Divide
Wisdom Riggins
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
278
Jackson
278
Salmon Bannack Grant
McCall
324
DRIVING DISTANCES Cascade Challis
Butte
Wise River
324
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
Whitehall
Townsend
Logan
Cardwell
Manhattan
Sheridan
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Laurin RUBY NEVADA RIVER Ennis CITY VALLEY SCENIC Alder VIRGINIA ROUTE MADISON CITY Dillon Cameron RIVER VALLEY SCENIC ROUTE RED ROCK LAKES Quake NATIONAL Lake WILDLIFE REFUGE Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
G
Mammoth Hot Springs
Old Faithful
Los Angeles, CA Fairfield 878 miles, 1,413 km Las Vegas, NV 694 miles, 1,116 km Phoenix, AZ 867 miles, 1,395 km
Minneapolis, MN Mud Lake 936 miles, 1,506 km
Rexburg
Sun Valley
Arco Yellowstone National Park 148 miles, 238 km Idaho Falls, ID Carey Denver, CO 577 miles, 928 km 176 miles, 283 km Salt Lake City, UT 363 miles, 584 km Shoshone
AIRPORTS
We Thum
IDAHO
Portland, OR 491 miles, 790 km
Ca Norris Madiso Junctio
West Yellowstone
St. Anthony
Butte
Em
Big Sky
Glacier National Park 245 miles, 394 km
Stanley
Spokane, WA 264 miles, 424 km
Seattle, WA 478 miles, 769 km
Belgrade Liv
Norris
Calgary, AB, Canada 356 miles, 572 km
Horseshoe Bend
Rin
LEWIS Three & CLARK Forks CAVERNS Pony Harrison
Silver Star
Twin Bridges
N
Basin
Anaconda
Conner
Mo
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Clancy
Deer Lodge
Ra
East Helena
Elliston
Georgetown Lake
Darby
New Meadows
Canyon Creek Marysville Avon
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Belt
Stockett
Craig Wolf Creek
Lincoln
Helmville
Drummond
Sula
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Florence
Grangeville
Brady
Bynum
Choteau
Lolo
Craigmont
Dupuyer
Moiese
Alberton
Kooskia
ad
Cheste
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte the
Swan Lake
Charlo Dixon
Superior
Orofino
Shelby
Polson
Avon
Kellogg
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
85 95
Bigfork
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
26
Bert Mooney Idaho FallsAirport – Butte 406.494.3771 butteairport.com
BlackfootRegional Airport Helena
406.442.2821 helenaairport.com
Alpine
CANADA
Climax
Turner
MONTANA
er
Loring
Scobey
Peerless
Whitewater
Havre
Box Elder
Medicine Lake
Fort Belknap Agency
Hinsdale
Saco
Dodson
Malta
Froid
Saint Marie
Vandalia
Glasgow
Big Sandy
Loma
Crosby 85
Plentywood
Chinook Rudyard
Westby
Whitetail Flaxville
Four Buttes
Opheim
Culbertson
Wolf Point
Nashua
Landusky
Williston
Poplar
Bainville Fairview
Fort Peck
Virgelle
Lambert
Brockway 253
Stanford
onarch
Lewistown Hobson
Neihart
Jordan
Crane
Savage
Bloomfield
Circle
Roy
Grass Range
Utica
Cohagen
Terry
Harlowton
Ingomar
Ismay
Miles City
Roundup
Martinsdale
Fallon
ngling
Plevna
Baker
Forsyth
Hysham
85
OTA
Melstone
Wibaux
253
Mosby
Judith Gap Two Dot
Glendive
Sand Springs
Winnett
Watford City
NORTH DAK
Brusett
Denton
aynesford Geyser
85
Sidney
Zortman
Winifred
Ray
Lustre
Rosebud
Bighorn
85
Custer Worden
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Greycliff Reed Point
vingston McLeod
n
Park City
Absarokee Fishtail
Silver Gate
Gardiner
Tower Junction
h s
YELLOWSTONE anyon NATIONAL on PARK on
Billings Hardin
Cooke City
Roberts
Joliet
Rockvale
Bridger
Red Lodge
Saint Xavier
Pryor
Fort Smith
Ashland
WA R RI O R
T R A IL
Busby
Lodge Grass
Olive HI G
H WA Y
Broadus
Birney Otter
Wyola
Belfry
Biddle
Alzada
Decker
WYOMING
Ranchester
Cody
Meeteetse
HIGHWAYS
Spearfish
Worland
26
Four Corners
16
789
ROUTE MARKERS
MAP SYMBOLS AND OTHER FEATURES
Ten Sleep Interstate
Thermopolis
Dubois
Airports Continental Divide Wright Historic Trail Lewis & Clark National Nez Perce National Historic Trail
U.S. Route State Route Other Route State Capital
16
MILES 0 25
Burris
50
75
100
KILOMETERS 0 25 50
Kinnear Moneta Waltman
Natrona Casper
Glenrock
75
Custer
Newcastle
16 85
789
Riverton
Greybull
85
Basin
Interstate Route Principal Highways Other Highways
Grand Teton
85
Belle Fourche
Greybull 120
Buffalo
Shell
Emblem
Wapiti
Grant Village
Bondurant
Garryowen
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
Lake est mb
Lame Deer
Crow Agency
DAKOTA
Nye Roscoe
Pray migrant
Laurel
Columbus
Ekalaka
Colstrip
Pompeys Pillar
SOUTH
Wilsall
100
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
GRANT–KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 50
NEVADA CITY. VISIT MONTANA. PG 43
SWEET PALACE, PHILIPSBURG. ERIC BUNTING PG 46
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 19
MONTANA FOLK FESTIVAL, BUTTE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 24
SCULPTURE IN THE WILD. ERIC BUNTING. PG 27
PIONEER MOUNTAINS, NEAR DILLON. PATH LESS PEDALED PG 48
erica
ift Shops mily Fun
m
CONTENTS ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
Scenic Drives............................... 2 Ghost Towns................................ 6 Ghost Tours.................................. 9 Hot Springs & Water Parks..........10 Rockhounding & Geology............12 Birding & Wildlife Watching.........14 Adventure on the Water...............16 Ranches, Outfitters & Guide Services...................................18 Public Lands...............................19 National Park Service Sites.........19 Nationally Designated Trails........21
Lewis & Clark..............................22 American Indian Sites & Events...................................22 Montana State Parks...................23 Arts & Culture..............................24 Winter Adventures.......................28
COMMUNITIES
Helena Area.................................30 Augusta, Lincoln & Ovando Area.........................36 Butte Area...................................38 Virginia City & Ennis Area............42 Anaconda & Philipsburg Area......44
Dillon & Beaverhead County Area.............................48 Deer Lodge Area.........................50
PLANNING
Lodging.......................................54 Calendar of Events......................58 Fairs, Rodeos & Farmers Markets................................... 60 Breweries, Distilleries & Golf........61 Visitor Information.......................63 Index...........................................64
ENNIS. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
ExPlOrE MoNtAnA’S HiS OrY
MAPS INSIDE
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
GRANT–KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 50
COVER PHOTO: NEVADA CITY. VISIT MONTANA. PG 43
The Augusta American Legion Rodeo, held annually in June in Augusta, is one of the most anticipated rodeos in the Treasure State. Photo by Mary Peters
SWEET PALACE, PHILIPSBURG. ERIC BUNTING PG 46
ScEnIc DrIvEs • GhOsT ToWnS • HoT SpRiNgS 2024 OfFiCiAl ReGiOnAl TrAvEl GuIdE SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 19
MONTANA FOLK FESTIVAL, BUTTE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES PG 24
SCULPTURE IN THE WILD. ERIC BUNTING. PG 27
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER: southwestmt.com/emailnewsletter
PIONEER MOUNTAINS, NEAR DILLON. PATH LESS PEDALED PG 48
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
1
SCENIC DRIVES
DILLON, MONTANA. USDA FOREST SERVICE
MILES OF DISCOVERY: SCENIC DRIVES 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.
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. • From 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. •C ontinue 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. •H ead north on Montana Highway 35 toward Kalispell, take U.S. Highway 2 north to West Glacier, the west entrance to Glacier National Park.
FUN FACT: 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 Southwest Montana from Harrison to Drummond. yellowstonetrail.org
2
SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
SCENIC DRIVES
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka
Troy
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL St. Mary PARK
Polebridge
Fortine Trego
Lake Apgar McDonald Columbia West Glacier
Libby
Falls
Whitefish Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Victor Corvallis
Hamilton
Ovando Greenough Helmville
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Garrison
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Dewey Divide
278
Jackson
Bannack State Park
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ALTERNATE ROUTE: EAST GLACIER TO WEST YELLOWSTONE (360 MILES) • Leaving Glacier National Park at East Glacier, drive east on U.S. Highway 2 and then south on U.S. Highway 89. • At 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. • Near 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. • From Helena, head south on I-15 for 18 miles then take exit 176 to Tizer Botanic Gardens, Montana's only full-time botanical garden and arboretum.
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris 278
White Sulphur Springs
Jefferson Townsend City TIZER BOTANIC GARDENS & Boulder ARBORETUM
Butte
2
Alder VIRGINIA CITY Cameron RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
324 324
Dell Lima
NEVADA CITY
Monida
Lakeview
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Bozeman
Greycliff
Reed Point
McLeod
Fishtail Nye Roscoe
Pray Emigrant
Ennis
Big Sky
Silver Cooke Gate City
Gardiner Quake Lake
Harlowton
Wilsall
Manhattan
LEWIS & CLARK Harrison CAVERNS Pony Twin 1 Gallatin Bridges NorrisGateway Sheridan
Grant
Martinsdale Ringling
Logan
Three Forks
Silver Star
Laurin
Two Dot
2
Cardwell
Whitehall
Dillon
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
Utica
Judith Gap
Montana City Winston
Elliston Clancy
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC Basin SITE
569
Wise River
East Helena
Helena
Anaconda
Wisdom
Hobson
Neihart
Canyon Creek Avon
Sula
2
Stanford
Monarch
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Drummond
Conner
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
Craig
Lincoln
Georgetown Lake
Darby
Stockett
nt
Stevensville
Clinton
F ro
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ALTERNATE ROUTE
ain
Florence
Bonner
Belt
Ulm
2 Cascade
Virgelle
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
unt
2
Missoula Lolo
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Mo
1
Seeley Lake
Loma
Fort Benton
Condon
St. Ignatius
Alberton
Big Sandy
Choteau
Ronan
Box Elder
Brady
Bynum
1
Arlee
Galata
Valier
Rudyard
Conrad
er
Moiese Dixon
Chester
Dupuyer
Riv
ky
Paradise
Superior
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Charlo
ad
Swan Lake
Polson
Plains
2
Heart Butte the
Havre
Shelby
Roc
Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park Fla
Bigfork
Sunburst
Browning
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Somers
Sweetgrass
Tower Junction
Mammoth Hot Springs
BEARTOOTH
YELLOWSTONE ALL-AMERICAN ROAD Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
Lake West Thumb
Grant Village
• 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. ENJOYYOURPARKS.COM
4 PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE LOOP: BUTTE TO
ANACONDA, PHILIPSBURG, DRUMMOND, DEER LODGE (132 miles) • From 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). • In Anaconda play a round at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Works Golf Course and look south to view the historic Anaconda Smoke Stack. • Continue west through Anaconda to Georgetown Lake and on to Philipsburg. Here you can dig for sapphires or shop at the old-time candy store. • Continue north to Drummond and stop in at Parker’s Restaurant to try one of more than 100 different hamburgers on their menu. • Hop back onto I-90 east toward Butte with another stop in Deer Lodge, home to the Grant-Kohrs National Historic Site, which 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.
PIONEER MOUNTAINS. VISIT MONTANA
5
4
PIONEER MOUNTAINS SCENIC BYWAY: DILLON TO ANACONDA (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 the Wise River through historic ranching and mining communities. • Stop for a swim at Elkhorn Hot Springs or dig for crystals at Crystal Park. • 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
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. JOHN LAMBING
6 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 Babb NATIONAL St. Mary PARK Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
ad
Charlo
Victor Corvallis
Hamilton
Bonner Clinton
Garrison
Deer Lodge
5
Conner Sula
569
Butte
Wise River
Wisdom
Jackson
Melrose PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY Polaris
5
278
Bannack
3
Grant
BLACKFOOT RIVER RUN
4
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE LOOP
5
PIONEER MOUNTAINS SCENIC BYWAY
6
SWAN’S ROUTE
324
Whitehall Silver Star
Twin Bridges
Jefferson City
Dillon
6
BIG SHEEP CR. BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY
Dell Lima
NEVADA CITY
Three Forks
Bozeman
Ennis
Lakeview
Big Sky
Greycliff
McLeod
Reed Point Fishtail Nye Roscoe
Pray Emigrant
Gardiner Quake Lake
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Gallatin NorrisGateway
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
6
Manhattan
Harrison
Alder VIRGINIA CITY Cameron
Monida
Wilsall
Logan
Pony
324
Martinsdale Ringling
Cardwell
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS
Two Dot Harlowton
Townsend
TIZER BOTANIC GARDENS & ARBORETUM
Sheridan Laurin
Judith Gap
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Elliston Clancy
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC Basin SITE
Boulder
Dewey Divide
278
Utica
East Helena
Helena
Avon
4
Hobson
Neihart
Canyon Creek
Anaconda
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Stanford
Monarch
Wolf Creek
3 Marysville
Drummond PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE Philipsburg
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Helmville
Georgetown Lake
Darby
Denton
Raynesford Geyser
nt
Florence Stevensville
Belt Stockett
F ro
Lolo
Ulm Cascade
ain
Missoula
Alberton
Fort Shaw
unt
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Augusta
Virgelle
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Mo
Superior
St. Ignatius
Loma
Fort Benton
Condon
Moiese Dixon
Brady
Bynum
ky
Paradise
Big Sandy
Choteau Ronan
Box Elder
Conrad
er
Polson
Plains
Rudyard
Dupuyer
Riv
Swan Lake
Chester
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte the
Havre
Shelby
Roc
Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park Fla
Bigfork
Somers
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
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
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
5
GHOST TOWNS
CANYON CREEK CHARCOAL KILNS. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
GHOST TOWNS Explore the past and visit the many ghost towns influencing Montana today. From the first territorial capitol of Bannack and the “living 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 southwestmt.com/ghosts/ghost-towns. 1 VIRGINIA CITY / NEVADA CITY
3 COOLIDGE
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, virginiacitymt.com, montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov
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 half-mile hike at Mono Creek along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. 406.832.3178, southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/ghosttowns/coolidge.htm
2 BANNACK STATE PARK GHOST TOWN 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 park, campground and visitor center are open all year. Town tours, living history, gold panning and a variety of educational and entertainment programs are scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day—call for more information. Bannack Days, a celebration of pioneer life, takes place the third weekend of July. Bannack is located 25 miles southwest of Dillon off Highway 278. 406.834.3413, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack-state-park
6
SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
4 QUARTZ HILL (VIPOND DISTRICT) 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
FUN FACT: Montana was born on the boom and bust
of gold mining. Thousands flocked to the area following the first major gold strike on Grasshopper Gulch in 1862. The rich gold deposits found in Southwest Montana led cities in the region to be the first (Bannack) and second (Virginia City) territorial capitals of Montana, in addition to the eventual home of the State Capitol in Helena.
GHOST TOWNS
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL St. Mary PARK
bridge
Lake Apgar McDonald Columbia West Glacier
ish
Falls
pell
a
mers
eside
Rollins ctor yton mo ig Arm
Swan Lake
ad
Galata
Valier
Chester
Rudyard Box Elder Big Sandy
Conrad
er
Bynum
Choteau
Polson
Havre
Fort Belknap Agency
Dodson
Dupuyer
BANNACK STATE PARK. MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
Riv
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
Heart Butte
the
Loring
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Fla
Turner
Sunburst
Browning
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Bigfork
Sweetgrass
Hinsd
Saco
Malta
Vandalia
Gla
GARNET GHOST TOWN. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
Brady
Ghost Town Ghost Tour
Fairfield Vaughn
Great Falls
Fort Benton
Loma
Virgelle Landusky
Zortman
5 GLENDALE AND CANYON CREEK CHARCOAL KILNS
Once a thriving smelting town, the little that remains of Glendale includesWinifred a stone office building, a smelter stack and Brusett Fort Shaw Moiese a few other buildings. During the boom period of the 1880s, Belt St. Ignatius Roy ixon Ulm the town boasted a population of 2,000. In order to supply Denton Stockett Raynesford Cascade charcoal Geyser for the smelter, the Canyon Creek charcoal kilns Arlee Seeley Lake were built about 5 miles up Canyon Creek beyond Glendale. Stanford Lewistown Craig Monarch Sand Springs Numerous beehive-shaped kilns remain. Take the Melrose exit n Winnett Lincoln Hobson Missoula Ovando Wolf Grass Creek Road for 5 miles off I-15 and head west on Trapper Mosby to Creek Neihart Greenough Range Helmville Utica Bonner Glendale. To reach the kilns, turn right on Canyon Creek Road Lolo Canyon Creek Clinton 14 at Glendale and travel about 5 miles. Marysville 13 lorence East 406.832.3178, Drummond Helena Judith Gap406.683.3900, Avon Helena Melstone Ingomar Elliston ensville E fs.usda.gov/main/bdnf/learning/history-culture White Sulphur Montana Springs Garrison Victor Two 12 11 City Winston Dot Harlowton Clancy C Roundup Deer 10 vallis Jefferson Martinsdale Philipsburg 6 FARLIN Hysham Lodge Basin City 15 ton Townsend Ringling The boom years for Farlin were 1905 and 1906 when the 9 Bighorn Georgetown Lake Boulder Anaconda rby Indian Queen produced half a million pounds of copper. Farlin Custer 569 nner had its own post office and school. Today,Worden a few cabins remain D Butte Wilsall Wise Logan Cardwell along Birch Creek Road, and the schoolhouse is a Pompeys short hike Big River Manhattan Sula Pillar Timber Clyde Dewey up aPark side gulch. Take the Birch Creek exit between Glen and Three Belgrade Greycliff Whitehall Silver Forks Reed6Point Star Livingston Dillon and go west for miles. Laurel 406.683.5511, 4 Divide Harrison Billings Hardin Columbus Crow Wisdom 5 southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ghosttowns/farlin.htm 7 Pony 8 McLeod Melrose Agency Gallatin Twin Bozeman Park Gateway Sheridan Absarokee Norris Bridges 278 City 3 Rockvale Saint Xavier Fishtail Garryowe Nevada Jackson Joliet 7 ROCHESTER City Laurin 6 Lodge Roberts Nye Ennis Pray Pryor Polaris Fort Smith Grass 1A Roscoe Emigrant Alder The Watseca gold mine wasBridger discovered in 1869, and the town 278 Bannack 2 B Big Sky Virginia Dillon City of Rochester sprang up. The Watseca mine operated until the 1 Cameron Red Lodge Wyola Cooke 1980s. A few stone buildings, a Belfry wooden headframe, a modern Grant Silver Gardiner City Gate 324 gold mill and the old cemetery remain. Rochester is located 324 Quake Tower Junction Mammoth approximately 12 miles from Twin Bridges. 406.684.5121, Lake BEARTOOTH Hot Springs YELLOWSTONE ALL-AMERICAN ROAD 1 3 southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ghosttowns/rochester.htm Dell Canyon Charlo
Ronan
Condon
Augusta
Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
7
GHOST TOWNS
ELKHORN MILL, COOLIDGE GHOST TOWN. USDA FOREST SERVICE
8 PONY 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. southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/ghosttowns/pony.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 almost-ghost town. 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, southwestmt.com/listings/6757.htm
9 ELKHORN STATE PARK 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. 406.577.7894, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/elkhorn
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 the Drummond or Bearmouth exit. Then follow the north side frontage road to Bear Gulch Road, watch for the sign, which is located 10 miles west of Drummond or 5 miles east of the Bearmouth exit. Approximately 7.5 miles up Bear Gulch Road is the Cave Gulch Road junction. From there, Garnet and the parking lot are 4 miles up Cave Gulch.
10 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.
NOTE: RV, motorhomes and pull trailers are NOT recommended to travel this route. The last 9 miles of dirt roads are mountain terrain, which is steep, narrow and winding. In most places the roads are one lane and can be rough. Expect to drive slowly. 406.329.3914, garnetghosttown.org
11 RIMINI
15 GRANITE GHOST TOWN STATE PARK
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 (all private residences). 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, southwestmt.com/listings/6775.htm
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, philipsburgmt.com/ghost-towns.php
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, southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/ghosttowns/charteroak.htm 8
SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
COOLIDGE GHOST TOWN. USDA FOREST SERVICE
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 hold tales of lingering souls. Whether you are a thrill seeker, ghost hunter or history buff, a ghost tour in Southwest Montana will provide a unique adventure. A VIRGINIA CITY / NEVADA CITY The frenzied energy of the gold rush at Alder Gulch produced a spirited history in this part of Montana—famous sightings 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, virginiacitymt.com, montanaheritagecommission.mt.gov B 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 Hotel Meade. On the park’s seasonal ghost walks you may encounter some of Bannack’s most illustrious citizens. 406.834.3413, bannack.org, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack-state-park
Looking for thrills and chills in Southwest Montana? Scan to learn more about our ghost towns and itineraries. C 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, pcmaf.org D SPOOKS AND SPIRITS HAUNTED TOURS − BUTTE Enjoy an interactive two-hour tour of Butte's historically verified hauntings found in Big Sky Country. Small to large groups can participate in this interesting history of the Mining City's haunted buildings. 406.723.3177, facebook.com/ spooksandspiritshauntedtours E HELENA
FUN FACT: The Travel Channel's Ghost Town
Terror and Ghost of Devil's Perch, filmed in Anaconda and Butte, are the most recent stories about the ghosts in Southwest Montana.
Take a ride through Helena’s dark past in the fall season. Not for the faint of heart, Ghost Gulch is a haunted tour on the Bert & Ernie's Pub Trolley that leads visitors from the Myrna Loy Theater, around Last Chance Gulch, and back. Terrifying topics include vigilante justice, loyal pets, criminal crusades, haunted elevators and a variety of other tales in Montana’s original ghost town. Inspired by the unmatched work of Ellen Baumler, Ghost Gulch is the can’t-miss event of the fall! 406.449.3770, mthistory.org/tours 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM
9
HOT SPRINGS & WATER PARKS
HOT SPRINGS & WATER PARKS Southwest Montana's proximity to the geothermal activity of Yellowstone National Park has given this region a variety of developed year-round hot springs facilities. From simple soaking pools to resort locations, warm water awaits. 1 FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT* Enjoy two oversized indoor and outdoor Olympic-size swimming pools and two mineral soaking pools, including a 350-foot enclosed waterslide. Resort lodging, dining, spa and golf provide the perfect vacation. 406.797.3241, 800.332.3272, Rexford Eureka Yaak fairmontmontana.com Polebridge
Fortine Trego
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL St. Mary PARK
2 BOULDER HOT SPRINGS INN, Lake Apgar McDonald SPA & RETREAT CENTER Troy Libby Columbia West Glacier Relax at this historic hot springs hotel, spa, and retreat center Falls Coram Martin City Hungry with indoor and outdoor pools filled with geothermal waters for Whitefish Horse Kalispell Essex soaking and swimming. 406.225.4339, Kila Fla Bigfork Marion the Heron boulderhotsprings.com Somers ad
5 RIDGE WATERS WATER PARK Montana's newest destination water park features the state's longest lazy river, slides, six-way tippy tree, and many more activities for family enjoyment. Open seasonally. 406.497.6585, co.silverbow.mt.us/2092/ridge-waters-waterpark 6 LAST CHANCE SPLASH WATERPARK AND POOL The water park features lap-swimming, a splash pad, two waterslides, zero-depth pool and lazy river. Open seasonally. 406.447.1559, lastchancesplash.com 7 PIPESTONE VILLAGE AND HOTSPRINGS* Relax in the natural hot springs water with your own private cabin or dome hot tub. 406.461.7310, pipestonehotsprings.com 8 ELKHORN HOT SPRINGS This year-round resort offers two outdoor hot mineral pools, a Grecian sauna and a restaurant and bar. Accommodations include rustic cabins, modern cabins and lodge rooms. 406.834.3434, elkhornhotsprings.com 9 JACKSON HOT SPRINGS William Clark noted this hot springs in his journal in 1806. Cabins, a full-service restaurant, a large Western-style bar and a dance hall are all centered around a natural hot springs mineral pool. 406.834.3151, jacksonhotspringslodge.com
10 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Shelby
E
Dupuyer
BOULDER Conrad HOT SPRINGS. ANDY AUSTIN
Riv
er
Brady
Bynum
Arlee
Augusta
Fort Shaw Ulm Cascade
Missoula
Alberton Lolo Florence Stevensville
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Corvallis
Hamilton
Drummond
Helena
Avon Garrison
3
Elliston
569
Conner
Wise River
Sula
Wisdom Jackson
Melrose
8
9
Twin Bridges
Sheridan
Alder
Martinsdale
Townsend Boulder
Harrison Pony
Laurin
Dillon
Bannack
J
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Ringling
Wilsall
Logan
Three Forks
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris 278
Ut
East Helena
5 Butte 7 Cardwell
Dewey Divide
278
Neihart
Jefferson City
2 1
6
Clancy
Deer Lodge Basin
Philipsburg
Anaconda
S
Monarch
Wolf Creek
Georgetown Lake
Darby
Raynesford Geyser
Canyon Creek Marysville
Victor
Belt
Stockett
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Virg
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Seeley Lake
Loma
Fort Benton
Choteau
St. Ignatius
Dixon
Rudyard
Chester
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Swan Lake 3 BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS & FITNESS Trout Creek Thompson Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing soak in natural geothermal Falls Polson Hot Springs mineral hot springs pools 10 minutes from downtown Helena. Condon Ronan Haugan Afterward, enjoy a meal at the Springs Taproom & Grill. Plains Charlo De Borgia Paradise St. Regis 406.443.5777, broadwatermt.com Moiese
4 NORRIS HOT SPRINGS A unique wooden pool and lush wetlands make this historic hot springs a special location. A café serves organic entrées from on-site gardens. 406.685.3303, norrishotsprings.com
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Superior
Sunburst
Browning
Lakeside
Noxon
Sweetgrass
4 Norris
Manhattan
Bozeman
Gallatin Gateway
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Pray Emigrant
Big Sky
Grant
S G
Gardiner
324
Quake Lake
324
Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Tower Ju
Mammoth Hot Springs
YELLOWSTO Canyon Norris NATION Madison PA Junction
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
*Requires overnight stay.
FUN FACT: Radon mines market themselves as
health mines, citing low levels of radiation have healthgiving benefits. Visitors in and around Basin and Boulder self-treat at several radon mines in the area.
Lake West Thumb
Grant Village
GEnuInE. MonTana. ExpErIEncE. Hot SpringS
Lodging
dining
goLf
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 FOREST SERVICE
ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY Many made their fortunes in Southwest Montana; 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
6 VIRGINIA CITY 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
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, virginiacitymt.com 7 LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS − WHITEHALL
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, southwestmt.com/listings/11967.htm
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana’s first and bestknown state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. See page 23 for more information. 406.287.3541, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns 8 RINGING ROCKS – WHITEHALL
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. southwestmt.com/listings/904.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. southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/rockhounding 5 RED ROCK MINE AND GARNET GALLERY Screen a bucket or screen all day at this rock shop along Montana Highway 287 between Alder and Virginia City. 406.842.5760, visitmt.com/listings/general/rock-shop/redrock-mine-and-garnet-gallery 12 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
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! southwestmt.com/listings/16408.htm 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, anacondamt.org
ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY
bridge
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL St. Mary PARK Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
pell
a
omers
Bigfork
the
eside
Rollins ctor yton mo ig Arm
ad
er
Swan Lake
Charlo
Fort Benton11
Augusta
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Arlee
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Missoula
n Lolo
lorence
ensville
Garrison
vallis
ton
Philipsburg 11
Helena
13
569
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
2
278
Jackson
Polaris 278
Bannack
9
Zortman
Roy
Denton
Jord
Stanford Lewistown The Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and Gold Fever Rock Shop is an Sand Springs Winnett excellent place toHobson mine for beautiful Montana sapphires. Tools are Grass Mosby Neihart Range Utica provided. 406.227.8989, sapphiremine.com
Monarch
East Helena
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
City
Townsend Boulder
Butte
8 Cardwell
Judith Gap 13 BOULDER RIVER
Melstone
Coh
Ingomar
Two Dot
Nice cubic crystal of barite can be found about 5 miles west of the Harlowton Roundup Whitehouse Campground along the Boulder River. 406.465.2106, Martinsdale Hysham bouldermtchamber.com Ringling Bighorn
Custer
14 EARTHQUAKE LAKE
Logan
Wilsall
Worden
Big
Pompeys In 1959 an earthquake near West Pillar Timber in the Madison Canyon River Area, Clyde Park Three Belgrade 7 Greycliff 3 Silver Whitehall Yellowstone, formed Quake Lake. The earthquake created a massive Forks Reed Point Lam Livingston Laurel Star Harrison Billings landslide of about 80 million tons of rock, which stopped the flowCrow De Columbus Hardin Pony McLeod Twin Agency Gallatin of the Madison River in the Madison River Canyon gorge. The Bozeman Bridges Park Sheridan Gateway Absarokee Norris Bu City Rockvale Earthquake Lake Visitor a Memorial Boulder from Garryowen the Saint Xavier Fishtail Center displays Nevada Joliet City Laurin earthquake with aNye plaque Roberts of the names ofPryor the 28 people whoLodge died Ennis Pray Fort Smith 5 6 Grass Roscoe Emigrant Bridgerfs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/ Alder and the events of the earthquake. Virginia Big Sky Dillon 4 City home/?cid=FSEPRD891034 Cameron Red Lodge
Manhattan
Grant
Gardiner
324
Quake Lake
324
Dell
1
ACTIVITY KEY Camping Biking
Landusky
12 HELENA AREA
Clancy Deer Lodge Basin Jefferson
Anaconda 10
nner
12
Elliston
Georgetown Lake
rby
Glasgow
Brusett
Raynesford Geyser
Canyon Creek
Avon
Victor
Stockett
Wolf Creek
Marysville Drummond
Malta
Virgelle
Loma PHILIPSBURG AREA
Belt
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Vandalia
Indoor “mining” can be done at Sapphire Gallery and Gem Mountain. There is outdoor mining with a seasonal water flume at Winifred Montana Gems of Philipsburg. 406.859.3388, philipsburgmt.com
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Moiese
ixon
Hinsdale
Saco
Dodson
Sandy CRYSTAL PARK ALONGBig THE PIONEER SCENIC BYWAY SOUTH OF WISE RIVER. USDA FOREST SERVICE
Choteau Ronan
Fort Belknap Agency
Brady
Bynum
Polson
Havre
Box Elder
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
Rudyard
Chester
Galata
Valier
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
Heart Butte
Fla
Loring
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
O
Turner
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
ish
Sweetgrass
14
Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Horseback Riding Fishing Access Four Wheeling/ATV
Mammoth Hot Springs
Tower Junction
Wyola
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
FUN FACT: Wolf Creek (Prickly Pear) Canyon
YELLOWSTONE
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West Lake Yellowstone West Thumb Old Faithful Grant Village
Hiking Rock Climbing Watchable Wildlife
Belfry
Silver Cooke Gate City
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, then take exit 219 for Recreation Road. 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 13
Decke
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING
MOOSE. GREG LEWIS
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING Throughout Southwest Montana visitors have the chance to view a variety of wildlife. Whether it’s birds, deer, elk or moose, there’s opportunity to observe wildlife any day of the year. Few activities make you feel more “in touch” with nature than wildlife watching.
Scan for more information on birding trails in Southwest Montana. 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. (Some of the most popular are listed below.) 406.444.2535, fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlifemanagement-areas 1 RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
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. southwestmt.com/communities/ovando.htm 5 DEER LODGE – GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Here you can find plenty of healthy riparian habitat populated by diverse bird species. southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/ birdingtrails/grantkohrsranch 6 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. myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail action?lmsId=39753388
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. fws.gov/refuge/red_rock_lakes
This quiet, high-valley landscape near Wisdom is rich in diverse bird species. nps.gov/biho/learn/nature/birds.htm
2 CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR & BANNACK STATE PARK
8 WARM SPRINGS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
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. 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. southwestmt.com/communities/ anaconda.htm
14 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
7 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
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. myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail. action?lmsId=39754067
FUN FACT: Of the 428 bird species recorded in Montana, 316 can be found in Southwest Montana.
BIRDING & WILDLIFE WATCHING
olebridge
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
spell Kila
Bigfork
Somers
Heart Butte
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
the
Conrad
Charlo
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Lolo
10
tevensville
Avon
Victor
Garrison
Corvallis
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC 3 SITE Georgetown Lake Philipsburg
Helena
5 Deer Lodge 8
569
Sula
7
Melrose
Twin Bridges
278
Dillon
Bannack Grant 324 324
Three Forks
Sheridan Nevada City
Alder
2 Dell
9
Virginia City
Norris
Monida
Ingom
Two Dot
Harlowton Moose, elk, cranes and other native speciesRoundup abound at this Martinsdale 561,161-acre WMA. Enjoy cross country skiing in winter. From Ringling Anaconda, head southeast on Highway 1 to Mill Creek State Bighorn Highway 273. 406.444.2535
Lakeview
Wilsall
Manhattan
Greycliff Reed Point
Bozeman
Big Sky
Fishtail
Nye Roscoe
Cameron Silver Cooke Gate City
Gardiner Quake Lake
1
Tower Junction
Mammoth Hot Springs
YELLOWSTONE Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction
West Yellowstone
Laurel
Park City
Absarokee
Pray Emigrant
Pompeys Pillar
Billings
Columbus
McLeod
Gallatin Gateway
Old Faithful
Roberts
Red Lodge
Joliet
Rockvale
Bridger
Pryor
Belfry
Hardin
Crow Age
Saint Xavier
Ga Lodge Grass
Fort Smith
Wyola
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
ELK. GREG LEWIS
Lake West Thumb
Grant Village
REMEMBER TO GIVE ANIMALS THEIR SPACE ACTIVITY KEY Camping Biking Horseback Riding Fishing Access
Four Wheeling/ATV Hiking Rock Climbing
Hy
Worden
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Ennis
RED ROCK LAKES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Lima
Melstone
11 MOUNT HAGGIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Logan
Pony
Laurin
Polaris
Sand Sp
Winnett
Custer
Silver Whitehall Star Harrison
278
Jackson
Townsend
Cardwell
Dewey Divide
Wisdom
Winston
Jefferson City
Butte
11
Wise River
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Montana 6 City
Clancy
Basin
Bru
Roy
Judith Gap
White Sulphur Springs
Boulder
Anaconda
Darby
Conner
East Helena
Elliston
Zortman
Grass game birds, raptors, various times of the year, as do upland Mosby Neihart Range songbirds, Utica furbearers and small mammals. southwestmt.com/ specialfeatures/birdingtrails/beartooth
Canyon Creek
Drummond
Landusky
Hobson
Wolf Creek
Marysville
Florence
milton
Craig
Lincoln
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Virgelle
Denton Raynesford 10 BEARTOOTH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Geyser AREA – AUGUSTA Stanford Lewistown Monarch All of Montana’s big game species call this area home at
Stockett
Cascade
Ovando
BIGHORN SHEEP. JOHN LAMBING
Belt
Ulm
Missoula
rton
V
Malta
Just north of Ennis, this 3,692-acre lake beckons with exceptional bird-watching, solitude and more. ennischamber.com Winifred
Fort Shaw
4
Saco
Dodson
Big Sandy
9 ENNIS LAKE AREA
Condon
Seeley Lake
Loma
Fort Benton
St. Ignatius
Arlee
Fort Belknap Agency
Brady
Moiese Dixon
Havre
Box Elder
PRONGHORN, USDA FOREST SERVICE
Choteau Ronan
Rudyard
Dupuyer
Polson
e
Chester
Galata
Valier
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Loring
Cut Bank
ad BALD EAGLE. GREG LEWIS Riv er Bynum Swan Lake
akeside
Turner
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
efish
Sweetgrass
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
ADVENTURE ON THE WATER
WADE LAKE NEAR ENNIS. USDA FOREST SERVICE
ADVENTURE ON THE WATER Southwest Montana has an abundance of year-round access to rivers and lakes. Whether it’s whitewater or calm-water rafting or canoeing—or spending a day on a lake sailing, waterskiing, or touring—there’s a place for you. Some of the best blue-ribbon trout streams, rivers, and lakes with majestic mountains, bald eagles, and waterfowl are the backdrop to your fishing, boating, and hiking experiences in Southwest Montana. 406.444.2535, fwp.mt.gov/fish 1 CLARK FORK RIVER
5 MADISON 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.
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.
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. 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. 16 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
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. 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. 8 DEARBORN RIVER The Dearborn River is a tributary to the Missouri River and offers scenic floating and wade fishing early in the summer. bigskyfishing.com/River-Fishing/central-rivers
ADVENTURE ON THE WATER
bridge
9 BIG HOLE RIVER
13 GEORGETOWN LAKE
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.
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.
10 BLACKFOOT RIVER
14 CANYON FERRY LAKE
This is the river that braids its way through the dramatic prose of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, and it remains GLACIER one of Montana’s wildest and most productive Sweetgrass fisheries. Babb NATIONAL Sunburst St. Mary 11PARK MISSOURI RIVER
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.
Lake Cut Bank Apgar Holter McDonald Below Dam, this is one of Montana’s most popular
shallow-water pods.East Glacier Martin City Hungry Horse
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Galata
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18 SUN RIVER / GIBSON RESERVOIR Stanford Lewistown Monarch Lincoln Located on the Sun River, Hobson Gibson Reservoir (built toWinnett Missoula Ovando r Grass Mosby Neihartflooding) is located just south of Ri v e Greenough control the Bob Marshall Range B l a c kfoot Utica Bonner Helmville Canyon Clinton 11 Wilderness, 20 miles northwest of Augusta. Enjoy camping, Creek Nevada 16 Lake Marysville boating and fishing with spectacular views of the wilderness. Drummond 3 Helena East Rainbow, westslope cutthroat and brown trout provide Melstone rk Judith Gap Avon Helena For 1 k Ri White Sulphurfor great fishing opportunities. The Sun River continues ver Montana 14 Elliston Springs Two Garrison City northeast providing additional fishing opportunities. Clancy Dot Canyon Harlowton Craig
Wolf Creek
Lolo
Malta
Located between Helmville and Ovando these small lakes offer great fishing and bird viewing around marshy areas. Winifred Fish for trout, bass, perch and bluegill at Brown’s Lake and Belt Roy Lake. walleye and northern pike at Kleinschmidt Denton
Fort Shaw
Moiese
Dodson
17 BROWN'S / KLEINSCHMIDT / UPSATA LAKES
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
18 Augusta
Arlee
Loma
Fort Benton
Condon
Belknap Agency
Sandy Located 34 milesBig from Lincoln, Nevada Lake is a great little fishing hole. Tucked between two mountain ranges, the reservoir is host to excellent fishing and beautiful scenery. Virgelle
Choteau Ronan
Whitew
16 NEVADA LAKE (NEVADA CREEK RESERVOIR)
Brady
Bynum
Swan Lake
olson
xon
Box Elder
Heart Butte 12 CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR Dupuyer Fla Bigfork the Here you’ll find asome of the finest stillwater dR Conradfishing for large iv
er Rollins rainbow trout in the state.
Loring
Stocked with trout, this remote reservoir Chinook is lined by peaceful willows and makes for good fishing when Rudyard water levels permit. Chester Havre Fort
Browning
West Glacier Columbia destination fisheries with enormous trout found Shelby in dense, Falls Coram
sh
Turner
15 RUBY RESERVOIR
a
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Philipsburg
Deer Lodge
13
Georgetown Lake
Basin
Anaconda 569
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Dewey Divide
9
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Melrose
278
Jackson
2
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324
12 Clark
Canyon Reservoir
ve r
7
Ri
Bannack
Harrison
15
Alder
Ruby Reservoir
Be
Dell Lima
6
Norris Ennis Lake Nevada Ennis City
Virginia City Cameron
5
Monida
Three Forks
Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Polaris 278
Silver Star
r ive
Lakeview
Roundup
Martinsdale
KIDS' FISHING PONDS Ringling There are fishing ponds in Anaconda, Butte, Dillon, Ennis, Helena and Virginia City that provide kids under 12 a free place to learn the art of fishing and the thrill of catching a fish. Worden
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
av er he ad
Sula
Butte
Wise River
er Riv
Ferry Reservoir
Townsend Boulder
Jeffe rso nR
rby
Winston Jefferson City
r Rive on dis a M
ensville
Wilsall
Manhattan
Big Timber
Clyde Park
Belgrade Livingston
Bozeman
Fishtail
Gardiner Mammoth Hot Springs
Nye Roscoe
Silver Cooke Gate City Tower Junction
YELLOWSTONE
Laurel
Park City
Absarokee
Pray Emigrant
Pompeys Pillar
Billings
Columbus
McLeod
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
Greycliff Reed Point
Roberts
Red Lodge
BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
Big
Joliet
Rockvale
Bridger
Pryor
Hardin
Saint Xavier Fort Smith
Belfry
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison PARK Junction West GEORGETOWN LAKE, BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST. Lake Yellowstone USDA FOREST SERVICE West Thumb Old Faithful Grant 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 17 Village
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RANCHES, OUTFITTERS & GUIDE SERVICES
GRAVELLY MOUNTAIN RANGE. USDA FOREST SERVICE
RANCHES, OUTFITTERS & GUIDE SERVICES Southwest Montana offers a variety of ranch experiences. Visitors can choose to saddle up at a 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. 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.
MADISON RIVER. ED COYLE
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
Many outfitters offer schools, seminars and clinics pertaining to the outfitter and guide lifestyle. 406.449.3587, montanaoutfitters.org Additional information on fishing outfitters is available at foam-mt.org. 18 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
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. montanadra.com WORKING RANCHES Working ranches help preserve the authentic cowboy lifestyle and heritage. Working ranches offer a variety of activities including cattle drives, roundups, 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. 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, theranchatrockcreek.com
PUBLIC LANDS
Rexford
Yaak
Eureka Fortine Trego
Troy
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
Polebridge
Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
WELCOME TO YOUR PUBLIC LANDS Heron
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Marion
Noxon
Kila
Somers
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Thompson Southwest Montana is located midway between YellowstoneBig Arm
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Trout Creek
Falls
Hot Springs
Shelby
Heart Butte Dupuyer the GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC ad Conrad SITE. DIANA DIMARCO Riv er Brady Bynum Swan Lake
Lolo
This memorial preserves a Nez Perce War battlefield located Florence in Montana. The Nez Perce fought a delaying action against Stevensville Victor the 7th Infantry Regiment here on August 9 and 10, 1877, during their failed attempt to escape to Canada. Big Hole Corvallis National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there. Hamilton The 655-acre park has a visitor center with fully accessible exhibits, a 26-minute film, and four trails to explore the park. Darby 406.689.3155, nps.gov/biho/index.htm Conner
GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Sula
The Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site was established in 1972 and commemorates the role of cattlemen in the Western cattle industry from its 1850s inception through recent times. The original ranch was established in 1862 by a Canadian fur trader, Johnny Grant, 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 explore parts of the ranch. 406.846.2070, nps.gov/grko/index.htm
Fort Bento
Choteau
Polson
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Ches
Galata
Valier
Fla
and Glacier national parks, providing breathtaking scenery, Condon unique geological formations, history and Haugan an abundance Ronan Plains Charlo Borgiawolves. of wildlife, including buffalo, elk, moose, deerDeand Paradise St. Regis Moiese Southwest Montana boasts two National Historic Sites St. Ignatius Dixon highlighting the history of the West, including the battle with Superior the Nez Perce tribe at the National Big Hole Battlefield Arlee Seeley Lake and the booming cattle industry at Grant-Kohrs Ranch. Both parks are open year-round and provide a glimpse into Alberton Missoula Montana’s rich history. Greenough Bonner Clinton
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
Fort Shaw Ulm Cascade
Helmville
Canyon Creek
Helena
Avon
Garrison GRANTKOHRS RANCH Philipsburg NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Deer Lodge
569
Basin
Butte
Wise River Dewey Divide
278
Jackson
Twin Bridges
Bannack
Townsend Boulder
Sheridan
Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Laurin
Dillon
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris 278
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Clancy
Anaconda
Melrose
East Helena
Elliston
Georgetown Lake
Wisdom
M
Wolf Creek
Marysville
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Belt
Stockett
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Drummond
Three Forks
Norris
Manhattan
Belgrade L
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
E
Big Sky
Grant 324
Quake Lake
324
FUN FACT: The Big Hole was named by settlers
and is the highest and widest of the broad mountain valleys of western Montana. The valley separates the Pioneer Mountains along its eastern margin from the Beaverhead Range on the west.
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Bigfork
Lakeside
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
Dell Lima
Wilderness Area BLM
Monida
Lakeview
Mammo Hot Spring
C Norris Mad Junc
West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
National Forest
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 19
W Th
PUBLIC LANDS
MADISON RANGE LOOKING TO SPHINX MOUNTAIN. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE / BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT / BUREAU OF RECLAMATION Southwest Montana straddles the Continental Divide, a naturally occurring ridge separating river watersheds to flow into the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. More than 6 million acres of public land offer an array of opportunities for adventure and sightseeing on many roads and trails. Whether you want to hike, bike, fish, hunt or view wildlife, there is an abundance of rugged mountain ranges, high mountain lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, geology and wildlife for the entire family to enjoy, or you can adventure solo for some solitude. (See page 63 for agency contact information.) TRAILS There are over 3,000 miles of motorized (e-bikes, ATVs, and motorcycles) and non-motorized (foot, horse, bicycle) trails available on public lands. Whether you want to trek wilderness and backcountry areas, spend a couple hours or days stretching your legs, or explore lakes and mountain peaks, there are trails suited to your curiosity and sense of adventure open throughout the year. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail offers over 475 miles of trails in Southwest Montana with easy access from four gateway communities to welcome visitors to start their adventure, spend a long weekend, resupply, or as a can’t-miss stop through Southwest Montana. CAMPING There are many ways to enjoy camping, from primitive sites to developed, full-service campgrounds and historic cabins offering a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, boating and wildlife viewing.
COMMUNITY PARKS AND TRAILS Our local communities welcome visitors to sit back and relax for a few hours, whether it’s enjoying a picnic or family gathering, visiting a pet-friendly park, fishing a pond, or a swimming at a waterpark. There are many urban trail connections to shopping, parks, points of interest and backcountry trails accessible by foot or bicycle, including several abandoned railroad lines providing a glimpse of days gone by, with signage and historic points of interest.
FUN FACT: Southwest Montana, unlike any other Montana region,
boasts 21 unique and diverse mountain ranges. The highest peak found in Southwest Montana is West Goat Peak in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, reaching nearly 11,000 feet. THOMPSON PARK. USDA FOREST SERVICE
20 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
PUBLIC LANDS
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL, BIG HOLE PASS – BEAVERHEAD RANGE. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
NATIONALLY DESIGNATED TRAILS Congress passed the National Trails System Act in 1968, establishing a framework for a nationwide system of scenic, recreational, and historic trails. Southwest Montana has many nationally designated trails; some of which are nationally known, others that stretch quietly throughout the area on federal lands, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Nez Perce National Historic Trail and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL The Continental Divide is a chain of mountain ranges that runs from northern Alaska through North America to its southern terminus at the Strait of Magellan, dividing the waters that flow to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT), designated by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978, is a roughly 3,100-mile trail from Canada to Mexico traveling through five states—Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico—through private, state and federal lands. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail provides trail users with panoramic views of mountain ranges and valleys, wildlife, and unique geologic formations. Southwest Montana travelers can hike, bike or ride horseback on approximately 475 miles. Although the trails are predominantly nonmotorized, there are a few sections open to motorized vehicles. continentaldividetrail.org.
NEZ PERCE NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail stretches from Oregon to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana. It was added to this system by Congress as a National Historic Trail in 1986. In 1877 the U.S. government attempted to coerce the Nez Perce nation onto a reservation in western Idaho. Some 800 Nez Perce, led by a number of legendary tribal chiefs, including Chief Joseph, Chief Ollokot and Chief Looking Glass, defied the U.S. Army and then, outnumbered, fled east over the Bitterroot Mountains into Montana. They camped along the Big Hole River, near present day Wisdom. On August 9, Colonel John Gibbon, with around 200 men, attacked, firing indiscriminately into the camp. The Nez Perce escaped under the cover of darkness. Two months after the Battle of the Big Hole, and less than 50 miles from the Canadian border, an exhausted Chief Joseph surrendered to the U.S. cavalry, declaring, “My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more.” Today, the Big Hole National Battlefield and the Nez Perce trail commemorate the Nez Perce's desperate flight for freedom. The valiant leadership of Chief Joseph has won him a place as a hero of the West.
BIG HOLE BATTLEFIELD, WISDOM. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
VISITOR CENTER DISPLAY, BIG HOLE HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD – WISDOM. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 21
LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL | AMERICAN INDIANS
LEWIS & CLARK 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. southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/lewisandclark 1 BEAVERHEAD ROCK STATE PARK − DILLON 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, GLACIER fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/beaverhead-rock Sweetgrass Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
ebridge
2 CLARK’S LOOKOUT STATE PARK − DILLON 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, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/clarks-lookout 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, gatesofthemountains.com 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. Opheim Turner
Sunburst
AMERICAN INDIAN SITES & EVENTS
Lake Apgar McDonald Columbia West Glacier
Falls
Cut Bank
Browning
Pe
Whitewater
Chinook
Shelby
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Loring
Rudyard
Chester Havre Hinsdale Southwest Montana encompasses the traditional Indian Fort people, stretching back East Glacier Galata hunting grounds of many American Saint Sacomore than a Box Park Belknap Valier Marie Dodson Elder Vandalia Shoshone thousand years. In addition, there are several sites significant to the native tribes that came Blackfeet, Nez Perce, Agency later—the pell Malta Heart Butte a Dupuyer and Salish—throughout the region. southwestmt.com. Nashua Glasgow Fla Bigfork the Big Sandy omers ad Conrad Riv 5 BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL eside er Rollins Brady Bynum octor Swan Lake HISTORIC SITE Fort ayton Virgelle Peck LewisFort& Benton Clark lmo Big Hole National Battlefield is a memorial to the brave men Loma Choteau Landusky Zortman Big Arm National Historic and women who fought and died here in August of 1877. The Polson Trail Great Fairfield Condon historic site features a visitor center with interpretive video and Ronan Vaughn Falls Nez Perce National a museum with photographs, artifacts and interpretive displays. Charlo Augusta Winifred Historic Trail Brusett and visit Fort Shaw Moiese You can also take a self-guided tour of the battlefield Belt St. Ignatius Roy Ulm Montana State Park Dixon Denton the deeply moving teepee memorial along the Big Hole River. Jordan Stockett Raynesford Cascade Geyser Arlee Seeley 406.689.3155, nps.gov/biho
fish
Lake
Missoula
on Lolo
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Wolf Creek
Drummond
ensville
Helena
Avon
rvallis
Philipsburg
ton
8
Georgetown Lake
5
569
onner
Wise River
Sula
Deer Lodge
Wisdom 278
Silver Star
91 Polaris
9 1
8 Butte
Melrose
Jackson
Bannack
1
Grant
278
Jefferson City
Basin
Townsend
7
Boulder
Dewey Divide
5
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Clancy
Anaconda 6
arby
4
East Helena
Elliston
Garrison
Victor
22
3
Canyon Creek Marysville
Florence
Lewis & Clark or Monarch American Indian Site or EventNeihart
Craig
Lincoln
10 2
Dillon
4
Whitehall
2
Harrison Twin Pony Bridges Sheridan
Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Three Forks
Norris
Virginia City Cameron
324
Clyde Park
Bozeman Pray Emigrant
Gardiner
6
Quake Lake Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
22 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Sand Springs
Winnett
Broc
Cohagen
Grass 6 CAMP FORTUNATE Mosby Range Utica After passing Beaverhead Rock, the Corps of Discovery followed the river south where it met the Shoshone. There, Judith Gap Sacagawea recognized her brother, Chief Cameahwait, and Melstone Ingomar through her translations, horses were obtained for the trip Two Dot Harlowton west. Today, travelers can walk in the footsteps of Sacagawea Miles Ci Roundup Martinsdale Forsyth Hysham and her brother by visiting Lewis and Clark Memorial, Camp Ringling Rosebud Bighorn Fortunate Overlook and Cameahwait Campground (Clark Custer Canyon Dam and Recreation Area, exit 43 off I-15). Worden 406.683.6472, usbr.gov/gp/mtao/clarkcanyon Wilsall Colstrip Big
Gallatin Gateway
Big Sky
Lewistown
Hobson
Belgrade Livingston
Nevada Ennis City
324
22
Manhattan
Stanford
Lu
Pompeys Pillar
Timber
Greycliff Reed Point
7 LAST CHANCELaurel Lame COMMUNITY − HELENA Billings POWWOW Deer Columbus Hardin Crow Ashla WA R RI O R While Last Chance McLeod all powwows are family-oriented events, the Agency TR Park Absarokee Powwow Community its City holds particular appeal because ofBusby Rockvale Saint Xavier Fishtail Garryowen focus:Nyehonoring theJoliet children. The three-day powwow is held Lodge Roberts Pryor Birney Fort Smith Grass Roscoe Bridger every September at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Otter Helena.Red 406.439.5631, lastchancepowwow.com Lodge
Silver Cooke Gate City
Belfry
Wyola
Decker
8 NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN ALLIANCE POWWOW − BUTTE Mammoth BEARTOOTH Hot Springs The North American Indian Alliance Powwow offers participants ALL-AMERICAN ROAD YELLOWSTONE Canyon Norris and visitors an unforgettable immersion in colorful regalia, NATIONAL Madison PARK captivating dancing and moving and traditional music, while Junction West Lake Yellowstone creating new community bonds across tribes and cultures. The West Thumb Old three-day powwow takes place at the Butte Civic Center every Faithful Grant Village September. 406.782.0461 Tower Junction
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 fwp.mt.gov/stateparks. 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 old-fashioned ice skating in the winter. 406.834.3413, 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, 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, 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, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/black-sandy
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. 406.224.0833, 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. 406.224.0833, 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 22. 10 CLARK’S LOOKOUT − DILLON See more information on page 22. ACTIVITY KEY
Camping Biking Historical Point
Horseback Riding Fishing Access Four Wheeling/ATV
Hiking Rock Climbing Sightseeing
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ARTS & CULTURE
MONTANA FOLK FESTIVAL IN BUTTE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
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.
ANACONDA
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, facebook.com/coppervillagemuseumandartcenter Fred Boyer Studio A living legend sculptor, Boyer's work depicts nature frozen in time. 406.797.3386, fredboyer.com Washoe Theatre Anaconda’s historic 1930s working movie theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. 406.563.6161, discoveranaconda.com
AUGUSTA
Latigo and Lace Features art that reflects the old western heritage of the area, local scenery and wildlife. 406.562.3665, latigoandlace.com
Imagine Butte Resource Center An artistic center in Uptown Butte fostering artistic growth for youth and adults in both individual and group environments and projects. 406.299.3389, phoenixartsalliance.org Charles W. Clark Chateau This historic mansion features changing art exhibits, marvelous collections and elegant architecture. 406.490.6678, clarkchateaubutte.wordpress.com, facebook.com/clarkchateau Main Stope Gallery of Original Art Joint venture gallery consisting of a number of Montana member artists. 406.723.9195, mainstopegallery.com Mother Lode Theatre The Mother Lode hosts events including the Butte Community Concert, Butte Symphony, Orphan Girl Children’s Theatre and numerous other performances from across the state and nation. 406.723.3602, buttearts.org
DEER LODGE
Tippets Fine Art Nationally recognized artists exhibiting paintings of the western landscape. 406.562.3611, lindatippetts.com
Pen Art Gallery and Deer Lodge Art Club Across from the Old Montana Prison, the gallery features summer exhibits and local art year-round. 406.846.3111
BUTTE
Cutler Bros. Production Live theatre, musicals, and comedy acts year-round! 406.846.4096, cutlerbros.com
B’nai Israel Temple A cultural center to recognize both the Jewish community and other prominent ethnic communities whose influence played a part in Butte’s history. 406.782.3280 (for tour details) Butte Civic Center The Center has two large areas for concerts, trade shows. 406.497.6400, butteciviccenter.com Copper King Mansion A designated National Historic Place, the mansion was built for copper baron William A. Clark. Guided tours are available during the warm season and year-round for lodging guests. 406.782.7580, thecopperkingmansion.com 24 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Rialto Community Theatre Live performances by national and local talent with weekend movies showing throughout the year. 406.846.7900, deerlodgerialto.com
FUN FACT: Montana Folk Festival
This annual festival features multiple stages with performances by traditional musicians, dancers and craftspeople. Enjoy ethnic and festival foods, a family area, traditional art markets, folklife demonstrations, and workshops highlighting Montana's heritage. montanafolkfestival.com
COUSIN’S CANDY SHOP OLDEST CANDY STORE IN VIRGINIA CITY, MT
IT’S CANDY HEAVEN! Hand Dipped Chocolate Homemade Fudge Old Fashioned Candy Saltwater Taffy OPEN MAY-SEPTEMBER 7 DAYS A WEEK • SEE US ON FACEBOOK 213 W. Wallace Street, Virginia City, Montana • 406-843-5371
VirginiaCityCandyMT.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
ARCHIE BRAY FOUNDATION. JASON O'NEIL
MAI WAH SOCIETY ANNUAL CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE PROCESSION. COURTESY OF MAI WAH SOCIETY
DILLON
Beaverhead County Museum Started by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this museum is a collection of buildings, brands, artifacts, art, and a lifelike Lewis & Clark Diorama. The campus is comprised of the museum, cabins, the Argenta School, the Depot with a boarded sidewalk complete with ranch brands from the county. 406.683.5027, beaverheadcountymuseum.com Tendoy Fine Art This gallery displays original paintings, pottery, stained glass, weaving, carved wood and jewelry. Tendoy Fine Art is a nonprofit cooperative art gallery specializing in works by area artists. 406.660.3007, tendoyfineartgallery.com 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, umwestern.edu 26 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
LAST CHANCE COMMUNITY POW WOW, HELENA. LISA WAREHAM
DRUMMOND
Ohrmann Museum & Gallery Featuring paintings and sculptures by rancher-turned-artist Bill Ohrmann. 406.288.3319, ohrmannmuseum.com
ENNIS
Carleton McCambridge Fine Art Representational oil paintings depict the beauty and intrigue of the West. 612.722.2744, carletonmccambridge.com Cattleman Gallery A collection of Western Art, prints and more from local artists and nationally known artists. 406.682.5775
FUN FACT: 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. southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/quilting
HELENA
1+1=1 Gallery 1+1=1 is not just a fine art gallery—it's a gathering spot. 406.431.9931, 1plus1is1.com A.l. Swanson Craftsman Studios Offers handmade fine furniture and luxurious consumer goods and teaches woodworking courses. 406.443.3342, alswanson.com Archie Bray Foundation Established in 1951, the Bray is a ceramics studio that attracts artists from around the world. 406.443.3503, archiebray.org Basin Creek Pottery & Gallery A selection of handmade work by artists and craftspeople from Montana and beyond. 406.225.3218, basincreekpottery.com Ghost Art Gallery Features paintings of buildings and themes from the surrounding ghost towns. 406.443.4536, ghostartgallery.com Grandstreet Theatre Offering up to 10 productions each year, this Montana theater blends modern comfort with historic ambience. 406.447.1574, grandstreettheatre.com Helena Civic Center Originally built as a Shrine temple in 1920, the Civic Center offers a unique place to enjoy concerts, conferences, conventions, balls, expositions, art shows and other special events. 406.447.8481, helenaciviccenter.com Helena Symphony The Helena Symphony performs in the Helena Civic Center and the Cathedral of Saint Helena. 406.442.1860, helenasymphony.org Holter Museum of Art Includes the best in regional fine arts and crafts with new shows opening every six weeks. 406.442.6400, holtermuseum.org Jmacs Pottery This gallery and studio is a place for artists to take the next step and market their items. Studio and classes available to the public. 406.996.1279, jmacspottery.com Montana History Foundation The Foundation offers quality history tours in the Helena area including Breweries & Brothels, Steeples & Stories, and Legends in Limestone. 406.202.8196, mthistory.org/events Montana Historical Society Museum Collects, preserves, and interprets fine art and Montana artifacts, including works from Charlie Russell. 406.444.2694, mhs.mt.gov/museum Mountain Sage Gallery Enjoy a variety of styles from realism to abstract, including Montana landscapes, historical sites, wildlife and more. 406.457.8240, mountainsagegallery.com Myrna Loy Center This independent movie theater is housed in the former 1886 county jailhouse and offers films, live performances and the Jailhouse Art Gallery. 406.443.0287, myrnaloycenter.com
BLACKFOOT PATHWAYS: SCULPTURE IN THE WILD. ERIC BUNTING
The Painted Pot A creative arts studio that offers paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing and canvas painting classes and parties. 406.443.3799, paintedpothelenamt.com Omertà Arts Omertà Arts offers promotional learning and teaching opportunities to artists and partners with the community for art-centric events. Programming includes special creative experiences for veterans and cancer survivors, as well as workshops, seminars and mentorships to help creatives upgrade their creative journey. 406.442.1436, omertaarts.org
LINCOLN
Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild This outdoor park celebrates the rich environmental, industrial and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot Valley. sculptureinthewild.com
PHILIPSBURG
Philipsburg Theatre Historic Montana theatre is open year-round with a variety of programming from the nonprofit Philipsburg Playhouse Productions. 406.859.0013, philipsburgtheatre.com 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, sttimothysmusic.org
VIRGINIA CITY
Brewery Follies Enjoy adult comedy performances of the Brewery Follies at Montana’s first brewery. 800.829.2969, breweryfollies.net 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, virginiacityplayers.com
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WINTER ADVENTURES
WINTER ADVENTURES Make fresh tracks and enjoy uncrowded winter adventures, whether it’s downhill or cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fattire biking, ice fishing or skating. There are hundreds of miles of groomed ski and snowmobile trails plus downhill ski areas with vertical drops over 2,000 feet and breathtaking views. Enjoy a day ice fishing, cruise on your fat-tire mountain bike on groomed trails, snowshoe, or ice skate at Bannack State Park, High Altitude Speed Skating Center, or a community skating rink. If hockey is your interest, the North American 3 Hockey League has junior ice hockey league teams in Butte and Helena. na3hl.com
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Many of our region’s most beautiful areas are groomed during the winter to provide track and skate-skiing adventures on private and public lands. Rentals are available at many sporting goods stores and ski areas. Alder Gulch – Virginia City 406.843.5321, virginiacity.com Chief Joseph – Wisdom area 406.689.3243, fs.usda.gov/activity/bdnf/recreation/wintersports Echo Lake – Anaconda/Philipsburg areas 406.859.3211, echolaketrails.org MAVERICK MOUNTAIN SKI AREA. AARON THEISEN
DOWNHILL SKIING & SNOWBOARDING Discovery Ski Area − Anaconda area 406.563.2184, skidiscovery.com Great Divide Ski Area – Helena area 406.449.3746, skigd.com Maverick Ski Area – Dillon area 406.834.3454, skimaverick.com
Homestake Lodge – Butte area 406.284.1725, homestakelodge.com MacDonald Pass – Helena area 406.449.5201, lcnsc.org/macdonald-pass Moulton – Butte area 406.494.2147, milehighnordic.org Mount Haggin – Butte/Anaconda area 406.498.9615, milehighnordic.org
SNOWMOBILING
Throughout Southwest Montana there are hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails for family fun and adventure on many of our public lands. Snowmobile trail passes and permits, interactive trail and avalanche information is available at 406.444.2535, mtrecmaps.com.
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing adventures abound on Southwest Montana’s numerous lakes and reservoirs. Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Clark Canyon Reservoir and Georgetown Lake are highly recommended for perch, trout and walleye. THOMPSON PARK. VALERIE MANNE
FAT-TIRE MOUNTAIN BIKING
Thompson Park (groomed) – Butte area 406.494.2147, 406.533.8541, facebook.com/friends-ofthompson-park-100327408390533 South Hills − Helena area pricklypearlt.org/trails GEORGETOWN LAKE ICE FISHING. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
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Lewis & Clark Caverns − Cardwell 406.287.3541, fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns
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HELENA AREA
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Marion
Heron
Kila
Bigfork
Somers
HELENA AREA
Rollins Proctor Dayton Trout BOULDER, CLANCY, EAST Creek HELENA, HELENA, Elmo Big Arm Thompson JEFFERSON CITY, TOWNSEND
Falls
Hot Springs
Cut Bank Shelby
East Glacier Park
the
ad
Swan Lake
Conrad
Riv
er
Fort Benton Fairfield Vaughn
Augusta
CATHEDRAL OF ST. HELENA Patterned after the renowned Votive Cathedral of the Lolo Sacred Heart in Vienna, Austria, St. Helena’s 230-foot spires dominate the Helena skyline. The impressive interiorFlorence features 59 spectacular Munich-style stained-glass panels crafted in Stevensville Germany by renowned artist F.X. Zettler. 406.442.5825, Victor sthelenas.org
Fort Shaw
Ovando
Craig
Lincoln
M
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
East Helena
Marysville Drummond
Avon Garrison
Helena
Elliston
Clancy
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Basin
Georgetown Lake
Anaconda 569
Wise River Dewey
Sula
Divide Wisdom
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Belt Stockett R
Ulm
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
EXPLORATION WORKS Hamilton A museum of science and culture for children and adults, Exploration Works is 3,500 square feet of hands-on fun and Darby science education. For those who like to play, create, discover Conner and explore, Exploration Works is the place to be. 406.457.1800, explorationworks.org
Great Falls
Cascade
Missoula
Corvallis
Brady
Bynum
Polson
Alberton
Dupuyer STATE CAPITOL BUILDING. MAT WILLDER
Choteau
Condon Helena exists as a crossroads between past and present, tame Ronan Haugan and untamed, mountainous wilderness and hometown warmth. Plains Charlo De Borgia Paradise St.without Regis A place where you can hike for miles seeing a soul,Moiese stroll through its charming downtown, and enjoy breweries St. Ignatius Dixon with breathtaking views—all in the same day.Superior Helena is a place Arlee rich with history, beauty and life. It's unexpected. Unfussy. Seeley Lake Unspoiled. It doesn't pretend to be anything it's not.
Chest
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
Melrose
Butte Silver Star Twin Bridges
Montana City Winston
Whit Spri
Jefferson City Townsend Boulder Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall Harrison Pony
Sheridan
R
M
Belgr L
Three Forks
Norris
Bozema
Gallatin Gateway
Discover Helena: Montana's Hidden Gem for All Types of Travelers Escape to the heart of Montana and experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse activities Helena has to offer. Whether you're an adventure traveler, traveling with kids, or a history buff, Helena promises an unforgettable journey.
Adventure Travelers:
Dive into outdoor bliss with thrilling mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and camping. The waters are teeming with fish, the trails are calling, and the campsites await. Helena's unique dining experiences and craft breweries provide the perfect refuel at the end of the day.
Travelers with Kids:
Families with children will find joy in social events and outdoor activities, while the countryside beckons with its rural sightseeing. Be sure to take a ride on the Last Chance Tour Train for a fun way to see beautiful and historic Helena. Helena's historic places and museums are a treasure trove of knowledge for curious minds.
History Buffs:
Helena's historical attractions are a testament to the past, waiting to be explored. Uncover the stories that shaped the Queen City, all set against the backdrop of Montana's natural wonders.
PHOTO: VISIT MONTANA
Helena, Montana, is your gateway to adventure, history, and natural beauty. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene, combined with outdoor excursions, will leave you with cherished memories and a yearning to return. Plan your trip to Helena now, and discover why it's Montana's hidden gem!
HELENAMT.COM
PHOTO: VISIT MONTANA
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HELENA AREA
MISSOURI RIVER NEAR HELENA. VISIT HELENA
REEDER'S ALLEY. ANDY AUSTIN
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, gatesofthemountains.com
MONTANA LEARNING CENTER AND OBSERVATORY 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, montanalearning.org/astronomy
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, gncarousel.com
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. Open select hours and by appointment. 406.324.3550, montanamilitarymuseum.org
HELENA CIVIC CENTER Originally built as a Shrine temple in 1920, the Civic Center MOUNT HELENA CITY PARK offers a unique place to enjoy concerts, conferences, conventions, balls, expositions, art shows and other special Acres of hiking and biking trails in the South Hills and on National events. 406.447.8481, helenaciviccenter.com Register-listed Mount Helena offer great panoramic vistas and diverse landscapes in all seasons. The city trail system rivals LAST CHANCE GULCH biking destinations like Moab, Utah, and includes runs from Prospectors took “one last chance” that paid off in 1864. butter-smooth single track to challenging rock garden trails. Helena grew along the gulch that today is the most historic helenamt.com/business/mount-helena-city-park mile in Montana. Victorian-era buildings now line the site where digs produced millions in gold. Enjoy great shopping, dining, ORIGINAL GOVERNOR’S MANSION art galleries and history. 406.447.1535, downtownhelena.com 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, mhs.mt.gov/education/ogmtours 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 State Capitol, the Mansion District, Last Chance Gulch and much more. It’s the best way to see it all. 406.442.1023, lctours.com MONTANA'S MUSEUM Founded in 1865, the museum is home to a wide array of art, artifacts, archives and photographs that speak to Montana’s past and present. The facility is closed while a 66,000-squarefoot addition is being constructed with an updated museum, art galleries, research center and store. Grand re-opening July 2025! 406.444.2694, mths.mt.gov
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FUN FACT: Helena’s Old Fire Tower, called
Guardian of the Gulch, is an official city landmark. This 25-foot fire tower was built in 1874 after a huge fire destroyed the downtown area. The Guardian of the Gulch was manned around the clock to keep watch over the city. The Guardian is the last remaining tower of the many that once existed in Helena. In fact, it is one of only five of its kind left standing in the United States.
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HELENA AREA 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 state-owned property. 406.843.5247, reedersalley.com
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, bouldermtchamber.org/plan-a-trip, discoverjeffersonmt.org
STATE CAPITOL BUILDING Montana’s stunning neoclassical-style Capitol reflects the American Renaissance of the late 19th century. The building, fully restored to its 1902 appearance, features a dome of Montana copper. Self-guided tours emphasize the blending of fine Western art and classical architecture that makes the Montana Capitol unique. 406.444.2694, mhs.mt.gov/education
TIZER BOTANIC GARDENS 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, tizergardens.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. southwestmt.com/communities/wolfcreek.htm
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, bouldermtchamber.com, discoverjeffersonmt.org JEFFERSON COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER Located in an 1888 bank building on 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, 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
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, townsendmt.com HISTORIC CANTON CHURCH 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, canton-church.org THE BROADWATER COUNTY MUSEUM 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, broadwatercountymuseum.com WHEAT MONTANA BAKERY – THREE FORKS Since the early pioneers first made their way west, Montana has earned a reputation for producing first-quality wheat and grains packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. That's why Wheat Montana was established here years ago, and they're glad to share Montana's natural goodness with friends and neighbors. 406.582.4572, wheatmontana.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 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, jeffersoncountymuseum.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, easthelenamt.us GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS. WANDERLUST CREW
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HAPPY TRAILS DEPEND ON YOU
Do your part to recreate responsibly.
REMOVE plants and mud from boots, gear, pets and vehicles. CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving recreation sites.
STAY on designated roads and trails.
PlayCleanGo.org/take-action
Make Campfire Memories
Bring marshmallows, not firewood
Invasive tree-killing insects and diseases that hitchhike on firewood can threaten Montana’s forests. Leave firewood at home—buy local firewood at or near your destination or collect firewood on-site when permitted. 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 35
AUGUSTA, LINCOLN & OVANDO
LINCOLN The Sun River Canyon, the Blackfoot River Valley and pristine wilderness surround Lincoln. Its charming National Registerlisted community center is a focal point. Visit the Hi-Country Trading Post, the Helena National Forest Ranger Station, which displays a mounted 830-pound grizzly bear, and Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild. lincolnmontana.com
AUGUSTA, LINCOLN & OVANDO 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, augustamontana.com
UPPER BLACKFOOT VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM This museum collection of displays and Lincoln Gulch Gold Mine artifacts preserves the local history and character of Lincoln, the Blackfoot Valley and its residents. Located in Lincoln behind the Hi-Country Trading Post, the museum features logging, mining and agricultural equipment and local historic buildings. 406.362.4949, lincolnmontana.com
SCAPEGOAT WILDERNESS Stretching from Ovando to Augusta along the Upper Blackfoot River, this area includes much of the Scapegoat Wilderness, part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. The Scapegoat Wilderness earned a place in history as the first citizen-initiated wilderness area in the nation.
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, ovandomontana.net
OLD NORTH TRAIL The Augusta area provides access to over a million acres of rugged beauty in the high country with nearby lakes and rivers for excellent fishing. The Blackfeet called it the “Old North Trail,” following it along the east side of the Rockies from their northern hunting grounds to their southern winter encampments. Yaak
Troy
BRAND BAR MUSEUM Located in the town square of Ovando, the Brand Bar Museum houses a collection of local memorabilia, stories Rexford Eureka GLACIER of settlers, homestead maps and historic information. There Sweetgrass Babb NATIONAL isn’t always an attendant present, so please ask someone Polebridge Fortine Sunburst St. Mary Trego at PARK Blackfoot Commercial Company or Blackfoot Angler to Cut Bank open theLake door for you. 406.793.5685, southwestmt.com/ Apgar McDonald Browning listings/12897.htm West Glacier Libby Columbia Falls
Whitefish Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Somers
Bigfork
Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
East Glacier Park
the
ad
Swan Lake
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
er
Brady
Bynum
Fort Bento Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Augusta
Moiese
Arlee
Ulm
Seeley Lake
Missoula Lolo
Florence Stevensville
Cascade
Ovando Lincoln
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Hamilton
Craig
Marysville Drummond
Avon Garrison
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
569
Conner Sula
Wise River Dewey Divide
East Helena
Helena Clancy Basin
Anaconda
Darby
M
Wolf Creek
Georgetown Lake
AUGUSTA RODEO. BLACKFOOT PATHWAYS: SCULPTURE IN TEMPEST THE WILD.TECHNOLOGIES ERIC BUNTING
Bel Stockett
Canyon Creek
Victor Corvallis
Great Falls
Fort Shaw
St. Ignatius
Dixon
Alberton
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Dupuyer
Choteau Ronan
Ches
Conrad
Riv
Polson
Plains
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
Shelby
Coram Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Butte Silver Star
Montana City Winston
Jefferson City
Wh Sp
Townsend Boulder
Cardwell
Whitehall Harrison
Logan
Three Forks
M
Belg L
204 West Broadway, Philipsburg, MT 406.859.6725
OPEN DAILY AT 9 A.M. www.MontanaGems.net
Large Selection of Montana Sapphire Jewelry
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Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Trout BUTTE AREA Creek
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
r
Swan Lake
Choteau
Polson
Plains
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
Brady
Bynum
Ronan
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese St. Ignatius
Dixon
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Alberton Lolo
Missoula
Ovando
Bonner Clinton
Helmville
Drummond
Stevensville
Craig
Lincoln
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
Corvallis
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Hamilton
Helena
Avon Garrison
Victor
Basin
Anaconda
USDA FOREST SERVICE
569
Conner Sula
BASIN Basin boomed as a mining town at the turn of the 20th century, boasting a smelter and a mill, both of which closed in the 1920s. Today, radon mines in the area have marketed themselves as health mines, citing the reputed health-giving benefits of radon exposure.
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson WHITEHALL Polaris Whitehall is home to the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Murals. Over a dozen murals depict scenes of the Lewis & Clark 278 Expedition as it traveled through the Jefferson Valley. Bannack 406.287.2260, whitehallchamberofcommerce.com/area-info Jefferson Valley Museum depicts Whitehall's birth in the 1890s, documenting the town's close historical ties with railroads, mining and agriculture. 406.287.7813, discoverjeffersonmt.org/attractions
DID YOU KNOW... Butte's Uptown National
Historic District served as the backdrop for cityscape scenes in Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone prequel 1923. Also, cattle drives and Western life depictions were filmed in the scenic mountains and valleys along the I-15 corridor between Butte and Divide.
38 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Butte
Wise River
Jefferson City
Townsend Boulder Three Forks
Logan
Cardwell
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Harrison Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Dillon
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Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
East Helena
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
RAILROAD – THOMPSON PARK, BUTTE. Darby
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HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH. DIGITAL SPARK
Marysville
Florence
BUTTE AREA
Grea Fall
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Alder
Norris
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Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
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Lakeview Monida BUTTE Birthplace to labor unions, battleground of industrial titans and home to thousands of immigrants, Butte’s mining past brought wealth and a host of history makers. Today, Butte is home to lively festivals and locally owned/operated restaurants, and the area offers easy access to the great outdoors.
Yel
BUTTE AREA
EAST RIDGE, BUTTE. USDA FOREST SERVICE
BASECAMP FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION Butte boasts hundreds of miles of nonmotorized and motorized trails for year-round recreation opportunities minutes from town, including the Continental Divide Trail, Thompson Park, and Copperway and Greenway trails, with shuttle options to/from trailheads. Enjoy blue-ribbon trout fishing on one of the many streams or rivers near Butte. Float or wade fish the Big Hole River year-round on your own or with a guide at public access points from Wisdom to Melrose. Take the kids fishing in town at Skyline Park or enjoy a family picnic and fishing at nearby Homestake and Maney lakes. 406.723.3177, visitbutte.com BUTTE VISITOR CENTER Open year-round, the visitor center houses the George F. Grant collection of hand-tied fishing flies, native Montana taxidermy mounts, and exhibits on Butte’s mining history, and it’s the first stop visitors make when delving into Butte’s history and outdoor recreation opportunities. 406.723.3177, visitbutte.com TROLLEY TOUR This enclosed, temperature-controlled trolley tours Butte’s historic sites during the warm season, telling the stories of Butte’s colorful past. The Trolley Tour stops at the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand. 406.723.3177, buttechamber.org BERKELEY PIT VIEWING STAND One of the largest truck-operated open-pit copper mines in the nation at 1.5 miles across, 3 miles around and 1,700 feet deep. The gift shop offers souvenir sales and help with local information. 406.723.3177, 800.735.6814, pitwatch.org
BUTTE TROLLEY. VISIT MONTANA
WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING & UNDERGROUND MINE TOURS Situated on an actual mine yard, the museum preserves the rich legacy of mining and related culture of Butte. Explore Hell Roarin’ Gulch, a recreated mining camp, and then descend 65 to 100 feet into the earth to tour an actual underground mine. 406.723.7211, miningmuseum.org MINERAL MUSEUM Not just for the rockhound, this fascinating collection holds over 1,500 specimens and real-time data from Montana’s seismic network. The museum is located on the Montana Tech campus and is open year-round. 406.496.4414, mbmg.mtech.edu/mineralmuseum OLD BUTTE HISTORICAL ADVENTURES Explore the colorful side of Butte’s history with a tour into an authentic underground speakeasy from the prohibition era, the city jail frequented by Evel Knievel, and other interesting buildings brimful of stories. 406.498.3424, buttetour.info COPPER KING MANSION A designated National Historic Place, the mansion was built for copper king William A. Clark, one of the wealthiest men of his time. This home cost Clark only a half-day’s wages ($500,000) to build. The home is now a year-round bed & breakfast. Guided tours are available during the warm season. 406.782.7580, thecopperkingmansion.com OUR LADY OF THE ROCKIES A bus tour is the best way to get a close-up look at the 90-foot statue overlooking Butte from 8,015 feet above sea level. The statue is dedicated to women, especially mothers. 406.782.1221, southwestmt.com/listings/our-lady-of-the-rockies-tour
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BUTTE AREA
COPPER KING MANSION. CHERYL ACKERMAN
OUR LADY OF THE ROCKIES. USDA FOREST SERVICE
SCIENCE MINE Play and science come together every Saturday when visitors interact and experiment with over 50 hands-on displays. Focused on youth, this attraction helps individuals of all ages to explore the wonders of science. 406.992.4208, sciencemine.com
SILVER BOW DRIVE IN Watching a movie under the stars is the old-fashioned way— and the best way—to spend a Montana night. Located outside city limits southwest of Butte, this drive-in theater is open seasonally. 406.782.8095, silverbowdrivein.com
BUTTE MULE HISTORIC TOURS Board a side-by-side vehicle from 116 West Park Street to learn about Butte’s days of prohibition and brothels or get a closeup view of the headframes and mine yards dotting Butte’s landscape. 406.560.4989, buttemuletours.com
SPIRIT OF COLUMBIA GARDENS CAROUSEL Located at Stodden Park, the carousel is available for yearround fun. Each of the hand-carved ponies and seats comes with a story and a sponsor. You’ll also find a café and gift shop on-site. 406.494.7775
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 as their life pertained to Butte’s early mining days. 406.723.3177, maiwah.org
PICCADILLY TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM Explore the public showcase for a large collection of transportation memorabilia gathered over 25 years from more than 100 countries. 406.723.3034, piccmuseum.com
DUMAS BROTHEL The longest, continuously run brothel in U.S. history, which ran from 1890 to 1982, is open for tours. Along with stories of the ladies and gents who frequented the Dumas, paranormal spirits roam the three floors of this infamous building. dumasbrothel.com GRANITE MOUNTAIN MINE MEMORIAL Dedicated to the 168 men who died in the 1917 hard-rock mine disaster, the exhibit features letters and stories of the fallen miners and their families. The memorial offers a stunning panoramic view of Butte and the expanse of the current mining operation and is open year-round. 406.782.3280, minememorial.org BUTTE-SILVER BOW ARCHIVES A collection of manuscripts, documents and photographs relating to the story of Butte can be viewed and researched here. Some of the collections housed at the archives include cemetery records, voting registration, naturalization and union records. 406.782.3280, buttearchives.org HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Free-hand painted frescoes adorn the walls and ceiling, visually conveying the word of God. The church is available for tours; please call for appointments. 406.723.7889, holytrinitybutte.org
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HEADFRAMES AND SCULPTURES 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. Dotting Butte’s landscape are 14 black steel structures, remnants of hoist houses accessing the 10,000 miles of underground mine tunnels honeycombing the Butte hill. The metal sculptures commemorating the 1895 Kenyon Connell Warehouse Disaster are located at the corner of 120 South Idaho Street. Other significant artworks sharing Butte’s historic past, including ghost signs on buildings, are scattered throughout uptown Butte. 406.723.3177, visitbutte.com OLD LEXINGTON STAMP MILL AND GARDENS 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, visitbutte.com STORY OF BUTTE – APP & WEBSITE The best way to discover Butte’s history is through the STORY OF BUTTE app and website. Offering maps, tours and stories, over 10 different topics are available. Discover Butte’s history at your leisure. storyofbutte.org
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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Troy
Apgar
McDonald West Glacier
Libby
VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA
Whitefish
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Trout Creek
Somers
Bigfork
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
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Missoula
Alberton Lolo
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Stevensville Victor
Garrison
Corvallis ALDER, ENNIS, LAURIN, NEVADA CITY, SHERIDAN, SILVER STAR, Philipsburg TWIN BRIDGES, VIRGINIA CITY Hamilton
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Melrose
ALDER GULCH SHORTLINE RAILROAD From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Shortline Railroad,278a 1½-mile scenic train ride, goes through the dredge tailings between Virginia City Jackson and Nevada City. Be sure to check out the 1910 steam locomotive on Polaris display in Nevada City. 406.843.5247, 800.829.2969, 278 virginiacitymt.com Bannack
Butte Silver Star Twin Bridges
White Sulphur Montana Springs City Winston
Jefferson City
Townsend Boulder
Three Forks
Harrison Pony
Sheridan
Alder
Nevada City
Ri
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
Laurin
Dillon
East Helena
Clancy Basin
Dewey Divide Wisdom
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VIRGINIA CITY. VISIT MONTANA
Helena
Georgetown Lake this Nowhere is the mix of Montana’s past and present more evident than region. Virginia and Nevada cities remain Darby virtually unchanged fromAnaconda the 569 mining glory days of the 1860’s gold rush. Meanwhile, Ennis is a working Conner cowboy town, catering to visitors with art galleries, quaint shops and Wise River anglers looking to do some serious fishing along the Madison River. Sula
VIRGINIA CITY
Mo
Canyon Creek
Avon
VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA
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Wolf Creek
Marysville Drummond
Belt Stockett
Craig
Lincoln
USDA FOREST SERVICE
Florence
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Moiese Dixon
Cheste
Galata
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Norris
Manhattan
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Gallatin Gateway
Ennis
Virginia City
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Big Sky Cameron
Grant
HANGMAN’S BUILDING & BOOT HILL Five lonely grave markers on Boot Hill tell the story of road agents who 324 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. 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 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. 42 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
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Quake Lake Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
Mammoth Hot Springs
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West Yellowstone
Old Faithful
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VIRGINIA CITY & ENNIS AREA
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. 406.843.5238, southwestmt.com/listings/thompsonhickman-museum
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
VIGILANTE CARRIAGES & HORSEBACK RIDES 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. Padded leather seats and open windows. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. mid-May to mid-September. Horseback riding and chuckwagon dinners also available. 406.633.3397, vigilantecarriages.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, rubyvalleychamber.com
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, virginiacitymt.com
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 toward 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, fws.gov/ennis 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, fs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/ home/?cid=FSEPRD891034 BEAR TRAP CANYON Eight miles of whitewater and wilderness begin 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, blm.gov/visit/search-details/16202/2
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, rubyvalleychamber.com
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, southwestmt.com/communities/sheridan.htm 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. southwestmt.com/communities/silverstar TWIN BRIDGES Three blue-ribbon trout streams converge in this ranching town to form the Jefferson River and is a mecca for flyfishing. 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 are also special camping facilities for touring cyclists and a kids' fishing pond. 406.684.5243, twinbridgesmt.com/chamber-of-commerce LEWIS & CLARK INTERPRETIVE PARK 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, southwestmt.com/listings/15096.htm
FUN FACT: The Vigilante Trail, originally dedicated
in 1924, provides a corridor for Montana tourists from Butte to West Yellowstone. The trail was marked with the vigilante code, 3-7-77, on bright signs to ensure that visitors would not lose their way. Rich in territorial history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and genuine Montana hospitality, a trip along the Vigilante Trail provides a memorable experience for all visitors. southwestmt.com/itineraries/vigilantetrail
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ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA
Yaak
Rexford
Eureka Polebridge
Fortine Trego Troy
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Heron
Marion
Somers
Bigfork
Thompson Falls Hot Springs
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Cut Bank
She
East Glacier Park
Valier
Heart Butte
Fla
the
Lakeside
Noxon Trout GEORGETOWN LAKE. LISA WAREHAM Creek
Kila
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
ad
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
er
Swan Lake
Brady
Bynum
OLD WORKS GOLF COURSE. LISA WAREHAM Choteau
Polson
ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon Ronan Haugan Plains Charlo De Borgia Augusta Nestled in the Pintler Scenic Route, these two communities truly hidden gems. Take in a round of golf then walk along St. Regisare Paradise Moiese
Fort Shaw
Anaconda's business district for shopping and dining. Philipsburg, a 19th-century mining town, offers a main street full of St. Ignatius Dixon unique shops including an old-time candy store, soda fountain,Superior sapphire mining and jewelry shops. Arlee
ANACONDA Alberton
ANACONDA COURTHOUSE Construction began on the courthouse in June of 1898 and was completedLolo 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 courtFlorence wouldn’t have to carry books up and down stairs. discoveranaconda.com Stevensville
Victor ANACONDA VISITOR CENTER This building is a replica of an old train depot and includes information on Corvallis Anaconda’s many attractions and adventures. Vintage bus tours begin here. Hamilton 406.563.2400, discoveranaconda.com Darby GEORGETOWN LAKE Conner Nestled in the mountains, picturesque Georgetown Lake is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, camping and windsurfing.
Seeley Lake
Missoula
Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Marysville Drummond Garrison
Elliston
Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Basin
Butte
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson
278
Dillon
Bannack
Jefferson City
Townsen Boulder
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Polaris
Montan City W
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
East Helena
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
HEARST FREE LIBRARY The library was built in 1898 with classic beauty and is located on Main Street in Anaconda. 406.563.6932, hearstfreelibrary.org
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Helena
Avon
569
OLD WORKS GOLF COURSE Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the uniqueness of this site, the clubhouse facility and the friendly service all help establish Old Works as a premier, daily-fee golf experience. 406.563.5989, playoldworks.com
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
Anaconda
MONTANA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES Nestled just outside of Anaconda along the Pintler Scenic Highway is a high adventure completely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. You will be immersed in the unparalleled beauty of the panoramic Pintler Wilderness while ziplining Montana’s longest zipline course over 9,300 feet. 406.560.3115, montanazip.com/adventures
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando
Cascade
Alder
Th Fo
Norri
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Grant 324
Qu L
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Dell Lima
Monida
Lakeview
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ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA
THE 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, 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, 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. discoveranaconda.com 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, 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, myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail. action?lmsId=39754097
GEM MINING IN PHILIPSBURG. LISA WAREHAM
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 MOUNTAIN 406.859.6463, gemmountainmt.com MONTANA GEMS 406.859.6725, montanagems.net SAPPHIRE GALLERY 800.525.0169, sapphiregallery.com 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, granitecountymuseum.com 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, mlem.org 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 1,000 selections of candies, including hand-dipped fine chocolates. 406.859.3353, sweetpalace.com
FUN FACT: Montana Highway 1 was one of the first roads in Montana to be paved in its entirety. The Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway is a popular alternative to I-90 for travelers with a little extra time. This route will take you between Drummond and Anaconda through historic Philipsburg and alongside stunning Georgetown Lake. 46 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 47
Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Troy
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA Libby
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Somers
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Heart Butte the
ad
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
Swan Lake
er
Brady
Bynum
Fo
Choteau
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese Dixon
St. Ignatius
Ulm Cascade
Seeley Lake
Arlee
Missoula
Alberton Lolo
Great Falls
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
Ronan
Charlo
Paradise
Galata
Valier
Polson
Plains
Superior
Shelby
East Glacier Park Fla
Lakeside
Noxon Trout Creek
Bigfork
Cut Bank
Browning
Craig
Lincoln
Ovando Greenough Bonner Helmville Clinton
Wolf Creek
BEAVERHEAD RIVER. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
Canyon Creek
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA Helena East Helena Florence
Marysville
Drummond
Avon
Stevensville DELL, DILLON, JACKSON, LIMA, MELROSE, MONIDA, POLARIS, WISDOM, WISE RIVER
Elliston Montana Garrison Victor City Lewis and Clark met the Shoshone Indians near Dillon at Camp Fortunate. This ranch-rich area is also homeClancy to the gold rushWinston Deer mining camp of Bannack, where Montana history comes to life at this State Park. Take time to learn about the Nez Perce Corvallis JeffersonWar Philipsburg Lodge Basin City of 1877 at the Big Hole National Battlefield. Hamilton
DILLON
Darby
Conner BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD This famous battlefield memorializes the Nez Perce and U.S. Sula 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, nps.gov/biho
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. BEAVERHEAD COUNTY MUSEUM Find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including geology/mining, Indigenous Peoples of Southwest Montana: An Archaeological History, a Union Pacific railroad depot, a Lewis and Clark diorama, an Audubon Southwestern Montana bird display, a one-room schoolhouse, a branded boardwalk and a depot theater. They offer a self-guided cell phone tour, gift store and research room. Open May through October, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 406.683.5027, beaverheadcounty.org
Anaconda 569
Butte
Wise River
BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Twin Bridges
278
Sheridan
Dillon
Bannack
Harrison Pony
Laurin Alder
Logan
Cardwell
Whitehall
Silver Star
Polaris
Jackson
White S Sprin
Townsend Boulder
Georgetown Lake
Three Forks
Norris
Manha
Be
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Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Big S
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Quake Lake
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Dell Lima
Monida
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FUN FACT: As you drive through Southwest Montana, you may notice massive freestanding haystacks. These are
created using moveable “Beaverslides,” or massive wooden frames that allow hay to be stacked in the same fields where it was cut. This method was developed in Montana’s Big Hole Valley.
48 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Stockett
We Yellows
DILLON & BEAVERHEAD COUNTY AREA
BIG HOLE VALLEY. ENJOYYOURPARKS.COM
BIG SHEEP CREEK BACKCOUNTRY BYWAY Fifty miles from Bannack, this byway was originally a freight road used for hauling supplies to mining towns. It's a two-lane dirt road 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, southwestmt.com/listings/894.htm
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, bigholevalley.com
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, southwestmt.com/listings/12547.htm
MELROSE Melrose is known for great fishing on the Big Hole River between Butte and Dillon. 406.683.5511, beaverheadchamber.org
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 Gibbons Pass Trail. 406.683.5511, 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, fs.usda.gov/bdnf DILLON NOTABLES Great Harvest University Headquarters, Patagonia Outlet, University of Montana Western and Barrett’s Minerals.
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, beaverheadchamber.org
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, beaverheadchamber.org
MONIDA Exit 0, on the border of Montana/Idaho. Almost a ghost town, Monida is an entry-point into the remote Centennial Valley and Yellowstone Stage Route. 406.683.5511, beaverheadchamber.org 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, 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, bigholevalley.com 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, beaverheadchamber.org
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 49
DEER LODGE AREA
Rexford
Yaak
Eureka Fortine Trego
Troy
GLACIER Babb NATIONAL PARK St. Mary
Polebridge
Lake McDonald West Glacier
Apgar
Libby
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex
Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
Trout Creek
Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis
DEER LODGE AREA
AVON, DEER LODGE, DRUMMOND, HELMVILLE
Shelb Valier
Heart Butte
the
ad
er
Swan Lake
Dupuyer
Conrad
Riv
Brady
Bynum
Choteau
Polson
Fairfield Vaughn
Condon
GRANT–KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
Plains
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
DEER LODGE 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, nps.gov/grko OLD MONTANA PRISON COMPLEX The Old Montana Territorial Prison anchors the south end of Main Street as a museum complex with exhibits that highlight not only the prison life of male inmates, but also the women and law enforcement, evolution of the automobile, local history and more. 406.846.3111, pcmaf.org OLD MONTANA PRISON MUSEUM This prison was in use from 1871 to 1979. Today, self-guided tours behind the gray stone walls and towers take you through a massive cell block and maximum security, and to the hanging gallows. Ask about ghost tours. 406.846.3111, pcmaf.org
Ronan
Augusta
Fort Shaw
Moiese St. Ignatius
Dixon
The second-oldest city settled in Montana by gold miners and ranchers, Deer Lodge is home to the Grant-Kohrs Ranch. This Alberton 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.
MONTANA AUTO MUSEUM The museum offers interpretive exhibits and more than 200 classic cars. With an exceptional muscle car exhibit, you can cruise down memory lane and enjoy seven decades of automotive history.
Cut Bank
East Glacier Park
Fla
Lakeside
Noxon
50 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Bigfork
Somers
Sunburst
Browning
Columbia Falls Coram
Whitefish
Sweetgrass
Arlee
U Cascade
Seeley Lake
Missoula Lolo
Florence
Stevensville
Hamilton
Wolf Creek
Canyon Creek
Helmville
Marysville Drummond
Victor Corvallis
Ovando
Greenough Bonner Clinton
Craig
Lincoln
Philipsburg
Avon
Garrison GRANT-KOHRS RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Helena
Elliston
Deer Lodge Basin
Anaconda
Darby
569
Wise River
Sula
Dewey Divide Wisdom
Melrose
278
Jackson
Butte
278
Dillon
Bannack
Townsend Boulder
Cardwell
Harrison Pony
Sheridan Laurin
Polaris
Jefferson City
Whitehall
Silver Star Twin Bridges
Montana City Wins
Clancy
Georgetown Lake
Conner
East Helena
Alder
Thre Fork
Norris
Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron
Grant 324
FUN FACT: Janette Kelley, who was one of the six 324
original women to portray the iconic character Betty Crocker, was born and raised in DeerDell Lodge with her four siblings. She was a prominent figure Limain the home Lakeview MonidaState economics profession, graduating from Montana College in 1917.
Quak Lak
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DEER LODGE AREA
MONTANA AUTO MUSEUM. ERIC BUNTING
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 COTTONWOOD CITY This place represents the early days of Deer Lodge. Visit the Snowshoe Creek School, the Blood Homestead Cabin, the post office, the jail and the barber shop and witness Spanish Fork blacksmith shop demonstrations. PEN ART GALLERY AND DEER LODGE ART CLUB Across from the Old Montana Prison, the gallery features summer exhibits and local art year-round. 406.846.3111 POWELL COUNTY MUSEUM This history museum features old mining exhibits, a Huntoon wood-carving collection and exhibits on life in Powell County. Fur trading brought settlers to this area, and Powell County Museum is proud to present a trapping exhibit, showing how the fur trade industry has changed over the years. 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. ARROW STONE PARK 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. 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.
FUN FACT: Deer Lodge was named after a
geological formation known as Warm Springs Mound, which contained saline that created a natural salt lick for the local deer population. Deer and other wildlife would winter in the protected valley as the temperatures in the high country dropped—hence the name Deer Lodge.
52 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
OLD PRISON MUSEUM. DIANA DIMARCO
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. 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. yellowstonetrail.org OLD YELLOWSTONE HIKING / BIKING TRAIL On this 10.5-mile trail along the Clark Fork River—between Deer Lodge and Garrison—it's common to see a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, elk and numerous bird species. Accessible via Grant-Kohrs Ranch
NEARBY COMMUNITIES AVON Picturesque Avon, 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. 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. southwestmt.com/communities/drummond NEW CHICAGO SCHOOLHOUSE Built in 1874 and one of Montana's earliest schools, 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 schoolhouse décor. 406.288.3297, 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. southwestmt.com/communities/helmville.htm
A Real Slice of Montana. When it’s grown in Montana, the quality is exceptional. And you’ll know it—the moment you taste a slice of it. Discover MadeInMontanaUSA.com
MT0122a_MONT1468_SWMT.indd 1
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 53 12/12/22 10:10 AM
ALDER
Chick’s Motel & RV Park
2322 MT Hwy 287
406.842.5366
chickstheplace.com
ANACONDA
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
406.797.3000
fairmontmontana.com
Marcus Daly Motel
119 W. Park St.
406.563.3411
marcusdaly.com
Pintler’s Portal Hostel
218 W. Park St.
406.563.4555
pintlersportal.com
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RESTAURANT
POOL
PETS
HOSTEL
HOTELS, MOTELS & HOSTELS
GRAB & GO
BREAKFAST
LODGING | ACCOMMODATIONS
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The Forge Hotel
100 Union Ave.
406.797.4100
bestwestern.com
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BOULDER
Boulder Hot Springs
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
boulderhotsprings.com
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BUTTE
Best Western Plus Butte Plaza
2900 Harrison Ave.
406.494.3500
bestwestern.com/butteplazainn
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Butte Comfort Inn
2777 Harrison Ave.
406.494.8850
comfortinnbutte.com
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Copper King Hotel & Convention Center
4655 Harrison Ave.
406.221.2684
copperkinghotel.com
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Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
406.797.3000
fairmontmontana.com
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Finlen Hotel & Motor Inn
100 E. Broadway
406.723.5461
finlen.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
2609 Harrison Ave.
406.782.2000
ihg.com
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Miners Hotel & 51 Below Speakeasy
53 W. Park
406.723.8928
theminershotel.com
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Motel 6 Butte
220 N. Wyoming St.
406.723.4391
motel6.com/en/home/motels.mt.butte.8671.html
Andrus Hotel
33 S. Idaho
406.925.5024
andrushotel.com
DILLON
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Dillon Quality Inn
450 N. Interchange
406.693.6831
qualityinndillon.com
ENNIS
El Western Cabins & Lodges
4787 US Highway 287 N.
406.682.4217
elwestern.com
HELENA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
701 Washington St.
406.449.4000
wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/helena-montana/ la-quinta-helena/overview
Comfort Inn & Suites
3180 Washington St.
406.683.6831
choicehotels.com/montana/helena/comfort-suites-hotels/mt075?mc=llgoxxpx
Leepers Ponderosa Motel
110 1st. Ave. S.
406.362.4333
visitmt.com/listings/general/hotelmotel/leepers-ponderosa-motel
LINCOLN
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Lincoln Log Hotel
93 Sleepy Hollow Lane
406.362.4822
N/A
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LIMA
Mountain View Motel & RV Park
111 Bailey St.
406.276.3535
N/A
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MELROSE
Sportsman Lodge & RV Park
540 Main St.
406.835.2141
sportsmanlodgemelrose.com
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PHILIPSBURG
Kaiser House Hotel
203 E. Broadway St.
406.859.2004
kaiserhousehotel.com
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The Inn at Philipsburg
1005 Broadway
406.859.3959
theinn-philipsburg.com
SHERIDAN
Moriah Motel
220 S. Main St.
406.842.5491
moriahmotel.com
VIRGINIA CITY
Nevada City Cabins
MT Hwy 287
406.843.5382
historic-accommodations.com
Fairweather Inn
MT Hwy 287
406.843.5377
historic-accommodations.com
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VACATION HOMES, CONDOS & CABINS ANACONDA
Fairmont Estates Condominiums
101 High Country Drive
406.797.3228
fairmontestates.com
Fairmont Chalets Montana
105 German Gulch Road
406.797.8169
fairmontchaletsmontana.com
ENNIS
El Western Cabins & Lodges
4787 US Hwy 287 N.
406.682.4217
elwestern.com
HALL
Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park
4 Boulder Creek Road
406.859.3190
bouldercreeklodgemontana.com
JEFFERSON CITY
Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
38 Tizer Lake Road
406.933.8789
vrbo.com/1716401
MELROSE
Pioneer Mountain Cabins
46 Trapper Creek Road
406.596.1007
pioneermountaincabins.com
VIRGINIA CITY
Elijah's Rest
8 Stagecoach
406.842.7295
elijahsrest.com
Nevada City Cabins
1578 US Hwy 287
406.843.5382
historic-accommodations.com
Fairweather Inn
1579 US Hwy 287
406.843.5377
historic-accommodations.com
Ranch at Rock Creek
79 Carriage Lane
877.786.1545
theranchatrockcreek.com
Boulder Creek Lodge
4 Boulder Creek Road
406.859.3190
bouldercreeklodgemontana.com
PHILIPSBURG
BED & BREAKFASTS ANACONDA
Hickory House Inn
218 E. Park Ave.
406.563.5481
hickoryhousemt.com
BOULDER
Boulder Hot Springs
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
boulderhotsprings.com
BUTTE
Copper King Mansion
219 W. Granite St.
406.782.7580
copperkingmansion.com
54 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
Staubach Creek Ranch
112 Pole Creek Road
406.461.6135
staubachcreekranch.com
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TRAIL RIDES
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SHOWERS
WINSTON
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RV DUMP
elwestern.com
HIKING
mhct.com
406.682.4217
WIFI
406.834.3469
4787 US Highway 287 N.
ELECTRICITY
7501 Pioneer Mountain
El Western Cabins & Lodges
RV SITES
Montana High Country
ENNIS
TENT SITES
POLARIS
FISHING
RANCHES & LODGES
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
LODGING | ACCOMMODATIONS
ALDER
Ruby Valley Campground & RV Park
2280 MT 287
406.842.5677
rubyvalleycampground.com
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DEER LODGE
Indian Creek Campground
745 Maverick Lane
406.846.3848
Indiancreekcampground.net
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DILLON
Countryside RV Park
30 Sawmill Road
406.596.5021
countrysidemt.com
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DIVIDE
Hyde RV Park
70616 MT Highway 43
406.832.3107
hydervpark.com
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HALL
Boulder Creek Lodge & RV Park
4 Boulder Creek Road
406.859.3190
bouldercreeklodgemontana.com
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LIMA
Mountain View Motel & RV Park
111 Bailey St.
406.276.3535
N/A
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LINCOLN
Lost Moose Meadows Campground
4740 W. MT 200
406.204.0424
lmmrv.com
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TOWNSEND
Goose Bay Marina & Bureau of Reclamation Campground
300 Goose Bay Lane
406.266.3065
goosebaymarina.camp
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PHILIPSBURG
The Inn at Philipsburg
1005 Broadway
406.859.3959
theinn-philipsburg.com
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PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
HOT SPRINGS 406.797.3241
fairmontmontana.com
31 Hot Springs Road
406.225.4339
boulderhotsprings.com
JACKSON
Jackson Hot Springs
108 Jardine Ave.
406.834.3151
jacksonhotspringslodge.com
Pintler Adventures
10984 Mill Creek Road
406.925.3743
pintleradventures.com
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DILLON
Beaverhead Adventures
730 N. Montana St.
406.925.9059
beaverheadadventures.com
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SW MT ATV Rentals
480 N. Montana St.
406.925.9059
swmtatvrentals.com
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Goose Bay Marina & Campground
300 Goose Bay Lane
406.266.3065
goosebaymarina.camp
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
TOWNSEND
BIKES
ANACONDA
ATVS
SNOWMOBILES
1500 Fairmont Road
Boulder Hot Springs
RV CAMP TRAILERS
Fairmont Hot Springs
BOULDER
BOATS, KAYAKS FLOAT TUBES
ANACONDA
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LIMA PEAKS AND RED ROCK RIVER VALLEY. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 55
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ALDER
Red Rock Mine & Garnet Gallery
244 MT Hwy 287
406.842.5760
visitmt.com/listings/general/rock-shop/ red-rockmine-and-garnet-gallery
ANACONDA
Montana Zipline Adventures
267 Swissmont Drive
406.560.3115
montanazip.com
540 N. Main St.
406.835.2141
sportsmanlodge406.com
POLARIS
Montana High Country
7501 Pioneer Mountain
406.834.3469
mhct.com
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406.563.2400
discoveranaconda.com
Washoe Theatre
305 Main St.
406.563.6161
washoetheatre.com
Montana Zipline Adventures
467 Swissmont Drive
406.560.3115
montanazip.com
Butte Chamber
1000 George
406.723.3177
buttechambersite.org
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Butte Trolley Tours
100 George St.
406.782.3177
buttechambersite.org/the-trolley
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5518 Designs
27 N. Main
406.498.6328
shop5518.com
Montana Mineral Museum of MT Tech
1300 W. Park
406.496.1300
mbmg.mtech.edu
The Science Mine
36 E. Granite
406.992.4208
sciencemine.com
World Museum of Mining
155 Museum Way
406.723.7211
miningmuseum.org
Copper King Mansion
219 W. Granite St.
406.782.7580
copperkingmansion.com
DEER LODGE
Old Prison Museum
1106 Main St.
406.846.3111
pcmaf.org
DILLON
Beaverhead County Museum
155 S. Montana St.
406.683.5027
beaverheadcountymuseum.com
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ENNIS
Gallery 287
59 Hwy 287
406.490.1453
gallery287.com
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HELENA
Exploration Works
995 Carousel Way
406.457.1800
explorationworks.org
Last Chance Tour Train
225 N. Roberts
406.442.1023
lctours.com
Montana Historical Society
225 N. Roberts
406.444.6843
mhs.mt.gov
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The Leather Store
2680 Hauser Blvd
406.227.9077
leathermontana.com
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Mountain Sage Gallery
433 Last Chance Gulch
406.457.8240
mountainsagegallery.com
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JEFFERSON CITY
Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
38 Tizer Lake Road
406.933.8789
tizergardens.com
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PHILIPSBURG
Gem Mountain
201 W. Broadway
406.859.4367
gemmountainmt.com
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Montana Gems of Philipsburg
204 W. Broadway
406.859.6725
montanagems.net
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Sapphire Gallery
115 E. Broadway
800.525.0169
sapphiregallery.com
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Sweet Palace
109 E. Broadway
406.859.3353
sweetpalace.com
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Broadwater County Historical Society
133 N. Walnut
406.266.5252
broadwatercountymuseum.com
Canton Church Historical Site
3497 Highway 284
406.266.3710
canton-church.org
Cousins Candy
113 W. Wallace St.
406.843.5371
virginiacitycandymt.com
Historical Tour Company of Virginia City
218 W. Wallace St.
406.600.2598
virginiacity.com
VIRGINIA CITY
56 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
WATERFOWL
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306 E. Park Ave.
TOWNSEND
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Discover Anaconda Visitor Center
BUTTE
PACK TRIPS
TRAIL RIDES •
RETAIL, TOURS & MUSEUMS ANACONDA
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WILDLIFE
Sportsman Lodge & RV Park
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TOURS
MELROSE
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THEATRE
ridewolfpack.com
LODGING
406.682.4827
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RETAIL
96 Halo Loop Trail
FLOAT TRIPS
Wolfpack Outfitters, Inc
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MUSEUMS
thetackleshop.com
FISHING
406.682.4263
HISTORY
127 Main St.
ART GALLERY
The Tackle Shop-Fly Shop and Outfitter
BIG GAME
ENNIS
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ATV RENTAL
GUIDED RECREATION
ZIPLINE
OUTDOOR RECREATION
LODGING | ACCOMMODATIONS
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Learn more at GemMountainMT.com 800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 57
EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 2024 3/9: St. Paddy's Day Race, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
6/15: 34th Annual Territorial Days Rod Run & Car Show & Brewfest, Deer Lodge – 406.846.2094
3/17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Butte – 406.723.3177
6/15: Brothel Days, Virginia City – 406.843.5700
APRIL 2024
6/16: Father's Day / Dads Get in Free / Bring a Picnic, Tizer Botanic Gardens, Jefferson City – 406.933.8789
3/16: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
6/15: Blues, Brews, BBQ, Philipsburg – 406.859.3353
3/17: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Deer Lodge – 406.846.2094
6/16: Blast from the Past Car Show, Helena – 406.449.2107
4/11: "String Fever" Band from England @ Rialto Theatre, Deer Lodge – 406.846.7900 4/13: Augusta Poetry Event, Augusta – 406.562.3520
4/20: Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, Helena – 406.449.2107 *SCRC Dodgeball Tournament, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
MAY 2024 5/5: After-Hours Mixer / Cinco de Mayo @ Flying S Title & Escrow, Dillon – 406.683.5511 5/5: Unravel the Scratch Gravel Mountain Bike Race, Helena – 406.449.2107
6/16: Old Salt Festival, Helmville – 406.449.2107
6/22: Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival, Townsend – 406.422.3426
6/28 - 6/30: Augusta Rodeo Weekend, Augusta – augustamontana.com 6/29 & 6/30: Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, Deer Lodge – 208.589.3974 6/7 - 6/8: Irish Weekend, Virginia City – 406.843.5700
JULY 2024 7/3 & 7/4: Freedom Festival, Butte – 406.723.3177
7/4: 4th of July Fireworks @ Dusk, Virginia City – 800.829.2969, x1 7/4: 4th of July Parade, Boulder – 406.225.4039
5/5: Vigilante Day Parade, Helena – 406.449.2107
7/4: Fireworks at Dusk Washoe Park, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
5/12: Gardens Open for the Season / Mother's Day; Moms Get in Free, Tizer Botanic Gardens, Jefferson City – 406.933.8789
7/4: Fourth of July Parade, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
5/11: PPLT: Don't Fence Me In Trail Race, Helena – 406.449.2107
5/25: ATV Fun Run, Lincoln – 406.210.5782
5/25: Memorial Day Horseback Poker Ride, Virginia City – 406.843.5700
5/25: Season Kick-Off Parade & Duck Race, Virginia City – 800.829.2969, x1 5/26: Optimist Club OHV Scavenger Hunt, Lincoln – 406.430.1890
5/27: Beaverhead Treasure Hunt, Beaverhead County – 406.683.5511 *Black Tie Blue Jeans, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
JUNE 2024 6/1: Anaconda Saddle Club 8th Annual Pole Bending, Anaconda – 406.560.4070
7/4: Fireworks Display @ Dusk, Lincoln – 406.362.4949 7/4: Montana Pride Parade, Helena – 406.449.2107
7/6: Independence Day Parade, Lincoln – 406.362.4949 7/6 - 7/7: Lincoln Rodeo, Lincoln – 406.546.2360
7/10: Branding Event, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 7/12 - 7/14: Montana Folk Festival, Butte – 406.723.3177
7/12 - 7/14: Goosetown Softball Tournament, Anaconda – 406.563.2400 7/13: Vigilante Car Show, Virginia City – 406.843.5700
7/14: High Tea in the Gardens, Tizer Botanic Gardens, Jefferson City – 406.933.8789 7/17: Taste of the West, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070
6/6: The Ag-Stravaganza (Thank you to the Ag Community), Dillon – 406.683.5511
7/19 - 7/21: Art in the Park / Washoe Park, Anaconda – 406.563.2422
6/8: Governor's Cup, Jefferson City / Clancy – 406.465.0662
7/20: Broadwater County-Wide Yard Sale, Townsend – 406.422.9425
6/8: Clancy Days, Clancy – 406.599.0222
6/8: Vigilante Music Festival, Virginia City – 406.581.1354
7/20: Bannack Days, Bannack State Park – 406.834.3413
7/20: Bozeman Trail Event, Virginia City – 800.829.2969, x6
7/20: Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race, Butte – 406.490.7632
7/20: Kenny Cook Memorial Car Show, Anaconda – 406.560.2857 7/20: Lewis & Clark Block Party, Helena – 406.449.2107 7/20: Montana Clay Arts Tour, Helena – 406.449.2107
7/20: Symphony Under the Stars, Helena – 406.449.2107
7/20 - 7/21: Bannack Days, Bannack State Park/Dillon – 406.834.3413 7/24: Haying with Horses, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 7/24 - 7/27: Last Chance Stampede & Fair, Helena – 406.449.2107 7/25 - 7/27: Frontier Days, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
7/25 - 7/27: Headwaters Country Jam, Cardwell – 629.253.4030 7/25 – 7/27: Frontier Days, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
7/26 - 7/28: Flint Creek Valley Days, Philipsburg – 406.859.3388 7/27 & 7/28: Dillon History Days, Dillon – 406.925.2438
7/27: Augusta Kids Fishing Derby, Augusta – 406.562.3344 7/27: Classic Car Show, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
7/27: Cookin' on the Clark Fork Cook-Off & Brewfest, Deer Lodge – 406.498.9020 7/27: Virginia City Brew Fest, Virginia City – 406.843.5700 7/28 - 8/4: Montana Pride, Helena – 406.449.2107
7/31: Haying with Horses, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 *Anaconda O-Mok-See, Anaconda – 406.560.4070 BUTTE FARMERS MARKET. VALERIE MANN
58 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
*Dates TBD
EVENTS AUGUST 2024 8/2: NRA Rodeo and Broadwater County Fair, Townsend – 406.266.9242 8/3: Montana Mardi Gras, Virginia City – 406.843.5700
8/9: Smeltermen's Day Art Walk, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
9/28: Annual DAV Shannon Spencer Memorial ATV Fun Run, Lincoln – 406.461.9902 9/28: Virginia City Fall Fest, Virginia City – 406.843.5377
9/27 - 9/29: Wildlife Art Expo, Anaconda – 406.563.2422
8/10 & 8/11: Lincoln Art & Music Festival, Lincoln – 406.210.5782
OCTOBER 2024
8/10: Smeltermen's Day Brewfest, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
10/5: Octoberfest: Golf, Arts & Crafts, German Food & Craft Beer, Anaconda – 406.563.2422; 406.563.2400
8/10: Smelter City Scamper, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
8/10: Virginia City Art Show, Virginia City – 800.829.2969, x1
8/11: High Tea in the Gardens, Tizer Botanic Gardens, Jefferson City – 406.933.8789 8/11: Smeltermen's Day Parade and Kids Afterparty, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
8/14: Haying with Horses, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 8/17: Rotary Concert, Philipsburg – 406.859.3388
8/17: Victorian Ball, Virginia City – 800.829.2969, x6 8/24: Boulder Car Show, Boulder – 406.225.4039
8/31: Dillon Jaycees PRCA Labor Day Weekend Rodeo, Dillon – 406.925.9420
8/31: Labor Day Horseback Poker Ride, Virginia City – 406.843.5700 8/10 & 8/11: Stack Tours, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
8/14 - 8/18: Tri County Fair, Deer Lodge – 406.691.0582
10/5: Townsend Fall Fest, Townsend – 918.914.2055
10/20: Pumpkin Sunday, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 10/26: Dillon Halloween Fall Fest, Dillon – 406.683.5511
10/31: Trick or Treat Main Street, Deer Lodge – 406.490.3978
10/18 - 10/19; 10/25 - 10/26: Big Rock Fright Nights, Boulder – 406.225.4039
10/18 - 10/19; 10/25 - 10/26; 10/31: Screams Come True Haunted House, Hay Maze, & Escape Rooms, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
10/25 & 10/26: Ghost Walk, Bannack State Park / Dillon – 406.834.3413
NOVEMBER 2024 11/16: Holiday Bazaar, Boulder – 406.225.4039
11/29: Christmas Light Parade, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
11/29: Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll, Anaconda – 406.563.2400
8/22 - 8/25: Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo, Boulder, – 406.225.4039
DECEMBER 2024
8/9 - 8/11: An Ri Ra Gaelic Festival, Butte – 406.723.3177
12/6: Christmas Stroll, Butte – 406.497.6464
8/8 - 8/10: Rockin the Rivers, Cardwell – 406.285.0099
12/1: Christmas Rendezous, Augusta – augustamontana.com
*Hot Summer Night Barrel and Pole Jackpot - Saddle Club, Anaconda – 406.560.4070
12/6: Christmas Stroll & Light Parade, Deer Lodge – 406.846.2094
*Smelter City Cornhole Tournament, Anaconda – 406.560.1322 *Jefferson City Days, Jefferson City – 406.225.4039
12/6: Dillon's Parade of Lights / Christmas Stroll, Dillon – 406.683.5511 12/8: Holiday Open House, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS – 406.846.2070 12/13: Yule Night, Philipsburg – 406.859.3388
12/14: Christmas Festival, Whitehall – 406.287226
SEPTEMBER 2024 9/2: Dillon Jaycees Labor Day Parade, Dillon – 406.925.9420
12/14: Christmas Festival, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
9/8: Aviation Days Helena Regional Airport, Helena – 406.449.2107
*Christmas Parade, Boulder – 406.225.3381
9/7: Music & Art Festival, Boulder – 406.225.4039
12/14: Ice Carving, Butte – 406.497.6464
9/11: Brats for the Brave (Thank You for Veterans & First Responders), Dillon – 406.683.5511
RECURRING EVENTS 2024
9/13 & 9/14: Fall Festival, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
Saturdays June - September: Dillon Farmers Market, Dillon – 406.683.6419
9/12: Community Appreciation Event, Whitehall – 406.287.2260
9/20: EdgeWater Farms Corn Maze and Fall Events, Townsend – 406.949.1216
Daily: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Free Tours (Call for Schedule), Bannack State Park – 406.834.3413
Thursdays July - September: Anaconda Community Market, Anaconda – 406.563.5259 Summer: Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, open Daily 10 - 5, Jefferson City – 406.933.8789 Saturdays: Helena Farmers Market, Helena – 406.442.4120
Saturdays: Education & Entertainment Series (Call for Schedule), Bannack State Park – 406.834.3413
Saturday Mornings, May - 1st week of October: Butte Farmers Market, Butte – 406.497.6464 Thursday Evenings July & August: Music on Main, Butte – 406.299.2192 Wednesdays July & August: Lunch in the Park, Butte – 406.497.6535, lunchinthepark.com 1st Fridays Summer: Art Walk, Butte – 406.565.5600
4th Thursdays June - August: Thursdays at the Chamber (Free Hot Dogs, Chips & Water), Dillon – 406.683.5511
September - April: Mother Lode Theatre Series Symphony/Community Concerts/Music, Butte – 406.723.3602
PARADE IN VIRGINIA CITY. VISIT MONTANA
*Dates TBD
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FAIRS, RODEOS & FARMERS MARKETS
FAIRS, 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
Spring Fest Rodeo, Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds – Helena
Anaconda Community Market − Anaconda
May, 406.457.8516
Boulder Farmers Market − Boulder
Augusta Rodeo − Augusta
406.225.3288
June, 406.562.3477
Uptown Farmers Market − Butte
4th of July Parade & Rodeo − Ennis
406.497.6464
July, 406.682.4388
Deer Lodge Community Garden Farmers Market − Deer Lodge
Last Chance Stampede Fair & Rodeo − Helena
406.563.5259
July, 406.457.8516
623.680.4525
Lincoln Rodeo − Lincoln
Dillon Farmers Market − Dillon
July, 406.362.4949
406.683.4245
Drummond PRCA Rodeo − Drummond
Capitol Square Farmers Market − Helena
July, 406.288.3479
406.422.2920
East Helena Valley Rodeo − East Helena
Helena Farmers Market − Helena
July, 406.459.5872
406.437.1855
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo − Boulder
Ponyland Farm − Pony
August, 406.225.4039
541.499.4762
Townsend Rodeo and County Fair (NRA Sanctioned) − Townsend
Sheridan Farmers Market − Sheridan
August, 406.980.1873
Townsend Farmers Market − Townsend
Madison County Fair & Rodeo – Twin Bridges
406.422.7933
August, 406.684.5824
Twin Bridges Farmers Market − Twin Bridges
Tri-County Fair Rodeo − Deer Lodge
406.596.1978
August, 406.491.1549
Virginia City Farmers Market − Virginia City
Jaycee's Labor Day Rodeo − Dillon
406.843.5247
September, 406.683.5511
For more information on farmers markets, visit: southwestmt.com/fooddrinkandshopping/farmersmarkets
Helmville Rodeo − Helmville
406.842.7702
September, 406.360.0500
DILLON RODEO. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
60 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES & GOLF
BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES & 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. Montana ranks third in the nation for most breweries per capita and has a growing number of distilleries.
BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES Smelter City Brewing – Anaconda 101 Main St., facebook.com/smeltercitybrewing
Butte Brewing Company - Butte 465 E. Galena St., buttebrewing.com
Headframe Spirits − Butte 21 S. Montana St., headframespirits.com
Quarry Brewing − Butte 124 W. Broadway St., wedig.beer
Craig Taphouse – Craig 161 Leonard St., facebook.com/craigtaphouse161
Beaverhead Brewing Company − Dillon 218 S. Montana St., beaverheadbeer.com
Burnt Tree Brewing − Ennis 311 E. Main St., burnttreebrewing.com
Willie's Distillery − Ennis 312 Main St., williesdistillery.com
Blackfoot River Brewing Company – Helena 66 S. Park Ave., blackfootriverbrewing.com
Copper Furrow Brewing – Helena 2801 N. Roberts St., copperfurrow.com
Gulch Distillers – Helena 790 Front St., gulchdistillers.com
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company − Helena 1517 Dodge Ave., lewisandclarkbrewing.com
Missouri River Brewing Company − Helena 451 Spencer St., East Helena, missouririverbrewingco.com
Mt Ascension Brewing Company – Helena 317 N. Cruse Ave., mtascensionbrewing.com
PHILIPSBURG BREWING COMPANY. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
Speakeasy 41 – Helena 685 Barney St., 406.422.1841
Ten Mile Creek Brewery – Helena 2801 N. Roberts St., tenmilecreekbrewing.com
Philipsburg Brewing Company – Philipsburg 101 W. Broadway St., philipsburgbrew.com
Ruby Valley Brew − Sheridan 111 S. Main St., rubyvalleybrew.com
Bridger Brewing – Three Forks 75 Vigilante Way, bridgerbrewing.com/three-forks
Canyon Ferry Brewing Co. − Townsend 300 Broadway St., cfbrew.com
Lakeside Distillery – Townsend 201 Broadway St., facebook.com/lakesidedistillery
Stonehouse Distillery − Winston 37 Muffley Lane, stonehouse-distillery.com
drink • it • in
figure of speech, to pause and experience something with great enjoyment Drink It In Montana tells the story of the Montana craft beverage industry while introducing Montana locals and visitors to our communities. Montana grows some of the best grain in the country, with international labels like Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors sourcing grain from Montana. Our craft beverage industry is set apart with access to the same high-quality grains.
GOLF Anaconda Country Club – Anaconda
Beaverhead Golf Course − Dillon
1521 Country Club Road, 406.797.3220, golfanaconda.com
1260 Montana Highway 41, 406.683.9933, beaverheadgolfcourse.com
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course – Anaconda
Madison Meadows Golf Course − Ennis
1500 Fairmont Road, 800.332.3272, 406.797.3241, fairmontmontana.com
Bill Robert's Municipal Golf Course – Helena
Jack Nicklaus Old Works Golf Course − Anaconda 1205 Pizzini Way, 406.563.5989, playoldworks.com
Highland View Golf Course − Butte 3150 S. Utah Ave., 406.497.6578, co.silverbow.mt.us/452/Highland-View-Golf-Course
Deer Park Golf Course − Deer Lodge 838 Golf Course Road, 406.846.1625, deer-park-golf-course.business.site
108 Golf Course Drive, 406.682.7468, madisonmeadowsgolfcourse.com 2201 N. Benton Ave., 406.442.219, billrobertsgolf.com
Fox Ridge Golf Course – Helena 4020 Lake Helena Drive, 406.227.8304, foxridgegolfcourse.com
Norwegian Wood Golf Course − Helena 8445 Canyon Ferry Road, 406.475.3229, highlanderbarmt.com
Old Baldy Golf Course − Townsend 99 Delger Lane, 406.461.5116, facebook.com/oldbaldygolf
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EVERY TRAIL HAS A STORY Embark on a historical adventure along these extraordinary routes through Southwest Montana.
CONTiNENTAL DIvIDe ScENic TRAIL
Hike, ride horseback or bike the Southwest Montana portion of this awe-inspiring 3,100-mile trail, stretching from the Canadian wilderness to breathtaking Mexico along the Continental Divide. southwestmt.com/continental-divide-trail
BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS, CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL. RICK & SUSIE GRAETZ
Nez PercE NATIONAl HISTORic TRAIL
Trace the heart-wrenching 1,170-mile journey of the Nez Perce as they fled their homelands in 1877 to evade pursuing forces. southwestmt.com/specialfeatures/history/nezpercetrail
LewIS & ClARk NATIONAl HISTORic TRAIL
Walk in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark and connect with their spirit of exploration and discovery, witnessing what the Corps of Discovery saw as they traversed Montana’s scenic landscapes. southwestmt.com/listings/lewis-clark-the-montana-experience
GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS, LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL. COLTON STIFFLER
ThE vIgILANTE TRAIL
Immerse yourself in tales of justice and adventure and unravel the mystique of the Old West on this captivating corridor from Butte to West Yellowstone—marked with the vigilante code 3-7-77. southwestmt.com/itineraries/vigilantetrail VIRGINIA CITY, VIGILANTE TRAIL. TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES
MONTANA BOOKSTORE TRAIL Discover Montana by the Book
Fun fact! Montana takes the top spot in the U.S. for having the most independent bookstores per capita. Come check out what these bookstores under the big sky have to offer. Each shop has its own charm, but they all share a passion for exchanging ideas and reflecting their local communities—and they serve as lively hubs for book events and other local happenings. Grab your bookstore trail passport and add a chapter to your Montana adventure at mtbookstoretrail.com.
62 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159
VISITOR INFORMATION
MONTANA’S TOURISM REGIONS MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM
301 S. Park Ave., Helena 406.841.2870 • 800.VISIT.MT • visitmt.com
SOUTHWEST MONTANA
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
SOUTHEAST MONTANA
GLACIER COUNTRY
MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY
CENTRAL MONTANA
1105 Main St. Deer Lodge, 59722 406.846.1943 • 800.879.1159 southwestmt.com
3021 Palmer St., Suite A Missoula, 59808 406.532.3234 • 800.338.5072 glaciermt.com
313 W. Mendenhall St., #1 Bozeman, 59715 406.556.8680 • 800.736.5276 visityellowstonecountry.com
233 Cascade St. Wolf Point, 59201 800.653.1319 missouririvermt.com
815 S. 27th St. Billings, 59101 406.294.5270 • 800.346.1876 southeastmontana.com
P.O. Box 3555 Lewistown, 59457 406.761.5036 • 800.527.5348 centralmontana.com
AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS (VICs) DISCOVER ANACONDA / VIC
ENNIS CHAMBER
RUBY VALLEY CHAMBER
AUGUSTA CHAMBER
HELENA CHAMBER / VIC
TOWNSEND CHAMBER
VISIT HELENA / VIC
VIRGINIA CITY & NEVADA CITY CHAMBER
306 E. Park Ave., Anaconda, 59711 406.563.2400, discoveranaconda.com
augustamontana.com
BEAVERHEAD CHAMBER / VIC 10 W. Reeder St., Dillon, 59725 406.683.5511, beaverheadchamber.org
BOULDER CHAMBER
P.O. Box 278, Boulder, 59632 406.465.2106, bouldermtchamber.org
BUTTE CHAMBER / VIC 1000 George St., Butte, 59701 406.723.3177 • 800.735.6414 visitbutte.com
DRUMMOND CHAMBER
230 W. Edwards St., Drummond, 59832 drummondmtchamber.com
201 E. Main St., Ennis, 59729 406.682.4388, ennischamber.com
225 Cruse Ave., Suite A, Helena, 59601 1.800.7HELENA • 406.442.4120 helenamt.com
105 Reeder’s Alley, Helena, 59601 406.449.2107, helenamt.com
P.O. Box 134, Twin Bridges, 59754 rubyvalleychamber.com
110 Broadway St., Townsend, 59644 406.266.4101, townsendmt.com
P.O. Box 218, Virginia City, 59755 406.843.5555 • 800.829.2969 virginiacity.com
LINCOLN VALLEY CHAMBER P.O. Box 985, Lincoln, 59639 406.362.4949, lincolnmontana.com
PHILIPSBURG CHAMBER
WHITEHALL CHAMBER
501 N. Whitehall St., Whitehall, 59759 406.287.2260 whitehallchamberofcommerce.com
109 E. Broadway St., Philipsburg, 59858 406.859.3388, philipsburgmt.com
POWELL COUNTY CHAMBER
529 Main St., Deer Lodge, 59722 406.846.2094, powellcountymontana.com
PUBLIC LANDS BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
422 Barrett St., Dillon 406.683.3900 fs.usda.gov/main/bdnf
Canyon Ferry Field Office 7700 Canyon Ferry Road, Helena 406.475.3921 usbr.gov/gp/mtao/canyonferry
HELENA-LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL FOREST
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – BUTTE
2880 Skyway Drive, Helena 406.449.5201 fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf
106 N. Parkmont, Butte 406.533.7600 blm.gov/office/butte-field-office
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GRANT-KOHRS RANCH 266 Warren Lane, Deer Lodge 406.846.2070 x250 nps.gov/grko/index.htm
16425 Montana Highway 43, Wisdom 406.689.3195 nps.gov/biho/index.htm
1005 Selway Drive, Dillon 406.683.8000 blm.gov/office/dillon-field-office
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS 1420 E. 6th Ave., Helena 406.444.2535, fwp.mt.gov
TRAVEL CONDITIONS GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 406.888.7800 nps.gov/glac
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK BIG HOLE NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – DILLON
307.344.7381 nps.gov/yell
STATEWIDE
Call: 511 OR 800.226.7623 mdt.mt.gov/travinfo
WEATHER FORECAST
weather.gov/byz/montana_statewide_information
The Southwest Montana Travel Guide is published annually by Visit Southwest Montana and produced with accommodations tax funds. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of Visit Southwest Montana is prohibited. Maps provide general information only—they are not accurate in miles or geographic distances. Refer to the official Montana Highway Map, available at all chambers of commerce, for accurate information before you travel. Note that information in this guide may have changed since its publication. Please verify all information prior to travel. Printed in the USA for free distribution. Alternative accessible formats of this document can be provided upon request. © 2024
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INDEX Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Alder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 43 Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad. . . . . . 42 American Indians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Anaconda. . . . 4, 12, 14, 23, 24, 28, 44 Anaconda Country Club. . . . . . . . . . 61 Anaconda Courthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Anaconda Smoke Stack . . . . . . . . . 23 Anaconda Visitor Center. . . . . . . . . . 56 Archie Bray Foundation. . . . . . . . . . 27 Arrow Stone Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Arts & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 24, 36 Augusta Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Bannack State Park . . . . . . . . 6, 28, 48 Bear Trap Canyon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Beaverhead Brewing Company. . . . . 61 Beaverhead Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Beaverhead County. . . . . . . . . . . 26, 48 Beaverhead County Museum . . . . . . . 6 Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 52 Beaverhead Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . 61 Beaverhead River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Beaverhead Rock. . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 49 Bed & Breakfasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Big Hole National Battlefield . . . . . 14, 19, 21, 22,48, 63 Big Hole River. . . . . . . . . 21, 22, 39, 49 Bill Robert's Municipal Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Birding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture In The Wild. . . . . . . . 27, 36 Blackfoot River. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 4, 17 Blackfoot River Brewing Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Black Sandy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bridger Brewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness. . . 10 Boulder Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Boulder Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Boulder River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Breweries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Bureau of Land Management. . . . . . 20 Burnt Tree Brewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Butte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 9, 12, 24, 38 Butte Brewing Company . . . . . . . . . 61 Butte Chamber / VIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Camp Fortunate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Campgrounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Canyon Ferry Brewing Co.. . . . . . . . . 61 Canyon Ferry Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Charles W. Clark Chateau. . . . . . . . . 24 Chief Joseph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Clancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Clark Canyon Reservoir. . . . . . . . 14, 28 Clark Fork River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Clark’s Lookout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Continental Divide Trail. . . . . . . . . . . 21 Coolidge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Copper Furrow Brewing . . . . . . . . . . 61 Craig Taphouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Crystal Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Cutler Bros. Production. . . . . . . . . . . 24
Deer Lodge. . . . . . . . . 4, 9, 14, 24, 50 Deer Park Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Dell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Devil’s Elbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dillon . . . . . . . . 6, 7, 17, 22, 28, 48, 49 Distilleries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Drummond. . . . . . . . . . . 8, 46, 50, 52 Drummond Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Dude Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Earthquake Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 East Helena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Elkhorn Hot Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Elkhorn State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ennis . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 16, 17, 42, 43 Ennis Fish Hatchery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Equipment Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Exploration Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 61 Fairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Farlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Farmers Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fox Ridge Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Frontier Montana Museum . . . . . . . . 52 Garnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 8 Gates of The Mountains . . . . . . . 22, 32 Gem Mines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Gem Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Georgetown Lake. . . . . . 14, 17, 28, 44 Ghost Towns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ghost Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Glacier National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Glendale and Canyon Creek Charcoal Kilns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Granite County Museum. . . . . . . . . . 46 Granite Ghost Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Grant-Kohrs Ranch. . . . . . . . 14, 19, 50 Great Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Great Northern Carousel. . . . . . . . . . 32 Gulch Distillers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Guide Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Guided Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Hangman’s Building & Boot Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hauser Lake Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Headframe Spirits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Hearst Free Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Helena . . . . . . . . . . 4, 9, 13, 22, 27, 30 Helena Chamber / VIC. . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Helena Indian Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Helmville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 52 High Altitude Speed Skating . . . . . . . 28 Highland View Golf Course . . . . . . . . 61 Holter Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Humbug Spires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ice Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Jackson Hot Springs. . . . . . . 10, 49, 55
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Jefferson City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jefferson River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kids Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Lakeside Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Last Chance Community Powwow. . . . . . . . . . . 22 Last Chance Splash Waterpark and Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Last Chance Tour Train. . . . . . . . . . . 32 Laurin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Lewis & Clark. . . . . . . . . 12, 22, 23, 43 Lewis & Clark Brewing Company . . . 61 Lewis and Clark Trail Sites . . . . . . . . 49 Lewis & Clark Caverns. . . . . . . . 12, 23 Lima. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 36 Lincoln Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Lost Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Macdonald Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Madison Meadows Golf Course. . . . . 61 Madison Valley History Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Madison Meadows Golf Course. . . . . 61 Madison River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Marysville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Maverick Ski Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Melrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Milwaukee Railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Missouri River. . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 22, 32 Missouri River Brewing Company. . . 61 Montana Auto Museum. . . . . . . . . . . 50 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks . . . . . 63 Montana Gems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 Montana Heritage Commission. . . . . 34 Montana Historical Society. . . . . . . . 27 Montana Office of Tourism . . . . . . . . 63 Montana Outfitters & Guides Association. . . . . . . . . . . 18 Montana State Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Montana Zipline Adventures. . . . . . . 44 Mt Ascension Brewing Company. . . . 61 Nevada City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 42, 43 Nevada Creek Reservoir. . . . . . . . . . 17 Nez Perce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Norris Hot Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 North American Indian Alliance Powwow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Norwegian Wood Golf Course. . . . . . 61 Old Baldy Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Old Montana Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Old Works Golf Course . . . . . . . . 44, 61 Old Works Historical Trail. . . . . . . . . 46 Original Governor’s Mansion. . . . . . . 32 Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ovando. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 36 Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Philipsburg. . . . . . . . . . . 8, 13, 27, 46 Philipsburg Brewing Company . . . . . 61 Philipsburg Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Pintler Scenic Highway. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pioneer Scenic Byway. . . . . . . . . . 4, 49 Pipestone Village and Hotsprings . . . 10 Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Pony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 60
Powell County Chamber . . . . . . . . . . 63 Powell County Museum . . . . . . . . . . 52 Private Campgrounds. . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Public Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 63 Quarry Brewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Quartz Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ranches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ranches & Lodges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 14 Reeder’s Alley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Retail, Tours & Museums. . . . . . . . . 56 Ridge Waters Water Park. . . . . . . . . . 10 Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Rochester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rockhounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rodeos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Ruby Reservoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 17 Ruby Valley Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Sapphire Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 Scenic Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sheridan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Smelter City Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Skiing and Snowboarding. . . . . . . . . 28 Snowmobiling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Speakeasy 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Spring Meadow Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 State Wildlife Management Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Stonehouse Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Ten Mile Creek Brewery . . . . . . . . . . 61 The Historic Tour Company. . . . . . . . 42 The Montana Law Enforcement Museum . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Ranch at Rock Creek. . . . . . . . . 18 Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Thompson-Hickman Museum. . . . . . 43 Townsend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Townsend Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Trolley Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Twin Bridges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 43 Upper Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Museum. . . . . . . 36 Vigilante Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Vintage Bus Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Virginia City . . . . . . . . 6, 9, 12, 27, 42 Virginia City & Nevada City Chamber Visitor Information. . . . . . 63 Washoe Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Washoe Park Trout Hatchery . . . . . . 46 Water Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Weather Forecast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Whitehall . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 22, 23, 38 Whitehall Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Wildlife Watching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Willie's Distillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 49 Wise River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Wolf Creek (Prickly Pear) Canyon . . . 13 Working Ranches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yellowstone National Park. . . . . . . . . 3 Yellowstone Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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In the 1920s, the Vigilante Trail was created to promote the first family vacations by automobile to Yellowstone Park. Virginia City and Nevada City are conveniently on the trail - about 90 miles from YNP. Rich in territorial history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and genuine Montana hospitality, a trip along the Vigilante Trail will provide a memorable experience for all visitors. Take a drive!
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