Visit Southwest Montana Travel Guide

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

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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

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ad BALD EAGLE. GREG LEWIS Riv er Bynum Swan Lake

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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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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

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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)

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Stocked with trout, this remote reservoir Chinook is lined by peaceful willows and makes for good fishing when Rudyard water levels permit.

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Three Forks

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Silver Star

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Lakeview

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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

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Townsend Boulder

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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

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Big Sky

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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

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Helena

Avon

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Philipsburg

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Georgetown Lake

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Wise River

Sula

Deer Lodge

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Silver Star

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Melrose

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Jefferson City

Basin

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East Helena

Elliston

Garrison

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Canyon Creek Marysville

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Lincoln

10 2

Dillon

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Whitehall

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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

28 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159

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

30 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159 278

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

800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 31

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

32 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159

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.

800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 33

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

34 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159

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

36 SOUTHWESTMT.COM • 800.879.1159

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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800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 37

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.

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Butte

Wise River

Jefferson City

Townsend Boulder Three Forks

Logan

Cardwell

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Harrison Pony

Sheridan Laurin

Dillon

W Montana City Winston

Whitehall

Silver Star Twin Bridges

East Helena

Clancy

Georgetown Lake

RAILROAD – THOMPSON PARK, BUTTE. Darby

St

HOLY TRINITY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH. DIGITAL SPARK

Marysville

Florence

BUTTE AREA

Grea Fall

Fairfield Vaughn

Condon

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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

800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 39

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

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Charlo

Paradise

Superior

Brady

Bynum

Fort Benton

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Missoula

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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

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Whitehall

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East Helena

Clancy Basin

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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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Bo

Gallatin Gateway

Ennis

Virginia City

Em

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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.

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Quake Lake Dell Lima

Monida

Lakeview

Mammoth Hot Springs

Ca Norris Madis Juncti

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

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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

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278

Jackson

278

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Townsen Boulder

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Whitehall

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East Helena

Clancy

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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

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324

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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Gallatin Gateway

Nevada Ennis City Virginia City Cameron

Big S

Grant 324

Quake Lake

324

Dell Lima

Monida

Lakeview

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.

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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

800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 51

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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MINIMUM STAY

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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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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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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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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

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*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

800.879.1159 • SOUTHWESTMT.COM 63

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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