Cities & Towns

Lodge Grass, on the Little Bighorn River and the Crow Indian Reservation, is a center for ranches whose herds graze the rich, grass-covered uplands where buffalo used to range. Long ago the Crows made their summer camps here. The town was named for Lodge Grass Creek, which empties into the Little Bighorn. The Indians called the stream "Greasy Grass" because the rich grass made their animals fat. The words "grease" and "lodge" are so similar in the Crow language it translated into Lodge Grass.

Lolo is near the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass. Located at a historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The nearby creek was originally called Travelers' Rest Creek because men using the trail found it an ideal spot to stop, rest, hunt and repair their gear before tackling the trip over the pass. The natural hot water springs also helped make it a favorite stop.

Loma is northeast of Fort Benton where the Marias joins the Missouri River. Cross the Missouri River by ferry upriver at Carter or down-river at Virgelle; both ferries operate from March through October. One mile south of Loma, in June 1805, is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent nine days at the Marias River deciding which fork would lead them to the Northwest Passage. The "Decision Point" marker on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is where they determined the Marias was not the main stem of the Missouri. A visit to the landmark will reward you with a beautiful overlook of the confluence of the Marias and Missouri Rivers.

Lonepine is west of Polson on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The Flathead Indian Reservation is home to three tribes, the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d'Oreille, and the Kootenai. Flathead Lake, just northeast of Lonepine, is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Recreation on the lake includes: sailing,boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Just south of Lonepine is Hot Springs renowned for its hot mineral springs that still bubble today.

Loring is a tiny picturesque community sixteen miles from the Port of Morgan and the Canadian border crossing. Area attractions include the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge and Nelson Reservoir, one of the northeast Montana's popular water recreation and fishing areas.

Lothair is located on the Hi-Line between Chester and Shelby. Nearby Tiber Dam-Lake Elwell provides excellent year-round angling for walleye, northern and sauger pike, native trout, ling and perch. Near Lothair is the Lewis and Clark Overlook, that commemorates Captain Lewis' trip up the Marias River. The site offers a panoramic views of the Sweetgrass Hills, the Bears Paw Mountains, Square Butte, the Highwood Mountains, portions of the Belt Mountains, the Rocky Mountain Front and the Marias River below.

Luther is located in the mountains northwest of Red Lodge along the beautiful Beartooth Mountain Range. The nearby Beartooth Highway, designated a National Scenic Byway, is one of the most beautiful drives in America. Reaching heights of nearly 11,000 feet, this 53.7-mile, offers views of snowcapped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and plateaus. Another nearby attraction, Red Lodge Mountain Resort, offers a ski area with 71 runs spread across 2 mountains, with a variety of terrain sure to please any skier.

Famous for our wide-open spaces and diversity in landscape, we offer a variety of wildlife and cultural history. This area is much the way Lewis and Clark found it in 1805. Malta hosts the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge (including the western portion of Fort Peck Lake) and Bowdoin Bird Refuge, which offer opportunities for deer, antelope, elk and upland game bird viewing and hunting. Malta is one of the notable stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail with two excellent facilities on the trail.

Years ago families from the Netherlands moved in to grow barley for malters near the new little town of Manhattan, named by a group of New York City investors who operated the Manhattan Malting Company. They settled together in a tightly knit society that flourishes today. Today Manhattan's most productive industries are seed potatoes, dairy and wheat farms, commercial beef, registered cattle, and some unique cottage businesses such as food specialties, woodcarving, artisans and antiques.

Marion is southwest of Kalispell on Little Bitterroot Lake. When Lewis Kelsey moved his sawmill from Somers to Marion in the early 1900s, timber became an important part of the local economy. Today, visitors can enjoy the recreational opportunities found on Little Bitterroot Lake or at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. The habitat diversity of the refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife species. At least 14 species of migratory and breeding waterfowl utilize the wetland areas.

Martin City boomed when the Hungry Horse Dam project started. It is located near scenic Glacier National Park. The Martin City area offers plenty of camping in the Flathead National Forest at sites such as Spotted Bear Campground. It is about as far as you can drive off the beaten track and still find a maintained campground. Spotted Bear Campground is in a remote area on the edge of the beautiful Bob Marshall Wilderness. There is access to a trail which leads to the Great Bear Wilderness.

Martinsdale was a sheepman's town; to the west is the Smith ranch of 86,000 acres and to the east the Bair spread of 80,000 acres, two of the biggest sheep outfits in the state. Bair was one of the most successful sheep owners in the world, at one time running over 300,000 head. The Bair Family Museum gives an intimate view of one of Montana's most prosperous families.

Once a thriving gold camp, Marysville now a small community with several historic buildings listed on the National Register. There is more to see here than in most ghost towns. The town is not quite deserted, and some mining still goes on, but it's nothing like the rip-roaring period when Irishman Tommy Cruse's Drumlummon Mine poured out an estimated $50 million in gold. Enjoy a unique, one-of-a-kind atmosphere in a historic ghost town while eating dinner next to a cozy fire at the Marysville House. Nearby Great Divide Ski Area on the Continental Divide and offers an amazing 107 trails spread out on three mountain peaks and in three valleys.

McAllister is seven miles north of Ennis. The general store and post office are located almost on the shore of Ennis Lake. It was named for the family of a local rancher.

McCabe is located in the extreme northeastern corner of the state. An attraction in the area is Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge which is a sanctuary for thousands of migrating waterfowl. Great blue herons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, grebes and twelve different species of ducks share the prairie lake ecosystem. Nearby, Fort Peck Indian Reservation is home to Sioux and Assinniboine.

Nestled in the beautiful Boulder Valley, McLeod offers opportunities for fishing in pristine mountain streams, rustic resort getaways, camping, hiking, hunting and horseback riding. Nearby, Natural Bridge Falls has paved paths that meander along the Boulder River and also serves as the trailhead for the Green Mountain Trail. Nearby, Historic Main Boulder Ranger Station represents perhaps the oldest facility in the Forest Service System and has been painstakingly restored to represent its original character. Indian Caves with pictographs are an easy hike from the ranger station.

Medicine Lake takes its name from the nearby lake which was named by the Indians because they found many medicinal herbs and roots on its shores. They also believed that the water had medicinal qualities. The lake is now the center of Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of migrating waterfowl make their summer home at refuge. Great blue herons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, grebes and twelve different species of ducks share the prairie lake ecosystem.

Melrose is on the Big Hole River halfway between Butte and Dillon nestled in the mountains near the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is famous for its trout fishing. Near Melrose is Beaverhead Rock State Park. The huge landmark for which the park gets its name, Beaverhead Rock, resembles the head of a swimming beaver. Sacajawea recognized this landmark while traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Located along the Musselshell River, Melstone began as a Milwaukee Railroad station and was named for Melvin Stone, an Associated Press reporter who was aboard the train with the railroad's president, his daughter and a friend, all of whom were naming towns along the line. The station was a freight division and promised to be important. Dry land farmers followed the railroad but the surrounding acres proved too dry, and now they are dotted with producing oil wells.

Melville is located 20 miles north of Big Timber along the Sweetgrass River. Named in 1877 for Colonel Melville, the arctic explorer. It is cow and sheep country, originally settled by Norwegians. The first Lutheran church in Montana was built here in 1885 complete with steeple and bell. It is a beautiful white church backed by the magnificent Crazy Mountains. Local ranches are renowned for providing stock for western rodeos.

Mildred is on O'Fallon Creek 20 miles southeast of Terry. Not far from Mildred you can get on the Big Sky Byway in Terry. The north-south orientation of the Byway will give you a glimpse of dry land farming, rolling prairie grassland, scenic scoria buttes, and badlands terrain. While in Terry visit the Prairie County Museum and Evelyn Cameron Gallery. The museum exhibits capture the essence of the old pioneer life and The Cameron Gallery displays the pictorial works of Lady Evelyn Cameron, an Englishwoman who homesteaded in Prairie County in 1889.

Steeped in Western history, Miles City remains a true Western town. Vast stretches of plains and badlands branch out in all directions. The Yellowstone and Tongue rivers flow unblemished in long sections. Once the horse trading and livestock center of the country, Miles City still has weekly livestock auctions and, once a year, puts on the Bucking Horse Sale for rodeo stock buyers and breeders.

Milltown is near Missoula and the Rattlesnake Recreation Area and Wilderness. With the major trailhead only 4.5 miles north of Missoula, the 61,000 acres of glaciated topography in the Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area form Montana's premier urban wilderness. Here, you'll find a variety of hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and bicycling opportunities a few miles from town.

Known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies where five valleys converge. Missoula is a center for education, medicine, retail and the arts. Located at the base of Mount Sentinel and the banks of the Clark Fork River is The University of Montana. The 200-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to 12,000 students. Fly fishermen, rafters, kayakers and canoers thrive on the nearby waters.

Moccasin is in the productive wheat-raising area of central Montana. Moccasin began as a homestead community. In 1893 the Montana State legislature created the MSU Central Agricultural Research Center, 3 miles west of Moccasin to teach dry land farming techniques to the newly arrived homesteaders. Nearby Ackley Lake State Park, offers diverse water sports opportunities. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is often good angling for 10 to 15 inch fish.

Moiese is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana. A nearby attraction is the National Bison Range established in 1908 to provide a sanctuary for the American bison it is one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges in the US. It also provides habitat for elk, deer, pronghorn, black bears, and coyotes. More than 200 species of birds also call this home and include eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks, and geese.

Molt is located 22 miles west of Billings near Big Lake Complex which is part of the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge. Hailstone Refuge is in wide-open short grass prairie country dominated by rocky outcroppings and small grassy hills noted primarily for its waterfowl and shorebirds. Nearby, Canyon Creek Battlefield Monument, located at the site of the battle between the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph and the US Calvary where 125 warriors held off the cavalry enabling the rest of the band of 800 Nez Perce to continue their flight from Oregon to asylum in Canada. A pipe ceremony led by the Nez Perce is held at the battle site each September.

Monarch located in the Little Belt Mountains of Central Montana is completely surrounded by the Lewis and Clark National Forest. U.S. 89, the Park-to-Park Highway, which connects Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, goes through Monarch. The portion of this road which goes over the Little Belt Mountains has been designated a Scenic Byway by the National Forest Service.

Montana City located five miles south of Helena was once a thriving gold camp located along Great Northern railroad. The lure of the discovery of gold in Helena at Last Chance Gulch was the same that attracted miners and prospectors to settle in Montana City. As hopes for fortune declined the once bustling placer mining camp dwindled. Montana City began to redevelop and today is a outlying suburban community of Helena.

Moore is located in the Judith River Basin in central Montana surrounded by five island mountain ranges. This is the country that Charlie Russell painted and loved so well. South of the Big Snowy Mountains, there are camping and hiking opportunities at Crystal Lake, 20 miles south of Moore. Ackley Lake State Park is southwest of Moore. Ackley Lake offers diverse water sports opportunities. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is often good angling for 10- to 15-inch fish.

Mosby was initially developed as homesteaders came to claim their 160 acres of free land. However, it was a harsh existence and many homesteaders moved on. Oil wells have been developed in the Cat Creek area.

Musselshell is located 20 miles east of Roundup along the Musselshell River. Musselshell takes its name from the Musselshell River, named by Lewis and Clark for the freshwater mussels lining the riverbank. In nearby Roundup, Musselshell Valley Historical Museum recreates the area's history with photographs and detailed displays of the area's homesteading, mining. Explore the natural science exhibit and view birds and wildlife that are native to the surrounding hills and prairies.

Nashua is situated where Porcupine Creek runs into the Milk River, a few miles farther on, the waters of these two streams flow into the Missouri near Fort Peck Dam. The building of the dam, at its peak in 1936, provided 10,456 jobs; it was completed in 1940. Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum feature two of Montana's largest aquariums showcasing native and game species of Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River. In the main lobby a life size, fleshed-out model of Peck's Rex, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Fort Peck Lake is a Montana treasure for its size and outdoor opportunities.

This historic mining town is in the heart of the Little Belt Mountains. Local creeks have excellent trout fishing. Take the 10-mile drive north of nearby Monarch to Sluice Boxes State Park where hiking, biking, hunting and wildlife viewing are popular. Neihart also boasts excellent creek fishing and recreation opportunities. There are snowmobiling and ski rentals available at Kings Hill Pass. Be sure to visit Memorial Falls and take the nature trail which is handicapped accessible.

In Nevada City and Virginia City, shop, dine and sleep without leaving the atmosphere of the 1890s. You will find fascinating nuggets of history and memories to treasure. The restoration of these towns began decades ago, and the state of Montana recently purchased much of Virginia City and all of Nevada City so that the preservation can continue. Visit the surrounding towns to get a well-rounded vision of early pioneer life, and be sure to take in all of the local attractions.

Niarada is on Sullivan Creek twenty miles west of the Big Arm of Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake offers unlimited recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. Niarada is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation home to the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai tribes.

Norris is located on Hot Spring Creek, and for years miners, cowhands, and travelers sought out a warm bath in the Norris Plunge. Today, Norris Hot Springs offers guests a soak in mineral water pouring from the earth's depths at 120 degrees. Not far from Norris is the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness on the Madison River. This recreation area with boat access from the south end offers rafters a nine mile float trip through whitewater and a scenic canyon with 2,000 foot cliffs; featuring the famous Class V 'Kitchen Sink' rapid as the climax of the trip.

Noxon is on the Clark Fork River along Montana Highway 200. This heavily forested area is famous for trapping and the harvesting of huckleberries. Fished primarily by boat, Noxon Reservoir has a great largemouth and smallmouth bass fishery and a popular northern pike fishery.

Nye is southwest of Columbus on the Stillwater River. The nearby Beartooth Mountains are a portion of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness which is located on the Custer-Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests. This Wilderness offers a variety of nature related recreation experiences.

Oilmont is on the lower end of the Sunburst Oil Field. Oilmont is located north of Hi-Line towns of Shelby and Cut Bank. North of Oilmont is the Sweet Grass Hills, known by many names over the years: the Blackfeet referred to this island range as Kato-yi-six, "Sweet pine hills". The current name, Sweet Grass Hills, refers to Hiero-chloe odoratta, a native grass abundant in the area, used for ceremonial purposes.

Olive is 10 miles north of Broadus on the Mizpah Creek in the southeastern corner of the state. Olive is located near the county seat, Broadus, which is home to the Powder River Historical Museum. The museum contains many valuable historical collections including Indian artifacts, old guns and ammunition, pre-1900 buggies, vintage autos, rebuilt engines, threshing machines, tractors and farm implements.

Olney is between Whitefish and Eureka deep in the Kootenai National Forest. Stillwater State Forest headquartered in Olney, is Montana's first state forest. In 1922 construction began on Stillwater Ranger Station. Some of the original buildings dating back to the 1920s are still visible. Nearby Stillwater Lake and Upper Whitefish Lake offer camping, picnicking, boating, and a variety of other outdoor recreational opportunities.

Opheim is located 10 miles from the Saskatchewan border in rich wheat-growing country. On the 51 mile stretch of road between Glasgow and Opheim along Montana Highway 24 lie some of the wildest prairie lands in the northern part of Missouri River Country. One mile south of Opheim is Granrud's Lefse offering home-made style Norwegian potato lefse. People come from all over to tour their unique operation and sample lefse hot off the grill.

Otter is located in the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest in southeastern Montana. The Ashland Ranger District was originally known as the Otter Forest Reserve. The District offers a variety of topography, varying from rolling grasslands, to steep rock outcrops. Vegetation varies from prairie to dense stands of ponderosa pine and offer hunting, solitude, and a good opportunity for nature study as well as picnic and camping facilities.

Outlook located in the northeast corner of Montana is nine miles from Canada and about twenty-five from North Dakota. To the south is Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where thousands of migrating waterfowl make their summer home at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Great blue herons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, grebes and 12 different species of ducks share the prairie lake ecosystem.

Mountain meadows ablaze with wildflowers and mountain peaks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Scapegoat Wilderness as a backdrop greet the visitor to Ovando. A number of guides and outfitters in the area will take you into the wildlands, or several guest ranches offer accommodations. Fishing and birdwatching are excellent reasons to visit Browns Lake near Ovando. See eagles, loons, herons and pelicans, just to name a few.

Pablo was named for Michel Pablo, a Flathead Chief, rancher and stockman who, by raising bison, is one of the individuals responsible for saving the bison from extinction. Pablo is the headquarters for the Flathead Indian Reservation and lies at the base of the Mission Mountains south of Flathead Lake. Of special interest is the People's Center which tells the native story of traditions and culture of the tribes which has been passed down orally from generation to generation.

Paradise is located along the Clark Fork River. The river provides excellent fishing. The surrounding area offers boating at Flathead Lake State Park and camping in Thompson Falls State Park, or wildlife viewing at the National Bison Range. Take a dip in one of the hot springs located near Paradise or enjoy golfing or museums in the Flathead Lake area.

Park City is located along the Yellowstone River, which offers great fishing opportunities. Park City is also near Canyon Creek Battlefield Monument. The monumnet is located at the site of the battle between the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph and the U.S. Calvary led by Col. Samuel Sturgis. This battle took place on September 13, 1877. Here 125 warriors held off the cavalry enabling the rest of the band of 800 Nez Perce to continued their flight from Oregon to asylum in Canada.

Peerless, west of Scobey, was originally named Tande, according to one historian, but due to the popularity of Peerless Beer sold there people got into the habit of saying, "Let's go to Peerless," and this gave rise to the idea of changing the name. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) In Peerless, stop at Dutch Henry's Club. The place is a namesake of an outlaw who roamed these parts in the late 1800s. A display of photos on the walls tells quite a bit about the history of the surrounding area.

Pendroy is located 21 miles north of Choteau just east of U.S. Highway 89 on Secondary Highway 221 along the Rocky Mountain Front. This small farming community is in the heart of one of the best dryland grain-growing areas in Montana. Nearby Conrad offers the Transportation and Historical Museum with exhibits that transport you back in time to discover how the west was settled.

The 1890s mining town has been renovated into National Historic Business District. Quaint shops, walking or auto tours and guides into the ghost towns are available. Georgetown Lake is 10 miles from Philipsburg and offers a beautiful mountain setting, fishing, boating and camping. Try some prospecting at the Sapphire Gallery or visit the Granite County Museum and Mine Exhibit, home of the Ghost Town Hall of Fame. Located nearby is Discovery Ski Area with beautiful views and uncrowded slopes.

Pinesdale is nestled between the Bitterroot River and the Bitterroot Mountain Range. St. Mary's Mission and Fort Owen are two of Montana's earliest settlements, to the north. The Bitterroot Mountains form a rugged, glacier-carved border between Idaho and Montana. On both sides of this border is the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This 1.3-million-acre wilderness has peaks that rise up to 10,157 feet and over 1,490 miles of trails creating a haven for backpackers, hikers, stock users and outdoor adventurers alike.

The Plains-Paradise area is a beautiful area to visit. Explore over 2,500 miles of trails in the Lolo National Forest. Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Site offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view bighorn sheep grazing in a meadow. The peak viewing months are November and December but there's also a chance of seeing them October through May. At the viewing site, six interpretive signs describe the natural history of bighorn sheep, their habitat and the geology of this valley.

Plentywood is located in the Northeast corner of the state and has served as a trading post for the people living in that part of the state. At the site of present-day Plentywood, Sitting Bull and his Sioux people surrendered to the U. S. Army after living in Canada for five years. The Outlaw Trail crossed into Canada north of Plentywood. Rustlers moved their stolen cattle and horses along this passage across the border. Butch Cassidy named the trail and established a rest station in the Big Muddy Valley, west of Plentywood. This area was 'the Old West' legend.

Plevna is a small rural community founded in 1909 along the Milwaukee Railroad. Bulgarian railroad workers named the town after the city of Plevna in Bulgaria.

Polaris is a mining ghost town near Grasshopper Creek. Elkhorn Hot Springs is a nearby, year-round hot springs resort offering two outdoor hot mineral pools. Enjoy hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, plus downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain. A short drive from Polaris is Crystal Park, a unique recreation area at an elevation of 7,800 feet in the Pioneer Mountains. Crystal Park is open for day use and is great for rockhounding and picnicking.

Polebridge is at the northwestern edge of Glacier National Park. Today Polebridge consists of a scattering of houses, cabins, trailers and small ranches up and down North Fork Road. At the heart of the community is the unique and historic Polebridge Mercantile, a combination store, post office, gas station and a few rental cabins. The Northern Lights Saloon serves beer and meals beneath propane lights. At Home Ranch Bottoms you can join the locals for live music and huckleberry treats. 

Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation at the south end of Flathead Lake. This charming lakeside community is the center for one of Montana's most fertile farming areas and prime cherry growing region. The Flathead River that flows from Polson features whitewater rafting and Kerr Dam.

Pompeys Pillar is on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The town is named for the nearby rock outcropping, which is today Pompeys Pillar National Monument. The sandstone pillar rises 200 feet above the Yellowstone River 30 miles east of Billings. During his return trip, William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition climbed the Pillar and carved his signature and the date in the sandstone. It is the only site on the trail where visible evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition may be viewed by the public.

Pony, is located on the northeastern edge of the Tobacco Root Mountains. Originally, Pony was a prosperous gold-mining community with at least 5,000 residents. A number of historic buildings from Pony's boom era remain in the old town today. Nearby, Norris Hot Springs offers guests a soak in mineral water pouring from the earth's depths at 120 degrees. Not far from Pony is the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, featuring one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest.

Poplar is located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, and offers plenty of Indian culture. The reservation is home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. The Poplar Museum and Tribal Museum feature tribal history and artifacts.

Powderville is in the southeast corner of the state on the Powder River. The Powder River Historical Museum in nearby Broadus contains many valuable historical collections, including photos and books, Indian artifacts, old guns and ammunition, pre-1900 buggies, vintage autos, rebuilt engines, threshing machines, tractors and farm implements.

Located about 22 miles northwest of Great Falls on Interstate 15, the homestead community of Power now serves a thriving rural area of farmers, ranchers, businesses and commuters from Great Falls. To the west is Freezout Lake wildlife management area which is Montana's primary snow goose staging area, a place where as many as 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans gather and rest before flying onward each spring.

Pray is located along the Yellowstone River in the heart of Paradise Valley. Pray offers picturesque views of the Absaroka Mountain Range in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The area offers recreational opportunities such as river fishing, camping, rental cabins, hiking and much more. Pray is just a short drive from one of Montana's biggest attraction's Yellowstone National Park.

Proctor is located on the west shore of Flathead Lake in the Flathead National Forest. Outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful resorts abound in the area.

Pryor, south of Billings, takes its name from the creek and mountains, which were named by Lewis and Clark for Sgt. Nathaniel Pryor, a member of the expedition. Pryor is on the Crow Indian Reservation and is the site of the Chief Plenty Coups State Park. Plenty Coups, was the last of the great Crow War Chiefs. South of Pryor is the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range the first nationally designated area established to provide a home for free roaming wild horses. Today, approximately 120 wild horses roam the area along with bands of bighorn sheep, and mule deer.

Radersburg is located southwest of Townsend. Radersburg is an old mining town located near the Elkhorn Mountains offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. A popular trail west of Radersburg is Crow Creek Trail which follows the creek 3.5 miles into a beautiful waterfalls. Radersburg was the birthplace of Myrna Loy, a glamorous classic Hollywood star during the early years of film.

Rapelje is a small farming community about 25 miles north of Columbus between Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge and Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuge. Both are a part of the Big Lake Complex and the most productive areas in central Montana for waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge is a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Rapelje is home to Montana's original 24-hour endurance mountain bike race held on the weekend in June closest to the summer solstice.

Ravalli named for a Jesuit missionary to the Indians, Fr. Anthony Ravalli, who arrived in the Bitterroot Valley in 1845. Northwest of Ravalli is the National Bison Range. It was established in 1908 to support a population of American bison and is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. Ravalli is also near the St. Ignatius Mission, built in the early 1890s, this Catholic Church is unique because its walls and ceilings have 61 original paintings by Brother Joseph Carignano, S.J. on them.

Shaped by the Yellowstone River and sheltered by the Rims, Billings is a regional hub for commerce. Whether you're looking for bronco busting rodeo action or the relaxation of fishing or hunting, you'll be in good company around Billings. Watch Montana's wildlife by grabbing your binoculars and heading to the plains or hiking in the mountains that surround Billings. Use Billings as a central point to the best western attractions, events, hospitality, shopping and cuisine.

Known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies where five valleys converge. Missoula is a center for education, medicine, retail and the arts. Located at the base of Mount Sentinel and the banks of the Clark Fork River is The University of Montana. The 200-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to 12,000 students. Fly fishermen, rafters, kayakers and canoers thrive on the nearby waters.

Great Falls straddles the Missouri River and is known as the "Electric City" because of its numerous dams and power plants. Great Falls is a community with grand traditions, rich history and superb recreational and cultural amenities for the entire family. When you visit, take a moment and remember to reflect on the fact that you're walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, the Blackfeet Indians, the buffalo and the grizzly bear.

Bozeman is called “the most livable place” for good reason. Enjoy world-renowned fly fishing, dramatic mountains for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hunting, and backcountry exploring, Yellowstone National Park, and impressive wildlife. When you are ready for a more city experience, dive into Bozeman’s thriving arts and culture communities, ranging from main street festivals, farmers markets, cultural centers and museums to symphonies, theaters, and art galleries.

One and a half centuries ago, Helena became the "Queen City of the Rockies" with the boom brought on by the 1864 gold strike. Helena grew along Last Chance Gulch and in 1875 became the Montana territorial capital. Today the state capital’s grand architecture, numerous museums and historic sites offer a real glimpse into the rich and deep history of the city. Helena also boasts a vibrant cultural center with a busy event calendar, eclectic shopping, art galleries, terrific local bands, great restaurants, local microbreweries, and an epic trail system. For more information, visit our Helena website at www.helenamt.com.

The Butte Hill and its huge copper deposits was once known as "the richest hill on earth." Today Butte's colorful history can be seen in its preserved Victorian uptown business district and stately mansions. The Butte Trolley tours historic sites in the summer. Activities and guided services for this area include ranch vacations, natural hot springs, hiking, boating, resort cabins, river floats, hunting, fishing, horseback rides, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.

Kalispell and the Flathead Valley are home to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, championship golf courses, two ski resorts, unlimited trails for hiking and lakes and streams for fishing, outstanding arts and culture, charming small towns and warm western hospitality. To plan your next Kalispell vacation visit www.discoverkalispell.com.

Belgrade has established itself as an independent community with excellent services and the unbeatable experience of a small town. Located in the center of the Gallatin Valley, Belgrade is just minutes away from many of Montana's major attractions including Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone National Park, and many more!

Havre is a rural agricultural community located on Highway 2 in North Central Montana. This area of mountains and plains offers a year-round retreat for nature lovers, recreation enthusiasts and history buffs. Besides recreation, Havre is also rich in cultural attractions ranging from concerts, live theater, museums, shops, galleries, numerous sporting activities and events.

Livingston is the historic train town from the late 1880's that will keep you coming back. Livingston was the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park” now it’s where adventure, beautiful scenery and authentic friendly folk await you at the edge of the Yellowstone River. The town is surrounded by four beautiful wild mountain ranges that offer an abundance of outdoor activities year round. Whether it’s fly fishing, dogsledding or cross-country skiing, horseback riding, river rafting or just taking it easy at our many museums, art galleries and restaurants we have it here in Livingston.

Named one of the "Top 25 Ski Towns in the World" by National Geographic, Whitefish is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and at the base of Big Mountain-home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. A short jaunt to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a year-round destination with plentiful attractions and a mixed array of shops, coffee houses, restaurants, accommodations. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, boating and live professional theater, as well as stellar dining. Amtrak's Empire Builder stops daily in Whitefish, while Glacier Park International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

Steeped in Western history, Miles City remains a true Western town. Vast stretches of plains and badlands branch out in all directions. The Yellowstone and Tongue rivers flow unblemished in long sections. Once the horse trading and livestock center of the country, Miles City still has weekly livestock auctions and, once a year, puts on the Bucking Horse Sale for rodeo stock buyers and breeders.

Located on the famous Yellowstone River and only a short drive to blue-ribbon trout fishing, skiing, hunting, camping, horseback riding and national forest access, Laurel is the perfect starting point for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. There is a rich history that lends itself to Laurel. Riverside Park located south of the Yellowstone River bridge was the site of the German Prisoner of War Camp during World War II and the town is rich with railroad history.

Situated on the Yellowstone River, Sidney is the center of trade for the area. Oil and agriculture are the main industries, and crops include grains, sugar beets, corn, beans and hay. The Sidney area offers excellent fishing for many warm-water species, including the huge prehistoric paddlefish. You can also hunt for agates along the Yellowstone, or hunt big game, waterfowl and upland birds. Straddling the North Dakota-Montana border nearby is the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Humbled by the towering Pintlers, nestled in a mile high valley in the Deer Lodge National Forest, Anaconda presents unsurpassed recreational opportunity just outside town, in any direction. The town sprang up when the giant Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Butte needed a smelter for its vast amounts of copper ore. Smelting operations were suspended in 1980, but "The Stack" remains an important landmark and state park.

Lewistown is an agricultural community located at the geographic center of Montana in the vast Judith Basin. The town features many well-preserved historic businesses and homes. Although mostly rolling prairie, farms and ranches, the Lewistown area features five beautiful mountain ranges, the Snowies, the Judiths, the Moccasins, the Belts, and the Highwoods from which grand 100-mile vistas stretch out below. Picturesque landscapes, mountain terrain, and small quiet towns typify the area.

Nestled in the Northeast corner of the spectacular Flathead Valley lies a community which boasts Montana hospitality and family fun like no other, Columbia Falls. With a central location just minutes from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, numerous golf courses, and the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, you’ll find year round attractions, accommodations, and dining with honest Montana flavor and value.

Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation at the south end of Flathead Lake. This charming lakeside community is the center for one of Montana's most fertile farming areas and prime cherry growing region. The Flathead River that flows from Polson features whitewater rafting and Kerr Dam.

Bigfork has been distinctly honored with designations in the following publications: The 50 Great Towns in the West, 100 Best Small Art Towns, The Great Towns of America and National Geographic Guide to Small Towns Escapes. Bigfork is an exceptionally lovely, upscale, year-round resort village that is brimming with art galleries, fine restaurants, golf, high-end boutiques and live theater.

The town of Hamilton is the central trade area for hundreds of small farms, ranches and orchards that fill the valley. Hamilton is home to the Daly Mansion built in the late 1800s for Marcus Daly, one of Montana's colorful "Copper Kings." Ravalli County Museum is located in the original Ravalli County Courthouse built in 1900. Saved from the wrecker's ball in 1979, it is now listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings and considered one of the finest museums for a town of this size.

Glendive is tucked between the badlands and the Yellowstone River, and is considered the hub city of the rich inland agricultural area of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Makoshika State Park, one of the most impressive badlands areas in America, borders the southern edge of Glendive. It is not only attractive with its highly unusual rock formations, but is a virtual warehouse of prehistoric fossils, mineral specimens and dinosaur bones.

Lolo is near the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass. Located at a historic and contemporary crossroads, Travelers' Rest State Park is a place where visitors can say with certainty that they are walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The nearby creek was originally called Travelers' Rest Creek because men using the trail found it an ideal spot to stop, rest, hunt and repair their gear before tackling the trip over the pass. The natural hot water springs also helped make it a favorite stop.

Dillon is situated in a sweeping valley into which the Ruby, Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers drain. Beaverhead River is a blue-ribbon trout stream that's a favorite for expert fly fishermen. There are several museums in Dillon devoted to preserving local history. Bannack State Park is located just southwest of Dillon. It is a registered historic landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. Over 50 buildings line Main Street recalling Montana's formative years.

Hardin is situated on the banks of the Bighorn River and the edge of the Crow Indian Reservation. The Bighorn Canyon and Dam allow a majestic view of the water below. The reservation offers two mountain ranges, the rugged Pryor and Bighorn Mountains, with rolling hills and semi-arid plains surrounding the peaks. The town is surrounded by productive ranches and farms, including the largest wheat farm in the world. Coal mining has also contributed greatly to the local economy.

Glasgow was established in the late 1800s as a railroad town. While in Glasgow, visit the Valley County Pioneer Museum showcasing fossils, Indian artifacts, railroad, early business, aviation and wildlife collections. The Glasgow area is full of scenic rolling plains and open farmland. Many roads lead to Fort Peck Lake through the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Bugling elk, herds of mule deer, red fox and coyotes call this place home.

Shelby, once a cattle town, is now home to oil and agriculture. Located on I-15 and U.S. Hwy 2, this town hosted the World Heavyweight Championship fight between Dempsey and Gibbons in 1923. Today, the local museum features area history, homesteading items and a dinosaur collection. Nearby, the Sweet Grass Hills offer hiking and wildlife viewing of deer, antelope, elk, foxes, golden eagles and grouse. North of town, Lake Shel-oole offers camping and outdoor recreation. Be sure to stop at the Carousel Rest Area Shelby. Featuring a restored 1936 merry-go-round with 900 lights and hand-painted animals, the carousel is a labor of love completed by the Shelby community in 2018.

The cultural diversity and richness that makes Cut Bank a special place to visit is highlighted by the proximity of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Blackfeet Tribe is arguably one of America's most culturally intact native populations. The area is also home to five active Hutterite colonies. Steeped in centuries-old Germanic tradition, a visit to any one of these colonies is a step back in time. The Glacier County Museum preserves and educates visitors about the area's people and history.

Deer Lodge Valley is a meadowland surrounded on the east and the west by mountain ranges. More museums and historical collections can be found here than in any other town in the Northwest. Deer Lodge's 1,500-acre Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site illustrates the development of the northern plains cattle industry from the 1850s to recent times. This was the headquarters of one of the largest and best known 19th-century range ranches in the country.

Libby lies in the northwest corner of Montana in a valley carved by the Kootenai River on the flank of the majestic Cabinet Mountain Range. Libby is surrounded by lakes, trails, campsites, fishing areas and scenic drives. For outdoor enthusiasts fishing the blue-ribbon Kootenai River or boating on Lake Koocanusa are always great pastimes. The Kootenai National Forest offers over two million acres of forest for hiking, camping and backpacking, miles of streams and trails, and numerous lakes.

Montana City located five miles south of Helena was once a thriving gold camp located along Great Northern railroad. The lure of the discovery of gold in Helena at Last Chance Gulch was the same that attracted miners and prospectors to settle in Montana City. As hopes for fortune declined the once bustling placer mining camp dwindled. Montana City began to redevelop and today is a outlying suburban community of Helena.

This area is famous for entertaining tourists who come to visit the Flathead area and Glacier National Park. The Lakeside-Somers communities line the shores of Flathead Lake for a span of 15 miles along U.S. Highway 93, some two hours north of Missoula and 15 minutes south of the regional shopping area of Kalispell.

Wolf Point is a county seat in the northeastern part of the state where Wolf Creek flows into the Missouri River and is part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The Fort Peck reservation is home to the Dakota-Lakota-Nakota (Sioux) and Dakota (Assiniboine) nations. Today, Wolf Point is a trade point for local farmers and ranchers and a center for the Sioux and Assiniboine. Montana's oldest pro-rodeo, the Wild Horse Stampede, is held every 2nd weekend in July. Wadopana Pow-wow is the oldest traditional pow-wow in Montana. The celebration is always the first weekend of August.

Conrad has been the site of a number of industries but farming, ranching, oil production and tourism provide the main stays of its economy. The nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness, deep in the Rockies, is one of the last primitive areas for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. Bird watching and hunting are excellent near Conrad. Lakes and grain fields draw numerous species of song and game birds.

Nestled in Montana’s magnificent Beartooth Mountains and surrounded by Custer Gallatin National Forest, Red Lodge delivers access to world-class outdoor recreation and adventure. Throughout the historic downtown, enjoy locally owned shops,exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences and plenty of accommodations, events and entertainment.

The scenic community of Big Sky nestles high in mountain meadows, surrounded by timberland, the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area and the Gallatin National Forest. Majestic 11,166-foot Lone Mountain towers over the paradise, where in 1969, Chet Huntley, the late newscaster, and a group of corporate investors purchased some ranchland which was later developed into Big Sky Resort. This lively village is a year-round playground for outdoor recreationists.

The friendly community of Townsend anchors the southern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in the heart of great hunting and fishing country. Self-guided tours through historic mining and scenic areas in the Elkhorn and Big Belt mountains invites one to explore this agricultural community that teems with recreation opportunities.

Flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, the small, historic town of Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley offers beautiful views and outdoor recreation. For an overview of area history, visit the Stevensville Museum or tour St. Mary's Mission, "where Montana began." For wildlife and photographic opportunities, take the interpretive trails of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, where osprey, Canada geese, bald eagles, coyotes, marmots, muskrats, minks and whitetail deer live.

Colstrip is known as the "energy capital of Montana" and was born in 1924 when the Northern Pacific Railroad started mining coal nearby to fuel their steam locomotives. Today, Colstrip is a quiet, closely knit community with over 2,000 citizens and 22 parks. The Schoolhouse History and Art Center, the town's original schoolhouse built in 1924, now serves as the visitor center, an art gallery and also provides tours of the coal mine from May to October.

Years ago families from the Netherlands moved in to grow barley for malters near the new little town of Manhattan, named by a group of New York City investors who operated the Manhattan Malting Company. They settled together in a tightly knit society that flourishes today. Today Manhattan's most productive industries are seed potatoes, dairy and wheat farms, commercial beef, registered cattle, and some unique cottage businesses such as food specialties, woodcarving, artisans and antiques.

Crow Agency is the headquarters of the Crow Indian Reservation and is close to the Bighorn Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The battlefield includes visitor center, museum, Custer National Cemetery, 7th Cavalry Memorial and Reno-Benteen Battlefield. The battle is reenacted each June. Crow Agency becomes the 'teepee capital of the world' in mid-August during the Crow Fair celebration.

Situated just off I-90, this small town offers big outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby Missouri Headwaters State Park preservers the historic place where Lewis and Clark discovered the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers creating the headwaters of the 2,300 Missouri River. Campground, hiking trails, fishing and floating are here. Other area state parks that offer further exploration include the Madison Buffalo Jump and the Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Eureka was known as the Tobacco Plains and was originally home to the Kootenai Indians. The area offers scenic treasures tucked away in Montana's northwest corner. Tobacco River Campground is located adjacent to the Tobacco River in a natural forested area. It is also in the vicinity of 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa and The Hoodoos, a limestone formation found in an adjoining bay off the lake. Ten Lakes Scenic Area treats visitors to mountain drives, pristine lakes and abundant fishing.

Roundup is nestled in the valley near the Musselshell River near the Bull Mountains. It has long been renowned for its natural geographic design for rounding up livestock. One of the town's highlights is the annual Roundup Cattle Drive. The drive is the western adventure of a lifetime. Besides being fun, you learn what farming and ranching operations are all about.

Ronan offers a wealth of resources and enjoyment with the beauty of the Mission Mountain and various sources of fishing and wildlife habitat. Ronan's Mission Mountain County Visitor's Center is a community project serving summer visitors to the Mission Valley. Hiking in the Mission Mountain Wilderness Area by permit, touring the National Bison Range, picnicking in the city park, enjoying the Garden of the Rockies Museum and sightseeing along the Flathead River are among the many attractions.

Lame Deer is between Broadus and Hardin on Deer Creek and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Lame Deer is the tribal and government agency headquarters for the Reservation. The St. Labre Mission and Cheyenne Indian Museum feature Plains Indian artifacts and a documentary film on the Saint Labre school. The premier event of the Northern Cheyenne is the annual Fourth of July Celebration in Lame Deer, the largest pow-wow held on the reservation.

This full-service community in the foothills of the Beartooths boasts the most scenic route to Yellowstone National Park via the Beartooth Pass. Located at the confluence of the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers, Columbus offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Visit the Museum of the Beartooths for an understanding of area history, including artifacts of the Rosebud River Crow Indians, Northern Pacific Railroad memorabilia and World War II history.

Famous for our wide-open spaces and diversity in landscape, we offer a variety of wildlife and cultural history. This area is much the way Lewis and Clark found it in 1805. Malta hosts the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge (including the western portion of Fort Peck Lake) and Bowdoin Bird Refuge, which offer opportunities for deer, antelope, elk and upland game bird viewing and hunting. Malta is one of the notable stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail with two excellent facilities on the trail.

East Helena was named for its location in relation to Helena. In 1888, a large lead smelter was built and operated until 2001. East Helena grew up around that enterprise. For over a century, the smelter processed 70,000 tons of lead bullion a year, and provided a livelihood for thousands of families. Nearby East Helena abounds with recreation opportunities on Holter, Hauser, and Canyon Ferry Lakes, which were all created by dams on the Missouri River.

Pablo was named for Michel Pablo, a Flathead Chief, rancher and stockman who, by raising bison, is one of the individuals responsible for saving the bison from extinction. Pablo is the headquarters for the Flathead Indian Reservation and lies at the base of the Mission Mountains south of Flathead Lake. Of special interest is the People's Center which tells the native story of traditions and culture of the tribes which has been passed down orally from generation to generation.

The area was a famous silver camp in the late nineteenth century and the ore from the Clancy district was so rich that even after it was hauled by bull team to Fort Benton and shipped by river and ocean to Swansea, Wales, for smelting, it still netted profit. While in town visit the Jefferson County Museum which holds two large galleries; one focusing on area history while the other holds traveling exhibits.

Millions of years ago the area around Choteau was used by dinosaurs as a breeding ground. Paleontologists have put together pieces from excavated eggs and bones. Egg Mountain is 12 miles to the west of Choteau. It is the site that has yielded more information about dinosaur biology during the Cretaceous period than any other paleontology dig in the world. Area opportunities include: camping, swimming, hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, shopping, golf, and dinosaur digging.

Forsyth is nestled below a rim of rough badlands along the banks of the Yellowstone River. Enthusiastic agate hunters visit the Yellowstone River banks each year in search of Montana agates. The Yellowstone River is also popular for boating and fishing.

Plentywood is located in the Northeast corner of the state and has served as a trading post for the people living in that part of the state. At the site of present-day Plentywood, Sitting Bull and his Sioux people surrendered to the U. S. Army after living in Canada for five years. The Outlaw Trail crossed into Canada north of Plentywood. Rustlers moved their stolen cattle and horses along this passage across the border. Butch Cassidy named the trail and established a rest station in the Big Muddy Valley, west of Plentywood. This area was 'the Old West' legend.

About 16 miles northwest of Missoula is Frenchtown, a community founded years ago by French Canadian settlers. Situated along the Clark Fork River in a valley called qua elth-meaning state of tranquility-by American Indians, Frenchtown is home to Frenchtown State Park, a five-acre spring-fed lake that's home to a variety of fish. The park is local favorite for water recreation.

Thompson Falls is a friendly town nestled in a quiet valley along the beautiful Clark Fork River. Millions of acres of national forest offer recreational possibilities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping and hunting. Winter provides backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. Sightseeing adventures include old growth timber, wildflowers, waterfalls, mountain lakes, creeks, rivers and wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears and many varieties of birds.

Baker offers a variety of year round activities including: fishing at Baker Lake; hunting for deer, antelope, pheasants, wild turkeys and rabbits; snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Big Timber is a successful agricultural area, with strong community bonds. The beautiful Crazy Mountains provide a perfect backdrop for all types of outdoor recreation, photography and scenic drives. Big Timber is the gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and has some of the best blue-ribbon trout fishing in the state.

Fort Benton is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, because of the importance it played as the head of navigation on the Missouri River and the opening of the northwest and western Canada. Walk along the steamboat levee and the part of the town once known as the bloodiest block in the West. View the ruins of Historic Fort Benton, which is currently under archaeological study and in the process of being reconstructed.

The town's name comes from an Indian word meaning "warm wind," and it's this wind, melting the snow in January and February, that makes it possible for cattle to reach the rich bunchgrass and survive. While in town visit the Blaine County Museum featuring area history and artifacts. The Bear Paw Battlefield is the site of the last major Indian battle in the U.S. and is located just 16 miles south of Chinook. It is one of Montana's three units of the Nez Perce Historic Park.

This small, fun-filled town is a mecca for year-round outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Summer finds visitors fly fishing, river rafting, mountain biking, trail rides and hiking while those in the winter come to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and touring snowcoaches. Wildlife watching is a year-round activity, while great shopping can be found along the boardwalks.

Corvallis is located in the "heart of the valley" between magnificent Bitterroot Mountains and the Sapphire Range south of Missoula. Nearby, Teller Wildlife Refuge sprawls out along over 4 miles of the Bitterroot River, comprising of farmland and river bottom dedicated to the conservation of western Montana's finest native riparian habitat.

Seeley Lake, flanked by the Mission and Swan mountain ranges, is situated on one of Montana most scenic drives, Hwy 83. During spring, summer and autumn, enjoy birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, canoeing, boating, hiking and golfing. Mountain bikers can explore hundreds of miles of roads and trails, which become a world-class cross-country ski trail system in winter. Snowmobilers can explore over 350 miles of groomed trails. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of this wonderland year-round.

Boulder was named for the massive stones strewn about the valley. Visit nearby Elkhorn State Park for excellent examples of frontier architecture. This ghost town stands as a reminder of Montana's 1880s silver boom. Enjoy hiking and picnicking in this area. Boulder Hot Springs, located three miles south of Boulder, began in 1883 as a 52-room resort and spa for the wealthy families in Helena and Butte. Renovated and redesigned, the hot springs offers geothermal pools for soaking and swimming.

Located on the north shore of Flathead Lake, Somers is a gateway to recreation on and around the lake including sailing, boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. In the mountains nearby, downhill skiing at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is affordable and family friendly, while cross-country skiing on Blacktail Mountain offers spectacular views of Flathead Lake and Valley and four mountain ranges.

Whitehall sits in the heart of the Deerlodge National Forest. Nearby recreation includes hiking, backpacking, hunting, biking, boating and swimming. There are numerous snowmobile trails for winter riding and summer trail rides. Fish the Jefferson or Boulder River, stop at the city park for swimming and playground or take an underground tour at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.

Marion is southwest of Kalispell on Little Bitterroot Lake. When Lewis Kelsey moved his sawmill from Somers to Marion in the early 1900s, timber became an important part of the local economy. Today, visitors can enjoy the recreational opportunities found on Little Bitterroot Lake or at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. The habitat diversity of the refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife species. At least 14 species of migratory and breeding waterfowl utilize the wetland areas.

Full of western flavor and small town appeal, this town welcomes visitors with mineralized hot springs, for which the town was named. It is the gateway to fishing on the Smith River (by permit only), home to "the Castle" mansion and the weathered homes and outbuildings of the ghost town of Castle. This community sits in the heart of excellent hunting country and is an anchor community for the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, a 71-mile picturesque drive.

Gallatin Gateway is twelve miles southwest of Bozeman on the Gallatin River. It is located at the mouth of the canyon on the road leading to Yellowstone National Park. Located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Gallatin Gateway, visitors can enjoy Spire Rock Campground and Spanish Creek Picnic Area. From the Spanish Creek parking area there are many options for ski routes into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Kirk Wildlife Refuge provides fishing access along the Gallatin River.

The Plains-Paradise area is a beautiful area to visit. Explore over 2,500 miles of trails in the Lolo National Forest. Koo-Koo-Sint Bighorn Sheep Viewing Site offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view bighorn sheep grazing in a meadow. The peak viewing months are November and December but there's also a chance of seeing them October through May. At the viewing site, six interpretive signs describe the natural history of bighorn sheep, their habitat and the geology of this valley.

Harlowton is the home of Montana's largest wind farm which is, at times, the highest producing facility in the U.S. The Judith Gap Wind Energy Center is located midway between Harlowton and Judith Gap. Constructed by Invenergy Services in 2005, the 90-tower wind farm has annual output around 450,000 megawatts. A turnout with informative kiosks on Highway 191 is under construction.

Pray is located along the Yellowstone River in the heart of Paradise Valley. Pray offers picturesque views of the Absaroka Mountain Range in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The area offers recreational opportunities such as river fishing, camping, rental cabins, hiking and much more. Pray is just a short drive from one of Montana's biggest attraction's Yellowstone National Park.

The 1890s mining town has been renovated into National Historic Business District. Quaint shops, walking or auto tours and guides into the ghost towns are available. Georgetown Lake is 10 miles from Philipsburg and offers a beautiful mountain setting, fishing, boating and camping. Try some prospecting at the Sapphire Gallery or visit the Granite County Museum and Mine Exhibit, home of the Ghost Town Hall of Fame. Located nearby is Discovery Ski Area with beautiful views and uncrowded slopes.

Absarokee is a scenic, small community serving as a gateway to fishing, hiking, camping and outdoor exploration along the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers and the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

The small town of Superior offers a break from I-90 travel and an introduction to area history at the local museum. The St. Regis-Paradise Scenic Byway is also an alternate route for travelers on I-90. This scenic route travels past spacious, rolling flats to steep canyon walls winding through nearby mountains and serves as a route to the National Bison Range. Spectacular scenery, plentiful wildlife and many recreational opportunities in the area make it a destination itself.

Nine miles east of Florence is Threemile Wildlife Management area, which encompasses 6,059 acres. The area is great for hunting, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and mountain biking during the summer. Here you are most likely to observe songbirds and raptors commonly found in upland grasslands and ponderosa pine forests, but visitors sometimes spot elk here as well.

Browning is the headquarters for the 1.5 million-acre Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Blackfeet Indians are Montana's largest Indian tribe. The main attraction is the Museum of the Plains Indian, near the intersection of US Highways 2 and 89. A comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts and exhibits is displayed at the museum. Another attraction, The Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery, offers a wide variety of arts, crafts and jewelry. Browning is located near the eastern edge of Glacier National Park.

Vaughn, located on Highway 89 and I-15, just north of Great Falls, provides access to many public fishing and floating areas. It is also near Freezout Lake Wildlife Refuge and Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge which supports a great variety of water birds both nesting and migration habitat. In the spring and fall, as many as 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans gather and rest before flying onward for the season.

Hays located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation on the edge of the Little Rocky Mountains. The Hays Pow Wow is one of the area's finest outdoor celebrations. It features a whole weekend full of dancing and singing by natives from throughout the United States and Canada.

Ashland is division headquarters for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and its possible the name comes from the abundance of ash trees. A historical buffalo jump, burial sites of Indian chiefs, Custer's last camp before the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the Cheyenne Indian Museum, Ten Bears Gallery, Saint Labre Indian School and the Ashland Powwow are of special interest in the Ashland area.

Named for a Flathead Indian chief and nestled in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, Victor offers endless recreational opportunities. Two mountain ranges, 1.6 million acres of National Forest and miles of fishing on the famous Bitterroot River invite you to explore the outdoors. Nearby, explore local history in museums, tour a mansion, see Native American exhibits and watch birds and wildlife at nearby public and private refuges.

Park City is located along the Yellowstone River, which offers great fishing opportunities. Park City is also near Canyon Creek Battlefield Monument. The monumnet is located at the site of the battle between the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph and the U.S. Calvary led by Col. Samuel Sturgis. This battle took place on September 13, 1877. Here 125 warriors held off the cavalry enabling the rest of the band of 800 Nez Perce to continued their flight from Oregon to asylum in Canada.

Nestled in the heart of the valley at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, lies the friendly town of Fairview. Fairview is the sugar beet capital of both Montana and North Dakota, and a large part of its irrigated farmland is devoted to growing sugar beets. As Montana's eastern-most town it has the unique feature of two states meeting on Interstate Avenue, more commonly known to residents as State Street. Part of the town lies in North Dakota, while the majority is in Montana.

Troy, the lowest point in Montana at 1,892 feet above sea level, is located on the banks of the Kootenai River, at the base of the Cabinet and Purcell Mountains. Take the easy to walk nature trail at Ross Creek Scenic Area, home to a grove of giant, ancient western red cedars, 500 years old and up to 12 feet in diameter. Nearby the lakes and rivers are full of salmon, bass and trout, the forests teem with elk, moose and bighorn sheep and bald eagles and osprey soar overhead.

Clinton is an old mining and lumber town. Near Clinton, Beavertail Hill State Park has one-half mile of Clark Fork frontage that provides fishing and floating opportunities. Camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing are also popular here.

Harlem is located just north of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation between Havre and Malta. Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. Guided tours are available to Snake Butte, Mission Canyon, Bear Gulch and St. Paul's Mission. Annual events include Milk River Indian Days and Hays' Powwow and Fair, both in July featuring dancing, singing, and hand drum contests by natives from throughout the United States and Canada.

Ulm, southwest of Great Falls, off of I-15, is a small community that is host to what is believed to be one of the largest buffalo kill sites in the United States. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park (formerly known as Ulm Pishkun)includes interpretive trails and a visitor center. Ulm also provides fishing and floating access to the Missouri and Smith Rivers and is near the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge which supports a variety of water birds with both nesting and migration habitat.

Wildlife, dramatic scenery and year-round recreation await you in Lincoln. It's the gateway to the wilderness and a place where the wildlife come right into town. The Continental Divide bisects this region and gives you the best on both sides: the Sun River Canyon on the east slope and the beautiful Blackfoot Valley on the west. Lincoln is a paradise for snowmobilers, with trails starting right in town.

Trego, a small community between Eureka and Whitefish is located right in between the Tobacco River and Dickey Lake. The lake has camping and day use areas, a boat launch, fishing and excellent opportunities for waterfowl and wildlife viewing. Dickey Lake-Mt. Marston Trail offers a day hike to Mt. Marston that is fairly gradual and winds over forested ridges. In the fall, big game hunting is popular, while snowmobiling the Grave Creek Trail and Ten Lakes Scenic Area is a winter adventure.

Pinesdale is nestled between the Bitterroot River and the Bitterroot Mountain Range. St. Mary's Mission and Fort Owen are two of Montana's earliest settlements, to the north. The Bitterroot Mountains form a rugged, glacier-carved border between Idaho and Montana. On both sides of this border is the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This 1.3-million-acre wilderness has peaks that rise up to 10,157 feet and over 1,490 miles of trails creating a haven for backpackers, hikers, stock users and outdoor adventurers alike.

Big Sandy is a small farming community near the beautiful Bear Paw Mountains off US Highway 87. While there, visit the Big Sandy Historical Museum, which is located in the old Great Northern Railroad depot and see the largest collection of early pioneer photographs in Chouteau County. Be sure to visit the old jailhouse and tourist center as well. Lonesome Lake northwest of town offers great wildlife viewing opportunities.

Located in the heart of grain and cattle country, Scobey is the home of the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town. It is also home to animals and birds of all sizes. Big game and bird hunters from all over the world flock to eastern Montana seeking the whitetail and mule deer, antelope, pheasants, grouse, ducks and geese. Whether you're hunting, fishing or sightseeing, enjoy the wide open spaces in Daniels County's rolling prairies and farmland.

Gardiner sits in the breathtaking Paradise Valley, with the Yellowstone River running right through town. Enjoy outdoor adventures on the river and in the nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest. Discover the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Spot wildlife on the outskirts, and visit local shops and eateries in the historic downtown.

Sheridan is located in the fertile Ruby Valley near the Ruby River and is near the Tobacco Root Mountains. The area surrounding Sheridan offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing in nearby blue ribbon trout streams, hunting and many other great outdoor activities. Nearby, explore Virginia and Nevada City, authentic Old West towns featuring over 150 buildings from the gold rush of the 1860's.

Fairfield is the Malting Barley Capital of the World, a trade center for the farming community. It offers a scenic 9-hole golf course at Harvest Hills Golf Course, with the Rocky Mountain Front and spectacular sunsets as a backdrop. Nearby Freezeout Lake is Montana's primary snow goose staging area, a place where as many as 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans gather in the spring and rest before flying onward.

Chester offers plenty of recreation in this northern town with an elevation of 3,283 feet. Lake Elwell and Tiber Dam, located on the Marias River, offer camping, boating and fishing opportunities. While in town explore the Liberty County Museum and Liberty Village Arts Center and Gallery for area history and culture. If recreation is on your mind, camping, boating and fishing can be found at nearby Lake Elwell.

Wibaux, located in eastern Montana on I-94, serves as a gateway to Montana due to its friendly, western heritage with a colorful history and a charming commercial historic district. Its unique blend of badlands and rolling hills offers fine photography and hunting for mule deer, whitetail deer and antelope, while upland game birds are also plentiful.

Hungry Horse is at the edge of the lake formed by Hungry Horse Dam. It is a stone's throw away from Glacier National Park's west entrance. Completed in 1953, Hungry Horse Dam is Montana's highest dam at 564 feet and the eleventh largest concrete dam in the U.S. The visitor center is located at the dam where guided tours begin. The dam and reservoir are surrounded by spectacular mountains, offering excellent fishing and hiking in the immediate area.

Walkerville, a historic district adjacent to Butte, was named for the Walker Brothers of Salt Lake City, Utah, who owned and operated the Alice Mine at Walkerville. Walkerville was home to some of the earliest mining sites in the area. Copper and silver were most commonly mined. Present day Old Lexington Stamp Mill and Gardens marks the site of Butte's first smelter. The major features remaining at the Lexington include the steel headframe over the shaft, the hoist house, and a steel idler tower.

Poplar is located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, and offers plenty of Indian culture. The reservation is home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. The Poplar Museum and Tribal Museum feature tribal history and artifacts.

This small community offers many public fishing access places along the Missouri River. It is also a popular place to start floating trips down the river. Camping, hunting and hiking are nearby as well. Crown Butte Preserve is located about halfway between Cascade and Simms on a county road. You can take a day trip to the flat-topped buttes and hike up to the natural grasslands ecosystem on top of the butte about 1,000 feet above the surrounding northern great plains.