Learn History at Three Forts in Central Montana

If your Montana vacation dream includes learning history, plan some visits to these three old forts in Central Montana. Fort Assinniboine Fort Assinniboine sits tucked alongside US Hwy 87 about seven miles southwest of Havre. You can easily drive right past it, just noticing the compound of red brick buildings spread around rolling grasslands. A historic marker is at a highway pullout giving a brief history but the guided tour is the real gem. Our … Read more

Four Indoor Activities to Experience While Traveling in Central Montana

Bright sunshine, warm temps and long and leisurely summer days are what we look forward to all year. Sometimes though it’s great to take a break, get indoors and explore. Here are four fun indoor activities in four different communities in Central Montana. Carousel Rest Area of Shelby Located on US Hwy 2, this carousel, technically the Carousel Rest Area of Shelby, is great for the kiddos, and adults come away with some pretty big … Read more

Epic Country Drive in Central Montana – Over the Bear Paw Mountains, Into the Upper Missouri Breaks

History, mountains, rugged river breaks, a national monument and a ferry ride – this drive covers all of these and it is beyond epic! It was a sunny Saturday morning and we had a yearning for some quiet county back roads and amazingly diverse scenery – that’s all it took to stir up excitement for this drive. My first advice – this is a seasonal drive and definitely a no-go when roads are muddy or … Read more

Highlights of the Hi-Line in Central Montana

We’ve heard it called quirky, iconic, historic, scenic, and a step back in time. Those monikers all describe US Hwy 2 as it stretches across Montana for about 650 miles. Locals call it Montana’s Hi-Line since it’s the northernmost route traversing the state from east to west. We call it an interesting and fun drive. Let’s talk about some of the gems along US Hwy 2 in Central Montana. On our western edge, travelers are … Read more

Sleep in a Real Homestead Cabin in Central Montana

A family connection to homesteading led me to do some research about it. Both my maternal grandfather and grandmother filed and proved up on homestead claims in Montana. I found homestead cabins that you can rent by the night at the little town of Virgelle, Montana and knew I had to book a visit. But first, here’s some history of how homesteading came to be in the United States. There were two homestead acts that … Read more

Walk in the Corps of Discovery’s Footsteps at Tower Rock State Park

The time – 215 years ago – when the Lewis & Clark Expedition was at the location we now call Tower Rock State Park. This easily accessible and incredibly scenic location was where Meriwether Lewis climbed to the top of this volcanic rock, looked back and noted in his journal that he saw a “most pleasing view of the country they were about to leave”. If he had any idea of what arduous terrain they … Read more

Waterfalls, Hot Springs and a Mountain Stream – Your Perfect Central Montana Weekend

Choose your weekend and begin exploring the diverse landscapes of Central Montana. This weekend suggestion will have you visiting a state park, doing your choice of activities – from hiking, fishing, floating, seeking out a waterfall, adding to your bird life-list and soaking in hot springs. Let’s start! We’ll begin by leaving Great Falls and driving east on a highway of many numbers – US Hwys 87 and 89 and MT Hwys 3 & 200 … Read more

Central Montana’s Missouri River Playground

Last week I enjoyed two vastly different sections of the Missouri River, one in a canoe, the other in a raft. I first strapped on my river shoes to slide a canoe into the water on the southwestern edge of Fort Benton. Mid September usually means low water and this year was no exception. The Bureau of Land Management has a convenient launch site but I’ll just say, we did not resemble eels gently slithering … Read more

Three Historic Hotels in Central Montana

Central Montana has three historic hotels, beautifully renovated, and they all share a varied history in their past. At times they all sat idle and mostly empty. Locals wondered if they would ever see their unique beauty again. Fort Benton’s Grand Union Hotel opened November 2, 1882. Steamboats traveling up the Missouri River docked in Fort Benton, unloading people and merchandise making the town a busy center of commerce. Sounds like a perfect location for a hotel! Fort Benton … Read more

Why Central Montana Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List This Year

20180202-Montana-Central-Bob Marshall Wilderness

Imagine a land where the towering Rocky Mountains meet the sweeping horizon of the Great Plains. Where vibrant modern life is interwoven with a rugged, storied history, and where seemingly endless recreational opportunities are balanced by moments of historical and cultural exploration. Tucked between Yellowstone National Park to the south and Glacier National Park to the northwest, Central Montana is an intersection of authentic Western culture, remarkable scenery, and rich history. Central Montana is an … Read more