Central Montana's Russell Country Travel Blog

Montana Fishing Season Opens

The third Saturday in May is when Montana's general fishing season opens. This year that was May 18. The general season closes November 30.Not to make things confusing, but, Montana's lakes and reservoirs are generally open year round.I was driving on I-15 this weekend and lamented the heavy cloud cover. Clouds br... [read more]

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Fun Antique Show in Collins, MT

Last weekend I wanted to go to an antique sale organized by the Virgelle Mercantile in Collins, Montana. I called a friend and her response was, "sure, where is Collins"? That's a typical response when people hear the name of the town.It really isn't a town any more. There is a sign for the Collins road off I-15 b... [read more]

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Bike Race to Eden

The Great Falls Bike Club sponsored a road race yesterday from Broadwater Bay in the center of Great Falls to the turn for the community of Eden south of Great Falls.The bike racers would ride approximately 26 miles. The super serious bike racers would do that twice because, well, they can. And they love to ride!I want... [read more]

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Traveling to Turner

Mention the town of Turner, Montana and some life-long Montana residents get a puzzled look on their face. The town's location is about 35 miles north of Harlem (US Hwy 2) and 12 miles south of the US/Canada border. The border crossing, named after the Saskatchewan town of Climax, helps bring Canadian tr... [read more]

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A Quick Tour of Brady

Last weekend I was waiting to meet someone who had a late start so I decided to take the Brady exit off I-15 that I always had planned to take one day when I had time. Yes, it took me several years to find the time!Our weather was pretty fickle that day - sunny skies one minute, clouds the next, followed by short-lived flur... [read more]

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Carter River Ferry In For the Season

This morning I got up early, packed my video camera and regular camera, and out the door I went. My destination - 5 miles beyond Carter, Montana, a small town about 25 miles north of Great Falls on US Hwy 87.It was dark when I left but the sun was about ready to turn in to a full blown sunrise and my camera was handy. I was not... [read more]

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I Do Love Coffee Shops

After a morning of birdwatching at Freezout Lake between Fairfield and Choteau, Montana I drove to Choteau and stopped at The Meeting Grounds cafe. It was chilly, heck, it was downright cold because I hadn't dressed right! A hot beverage was just what I needed. I'm not a coffee snob but I like to think I'm a coffee purist! I don... [read more]

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Birdwatching at Freezout Lake

Freezout Lake (almost looks like it is spelled wrong but that's correct!) between Fairfield (4 miles) and Choteau (7 miles) is the site of two major birding "events" - spring and fall snowgoose migrations. Tundra swans also are part of the two migrations.Freezout Lake straddles US Hwy 89 and the lake is reall... [read more]

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Made In Montana Marketplace Held In Great Falls

I look forward to the end of March each year when many Montana entrepreneurs head to Great Falls for the Made In Montana Marketplace.First of all, I am so impressed with the talent living in Montana! I saw everything from food - teas, jerky, cereal, spices, gluten free products...to CDs from local musicians, everything from cowb... [read more]

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Great Falls Wood Sculptor Tom Dean

Tom Dean, whose business is called Milo Creek Carvings, is a completely self-taught wood carver/sculptor residing in Great Falls, MT. I had a chance to visit with him at the C. M. Russell Museum during the recent sale and auction to benefit the museum.He uses exotic woods - I wouldn't have even tried to guess what kind of t... [read more]

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Powwow Season Began Last Weekend in Great Falls

The University of Great Falls held a traditional powwow last weekend on campus. It was their 32nd annual powwow and it was free to attend.A traditional powwow doesn't pay out competitive prize money but it offers dance specials. I stopped by to watch two things - the Tiny Tot dancers and a ceremony commemorating the canonization... [read more]

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Art Week Great Falls - Western Heritage Show Preview

Gosh, two art shows in one day and I'm exhausted. Hard to imagine how I'll hold up after visiting about a half dozen more!Tonight I went to the Great Falls Holiday Inn where the Western Heritage Art Show & Sale had their preview night. I actually went to this show twice tonight - the first time my camera battery died, darn... [read more]

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Art Week in Great Falls-First Stop TownHouse Inn

When the middle of March rolls around you can feel the pulse of the art world pick up mighty fast if you are in Great Falls, Montana.What began as a local art show named after the C. M. Russell Museum has turned in to a major draw. Hotels are filled with both art and people, other venues also have art shows and a... [read more]

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Art Museum Celebrates Birthday

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls held a fun and unique celebration last Friday - a birthday party for Dr. Seuss! All ages were welcome.Upright rectangular boxes were covered with white paper, then characters from Dr. Seuss books were drawn on them (someone's a good artist!). Kids of all ages could don an apron, g... [read more]

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First Friday Art Walk in Great Falls

The First Friday Art Walks in Great Falls, Montana have been a great success. Even on a wintry Friday evening people flock to visit with local artists and see their work.The artwalks are free - artists open their studios and galleries on a Friday night and many serve refreshments to visitors. Several featured locations are... [read more]

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It's Almost Art Week in Great Falls

Let's talk about Great Falls, Montana's version of March madness which is otherwise known as Art Week. It all began with a celebration of Charlie Russell's birthday which falls around the third weekend in March. An auction, art sale and birthday party were planned and it grew, and grew and grew! Festivities this y... [read more]

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Get Lost in Central Montana

Well, the statewide campaign is technically Get Lost anywhere in Montana! At first we were all a bit skeptical about telling people to Get Lost. Now, it's lots of fun to see the bumper stickers and other Get Lost swag as we are driving around the state.The campaign really was developed to urge Montanans to go out and explore the... [read more]

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Great Falls Artist Paints Reflections of the Missouri River

At the First Friday Artwalk this weekend I stopped in to Wrangler Gallery. I've been there before but it's been several months. Wow, was I ever impresed! Local art collector Brad Hamlett owns Wrangler Gallery which is located on Central Avenue in Downtown Great Falls, Montana. Sherry Gallagher, one of the artists who shows... [read more]

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Sharing Central Montana

Central Montana had a booth at the International Sportsmen's Expo in Denver, CO last week to tout the benefits of a visit to the tourism region.Initial estimates for attendance at the sportsmen show came in at around 40,000 - oh yeah, lots of people! Attendees were lined up each morning for the four-day show, waiting for do... [read more]

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Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals Held in Great Falls

The 34th Annual Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals wrapped up this afternoon after four performances of riding, roping and wrangling. Montana Expo Park in Great Falls was the site of the action as it kicked off Friday night. Top cowboys (even Jesse Kruse, a world champion) drove big rigs in to town loaded with horses, saddles... [read more]

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Brian Morger's Art Gallery Opens

Downtown Great Falls has really seen a blossoming art scene the past couple of years with new studios and galleries opening. Brian Morger recently opened his studio and gallery at #6 7th Street North, just a few steps away from Central Avenue and across the street from the O'Haire Motor Inn. I stopped in last Frid... [read more]

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Nativity Sets on Display Until January 7

We have such a unique display in Great Falls - wish I would have written about it sooner when I first visited there a few weeks ago! Local Great Falls resident Carol Olthoff has collected nativity sets for many, many years. She has received them as gifts, purchased them and then sometimes she just "finds" them! Her hus... [read more]

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New Year's Day Hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

I set a goal New Year's day - get some Christmas decos taken down and put away, and then I hoped to get out to First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park in time for a "First Day" hike there. A national association of state parks had designated New Year's Day as a time to do a "First Day Hike". This year was the f... [read more]

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More Brews in Central Montana

The other day I had an interesting tour of The Front Brewing Company. They are located in what is called The Front Public House, adjacent to Faster Basset (great coffee, crepes and more). It was chilly outside - about 15 degrees above zero. As I walked in to The Front I felt the warmth and saw the glow of a huge double-side... [read more]

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Early Morning Waterfowl Hunt

I was out for an early morning drive recently, trying to capture a beautiful sunrise. I was successful at that and, as I was driving back to Great Falls along the Missouri River, I saw a couple of guys out waterfowl hunting. The first hunter I saw was a young guy wading in the chilly waters of the Mighty MO. Brrr! He looked... [read more]

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Montana Cattle Drive

Early yesterday morning I was pointing my car south of Great Falls on US Hwy 89. My destination was White Sulphur Springs, MT about 100 miles south. The drive is beautiful any time of year. US Hwy 89 from the junction of US 87 and US 89 (Armington rest area) to the junction of US Hwy 12 and 89 is designated the Kings Hill Scenic... [read more]

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X-C Ski Day at Silver Crest

Last Saturday was Silver Crest Trails Association's annual SnowFest at the Kings Hill Winter Recreation Area south of Neihart, Montana. And, what a fun day it was!I was basically trying to squeeze in several activities Saturday - early morning bird count, an hour's drive to the Kings Hill Winter Recreation Area, then a Broa... [read more]

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Annual Christmas Bird Count Underway

I admit, the first time I heard a friend refer to the CBC I was wondering if it was a new television network. Then, realizing her connection and devotion to bird watching, I carefully said hmmm...the CBC, is that something related to birds? Sure enough, CBC stands for the Christmas Bird Count. I've learned a lot about it since t... [read more]

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A-Strolling We Did Go

Friday night was the Christmas Stroll in downtown Great Falls. I debated about going since the weather was about to change. But, I bundled in warm clothes and off I went with a friend to stroll.I had purchased a stroll button a couple of weeks before ($5) and I loved the design. Brian Morger, local artist, did the design featuri... [read more]

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A Visit To A Local Brewery

Bowser's Brewing, located on the corner of 19th Street and 10th Avenue South in Great Falls, gave me a great tour today. I started my tour with owner, Evan Bowser, telling me that many years ago today (December 5, 1933) the 21st amendment was repealed. That was the amendment establishing prohibition in the US maki... [read more]

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Learning About Trees

Last weekend I went to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls for their "Evergreen Lewis & Clark" open house. There was quite a variety of trees displayed in the foyer and also the lobby of the interpretive hall, all cut from areas in the Lewis & Clark National Forest in Central Mont... [read more]

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Virgelle, Montana's Country Christmas

What a fun day today! I drove from Great Falls to Virgelle, MT which is about 8 miles off US Hwy 87 between Loma and Big Sandy. It's amazing that there were three cars ahead of me also taking the Virgelle turn. I followed them the entire 8 miles and we were all heading to the fun event called A Real Country Christmas at a Real C... [read more]

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Great Falls' Parade of Lights

Last night was perfect weather-wise for Downtown Great Falls' Parade of Lights...except...it was a bit windy. This year Downtown Great Falls decided to do two Christmas events, a week apart. For the last few years they have combined their parade of lights and Christmas stroll but this year was different. And, this is the first y... [read more]

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Montana's Big Game Hunting Wraps Up

Montana's big game hunting season (general rifle) came to a close last Sunday. According to MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff at check points, Central Montana had fair harvest numbers. An above average elk harvest along the Rocky Mountain Front (from the Teton River south to Highway 200) was attributed to a stro... [read more]

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Unique Gift Idea - Handcrafted Silver Items

If you are walking in downtown Lewistown, about a half block south of Main Street, you just may see a colorful sign for Caye Fine Art.Well, prepare to be impressed if you take some time to step in the door! Carol Woolsey, known as Caye, has been a metal smith artist for over 30 years. Probably her most unique handcrafted silver... [read more]

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Putting On The Glitz

I drove downtown in Great Falls the other day to see if I could catch the crew hanging greens, lights and lightpole decorations. It was mid afternoon and there were a fair amount of cars, probably doing last minute errands before Thanksgiving. I finally spotted the crew but had to circle the block before I found a parking space... [read more]

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Great Falls Theater Production - Wow!

The University of Great Falls Performing Arts just wrapped their final performance of Chicago, The Musical. I was lucky to attend the performance this past Saturday evening. A couple of years ago I had been to a Broadway touring production of Chicago at the Great Falls Civic Center and it was amazing. The Civic Center is a... [read more]

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Seeing Stars?

First of all, I'm going to talk about an event I haven't been to yet. Usually I write about where I've been but this one is too good to not give some advance notice to!The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls will be the site of "Star Party Extravaganza 2012 - Mission to Mars" Friday, November 16... [read more]

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11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month

In the United States, Veteran's Day is commemorated in November, most appropriately on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. Veteran's Day fell on a Sunday this year and local veteran's organizations held ceremonies and gatherings. The Veteran's Memorial Wall overlooking the Missouri River was scheduled to be the site... [read more]

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Fun Family Day

The C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls hosts an open house each November where kids and parents can enjoy making some fun seasonal decorations. It looked like Christmas this past Saturday and, at first glance, it looked like chaos! In the lower level of the museum, long banquet-style tables were covered with paper and a huge va... [read more]

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New Snow - Time to Play Outside

It seems a bit early for snow, at least this much, but I have decided there really is no normal weather anymore.I've heard that this past week Great Falls, Montana received 14 inches of the white fluffy stuff and I've also heard 14.9 inches. Well, bottom line, there is plenty of snow for getting outside and trying out... [read more]

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Wintry Day - Time for Inside Touring

Lots of snow came falling on Central Montana today, actually some yesterday and last night too. I decided it was a good day for inside touring and Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is on my route to and from the post office. Today there were lots of "young" artists in a class that looked like pre-school child... [read more]

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Montana Museum of Railroad History

A recent visit to the Montana Museum of Railroad History in Great Falls filled me with a new appreciation for the significance of rail traffic to Central Montana.Over 125 years ago (October 15, 1887 to be specific) the track of the Manitoba Road reached Great Falls, Montana Territory. The entrepreneur responsible for laying the&... [read more]

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Central Montana Road Trip

I was lucky to be out and about in Central Montana a few weeks ago. We were traveling in the Get Lost vehicle - definitely not incognito!Our goal was to explore some new areas on our Montana road trip and we had a great time.One downside, several of us kept wanting to stop and take photos of our great scenery so it seemed like w... [read more]

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Relaxing Morning at the Rising Trout Cafe

When I was in Lewistown, Montana a couple of weeks ago I wandered up Main Street and found another great coffee shop to add to my list of favorites.As you enter The Rising Trout Cafe you experience a colorful atmosphere - deep red colored walls, paintings and beautiful photographs decorate the cafe and b... [read more]

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Looking For Art?

I stopped in to the Basin Trading Post in Stanford, Montana the other day. It's a great coffee and cinnamon roll stop (yes, I travel with my tummy in mind) and I was ready for some java and breakfast. While the gal at the deli/cafe in the trading post was getting my order ready I wandered through the building. The Basi... [read more]

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Breakfast Worth Driving For

Last week I was lucky to have breakfast at Eddie's Corner, literally a corner at the junction of US Hwy 191 and 87. We had stayed in Lewistown and planned to do some touring in the area. Eddie's Corner was a perfect stop, just about 15 or 20 minutes from Lewistown.Eddie's Corner has been there over 50 years. It really began as a... [read more]

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Touring Harvest Moon Brewery

Harvest Moon Brewery is located in the small town of Belt, MT. They were the area's first new brewery in a long time. Many years ago there was a brewery in Great Falls but it has been closed for quite some time.The first brew developed at Harvest Moon was Beltian White...note that it is Beltian, not Belgian, since it is named af... [read more]

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Catching Rainbows

I had a chance to tag along with a fly fisherman to Bear Paw Lake south of Havre recently. The lake is located in Beaver Creek Park, a 17 mile long, one mile wide park. As you drive the paved road through the park you see numerous campgrounds and picnic shelters on each side - a recreationist's mecca with easy access.It was abou... [read more]

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Heading to the Honker Hilton

There is a sizeable batch of geese and a couple of swans who call the pond at Gibson Park in Great Falls their home. At least for the summer. As colder weather begins to move in, Great Falls Park and Recreation staff move the geese and swans indoors to what has been dubbed the "Honker Hilton". Not all birds g... [read more]

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