Silence the noise, escape the hurry, and feel light years away in the dark skies of Central Montana – where every setting sun takes you back to a nighttime of wonder. Surrounded by millions of acres of public land and void of light pollution (read: no city lights), Central Montana promises some of the darkest skies and brightest stars in the lower 48. Though known for its epic daytime adventures, Montana “after dark” is a … Read more
The open road ahead had me filled with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. Having grown up in Montana, it had been years since I had driven Highway 89 from Belt to White Sulphur Springs. As the new Executive Director for Central Montana Tourism, I had recently moved back to this amazing state after living on the east coast for the last 15 years. While it felt like just yesterday since I had made my … Read more
Shelby Chamber of Commerce recently had their annual banquet to recognize the leaders of this northern Montana town with 3100 population. Hats off to the Chamber leading this small town on the Hi-Line. You could say Shelby hits above its weight class when it comes to the business community. As I sat at the table enjoying the corned beef and cabbage, this nice man sitting next to me struck up a conversation. After exchanging general … Read more
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
After you’ve absorbed all of the majestic beauty on a visit to Glacier National Park, save some time to explore the region on the eastern side of this national icon. Central Montana has a mix of it all when it comes to geography – mountains, rivers and plains. Day 1 in Central Montana After leaving East Glacier and then Browning, turn south on US Hwy 89 and follow this route that hugs the east slope … Read more
Looking for road trip ideas? Visit one or both of Montana’s national parks, take scenic US Hwy 89 between them and you won’t be disappointed. Limited traffic, small town charm, and plenty of things to do all combine for a memorable trip. Let’s start where you exit Yellowstone National Park and work our way north to Glacier National Park. Gardiner is the first town just outside Yellowstone’s north boundary. In about 55 miles US Hwy … Read more
On my last visit to Meagher County I starting counting the reasons why people came to vacation in the area. I saw hikers, hunters, campers, retired couples out for a getaway, and people who came to soak in the thermal springs. All in all, that covered quite a variety of people. Here’s a bit of history of the area. The largest town in the county is really a small quaint town of about 1,000 people. … Read more
Most kids seem to have unlimited energy and an endless curiosity to discover new things. Quench that thirst for exploring and take your kids for a hike. Learning moments often begin with finding something new – a pine cone in the forest, a trail that ends in a waterfall or discovering unique shaped rocks. With just a bit of pre-planning, it can be fun for all and the kids will come back excited about what … Read more
A “city” made out of rocks, people made out of trees and a lesson in history – the fun way to learn! Kids love exploring and I know three that are always up for an adventure. Read along while I reflect on some recent experiences. Let’s talk geology and geography. I took the kids to an area called Rock City six miles north of Valier, Montana. I wasn’t sure what their reaction would be. This … Read more
Was I looking for ghosts or was I looking for gold? Neither. I think ghost towns are interesting, a bit sad when you see the remnants in disrepair, but you realize there are lots of memories there. I had heard about the ghost town of Kendall and I had some spare time so my journey began. I had a brochure from the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce (406-535-5436) about Ghost Towns & Gold Mines for Fort … Read more