The Heart of Montana
in Central Montana

The Heart of Montana

Lewistown, the geographical center of Montana, is surrounded by the Judith Mountains, Moccasin Mountains and Big and Little Snowy Mountains.

  1. Crystal Lake - 9 miles west on MT Highway 200, 24 miles south on county roads. Non-motorized boating, fishing and hiking trails. Nearby ice caves. Resident ranger, camping (fee).
  2. Judith Mountains Recreation Area - 10 miles northeast of Lewistown. Scenic overlook and Collar Peak trail. Auto loop tour route passes Maiden and Gilt Edge ghost towns and Limekiln Canyon hiking trail.
  3. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument - Roughly 60 miles north, features the 149-mile Wild & Scenic Missouri River and adjacent 375,000 acres of public land. The Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway offers spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing on unimproved roads between Winifred and James Kipp Recreation Area. Access to C. M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles northeast of Lewistown on US Highway 181; fishing, boating, scenic drive trails, camping (fee).
  4. Big Spring - 7 miles south of Lewistown. State fish hatchery, public recreation area. Source of Spring Creek (no fee).
  5. Charles M. Russell Memorial Trail - From Lewistown to Great Falls along Highway 200, passing many scenic landmarks painted by Charlie Russell.
  6. Stanford - 45 miles west on Highway 200/87. Judith Basin Museum open June through August. View the famous “White Wolf” at the Basin Trading Post. Prairie Past Museum open year ’round.
  7. Utica - 30 miles west of Lewistown, Charlie Russell’s stompin’ grounds. Gateway to the Little Belt Mountains, camping (fee), hunting, fishing and state game range.
  8. Kendall/South Moccasin Mountains - Vehicle loop tour northeast of Lewistown near Hilger. See interpretive panels near Kendall and scenic view of historical gold mining activities.
  9. Pine Meadows Golf Course and Judith Shadows Golf Course - Both are open to public. Outskirts of Lewistown.
  10. Winifred - 37 miles north of Lewistown. Historic Museum contains largest Tonka Toy collection in the world. Open Feb. 1 - Nov. 30, 11 am - 4:30 pm. (406) 462-5426.
  11. Hobson - 23 miles west of Lewistown on Highway 200/87. Public swimming pool, parks, library with computer access.
  12. Ackley Lake State Park - 7 miles Southwest of Hobson. Fishing, improved campgrounds, boating, ice fishing.

Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, (406) 535-5436.

The Heart of Montana Day Trip Map