Choteau
	55 miles NW of Great Falls, at junction of US 89 and 287 Population: 1,781

Choteau Chamber of Commerce PO Box 897 Choteau, MT 59422 406-466-5316 or 800-823-3866 Website: http://www.choteaumontana.com

This small agricultural community began as a trading post in the 1870s. It was named for Pierre Chouteau, Jr., president of the American Fur Company, who brought the first steamboat up the Missouri River.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include ranch vacations and activities, hikes, boating, resort cabins, hunting, fishing, horseback rides, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and dinosaur digs.

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Attractions:

Old Trail Museum
823 North Main
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-5332
Fax: 406-466-5874
Website: http://www.oldtrailmuseum.com

The Old Trail Museum reflects the rich cultural and natural history of Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. For a close look at fossils, dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, and colorful local history, the museum is the place to stop. One, two, and five-day dinosaur paleontology field programs are offered along with tours of the world-famous dinosaur nesting site, Egg Mountain. Ice cream parlor and gift shop on museum groups. Open year-round, May 16 to September 14 daily 9:00am to 6:00pm. Sept 15 to May 15 Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm. Group tours on request. Minimum time: 45 minutes. Admission: $2/adults, 50¢/children. Minimum time: 45 minutes.

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Outdoor Activities:

Egg Mountain
Old Trail Museum
823 North Main Street
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-5332
Fax: 406-466-5874
Website: http://www.oldtrailmuseum.org

Twelve miles west of Choteau, the site has yielded more information about dinosaur biology during the late Cretaceous period than any other paleontology dig in the world. Dinosaur eggs, egg shell fragments, nests and babies were discovered for the first time in North America, and the site produced the world's first dinosaur embryos. Tours offered by the Old Trail Museum are available daily at 2:00pm during the summer months. For more information call 406-466-5332 or email otm@3rivers.net. Tour lenngth is approximately 2 hours. Admission: $12/adult, $6/child. Group rates available.

Teton Ski Pass Area
HC 58, PO Box 34A
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-2209
Website: http://www.skitetonpass.com

Thirty miles west of Choteau, Teton Ski Pass Area is an affordable family ski area. It is served by two lifts, a double chair and a surface lift for the beginner slope. Twenty-three named runs include powder and groomed surfaces. Food services, beer and wine, ski school, and a rental shop on site. Open mid-November to mid-April Friday through Sunday and holidays 9:30am to 4:00pm.

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	Columbia Falls/Flathead Valley
	17 miles west of Glacier National Park on US 2 Population: 2,942

Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 312
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
406-892-2072
Website: http://www.columbiafallschamber.com

Columbia Falls is located at the majestic entrance to Badrock Canyon and is the incorporated community nearest Glacier National Park's west entrance and Hungry Horse Dam. Situated near Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Meadowlake Golf Resort, and Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort. The prime industries are Plum Creek Lumber and other smaller mills, and CFAC aluminum plant.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include hikes, boating, resort cabins, river floats, hunting, fishing, snow-mobiling, a waterslide, maze, buffalo barbecues, square dances, and miniature golf.

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Attractions:

House of Mystery
7800 US Highway 2 East
PO Box 1669
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
406-892-1210
Email: hsmystery@montanasky.biz

One of the few areas in the world where the natural laws of physics are bent, if not broken altogether. Montana's only vortex. Large gift shop, antiques and snacks. Open April through November daily9:00am to dusk. Minimum time: 20 minutes. Admission: $5/adult, $4/child 6 to 12, 5 and under free.

North American Wildlife Museum
10780 US Highway 2 East
Coram, MT 59913
PO Box 5240
Kalispell, MT 59903
406-387-4018
406-752-6207 (off-season)

Located five miles from West Glacier, this museum houses 80 life-size animal exhibits including some albinos. Open June 15 to August 31 daily 10:00am to 9:00pm. May 1 to June 14 and September 1 to October 31 daily 10:00am to 7:00pm. Minimum time: 20 minutes. Group admission $2/person.

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Outdoor Activities:

Hungry Horse Dam
US Bureau of Reclamation
PO Box 910130
Hungry Horse, MT 59919
406-387-5241

Federal dam located between Columbia Falls and Glacier National Park. Tour begins at the top of the dam and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 8:30am to 5:00pm. A talk and video about the dam are scheduled every hour on the hour. Visitors can walk across the top of the dam to view the reservoir, but cannot go inside the dam. Call to arrange special group tours.

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	Columbus
	Southcentral Montana on I-90, Exit 408 Population: 1,748

Stillwater County Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 783
Columbus, MT 59019
406-322-4505

In 1913 Stillwater County was carved from its three neighboring counties. The scenic Stillwater River, which courses through the county from a mountain trickle to its Yellowstone River mouth at Columbus, inspired the county name. Stillwater County hosts a variety of industries. Agriculture is the economic base. Columbus is the couty seat and the home of the Museum of the Beartooths. Many wonderful shops and restaurants can be found in all towns located in Stillwater County. The Stillwater Valley is the scenic shortcut to the Beartooth Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

Activities and/or guide services for this area include ranch vacations, fishing, hunting, hikes, horseback rides, river floats, resort cabins, camping, and golf.

Museum of the Beartooths
440 East 5th Avenue North
Columbus, MT 59019
406-322-4588

The museum enjoyed its initial season in 1993. The entrance is enhanced by western-style landscaping and the plants bear identification labels popular with gardeners. Inside are artifacts from the Rosebud River Crow Indian Agency of 1875-1882. Other highlights include the Johnson exhibit, which features massive furniture and mining techniques, a World War II exhibit, memorabilia. and historical modes of transportation and machinery. Take a few minutes to enjoy a trip back in time. Open May through September Tuesday through Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

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	Culbertson
	NE Montana at the junction of US 2 and MT 16 Population: 812

Culbertson Chamber of Commerce 11 Broadway Avenue Culbertson, MT 59218 406-787-5821 Fax: 406-787-5271

Culbertson is a small agricultural town in northeast Montana. It was born on the prairie in 1887 with the arrival of the railroad. Horse ranching to provide cavalry units for military posts along the Missouri River was followed by large-scale cattle ranching and homesteading. In recent years, the economic mainstays of grain and cattle have been augmented with oil production, feed manufacturing and seed processing.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include hikes, river floats, fishing, hunting, boating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.

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Attractions:

Culbertson Museum
US Highway 2
PO Box 95
Culbertson, MT 59218
406-787-6320

Discover rich and fascinating history at this Old West museum. The museum features a Great Northern caboose and displays of antiques, photographs, kitchen-ware and dental equipment with emphasis on local heritage and history. Old tractors are courtesy of Thresher's Association. Open June through August daily 8:00am to 8:00pm. May through September daily 9:00am to 6:00pm. Special tours for groups and by arrangement in April and October. Minimum time: 1 hour. Admission free.

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	Cut Bank
	NW Montana on US 2, E edge of Blackfeet Reservation Population: 3,183

Cut Bank Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1243 Cut Bank, MT 59427 406-873-4041 Website: http://www.cutbankchamber.com

The town was settled in 1891 when the Great Northern Railroad pushed west to Kalispell. Cut Bank was an early-day cattle empire. The population jumped from 845 in 1939 to 4,539 in 1960 when oil and gas fields were discovered. Cattle and grain continue to be a mainstay of the economy.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include hikes, resort cabins, river floats, hunting, fishing, golf and cross-country skiing.

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Attractions:

Glacier County Historical Museum
Old Kevin Highway, 3/4 miles from US Highway 2
Cut Bank, MT 59427
406-873-4904

Marias Expedition exhibit tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's experience in our area in addition to information about the culture of the Blackfeet Indians. The museum consists of two buildings and several historic structures, including a homestead school and an oil worker's house. Montana's last remaining cable tool oil derrick and a caboose are also show on the museum grounds. The museum also features living history programs and an exhibit called "Cut Bank, a Great Northern Division Point: 1891-1928." Open Memorial Day to Labor Day Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm. September through May by appointment. Special group tours by appointment. Minimum time: 1 hour. Donations requested.

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	Deer Lodge
	SW Montana on I-90 Population:3,421 3,378

Powell County Chamber of Commerce 1170 Main Street Deer Lodge, MT 59722 406-846-2094 Website: http://www.powellcountymontana.com

In the 1850s, Johnny Grant settled in the Deer Lodge Valley and established what was to become one of the largest ranching operations in the country. Deer Lodge was also selected as the site for the Montana Territorial Prison, which opened its doors in 1871. The Northern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1883 and Deer Lodge was the end of the line for immigrants heading west.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include ranch vacations and activities, hikes, hunting, fishing, golf, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

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Attractions:

Frontier Montana
1106 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111

This Western museum features cowboy collectibles, guns, spurs, and chaps used by the cowboy before 1900. Also featured is Desert John's Saloon, an extensive whisky memorabilia collection. All are displayed in vintage saloon complete with a historic back bar, which came up the Missouri River by steamboat. Open May through September daily 9:00am to 5:00pm. Minimum time: 30 minutes. Admission includes all Old Prison Museums.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch (See Major Attractions)

Montana Auto Museum
1106 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111
Fax: 406-846-3146

More than 110 cars from 1903 to 1970 are on display. The first Ford, the first Maxwell E., and the first Dodge are some of the early vintage cars. Car camping in the teens and thirties featuring a 1928 Pierce Arrow Motor Home is one of the many exhibits. Open daily. Summer 8:00am to 8:00pm. Winter call for hours. Fall/spring 9:00am to 6:00pm. Closed December and January. Minimum time: 90 minutes. Admission includes all Old Prison Museums.

Old Montana Prison
1106 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111
Fax: 406-846-1943
Website: http://www.pcmaf.org

In operation from 1871 to 1979, this site served as a federal, territorial and finally, a state penitentiary. It is comprised of 12 historic structures, most built by convict labor near the turn-of-the-century, and is surrounded by a high sandstone wall. Tour behind the gray walls, through the massive, ominous cell block, into the cells of maximum security and through other parts of the prison. Some stair-climbing. Open daily. Summer, 8:00am to 8:00pm. Winter call for hours. Fall/spring 9:00am to 6:00pm. Minimum time: 90 minutes. Admission includes all Old Prison Museums.

Powell County Museum
1193 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111
Fax: 406-846-3156

The museum exhibits include artifacts from Powell County and the surrounding region. An extensive weapons exhibit by Paul Elberson, with items from 1776-1976, which must be seen to be believed. Life in the 1920s is interpreted with antiques and displays. A lower-level gallery (not accessible to persons with disabilities) features exhibits that are rotated three times during the season. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day daily 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Will open facility during off-season for groups. Minimum time: 30 minutes. Admission free, donations accepted.

Yesterday's Playthings, A Doll and Toy Museum
1106 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406-846-3111

On display in this museum are more than 600 dolls and many toys dating from the 1850s to the present. The dolls are arranged in order of genre, construction and age. All are dressed in original clothing or accurate reproductions. Included in the collection are Madame Alexander dolls, artist dolls, ethnic dolls, advertising dolls, Indian dolls, doll houses, 2,500 clown dolls, and toys of every description and age. Open summer daily 9:30am to 5:00pm. Admission includes all Old Prison Museums.

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	Dillon
	SW Montana on I-15, 65 miles S of Butte Population: 3,752

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center 125 South Montana PO Box 425 Dillon, MT 59725 406-683-5511 Website: http://www.beaverheadchamber.com

Dillon is the seat of Beaverhead County, Montana's largest county. Dillon began as an important shipping point from Utah to the gold fields of Montana. The Utah and Northern Railroad reached Dillon in the fall of 1880, but the town was named for the president of the Union Pacific Railroad, Sidney V. Dillon. Sheep were introduced to this rich agricultural valley in 1869. At one time Dillon was the largest wool shipping point in Montana. The first cattle were brought to the valley in 1865 and they, too, have played a major role in Dillon's development. The Montana Normal College was established in Dillon in 1892 and is now called Western Montana College. Dillon celebrates "Montana's biggest weekend" with the annual Jaycee Labor Day rodeo which features professional rodeo excitement, big name entertainment, parade, and more.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include natural hot springs, hikes, resort cabins, hunting, fishing, golf, biking, photography, sightseeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.

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Attractions:

Beaverhead County Museum
15 South Montana
Dillon, MT 59725
406-683-5027 or 406-683-5511

The "branded boardwalk" covered with the area's ranch brands, family and business names, and logos­meanders throughout the museum grounds. Indoor and outside exhibits include a homesteader's cabin, mining equipment, the first flush toilet in Beaverhead County, sheep wagon, 1895 courting carriage, Depot Theater, Lewis & Clark Diorama and special exhibits/showings throughout the year. Area information available. Open Summer Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours given upon request.

Western Montana College Gallery/Museum
710 South Atlantic
Dillon, MT 59725
406-683-7232

The three-room gallery houses permanent art by artists such as Gennie DeWeese and John Buck, and hosts various traveling exhibits and student and faculty artwork. The Seidensticker Wildlife Collection is a unique display of Asian, African, and North American big-game trophy animals. Open during the academic year Monday through Thursday 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Closed holidays and spring break. Call to schedule special hours. Minimum time: 30 minutes. Admission free.

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Outdoor Activities:

Bannack State Park
Take I-15 south of Dillon to milepost 9, 19 miles west on Highway 278, then 4 miles south on county road
4200 Bannack Road
Dillon, MT 59725
406-834-3413
Fax: 406-834-3549
Website: http://www.bannack.org

Bannack was the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862. A ghost town since 1938, Montana's oldest town and first territorial capital is an excellent example of historic frontier camps and mining towns. Most buildings are of wood frame and log construction. All are typical of the frontier boom town era. A walking tour of this ghost town includes Sheriff Henry Plummer's gallows, the Hotel Meade and the Masonic Temple and School. There is a visitor center with interpretive displays and video programs. Open year-round. Summer 8:00am to 9:00pm. Fall, winter, and spring 8:00am to 5:00pm. Minimum time: 2 hours. Admission charged for non-residents. Guided tours are offered on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Groups of 30 or more must obtain a special use permit to enter the park.

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	Eureka/Tobacco Valley
	Northwest Montana on US 93, eight miles from Canada Population: 4,500

Eureka/Tobacco Valley PO Box 186 Eureka, MT 59917 406-889-4636 or 800-845-7085 Fax: 406-296-2109 Website: http://www.welcome2eureka.com

The Tobacco Valley has a very mild climate as compared to much of the surrounding areas in Montana and Canada. Picturesque mountains with moods that vary during the changing seasons surround the valley below. We have some of the finest land and stream fishing in Montana. Dozens of beautiful lakes dot the area within a 10-mile radius of Eureka. Game found in the area includes deer, elk, bear, moose, wild turkey, mountain grouse, and other animals. We are on a direct route between Glacier National Park and Banff and Lake Louise in Canada. Eureka is seven miles from Roosville, the customs station on the Canadian border, which is open 24/7. Eureka is the heart of what is known at the Tobacco Plains Country. During the fur trapping days in the early part of the nineteenth century, this corner of the state was remote and inaccessible from the customary American trapping grounds and operating bases. Representatives of the British and Canadian companies came in from the north and established posts along the Kootenai River. The Tobacco Plains were named because of the tobacco planted by early Kootenai Indians.

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	Forsyth
	Junction of I-94 and US 12 Population: 1,944

Forsyth Chamber of Commerce PO Box 448 Forsyth, MT 59327 406-347-5656

Forsyth, county seat of Rosebud County, is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River. It was named for General James H. Forsyth, the first US Army officer to land by steamer at the site of the present town.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include hikes, boating, hunting, fishing and golf.

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Attractions:

Rosebud County Pioneer Museum
1335 Main St.
PO Box 88
Forsyth, MT 59327
406-356-7547

Collections from founding families, Native American beadwork, barbed wire, vintage clothing and machinery. Open May 15 to September 15 Monday through Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm.

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	Fort Benton
	42 miles northeast of Great Falls on US 87 Population: 1,660

Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce 1421 Front Street Fort Benton, MT 59442 406-622-3864

Fort Benton's significance in the early settlement of Montana is immeasurable. No other town played such a prominent role in the opening of the Northwest from 1860-1887. As a trading post, military fort and head of steamboat navigation, Fort Benton was an important overland connection.

Activities and/or guided services for this area include river floats, hunting, fishing and golf.

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Attractions:

Montana Agricultural Center and Museum of the Northern Great Plains
105 20th Street
Fort Benton, MT 59442
406-622-3278 or 406-622-5316
Website: http://www.fortbenton.com/museums

The official museum of agriculture for the state of Montana depicts the way of life, farming methods and changes in equipment through three generations of farmers on the Northern Plains. Also displayed is a main street from the 1920s. Exhibits include a Western gallery and a group of beautifully preserved and mounted bison representing the last of these great herds that once darkened the Great Plains. Open May 1 to September 30, daily 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission charged. Special rates for groups.

Museum of the Upper Missouri
1810 River Street
Fort Benton, MT 59442
406-622-3278 or 406-622-5316
Website: http://www.fortbenton.com/museums

Fort Benton was a busy river port and a hub of trails which led to the northwest United States and into western Canada. The museum traces area history from early Native Americans to 1900, when railroads arrived and open-range cattle business came to an end. Open May 1 to September 30 daily 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission charged.

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Outdoor Activities:

Lewis and CLark Memorial
817 Main Street
Fort Benton, MT 59442
406-622-3278

This heroic-size sculpture of Lewis and Clark, Sacajawea and Pomp, by Montana artist Bob Scriver, overlooks the Missouri River. A tour of the memorial explains the project, the sculpture and the history and significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This official state memorial to Lewis and Clark can be enjoyed all year. Special tours for groups. Minimum time: 30 minutes. Admission free.

National Historic Landmark Walking Tour
817 Main Street
Fort Benton, MT 59442
406-622-3278

Walk along the historic steamboat levee and enjoy both exteriors and interiors of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Included are St. Paul's Church, the I.G. Baker residence, the Chouteau County Courthouse and the old firehouse. Free self-guided tour brochures available at many downtown businesses.

Upper Missouri National Monument
Bureau of Land Management
PO Box 1160
Lewistown, MT 59457
406-538-7461 or
Fort Benton Chamber 406-622-3864
Website: http://www.mt.blm.gov

Taking a trip on this section of the Missouri River is probably the single best way to experience what Lewis and Clark saw on their journey. Guided trips from river outfitters and/or canoe rentals for independent trips are available in Fort Benton, Loma, and Virgelle. The BLM maintains a list of resources.

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