Cities & Towns

Pompeys Pillar is on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The town is named for the nearby rock outcropping, which is today Pompeys Pillar National Monument. The sandstone pillar rises 200 feet above the Yellowstone River 30 miles east of Billings. During his return trip, William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition climbed the Pillar and carved his signature and the date in the sandstone. It is the only site on the trail where visible evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition may be viewed by the public.

Square Butte is located midway between Stanford and Fort Benton on scenic Highway 80. In Square Butte, view the historic jail, located at the west end of town, it was built from shonkinite quarried locally. The town gets its name from a nearby geologic formation a flat-topped butte which juts 2,400 feet above the surrounding plains and is visible for a radius of seventy-five miles. With its soaring buttresses, spires, and pinnacles it is a compelling and imposing site. Stop and visit the Square Butte Bar and Country Club featuring burgers and steaks.

Wise River is surrounded by a half-million acres of peaks, lakes and headwaters in the Pioneer Mountains and offers some of Montana's most breathtaking scenery. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway offers 40 miles of backcountry driving that bisect the Pioneer Mountains between Montana Highway 43 and Highway 278. Enjoy scenic drives, camping, hiking, fishing, ghost towns and crystal digging in the summer, while winter offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Roscoe is located at the base of the Beartooth Mountains providing lots of outdoor recreational opportunities. Just a few miles southeast of Roscoe is Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area. Cooney State Park, an irrigation reservoir, is a popular recreation area offering boating, swimming, camping and fishing. There's also camping near Roscoe at East Rosebud Lake.

Haugan is about five miles from the Idaho border. At the historic Savenac Nursery, visitors can learn the story of how millions of trees changed the future of our national forests. Established in 1907, Savenac was one of the largest U.S. Forest Service tree nurseries in the United States, producing 12 million seedlings annually. The nursery is no longer used to produce seedlings, but the site remains intact it was designated a National Historic Site in July 2000.

Reserve is located along Big Muddy Creek near the North Dakota border in northeast Montana and was named because the town was established on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Reserve is located just a few miles from Brush Lake State Park, Homestead Lake, and Medicine Lake Wilderness Area, where thousands of migrating waterfowl make their summer home. A self-guided hiking and a 14-mile driving tour around the wildlife refuge are some popular options for visiting the refuge.

Redstone finds the origins of its name from the red shale in the area. The area around and east of Redstone, especially in the badlands of Big Muddy Creek, is cattle country. Redstone is just a few miles north of the vast Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The reservation is home to Sioux and Assinniboine and encompasses more than 2 million acres. Poplar Museum and Tribal Museum feature tribal history and artifacts.

Monarch located in the Little Belt Mountains of Central Montana is completely surrounded by the Lewis and Clark National Forest. U.S. 89, the Park-to-Park Highway, which connects Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, goes through Monarch. The portion of this road which goes over the Little Belt Mountains has been designated a Scenic Byway by the National Forest Service.

Moccasin is in the productive wheat-raising area of central Montana. Moccasin began as a homestead community. In 1893 the Montana State legislature created the MSU Central Agricultural Research Center, 3 miles west of Moccasin to teach dry land farming techniques to the newly arrived homesteaders. Nearby Ackley Lake State Park, offers diverse water sports opportunities. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake is often good angling for 10 to 15 inch fish.

Jackson lies on the valley floor near the headwaters of the Big Hole River. The valley is considered by many to be the finest outdoor recreation area in the state. The town is surrounded by several mountain ranges with numerous streams and high mountain lakes. The fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling are all exceptional!

Springdale is along Interstate 90 on the Yellowstone River. Springdale Bridge is a state fishing access site along the river. The town is in between Livingston, which is known for its art galleries, and Big Timber. The Springdale school, a local landmark, was built in 1918 and it is still the town's focus almost 100 years later.

Norris is located on Hot Spring Creek, and for years miners, cowhands, and travelers sought out a warm bath in the Norris Plunge. Today, Norris Hot Springs offers guests a soak in mineral water pouring from the earth's depths at 120 degrees. Not far from Norris is the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness on the Madison River. This recreation area with boat access from the south end offers rafters a nine mile float trip through whitewater and a scenic canyon with 2,000 foot cliffs; featuring the famous Class V 'Kitchen Sink' rapid as the climax of the trip.

Wolf Creek is north of Helena off I-15 and an important recreation center for water lovers. It was named for the large creek that flows by it and is derived from the Indian phrase, "Creek-where-the-wolf-jumped-too" or "Creek-that-the-wolf-jumped-in." Located near the Missouri River, as well as Hauser Lake, camping and water recreation is a mainstay. The "Gates of the Mountains" located on the Missouri River are also located nearby.

Utica, on the Judith River, was a hangout for cowboys, including one named Charles M. Russell, who later painted and sketched his memories of this area and its people. Besides cattle ranches and the Yogo sapphire mine, the area is rich in recreation opportunities such as the nearby Lewis and Clark National Forest and Ackley Lake State Park. The Judith River Wildlife Management Area, at the edge of the Little Belt Mountains, is a good place to view large elk herds in late fall and winter.

Saltese is a mining town almost on the Idaho border. Saltese is a supply point for the many small silver and gold mines in the nearby mountains. Beautifully situated in the Bitterroot Range in Lolo National Forest, a number of National Forest Trails begin in Saltese. The Old Montana Bar & Grill is located in this old mining and logging town has been here since the early 1900s. Just past Saltese on the Montana-Idaho Border (Exit 0), Lookout Pass Ski Area provides a great skiing experience.

Floweree is a small community between Great Falls and Fort Benton. Nearby is the Carter Ferry on the Missouri River where using an engine and cable system a ferry is pulled across the Missouri. Another attraction is the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge supports a great variety of water birds with both nesting and migration habitat. A 9-mile auto tour route is open to the public for wildlife observation.

Alzada was settled in the late 1870s by pioneers who wanted to raise cattle and is located on the banks of the Little Missouri River. While in Alzada stop by Stoneville Saloon shich provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy an authentic western saloon.

Twodot located along the Musselshell River in central Montana on Highway 12 between Harlowton and White Sulphur Springs. The town was named for "Two Dot" Wilson, a local cattleman who got his nickname because his brand was two dots, placed side by side on the hip of his cattle. Two Dot was founded in 1900 as a station on the Jawbone Railway, local predecessor to the Milwaukee Road.

Pendroy is located 21 miles north of Choteau just east of U.S. Highway 89 on Secondary Highway 221 along the Rocky Mountain Front. This small farming community is in the heart of one of the best dryland grain-growing areas in Montana. Nearby Conrad offers the Transportation and Historical Museum with exhibits that transport you back in time to discover how the west was settled.

Homestead is on the Big Muddy Creek, south of Medicine Lake. Nearby, Medicine Lake Wilderness Area, located on the heavily glaciated rolling plains of northeastern Montana, between the Missouri River and the Canadian Border. The Refuge provides habitat for thousands of migrating waterfowl including Great Blue herons, White pelicans, Sandhill cranes, Grebes and 12 different species of ducks.

Bynum lies in the shadows of the Rocky Mountain Front foothills. The nearby Bynum Reservoir provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping and the Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area is located along the Rocky Mountain Front nearby. Bynum is also home to Trex Agate Shop and Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, which includes the world's longest dinosaur, a skeletal model display of a Seismosaurus.

Silesia near the confluence of the Yellowstone and the Clarks Fork Rivers was named for the nearby mineral springs, Silesia Springs. The springs named by Julius Lehrkind, who came from the eastern German province of Silesia. The Lehrkind family started a brewery in Silesia, but after a few years it burned down and some of the family moved to Red Lodge to start another one. Near Silesia is Cooney State Park, an irrigation reservoir which is a popular recreation area serving south-central Montana.

Whitetail is seven miles from the Big Beaver port of entry into Canada (or Whitetail port of entry into Montana). The town is set in a beautiful valley along Whitetail Creek with a dam forming a lake on the outskirts of town.

Bloomfield is twenty-three miles north of Glendive. The town is located near the Big Sheep Mountains in eastern Montana. The Big Sheep Mountains are more like a series of sandstone ridges than a mountain range and they mark the chokecherry tree-covered watershed between the Yellowstone and Missouri drainages.

Lindsay is a prairie town between Glendive and Circle. The neighboring community of Glendive is home to the Frontier Gateway Museum. The museum offers local history, natural history, and fossils. The nearby badlands of Makoshika State Park are set aside for visitors to see the pine and juniper studded badlands formations. The Makoshika Dinosaur Museum in Glendive houses the fossil remains of such dinosaurs as tyrannosaurus and triceratops.

Brockway is 13 miles west of Circle on Highway 200 along the Redwater River. Brockway's economy boomed by the mid-1930s as it became a major shipping point for livestock and grain and in 1934, it shipped more livestock by rail than any other town in the United States. It also home to the Brockway Dairy Day Rodeo, one of the oldest rodeos in Montana and by far the biggest day of the year for Brockway, population somewhere between 15 and 20.

Kiowa, with its population of four and quiet atmosphere, is truly one of the hidden treasures of the Glacier area. Visitors to Kiowa have easy access to all parts of Glacier National Park while visiting a community with its own wildlife trails and interesting history.

Explore things to see and do in Glacier National Park. Established as a National Park in 1910 it is a land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 50 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. The vistas seen from Going-To-The-Sun Road are breathtaking, a photographers paradise. Relatively few miles of road exist in the park's 1,600 square miles of picturesque landscape, thus preserving its primitive and unspoiled beauty.

Polaris is a mining ghost town near Grasshopper Creek. Elkhorn Hot Springs is a nearby, year-round hot springs resort offering two outdoor hot mineral pools. Enjoy hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, plus downhill skiing at nearby Maverick Mountain. A short drive from Polaris is Crystal Park, a unique recreation area at an elevation of 7,800 feet in the Pioneer Mountains. Crystal Park is open for day use and is great for rockhounding and picnicking.

Come walk the deserted streets of Bannack, and discover for yourself the way the West really was. Bannack is one of the best preserved of all of Montana's ghost towns. It was Montana's first major gold discovery July 28, 1862 and became Montana's first territorial capital in 1864. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3000 by 1863. When the gold ran out the town died. There are over 50 historic structures that line Main Street.

Moiese is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana. A nearby attraction is the National Bison Range established in 1908 to provide a sanctuary for the American bison it is one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges in the US. It also provides habitat for elk, deer, pronghorn, black bears, and coyotes. More than 200 species of birds also call this home and include eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks, and geese.

St. Mary is near the east entrance of Glacier National Park and is situated between Lower St. Mary Lake, in Glacier County and Upper St. Mary Lake, in the park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road links St. Mary on the eastern side of Glacier with the park's western entrance at West Glacier. The area north of the lake along the road is rich in wildlife and beauty. Mule deer and elk call it home, while spring and summer offer an array of wildflowers including Indian paintbrush, blanketflowers and lupine.

Willard is located in southeastern Montana between of Baker and Ekalaka. Nearby is Medicine Rocks State Park. As its name implies, Medicine Rocks was a place of 'big medicine' where Indian hunting parties conjured up magical spirits. Weathering has given the soft sandstone rock formations a Swiss cheese look.

Warm Springs located near Deer Lodge, Butte and Anaconda was named for the nearby hot springs. Nearby Lost Creek State Park features spectacular grey limestone cliffs that rise 1,200 feet above the canyon's narrow floor. The Pintler Scenic Route, a 63-mile drive, starts in nearby Anaconda, one of Montana's most historic towns and travels to Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg and is a wonderful alternative to Interstate 90 when traveling between Butte and Missoula.

Wagner is located on the Milk River between the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and Bowdin National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge hosts more than 250 different bird species as they make their way through scrublands, grassy marshes and wetlands. Nesting colonies of white pelicans, black-crowned night herons and white-faced ibises lure the best of this country's bird watchers. Nearby Fort Belknap Reservation is home to two tribes, the Assiniboine, or Nakoda, and the Gros Ventre, who refer to themselves as A'aninin or "People of the White Clay."

Volborg is a country store and post office on Pumpkin Creek, a large stream which attracted many stockmen to its banks, where they noted the vast, unfenced and unclaimed ranges on both sides and often decided to settle. But ranches were miles apart and it was a lonely life, particularly for women. Theodore Roosevelt, who came by occasionally from his northern ranch, once remarked, "The frontier is hard on women and horses." Occasionally families and cowboys got together for a dance. The men outnumbered women ten to one and the children slept on quilts in the corner. Music often lured cowboys to travel many miles. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Virgelle FerryVirgelle Mercantile Virgelle's name was coined from the first names of Virgil and Ella Blackenbaker. Mr. Blackenbaker was a prominent sheep rancher and at one time was elected state senator. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) The Virgelle Ferry has successfully transported over 30,000 vehicles with a 50-foot-long steel frame and deck pulled by a power cable. The cable wraps once around the rear hub of a diesel engine, protected by a little house. The ferry is also attached to a bridle cable, which keeps it from being pulled down river. Ring the buzzer and the ferry operator will come over the Missouri to pick you and your vehicle up. The Ferry is seasonal, operating from mid-April to mid-November, depending on the ice on the Missouri. Today just north of Virgelle, Coal Banks Landing is a popular point of departure for canoeists floating this scenic stretch of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Coal Banks Landing derives its name from the era when steamboats floated the Missouri loaded coal dug from the nearby hills. Virgelle offers historic accommodations, outfitting and shuttle services. Float the Missouri in a canoe, ride along the bank on horseback or take a drive along scenic byways. Further downstream, deep within the Missouri Breaks, bighorn sheep and elk frequent the riverbank, along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Vandalia is located on the Milk River between Glasgow and Saco. Nearby Fort Peck Reservoir is Montana's largest body of water and is more than 134 miles in length with more than 50 different kinds of fish. Surrounding this large expanse of water is the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge, which provides over one million acres of public land for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, bird-watching, and other outdoor recreation.

Teigen is located in central Montana on McDonald Creek near War Horse National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Nearby, Yellow Water Reservoir is also valuable for waterfowl and shorebirds. The sagebrush uplands surrounding the lake are critical for wintering sage grouse and pronghorn antelope which can be found in the area throughout the year.

Sweetgrass is a port of entry very near the Canadian border. The town name comes from the abundance of "sweet" grass that grows around here and has a sweet, long-lasting aroma. The town gave its name to the Sweetgrass Arch, a series of oil fields that extends south to Sunburst.

Sumatra is a small community in between Ingomar and Melstone along Highway 12. Sumatra was on the old trail that connected Fort Musselshell with Fort Custer. In nearby Forsyth, Rosebud County Pioneer Museum is home to hundreds of displays and thousands of photographs depicting pioneer life in this area. The Yellowstone River offers opportunities for fishing, agate-hunting, and boating.

Stryker is situated between Whitefish and Eureka in the beautiful mountainous region outside of Glacier National Park. Nearby Ten Lake Scenic Area of the Kootenai National Forest offers more than 89 miles of trails of remote backpacking and hiking opportunities through rugged terrain with spectacular mountain views reaching into Canada.

Sonnette is located near Broadus, at the edge of the Custer National Forest. Sonnette is on Pumpkin Creek. The forest service land near the town offers a variety of topography, varying from rolling grasslands to steep rock outcrops. Vegetation varies from prairie to dense stands of ponderosa pine. In nearby Ashland, visitors can tour the St. Labre Indian School. It made a humble beginning in 1884 with the construction of a log cabin school operated by four Ursuline Sisters.

Sanders is located along Interstate 94 about 80 miles east of Billings where Sarpy Creek empties to the Yellowstone River. Sarpy Creek was once renowned among fur traders for beavers. Sanders Gymnasium and Community Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1940. This log building served as a gymnasium for Sanders School as well as a place to gather for the community.

Sand Springs gets its name for the wide expanse of sandy soil and the life-giving springs in the area. Sand Springs was once part of the N-N range. Later, Fred Allen, the first settler became US Commissioner and eager homesteaders poured in. Allen had a store, a rooming house, and a dancehall. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) Sand Spring's recent history evolves from early occupation by large cattle, sheep and horse ranches at the turn of the 20th century. These were soon followed by the influx of homesteaders in the 1910s and '20s. Those who made it through the 1930s stayed to build a strong agricultural community. Major products of the area include small grains and livestock. Sand Springs is located in the Garfield County, over thirty miles from the nearest town. The farmable acres in this area are some of the richest, most productive soils in the county; however, much of the land is suitable only for grazing due to the terrain. Today, the land around Sand Springs is used predominately by sheep and cattle ranchers. The largest growing segment of Garfield County's economy is recreation. There are excellent fishing, hunting, camping and boating opportunities available all year long.

St. Xavier is on the Crow Indian Reservation along the Bighorn River. In 1887 Fr. Prando, a Jesuit missionary, and two companions founded a mission here and named it. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) The church is still in use. The mission's school, affiliated with the St. Labre Mission School, also continues to operate but is now called the Pretty Eagle School, after a famous Crow chief. The St. Xavier area is a patchwork of fields of malting barley, alfalfa, and sugar beets are irrigated by the Bighorn River. The nearby Yellowtail Dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River and turns this variable stream into a magnificent lake. The canyon features spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and camping. There are two visitor centers, one at Fort Smith and one at Yellowtail Dam.

Situated at the confluence of the St. Regis and Clark Fork rivers, St. Regis is primarily a tourist-related town and offers a golf course, a large community park and a visitor information center. The town hosts the largest flea market in Montana every Memorial Day weekend. Take the scenic route of the Hiawatha trail on your bike. Travel via an old railroad bed, over trestles and through tunnels, through the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho and Montana.

St. Marie is located 17 miles north of Glasgow. Nearby, Fort Peck Reservoir is Montana's largest body of water. The lake is about 134 miles in length and has 1,520 miles of shoreline which is longer than the California coast. The reservoir was created with the construction of the 3.5 mile Fort Peck Dam across the Missouri River. Surrounding this large expanse of water is the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge, which provides over one million acres of public land for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and bird-watching.

Rich in history and native culture, the small town of St. Ignatius on the Flathead Indian Reservation offers beautiful views of the Mission Valley. You'll find Native American crafts, artifacts and antiques here. The St. Ignatius Mission features 58 interior murals painted by Brother Joseph Carignano. Year-round, the National Bison Range offers the opportunity to view 500 bison roaming on natural grassland, along with elk, bighorn sheep, antelope and deer on self-guided auto tours.

Ringling is located between Livingston and White Sulphur Springs and arrived at its present name and site by way of land acquisitions of John T. Ringling of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Ringling is located on Sixteenmile Creek. One of the most photographed historic churches, St. John's Catholic Church, is also located in Ringling, with a beautiful view of the Crazy Mountains in its background.

Richland is located near the Canadian border in northeastern Montana. It is along the West Fork of the Poplar River and is just north of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The nearby town of Scobey has a great nine-hole golf course. Just west of Scobey is the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town, which features 35 buildings that have been restored to depict a town in the early 1900s. Held the last weekend in June are Pioneer Days with entertainment provided by the Dirty Shame Show.

Raymond, in the state's extreme northeast corner, is nine miles from Canada and the border port station at the International Boundary. South of Raymond is Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the heavily glaciated rolling plains of northeastern Montana, between the Missouri River and the Canadian Border. Thousands of migrating waterfowl make their summer home at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Proctor is located on the west shore of Flathead Lake in the Flathead National Forest. Outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful resorts abound in the area.

Powderville is in the southeast corner of the state on the Powder River. The Powder River Historical Museum in nearby Broadus contains many valuable historical collections, including photos and books, Indian artifacts, old guns and ammunition, pre-1900 buggies, vintage autos, rebuilt engines, threshing machines, tractors and farm implements.

Peerless, west of Scobey, was originally named Tande, according to one historian, but due to the popularity of Peerless Beer sold there people got into the habit of saying, "Let's go to Peerless," and this gave rise to the idea of changing the name. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) In Peerless, stop at Dutch Henry's Club. The place is a namesake of an outlaw who roamed these parts in the late 1800s. A display of photos on the walls tells quite a bit about the history of the surrounding area.

Otter is located in the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest in southeastern Montana. The Ashland Ranger District was originally known as the Otter Forest Reserve. The District offers a variety of topography, varying from rolling grasslands, to steep rock outcrops. Vegetation varies from prairie to dense stands of ponderosa pine and offer hunting, solitude, and a good opportunity for nature study as well as picnic and camping facilities.

Olive is 10 miles north of Broadus on the Mizpah Creek in the southeastern corner of the state. Olive is located near the county seat, Broadus, which is home to the Powder River Historical Museum. The museum contains many valuable historical collections including Indian artifacts, old guns and ammunition, pre-1900 buggies, vintage autos, rebuilt engines, threshing machines, tractors and farm implements.

Oilmont is on the lower end of the Sunburst Oil Field. Oilmont is located north of Hi-Line towns of Shelby and Cut Bank. North of Oilmont is the Sweet Grass Hills, known by many names over the years: the Blackfeet referred to this island range as Kato-yi-six, "Sweet pine hills". The current name, Sweet Grass Hills, refers to Hiero-chloe odoratta, a native grass abundant in the area, used for ceremonial purposes.

In Nevada City and Virginia City, shop, dine and sleep without leaving the atmosphere of the 1890s. You will find fascinating nuggets of history and memories to treasure. The restoration of these towns began decades ago, and the state of Montana recently purchased much of Virginia City and all of Nevada City so that the preservation can continue. Visit the surrounding towns to get a well-rounded vision of early pioneer life, and be sure to take in all of the local attractions.

Mosby was initially developed as homesteaders came to claim their 160 acres of free land. However, it was a harsh existence and many homesteaders moved on. Oil wells have been developed in the Cat Creek area.

Molt is located 22 miles west of Billings near Big Lake Complex which is part of the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge. Hailstone Refuge is in wide-open short grass prairie country dominated by rocky outcroppings and small grassy hills noted primarily for its waterfowl and shorebirds. Nearby, Canyon Creek Battlefield Monument, located at the site of the battle between the Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph and the US Calvary where 125 warriors held off the cavalry enabling the rest of the band of 800 Nez Perce to continue their flight from Oregon to asylum in Canada. A pipe ceremony led by the Nez Perce is held at the battle site each September.

Milltown is near Missoula and the Rattlesnake Recreation Area and Wilderness. With the major trailhead only 4.5 miles north of Missoula, the 61,000 acres of glaciated topography in the Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area form Montana's premier urban wilderness. Here, you'll find a variety of hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and bicycling opportunities a few miles from town.

Mildred is on O'Fallon Creek 20 miles southeast of Terry. Not far from Mildred you can get on the Big Sky Byway in Terry. The north-south orientation of the Byway will give you a glimpse of dry land farming, rolling prairie grassland, scenic scoria buttes, and badlands terrain. While in Terry visit the Prairie County Museum and Evelyn Cameron Gallery. The museum exhibits capture the essence of the old pioneer life and The Cameron Gallery displays the pictorial works of Lady Evelyn Cameron, an Englishwoman who homesteaded in Prairie County in 1889.

Melville is located 20 miles north of Big Timber along the Sweetgrass River. Named in 1877 for Colonel Melville, the arctic explorer. It is cow and sheep country, originally settled by Norwegians. The first Lutheran church in Montana was built here in 1885 complete with steeple and bell. It is a beautiful white church backed by the magnificent Crazy Mountains. Local ranches are renowned for providing stock for western rodeos.

Melrose is on the Big Hole River halfway between Butte and Dillon nestled in the mountains near the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is famous for its trout fishing. Near Melrose is Beaverhead Rock State Park. The huge landmark for which the park gets its name, Beaverhead Rock, resembles the head of a swimming beaver. Sacajawea recognized this landmark while traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Nestled in the beautiful Boulder Valley, McLeod offers opportunities for fishing in pristine mountain streams, rustic resort getaways, camping, hiking, hunting and horseback riding. Nearby, Natural Bridge Falls has paved paths that meander along the Boulder River and also serves as the trailhead for the Green Mountain Trail. Nearby, Historic Main Boulder Ranger Station represents perhaps the oldest facility in the Forest Service System and has been painstakingly restored to represent its original character. Indian Caves with pictographs are an easy hike from the ranger station.

McCabe is located in the extreme northeastern corner of the state. An attraction in the area is Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge which is a sanctuary for thousands of migrating waterfowl. Great blue herons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, grebes and twelve different species of ducks share the prairie lake ecosystem. Nearby, Fort Peck Indian Reservation is home to Sioux and Assinniboine.

Lothair is located on the Hi-Line between Chester and Shelby. Nearby Tiber Dam-Lake Elwell provides excellent year-round angling for walleye, northern and sauger pike, native trout, ling and perch. Near Lothair is the Lewis and Clark Overlook, that commemorates Captain Lewis' trip up the Marias River. The site offers a panoramic views of the Sweetgrass Hills, the Bears Paw Mountains, Square Butte, the Highwood Mountains, portions of the Belt Mountains, the Rocky Mountain Front and the Marias River below.

Loring is a tiny picturesque community sixteen miles from the Port of Morgan and the Canadian border crossing. Area attractions include the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge and Nelson Reservoir, one of the northeast Montana's popular water recreation and fishing areas.

Lloyd is near the Bear Paw Mountains on Snake Creek. Nearby Bear Paw Battlefield is located 16 miles south of Chinook on Highway 240. At this site, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce surrendered on October 5, 1877 after a 1,300 mile retreat. It was here that Chief Joseph made his eloquent speech of surrender, stating, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."