Montana:

Capital: Helena
Population: 882,000
State Parks: 48

Major Points of Interest:

• Big Hole National Battlefield;
• Custer Battlefield National Monument;
• Ft. Union Trading Post;
• Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park;
• Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

The Montana Travel Planner 2001-2002 is a free, almost 150-page guide to what’s going on around the state. It’s available, along with an assortment of brochures and a full-colour, state road map from Travel Montana (1424 Ninth Avenue, Helena MT 59620, 406-444-25654 or 800-847-4868). The Montana Vacation Guide includes a state map, information on scenic areas and additional sources of information. Throughout the planner there are lists of privately owned and public campgrounds with season information, facilities, number of sites, addresses and phone numbers.

Additional information is available from the Montana C of C (2030 11th Avenue, Suite 21, Helena, Mt. 59624, 406-442-2405) Unfold the free state road map and you’ll find information on the different vacationing regions, a mileage chart, a location guide to cities and towns, maps of the larger towns, a description of the Lewis and Clark Trail and other useful information.

There are seven Indian reservations in Montana, home to 11 tribes with 40,000 members. Information on the tribes and their locations is in a pamphlet called Historic and Cultural Attractions in Montana. A guide called Montana Indian Reservations and information is available from the Office of Indian Affairs. (State Capitol, Room 202, Helena MT 59620, 406-444-3702.) Special events on each reservation reflect the traditional Indian culture. All events are open to the public.

Travelling with kids? Kid Friendly Montana is a foldout pamphlet that describes the various attractions that appeal to the younger set.

Montana Winter Guide was written for the snow-loving traveller. Somewhere within its 50 pages you’ll find everything you wanted to know about downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and winter recreation. There’s also an accommodation guide to lodges, ranches and resorts in case you want to bed down for a few nights outside your motorhome.

Did you know... the state flower is bitterroot; the state fish the cutthroat trout; Montana means mountain in Spanish; there was a time when there was no speed limit in Montana?

Everybody knows it snows in Montana, so you can get the latest statewide road and weather reports by calling 800-226-7623 and 406-453-3081. For detailed information from regional sources, call 406-329-4840 in the west; 406-453-2081 in central; 406-228-4042 in the northeast and 406-652-1916 in the southeast.

Hotlines:

Here’s some toll-free numbers you can call for information:

Glacier Country (800-338-5072)
Gold West Country (800-879-1159)
Russell Country (800-527-5348)
Yellowstone Country (800-736-5276)
Missouri River Country (800-653-1319)
Custer Country (800-346-1876).

Ghost towns can be found throughout the state. Lured by gold, silver and copper, colourful characters populated the boom towns but some became bust towns. Information on ghost towns and their locations in and around Dillon, Missoula, White Sulpher Springs and Philipsburg can be found in the material you receive from Travel Montana.

The Montana Calendar of Events is issued for various time periods during the year. It covers festivals, art shows, fairs, parades, dances, concerts and other events, many of them offering free admission. It’s available free from Travel Montana.

Fall foliage tours and scenic drives go hand in hand. The travel material you’ll receive contains some of the best scenic tour descriptions including a 52-mile stretch that climbs the heights of the Continental Divide; Highway 83 between Clearwater Junction and Bigfork that winds its way through dense forests and around mountain lakes, and the area around Makoshika State Park. Additional outdoor-related free stuff is available from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (406-444-2074) and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (406-444-2535).

Calendar

If you’re in the neighbourhood, plan on attending:

In January -

Annual Ski Fest in Essex; Ag Days and Trade Show at Sidney; Snow Boss Snocross Race in Haugan; Micro Brew Review and Cool Dog Ball at Helena; Seele-Lincoln Dog Sled Race in Seeley.

In February -

Northern Rodeo Association Finals in Billings; Whitefish Winter Carnival in Whitefish; Snowboard Jam in Missoula; Frost Fever and Winterfest in Missoula; Northern Rocky Mountain Winter Games in Red Lodge.31

In March -

Winter Carnival in Red Lodge; Art Auction in Billings; Custom Car Show in Great Falls; St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Anaconda and Great Falls; Snow Rodeo and Spring Ski Race in Essex; Freestyle Junior Olympics in Red Lodge; Stone Fun Run in Butte; Antique and Collectible Extravaganza in Miles City.

In April -

MSU Indian Club Pow-Wow in Bozeman; Run For The Trees in Missoula; Home and Garden Show in Great Falls; Annual Railroad Swap Meet in Livingston; The Railroad Fair in Helena; Flat Iron Quilt Show in Thompson Falls; the Kite Festival in Helena.

In May -

Artwalk Downtown in Billings; Buffalo Feast and Pow-Wows in St. Ignatius; Wine Festival in Billings; Stumptown Days in Whitefish; Bison Range Birthday Celebration in Moiese; Red Water Run in Glendive; Crazy Mountain Museum Festival in Big Times.

In June -

Big Sky Festival in Hamilton; Gold Rush Fever Days in Virginia City; Red Lodge Music Festival in Red Lodge; Rodeo in Gardiner; Classic Auto Club Spring Tour at Hamilton; Jazz Jubilee at Helena; Custers Last Stand Reenactment at Hardin; Opheim Rodeo in Opheim; Summer Solstice Marathon at Kalispell, Lake to Lake Canoe Race at Whitefish.

In July -

Rodeo Days at Livingston; 4th of July Festival at Roundup; Big Sky, Kalispell and Virginia City; Big Sky Rodeo at Big Sky; Bozeman Trail Gun Show at Bozeman; Four County Marias Fair in Shelby; Railroad Days at Alberton; Strawberry Festival at Darby; Summerfair at Billings.

In August -

Pioneer Days and Lake County Fair in Ronan; Kid’s Fest in Missoula; the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman; Wadopana Celebration in Wolf Point; Judith Basin Fair in Stanford; Chokecherry Festival in Broadus; Hays Pow-Wow in Hays; Musician’s Rendezvous in Columbus; Chouteau County Fair in Fort Benton; Living History in Fairview; Milk River Wagon Train in Malta.

In September -

Undercover Gals Quilty Show at Hardin; Medicine Rocks Black Powder shoot in Ekalaka; York Fest in Helena; Lewis and Clark Marathon in Bozeman; Last Chance Community Pow-Wow in Helena; Big Sky Draft Horse Expo in Deer Lodge; Cottonwood Folk Festival in Great Falls; Labor Day Rodeo in Helmville; Team Roping and Dance in Custer.

In October -

Blue Mountain All Women’s Run in Missoula; Stillwater River Run and Fun Walk in Absarokee; Ghost Walks in Bannack; Hunter Banquet in Winnett; Octoberfest in Superior; Bald Eagle Migration in Helena; Fiesta Day in Whitefish; Apple Day in Hamilton.

In November -

Wine and Food Festival in Sidney; Country Christmas in Lewiston; Holiday Parade in Billings; Holiday Light Parade in Glendive; Festival of Trees in Butte, Billings and Helena; Renaissance Fair in Missoula; Crazy Mountain Christmas in Big Timber; Winter Fair in Choteau.

In December -

Christmas in Paradise in Livingston; Victorian Christmas in Deer Lodge; Christmas Stroll in Stanford and Malta; Festival of Lights in Belgrade; North Pole Stroll in Ennis; First Night at Missoula; Snowmobile Poker Run in Lincoln, Root Beer Classic in Polebridge; Chew-Choo New Year’s Eve Train in Lewiston.

Montana Information Sources:

Many of the regional offices around the state have free information they’ll send you upon request. Using the state road map, you can circle the areas you plan on visiting, then contact the regional office for specific information prior to your trip so you’ll know what to do, see and experience when you arrive. Looking over the campground guides and information, you can find locations that fit into your style and budget.:

Anaconda Chamber of Commerce, (406-563-2400) 306 East Park Ave., Anaconda MT 59711 Baker C of C, (406-778-2266) PO Box 849, Baker MT 59313-0849 Belgrade C of C, (406-388-1616) PO Box 1126, Belgrade MT 59714 Beaverhead C of C, (406-683-5511) PO Box 425, Beaverhead MT 59725 Big Sandy C of C, (406-378-3220) PO Box 411, Big Sandy MT 59520 Big Timber C of C, (406-932-4678) PO Box 1012, Big Timber MT 59011 Bigfork C of C, (406-837-5888) PO Box 237, Bigfork MT 59911 Billings Area C of C, (406-245-4111) PO Box 31177, Billings MT 59107 Bitterroot Valley C of C, (406-363-2400) 105 E. Main, Bitterroot Valley MT 59840 Bozeman Area C of C, (406-586-5421) 2000 Commerce Way, Bozeman MT 59714 Bridger C of C, (406-662-3728) PO Box 99, Bridger MT 59014 Browning Area C of C, (406-338-7312) PO Box 1763 Browning MT 59417 Butte Silver Bow C of C, (406-723-3177) 1000 George St., Butte MT 59701 Chinook C of C, (406-357-2339) PO Box 744, Chinook MT 59523 Choteau C of C,(406-466-5316) PO Box 897, Choteau MT 59422 Circle C of C,(406-485-2414) PO Box 321, Circle MT 59215 Colstrip C of C, (406-748-2990) PO Box 1935, Colstrip MT 59323 Columbia Falls C of C, (406-892-2072) PO Box 312, Columbia Falls MT 59912 Columbus C of C, (406-322-4505) PO Box 783, Columbus MT 59019 Conrad C of C, (406-278-7791 PO Box 980 Conrad MT 59425 Culbertson C of C, (406-787-5821) PO Box 639, Culbertson MT 59218 Cut Bank Area C of C, (406-873-4041) West Main St., Cut Bank MT 59427 Powell County C of C, (406-846-2094) 1171 Main St., Deer Lodge 59722 East Glacier C of C, (406-226-4403) PO Box 260, East Glacier MT 59434 Carter County C of C, (406-775-6658) PO Box 297, Ekalaka MT 59324

Ennis C of C, (406-682-4287) PO Box 291, Ennis MT 59729 Fairfield C of C, (406-467-2531) PO Box 39, Fairfield MT 59436 Fairview C of C, (406-747-5259) PO Box 374, Fairview MT 59221 Forsyth Area C of C, (406-347-5656) PO Box 448, Forsyth MT 59327 Gardiner C of C, (406-848-7971) PO Box 81, Gardiner MT 59030 Glasgow Area C of C, (406-228-2222) PO Box 832, Glasgow MT 59230 Glendive C of C, (406-365-5601) 313 S Merrill Ave, Glendive MT 59330 Great Falls Area C of C, (406-761-4434) PO Box 2127, Grt Falls MT 59403 Hardin Area C of C, (406-665-1672) 21 East 4th St., Hardin MT 59034 Harlowton C of C, (406-632-4694) PO Box 694, Harlowton MT 59036 Havre Area C of C, (406-265-4383) PO Box 308, Havre MT 59501 Helena Area C of C, (406-442-4120) 225 Cruse, St. Helena MT 59601 Hot Springs C of C, (406-741-2662) PO Box 580, Hot Springs MT 59845 Hysham C of C, (406-342-5457) PO Box 63, Hysham MT 59038 Jordan C of C, (406-557-2248) PO Box 370, Jordan MT 59337 Kalispell Area C of C, (406-758-2800) 15 Depot Park, Kalispell MT 59901 Lakeside -Somers C of C, (406-844-3715) PO Box 177, Lakeside MT 59922 Laurel C of C, (406-628-8105) PO Box 395, Laurel MT 59044 Lewistown Area C of C, (406-538-5436) PO Box 818, Lewiston MT 59457 Libby Area C of C, (406-293-4167) PO Box 704, Libby MT 59923 Lincoln C of C, (406-362-4949) PO Box 985, Lincoln MT 59639 Livingston C of C, (406-222-0850) 208 West Park St., Livingston MT 59047 Malta Area C of C, (406-654-1776) PO Box 1420, Malta MT 59538 Manhattan Area C of C, (406-284-6242) PO Box 606, Manhattan MT 59741 Miles City Area C of C, (406-232-2890) 901 Main St., Miles City MT 59301 Missoula C of C, (406-543-6623) PO Box 7577, Missoula MT 59807

Philipsburg C of C, (406-859-3388) PO Box 661, Philipsburg MT 59858 Sheridan County C of C, (406-765-1733) PO Box 104, Plentywood MT 59254 Port Polson C of C, (406-883-5969) PO Box 677, Polson MT 59860 Poplar C of C, (406-768-3336) PO Box 313, Poplar MT 59255 Red Lodge C of C, (406-446-1718) PO Box 988, Red Lodge MT 59068 Ronan C of C, (406-676-8300) PO Box 254, Ronan MT 59864 Musselshell Valley C of C, (406-323-1966) PO Box 751, Roundup MT 59072 Saco C of C, (406-527-3218) PO Box 318, Saco MT 59261 Seeley Lake Area C of C, (406-677-3344) PO Box 516, Seeley Lake 59868 Shelby Area C of C, (406-434-7184) PO Box 865, Shelby MT 59474 Sidney C of C, (406-482-1916) 909 S. Central Avenue Sidney MT 59270 Westshore C of C, (406-857-2042) 5557 Hwy 93, Somers MT 59932 St. Ignatius C of C, (406-745-4884) PO Box 452, St. Ignatius MT 59865-0452 Stanford C of C, (406-735-6948) PO Box 102, Stanford MT 59479 Superior C of C, (406-822-4891) PO Box 483, Superior MT 59872 Swan Lake C of C, (406-886-2642) PO Box 5199, Swan Lake MT 59911 Terry C of C, (406-637-5352) PO Box 667, Terry MT 59349 Thompson Falls C of C, (406-827-4930) 1013 Main St., Thompson Falls MT 59873 Three Forks C of C, (406-285-4880) PO Box 1103, Three Forks MT 59752 Townsend C of C, (406-266-3333) PO Box 947, Townsend MT 59644 Troy C of C, (406-295-4216) PO Box 3005, Troy MT 59935 Twin Bridges C of C & Agri., (406-684-5259 Fax) PO Box 134, Twin Bridges MT 59754 Virginia City C of C, (800-829-2969) PO Box 218, Virginia City MT 59755 White Sulphur Springs C of C, (406-547-3366) PO Box 356, White Sulphur Springs MT 59645 Whitefish Area C of C, (406-862-3501) PO Box 1120, Whitefish MT 59937 Wibaux County C of C, (406-796-2594) PO Box 159, Wibaux MT 59353 Wolf Point C of C, (406-653-2012) 218 3rd Ave S, Wolf Point MT 59201

Public and Private Campgrounds in Montana

In Montana you can camp in places virtually unchanged since the time of Lewis and Clark. They offer a wide range of camping possibilities, from sites with swimming pools to primitive areas with limited facilities. Campsites are available in most National Forests and State Parks. Developed sites usually contain a parking spur, table, fireplace, toilets, and water. Many require a fee. For the more adventuresome, there are numerous isolated roadside and backcountry campsites. These sites do not contain improvements and you’ll have to use your own generator for power. Camping in either Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks is in designated sites only, or by permit for the backcountry. The Travel Planner has a couple of pages of public and private campground listings with a map indicating the locations. The listings include name, telephone, fax number and location, season open, facilities and features.

Alber/Virginia City KOA, PO Box 103, Alder MT 59710 (1-800-562-1898) Big Sky RV Park, 200 N Locust, Anaconda MT 59711 (406-563-2967) Fairmont RV Park, 1700 Fairmont Rd, Anaconda MT 59711 (406-797-3505) Fort Ponderosa Cmpgd, 568 Armington Rd., Belt MT 59412 (406-277-3232) Spring Creek Camp & Trout Ranch, PO Box 1063, Big Timber MT 59011 (406-932-4387) Big Timber KOA, PO Box 3634, Big Timber MT 59011 (1-800-562-5869) Big Sky Campground, 5516 Laurel Rd., Billings MT 59101 (406-259-4110) Garden Avenue RV Park & Campgrnd, 309 Garden Ave., Billings MT 59101 (406-259-0878) Bozeman KOA, 81123 Gallatin Rd, Bozeman MT 59715 (1-800-562-3036) Butte KOA, 1601 Kaw Ave, Butte MT 59701 (1-800-562-8089) Cardwell Store RV Park & Campground, 770 Hwy 2 E, Cardwell MT 59721 (406-287-5092)

Spruce Park On The River, 1985 Hwy 35, Kalispell MT 59901(888-752-6321) Fort Ponderosa Campground, 568 Armington Rd,. Belt MT 59412 (406-277-3232) Sunset Village RV Park, PO Box 330, Hardin MT 59034 (406-665-3244) Lincoln Road RV Park, PO Box 9569, Helena MT 59604 (406-458-3725) Mountain Meadow RV Park and Campground, PO Box 190442, Hungry Horse MT 59919 (406-387-9125) Glacier Pines RV Park, 1850 Hwy 35 East, Kalispell MT 59901 (406-752-2760) Rocky Mountain "HI" Campground, 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell MT (406-755-9573) Woodland Park, PO Box 1152, Libby MT 59923 (406-293-8395) Livingston Campground, PO Box 3053A Rogers Lane, Livingston MT 59047 406-222-1122) Miles City KOA, 1 Palmer Street, Miles City MT 59301 (1-800-562-3909)

Jim and Mary’s RV Park, 9800 Hwy 93 North, Missoula MT 59802 (406-594-4416) Polson Flathead Lake KOA, 200 Irvine Flats Rd., Polson MT 59860 (406-883-2151) Eagle Nest RV Resort, 259 South Shore RT., Polson MT 59860 (406-883-5904) Cedar Hills Campground, PO Box 314, Reedpoint MT 59069 (406-326-2226) Diamond S RV Park, PO Box 792, Ronan MT 59864 (406-676-3641) Pondera RV Park, 217 S. Kansas, Conrad MT 59425 (406-949-3090) St. Ignatius Camping, PO Box 91, St. Ignatius MT 59865 (Tel/Fax:(406 745 3959) Road Runner RV Park, 704 Front St., Townsend MT 59644 (406-266-9900) Kootenai River Campground, 2898 Hwy 2, North Troy MT 59935 (406-295-4090) Glacier Campground, PO Box 447, West Glacier MT 59936 (406-387-5689) Madison Arm Resort Campground & Marina, PO Box 1410, West Yellowstone MT 59758 (406-646-9328) Pipestone Campground, 41 Blue Bird Lane, Whitehall MT 59759 (406-287-5224)