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One can also spend the night in history by staying at the Grand Union Hotel, the remarkable state's oldest hotel. The mighty Missouri River flowing along offers easy access to nature for scenic picnics on the banks, going for a swim on a hot summer's day, or fishing along the shores.
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One can spend the whole day perusing the sites and museums along the Steamboat Levee Walk while discovering the roles and significance of the town to the region through interpretive signs and sculptures. Today, people come to Fort Benton to see the fort with a collection of historic buildings adjacent to a wonderful recreational area of a 1900s homestead village. The town also developed and prospered as the last stop by boat on the journey west along the Missouri River to become known as the birthplace of Montana. Editorial credit: Joseph Sohm / Ī fur-trading post-turned thriving town, Fort Benton grew around the fort following the discovery of gold in the 1860s. Big Timber's wild-western atmosphere comes through in the hotels from the 1800s, the old-style soda fountain, and the local watering hole, the Thirsty Turtle Tavern and Grill.įort Benton Historic Fort Benton and Fort Benton Bridge, Montana. For family-friendly natural outings, there are the Big Timber Falls and the Yellowstone River Trout Hatchery. The Crazy Mountain Museum comprises an educational space detailing the history of Sweet Grass County, including the time of Lewis and Clark on locale, a depiction of the town in the early 1900s, and an old Model T Ford. Anglers from all over the world flee for the ample fishing opportunities within some of the nation's best scenery, while the newbies can get all the needed equipment and advice from the many outfitters in town. The Natural Bridge State Park comes with many sights and activities, including waterfalls, that will suit all fitness levels, while the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers are a dream-come-true for the fly-fishers. Aside from hiking, mountain biking, and climbing the peaks, the small town is the premier getaway into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness for endless backpacking explorations. Set between Bozeman and Billings, Big Timber offers big adventures in the outdoors, back-dropped by the gorgeous Crazy Mountains. Georgetown Lake is a great recreational site for a fun end-to-the-weekend surrounded by nature.īig Timber A sign welcoming visitors to the small town of Big Timber, Montana. The getaway would not be complete without a drive down the Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway with a stop to relax at one of the lakes along the way. For a real authentic taste of the town, one can see a performance at the local Washoe Theater, followed by a visit to the Smelter City Brewing for locally brewed beer and live music. The Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is great for fresh-air strolls with views of the tower from concrete patios, while the Nicklaus-designed Old Works Golf Course in the vicinity offers more fun in the outdoors. Visitors from all walks of life, including fans of old architecture and mining history, enjoy the respite in the naturally-rich locale, set remotely along Route 90 in western Montana. Despite running on fumes by the 1980s, the town found a revival in tourism, now offering much to witness and enjoy during a weekend getaway.
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The 585-foot brick tower, one of the tallest free-standing stonework structures in the world, nods at the town's copper mining industry booming past. One of Montana's most interesting small towns, Anaconda's hilly landscape is instantly recognizable by the tall, skinny smokestack reaching into the sky. Anaconda Anaconda Smelter Stack in Montana is the tallest surviving masonry building in the world.