Southwest Montana Blog
State Parks

We are all together through the craziness and uncertainty brought by COVID-19. On one hand, what we want more than anything is to share the incredible treasures of Big Sky Country with all of you … on the other hand, the best thing each of us can do right now is to stay put. While …

There are a lot of things to do during the holiday season. There are trees to decorate, cookies to make, cookies to eat, presents to wrap, presents to buy (eek!), carols to sing. You have to say hello to friends you know, and everyone you meet. And so forth.   It really is quite exciting. …

The Helena area is home to three very different state parks, all of which showcase different aspects of what makes the state parks system so fantastic. Black Sandy puts water recreation front and center, offering one of the few public points of access for Hauser Lake. Spring Meadow Lake is a popular day...

In the Anaconda area, there are three state parks that should draw your eye: Anaconda Smoke Stack The Anaconda Smoke Stack dominates the valley between Butte and Deer Lodge. At 585 feet tall the Smoke Stack is one of the tallest free-standing masonry structures in the world and cuts an imposing figure against...

Of all Montana’s wonderful state parks, Lewis and Clark Caverns is probably the most memorable. Situated in the winding and scenic Jefferson River Canyon between Whitehall and Three Forks, the park offers 3,015 acres of hiking, biking, wildlife and bird watching, camping, and fishing. But as you may...

Allow us to introduce you to your next adventure. Montana boasts a network of over 55 State Parks – scattered literally from one corner (Brush Lake in Northeastern Montana) to the other (Bannack in the Southwest). The best part about the 10+ State Parks in our beautiful region is that they make the perfect...

As you are planning your travels around Southwest Montana this summer, don’t forget to make the State Parks a major part of your itinerary. Usually less crowded and more of-the-beaten-path than the National Parks, our State Parks represent the best of Montana. From active and well known parks like...

One of the beauties of writing for a Montana tourism blog is that it doesn’t need a lot of salesmanship. The state pretty much sells itself. Don’t get me wrong, I could talk all day about the extraordinary beauty of Montana’s diverse rivers, that range from hurtling boulder-strewn cascades...

If you’re looking for an adventure in Southwest Montana, chances are you have a few criteria in mind. Remarkable scenery, history, wildlife, preferably off the beaten path, and good camping, and maybe a few interesting towns to stop in along the way. If that’s what you’re looking for, then...

Through Parts 1–4 of this series, we have followed Henry Plummer’s story from his childhood back East to his final breaths taken in territorial Montana. At this point, you may find yourself making the assumption that you in fact have a relatively complete view of Henry Plummer’s character, actions, and...

**Don’t miss Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of the Henry Plummer Series With Electa out of the picture, Plummer had little reason to spend time at home and threw himself into his work. When he was in Bannack, he took meals with his in-laws, the Vails, and their two boarders – Joseph Swift and Francis...

**Don’t miss Part 1 and Part 2  of the Henry Plummer Series With his affairs in order in Bannack, Plummer took off for the Sun River Farm, ready to be reunited with his soon to be wife, Electa Bryan. Little did he know that in his absence Ms. Bryan was questioning her intent to marry Plummer. …