Montana Attractions
Montana Guide
Montana Attractions
Montana – a state in the Western United States with mountainous topography is often nicknamed as “Land of the Shining Mountains” and “Big Sky Country”. It is the fourth largest state in the US after Alaska, Texas, and California. Montana also possess the “world’s shortest river”, the Roe River. The economy is primarily based on services such as ranching, wheat farming, oil and coal, lumber, tourism and hard rock mining. Montana is characteristic of scenic valleys such as Flathead Valley, Bitterroot Valley, and Gallatin Valley which present multiple opportunities for tourism and recreation.
Montana: A Brief History
Archeological evidence suggests that various native Indians such as the crow, cheyenne, blackfeet inhabited Montana. Montana was acquired as a part of Louisiana Purchase Treaty in 1803. The treaty sparked interest in exploration and scientific inquiry. The Lewis Clark expedition was responsible in studying, mapping and recording information on the native people, history, terrain, and river systems. Clark made an inscription on the sandstone pillar also known as Pompey’s Pillar, named after Jean Baptiste Charbonneau (Pompy), the son of Sacagawea who was the native woman who helped guide the expedition.
One of the central activities of Montana’s economy is cattle ranching which came with the entrepreneurship of Johnny Grant during the late 1850s. He sold his ranch to Conrad Kohrs who was responsible for a major cattle empire in the area. Mining is one of the important occupations in Montana. Copper made Butte, one of the most prosperous cities in the world is “the Richest Hill on Earth” due to the presence of the copper mines.
Montana: Things to See and Do
The geography of Montana divides it into six tourism countries:
Glacier Country
It is the home of Glacier National Park and a recreational dreamland suitable for both winter and summer vacations. It is a haven for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, boating, and hiking.
Russell Country
The place is characterized by rich landscapes which have inspired cowboy artist Charlie Russell. Various museums present the life and work of Charlie Russell. Russell Country is archeologically rich in fossils of dinosaurs.
| Russell Country Founded | December 18, 1832 |
| Russell Country Seat | Phenix City |
| Russell Country Largest City | Phenix City |
| Russell Country Area - Total - Land - Water |
647 sq mi (1,676 km²) 641 sq mi (1,660 km²) 6 sq mi (16 km²), (0.94%) |
| Russell Country Population - (2000) - Density |
49,756 36/sq mi (14/km²) |
| Russell Country Website | http://www.rcala.com/index.html |
Missouri River Country
Located in the northeast corner of the state, it is home for water related activities such as fishing.
Yellowstone Country
Home of the world’s first national park Yellowstone Park, this place is characteristic of alpine lakes, rivers, and natural geysers. A wide variety of wildlife such as elk, bison, bears and wolves inhabit the park.
| Yellowstone Country Founded | 1883 |
| Yellowstone Country Seat | Billings |
| Yellowstone Country Largest City | Billings |
| Yellowstone Country Area - Total - Land - Water |
2,649 sq mi (6,861 km²) 2,635 sq mi (6,825 km²) 14 sq mi (36 km²), 0.52% |
| Yellowstone Country Population - (2000) - Density |
144,797 |
| Yellowstone Country Website | www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov |
Gold West Country
This place is for the treasure seeker whether it is Montana sapphires, agates, crystals, garnets or gold nuggets. It is famous for ghost towns, museums, mines and ranches.
Custer Country
It is known for the Battle of the Little Bighorn that occurred in 1876 between United States Seventh Calvary Regiment led by Lt. Col George Armstrong Custer and the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians led by the Sitting Bull. It is memorialized at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument within the boundaries of the Crow Indian reservation.
| Custer Country Founded | 1882 |
| Custer Country Seat | Miles City |
| Custer Country Largest City | Miles City |
| Custer Country Area - Total - Land - Water |
3,793 sq mi (9,824 km²) 3,783 sq mi (9,798 km²) 10 sq mi (26 km²), 0.27% |
| Custer Country Population - (2000) - Density |
11,696 3/sq mi (1/km²) |
Thus, Montana offers a lot of interesting activities that range from biking, horseback riding, and skiing, bicycling tours to golfing, water parks, and museums.
