Category: Arts and Culture

By Valerie Stimac, Valismag.com  Part of why I love to travel is to experience other cultures, but it’s surprising how hard it has been for me to find great opportunities to learn about Native American cultures while exploring the American West. This is changing thanks to both traveler interest and government support for Native American tribes […]

While Glacier National Park anchors Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the region offers so much more. The gorgeous landscapes, vibrant small towns and adventures beyond the park are every bit as memorable as the park itself. Here’s a list of things to do outside Glacier National Park that will make for the trip of a lifetime. […]

Just 30 minutes from Missoula, step back in time at the Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station, located on the Ninemile Ranger District compound in Huson, Montana. Here you’ll get a captivating glimpse of early firefighting days in the rugged and roadless wilderness of the Rocky Mountain West. From 1930 to 1953 the depot supplied […]

A city tour is one of the best ways to quickly get the “lay of the land” in Western Montana and find our favorite local spots to eat and drink. Our larger, vibrant towns of Missoula, Whitefish and Kalispell have lots to do, including a variety of city tour options. From self-guided historic and art […]

The American bison has long been one of the most important animals in American Indian cultures. Tribes have relied on the majestic bison for thousands of years, using every part of the animal for survival and welfare, including meat for food, bones and horns for tools, and hide for clothing and shelter, as well as […]

Montana is the fourth largest state by area with a population of just over 1 million people, which makes us one of the least dense states. We actually have more cows than residents, at about a 2.5 to 1 ratio. This is one factor that has shaped our communities and outdoor spaces. In Western Montana, […]

Western Montana is a haven for antiquers where you can find antique malls, revitalized mercantiles, vintage stores and hidden gems. Dealers offer everything from furniture, tools, clothing and textiles to Old-West memorabilia, posters, paintings and artwork, making it easy to take home a one-of-a-kind Montana find. A treasure trove awaits. CREAMERY ANTIQUE MALL In Stevensville, […]

Indoor exploration in Western Montana can be as memorable as our outdoor scene. Sometimes, strolling a museum, watching live theater, or sampling local craft beer is exactly what you need on a rainy day, to beat the summer temps or to dodge wildland fire smoke. We’ve listed 17 of our favorite things to do indoors […]

Western Montana is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and wild, natural beauty—but the rich arts and culture scene can take you by surprise, too. You can seek it out, or simply wander through charming communities and let yourself stumble upon sculptures, murals and more. If you’re in search of public art that tells the stories […]

Wrapping up our blog series on notable people is the story of Montana’s famous cowgirl, Ramona Holt. Ramona grew up in Montana’s ranching and rodeo scene, participating in youth, intercollegiate and professional rodeo. As an adult, she dedicated her life to promoting the western way of living, and for 30 years Ramona and her husband, […]