Montana Vacations: Landmarks
See some of Montana’s historic landmarks on your vacation
Besides having excellent outdoor activities, beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers, ski resorts, and wildlife, you’ll find that Montana has a rich and interesting old west history, that you can learn about at some of the fascinating landmarks you’ll find while traveling here. Here’s some of our favorite Montana landmarks.
Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum:
Whitefish's Stumptown Historical Society.
You’ll find this fascinating and beautiful restored Great Northern train depot in the heart of Whitefish, a short walk from local hotels and restaurants. Learn about the area’s railroad and logging past and how each industry has changed the Flathead Valley and the Northwest. No admission is charged.
Missoula’s Wilma Theatre: This Historical Landmark in downtown Missoula, Montana. Has interesting historic architecture. William Simons built the theatre built in 1921 and named it after his wife, Edna Wilma Simons. The Wilma remains an Missoula icon, with its 1920′s-era box office, 1,067-seat theatre, which still hosts live events and films on a big curved silver screen, Montana’s largest indoor screen.
Mount Jumbo: A historical and beautiful peak outside of Missoula, Montana. Historians say the Salish Indians named Mount Jumbo “Sin Min Koos,” or “obstacle.” Not exactly the most flattering name for a mountain. Early European residents thought it looked like a sleeping elephant and eventually it got the name Mount Jumbo after the famous circus elephant. The mountain is under special protection, and is home to diverse Montana wildlife. Great trails will let you experience the beautiful views from ths Mountain. Trails here are closed from December 1 through March 15. And the northern portion is closed from Dec 1 through May 1.
Lake McDonald Lodge:
The Lake McDonald Lodge is an example of historic Montana architecture.
This historic lodge was built in 1914 on the shores of the largest lake in Glacier National Park. The lodge is made of huge timbers in an amazing lodge style. Whether you stay here or not, it’s worth having a walk around this historic building on park’s west side.
Blackfeet Warriors Sculpture: These amazing sculptures on Blackfeet Reservation on the east side of Glacier National Park are a great historic stop while driving in Montana. The sculptures are made from pieces of old vehicles, barbed wire and stones from a mission school. The artist, Jay Laber, used these materials to build statues of two Native American warriors upon their horses at the four entrances to the reservation. They’re easily spotted as you drive along the east side of Glacier National Park.
Related posts:
- Montana Weddings: Glacier Park Lodge
- Montana Historic Hotels: Glacier and Northwestern Montana
- Montana Best Hikes: Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald
- Columbia Falls, Montana Vacations
- Kalispell, Montana Vacations
