Havre, Montana Vacations
Havre, a great location for central Montana Vacations
by Michele Kadison
Havre, Montana has some of the best Montana has to offer in its north central region, and offers great Montana hotels. From here you’ll be able to access some of the best Montana fishing, historic sites, and scenic drives.
This Montana town was founded over 100 years ago and was originally called Bull Hook Bottoms after a stream that flows from the Milk River. A construction crew was sent to the area in 1887 and because of its excellent location, the man in charge, James J. Hill, decided to build a railway branch from the town south to Great Falls. The town’s name was eventually changed to Havre after the birthplace of the original homesteaders on the land, Simon Pepin and Gus Des Celles, who came from France.
Havre, Montana is close to the Canadian border. As both a railroad town and an agricultural center, Havre’s modern and historic buildings are framed by wide open plains dotted with farms and ranches.
When in Havre, visit the Buffalo Jump Archeological Site, which is one of the biggest prehistoric Native American sites of its kind. The area was discovered in 1961 and has been preserved in its natural state. Take a walking tour to understand more about the history and culture of the Native Americans in this area.
Beaver Creek Park is another must-see when you go to Havre. Nestled in the Bears Paw Mountains just to the south, the park is 10,000 acres of forests, open grasslands, rocky cliffs, and gushing streams. You can also visit the Rocky Boy’s and Fort Belknap Indian reservations, which are right nearby.
Fort Assiniboine is one of the oldest forts in the United States and the largest in Montana. This is the site of John J. Pershing’s first field assignment and was one of the more important strongholds for the infantry and cavalry fighting in the region. Fort Assiniboine is six miles southwest of Havre and is a fascinating monument and testimonial to Montana’s history.
Another great way to spend some hours is to drive to the Holiday Village Shopping Center on Highway 2 West where you can visit the H. Earl Clack Museum. An official stop on the Montana Dino Trail, the museum consists of four dioramas and highlights the history of Havre and its environs. One of the features of the museum is the archeological excavation of a buffalo jump along with a highly educational explanation of how and why buffalo jumps were used by the Native Americans.
In Havre itself you can visit “Havre Beneath the Streets” to see how businesses survived by moving underground after a fire destroyed most of the town. Head over to the Sporting Eagle Saloon, a 100 year old drinking haven where you feel the ghosts of gambling cowboys. Take a saunter over to an original opium den, the old barbershop, and a bordello to get the idea of what went on in Havre and other Montana towns during the turn of the century.
You can also take the self-guided walking tour created by the Havre/Hill County Preservation Commission to enjoy the Havre Residential Historic District. Tree line streets frame some beautiful original historic homes that have been lovingly preserved. High Line Heritage Resources also provides three wonderful guided walking tours that take you through the Havre Residential Historic District as well as throughout the downtown area. For more information call: 265-6233.
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