Sidney, Montana Vacations
Visit the badlands and stay in Sidney on your Montana vacation
by Michele Kadison
Sidney, Montana is a great place to stop if you’re interested in spending your vacation at Montana’s badlands, do some Montana fishing or as a stop on your way to Yellowstone National Park. The town also has great Montana hotels to rest in after you’re done playing. Sidney is the largest town in northeast Montana, Sidney’s nickname is the “Sunrise City” for its stunning sunrises that illuminate the lush valley.
The Lewis & Clark Expedition encountered the area on April 27, 1804 and camped at the juncture of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers right across what is now the Montana-North Dakota border. They noted the abundant wildlife in their journals, along with the beauty of the scenery. The two rivers indeed add to the perfection of the region, which consists of a 75 mile long valley that sits between bluffs, blushing hills, and what is known as the Badlands. The area is an explorer’s dream, which is proven by the Lewis and Clark trail that weaves its way through the region.
Sidney was incorporated as a town in 1911 and became the county seat of Richmond County in 1914 when the area split from Dawson County. This agricultural community continues to produce corn, beans, sugar beets, and hay. Sitting in the Williston Oil Basin, Sidney is also well known for its oil industry.
There are many fascinating activities for the vacation traveler in Sidney and its surroundings. Just to the northeast is Old Fort Union, which has been named a National Historic Site. The fort was build in 1828 by the American Fur Company and disappeared by 1867 when the fur trade became obsolete. Take time to fish in the area’s waterways or go agate hunting along the Yellowstone River. Bird watchers will enjoy the upland birds and waterfowl and wildlife buffs will need to keep their cameras at hand to shoot the big game that abounds.
In town, be sure to visit Sidney’s Mon-Dak Heritage Center. Here you will learn about the region’s history while taking in an authentic street scene from the early 1900s. Boardwalks, photos, and early artifacts along with two art galleries with rotating exhibits make for a fascinating afternoon. Dinosaur bones, a horse-drawn sleigh, and a 1906 Model N Ford add to the Center’s excitement. If you are visiting Sidney during the Christmas season, don’t miss the Mon-Dak Heritage Center’s multi-cultural celebration along with the Christmas Stroll. Thanksgiving travelers will enjoy the Parade of Lights that end a day full of entertainment and great eating.
Summer travelers will enjoy Sidney’s famous Sunrise Festival of the Arts, which takes place on the second week of July. Here you can see the work of the many artists who come from all over to show and sell their work. For you rodeo fans, come to the Richland County Fair and if its food and drink you’re looking for, there is no better western festival than the Wine and Food Festival that makes Sidney one of the liveliest and most attractive cities in Montana.
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[...] Dinosaur bones, a horse-drawn sleigh, and a 1906 Model N Ford add to the Center’s excitement. If you are visiting Sidney during the Christmas season, don’t miss the Mon-Dak Heritage Center’s multi-cultural celebration along with the … Original post [...]