Townsend

Townsend lies at the southern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The area offers several highlights to help you plan your trip: birdwatching and fishing by the water, a nearby hiking and horseback riding route, and glassblowing in Townsend. If you’re looking for a hotel in Townsend, you can choose where to stay based on which of these activities matter most during your visit.

At Canyon Ferry Reservoir: Nature and Fishing

Near Townsend, the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area is located where the Missouri River flows into Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The area covers about 5,920 acres and offers opportunities for birdwatching. If you’d like to take in the wildlife as well as the water, birdwatching there can be a distinct focus when planning your trip.

Canyon Ferry Lake, near Townsend, offers fishing for rainbow trout, bass, burbot, and walleye. The Indian Road Group Use Shelter has a small fishing pond intended for children and people with disabilities. About 4 miles south of Townsend, an access point on the Missouri River offers a boat ramp and fishing access. Fishing opportunities vary by waterway and use, so you can weigh the options of the lake, the small pond, and the river access with its ramp. Which option you prefer depends on whether you want to fish at the lake, use the pond, or have access to a boat ramp.

A Route for Hiking and Horseback Riding

Round Mountain Saddle to Crow Creek is a 4.2-mile out-and-back route near Townsend. The route is suitable for hiking and horseback riding. The stated distance covers the entire round trip, so you can include it in your plans as the total distance. In addition to its length, the route offers two activity options: hiking or horseback riding.

Glassblowing in Townsend

Goose Bay Handblown Glass makes decorative glass objects as well as custom-made, mouth-blown glassworks in Townsend. Visitors can watch each glass piece take shape, from a puddle of molten crystal to its finished form. This glimpse into the making process offers a different focus from birdwatching or activities on the water. If you’re planning a visit, check the visitor arrangements before you arrive.

A Rodeo as a Reason to Visit

The 2026 edition of the Broadwater County Rodeo includes a children’s rodeo and a professional NRA rodeo, as well as a local rodeo in Townsend. These three events give the program different highlights. If you’d like to plan your trip around the rodeo, check the dates and program for the relevant year in advance. The 2026 Broadwater County Fair program includes 4-H exhibits, an arts and crafts market, food vendors, music, and entertainment for children.

For the broader travel overview: Broadwater.