Cut Bank: Scenery, Hiking Trails, and History

Cut Bank combines the scenery of the Rocky Mountain Front with hiking trails, regional history, and recreational opportunities in town. Here, mountain peaks meet rolling hills and wheat fields. Different priorities can shape your plans: nature and trails, museums and murals, or amenities such as a swimming pool and Civic Center. The following places and activities offer practical pointers for choosing where to stay in Cut Bank.

Scenery and Hiking Trails

The Cut Bank Coulee Trail is a 2.3-mile beginner hiking trail in a rural setting. It runs south of Cut Bank, overlooks Cut Bank Creek, and passes through scenic hoodoo formations. Its length and rating offer a concrete measure, while its route and scenery describe what makes this trail distinctive.

The Cut Bank North Trail was completed in 2025 and meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The two trails can be distinguished by different features: the Coulee Trail is notable for its length, beginner rating, and scenery, while the North Trail is notable for its ADA compliance.

Regional History and Culture

The Glacier County Historical Museum features exhibits on homesteading, the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the region, artist John L. Clark, Blackfeet culture, the oil boom years beginning in the 1930s, and railroads. The museum grounds are also home to the Marias schoolhouse, a schoolhouse dating from 1917. The “One-on-One With a Historian” tours cover Lewis and Clark, homesteading, and life in the oil camps.

The large-scale murals in Downtown Cut Bank also explore the region’s history. Their subjects reflect homesteading roots, the agricultural heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the history of American Indians. Together with the museum exhibits, they provide more than a single perspective on the past: the subjects range from settlement and agriculture to exploration, culture, and railroads.

A distinct connection to aviation history can be found at Cut Bank International Airport. Its facilities were built in 1941 for training on U.S. B-17 bombers. The World War II Airmen’s Memorial Museum is also located at the airport. The Lewis and Clark Festival offers another point of historical interest: in 2024, it was held annually for the 45th year.

Recreation in Town

Cut Bank City Park brings together several different amenities: a permanently covered outdoor stage, a playground, a covered picnic area, and picnic tables. The Cut Bank Swimming Pool offers swimming lessons and water aerobics, and also includes a splash park. The park and pool provide both places to relax and specific recreational activities to choose from.

The Joe Meagher Memorial Civic Center has four racquetball courts, including one with a glass wall. The family-friendly Glacier Cinema is located on Main Street in Downtown Cut Bank. Along with the amenities at the park and swimming pool, these places broaden the options for a stay that is not focused solely on hiking trails and history.

Getting Around and Getting Here

The Cut Bank Visitor’s Center is on U.S. Highway 2, behind the Civic Center. You can get brochures about nearby attractions and travel information for the entire state there. Cut Bank also has an Amtrak station. If you plan to travel by train, check train connections and schedules before your trip.

Cut Bank International Airport offers 24-hour U.S. Customs processing, as well as fueling and repairs. Since operational services may change, check these details before you travel. The Cut Bank Farmers’ Market offers Montana-grown food and locally made handcrafted and artisan products from the Golden Triangle.

Explore more destinations: East Glacier Park, Browning.

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