Hill County: Discover History and Landscapes

When planning a trip to Hill County, you can make historical topics and outdoor activities different focal points. In Havre, for example, archaeological history, museums, and self-guided historic walking tours take center stage; Beaver Creek Park and various trails also offer practical starting points for planning your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to first organize the places and dates that will shape your trip. For seasonal tours and recurring events, it’s worth checking the relevant visit dates.

Archaeological and Historical Insights

The Wahkpa Chu’gn camp was used between 600 and 2,000 years ago. At the Wahkpa Chu’gn Interpretive Center, you can see artifacts from the site on public display. The H. Earl Clack Museum conducts tours there; on a guided tour, visitors learn how to throw an atlatl. An atlatl competition is also held at Wahkpa Chu’gn. The H. Earl Clack Museum displays a wide variety of historical and prehistoric artifacts.

Fort Assinniboine was built in 1879 and remained in active use until 1911. The Fort Assinniboine Preservation Association regularly conducts guided tours during the summer months; check the specific dates before your trip. Havre Beneath the Streets offers a different focus: tours pass through underground facilities, including an opium den, and tell the story of Havre after a fire destroyed most of the city. Tours of Havre Beneath the Streets can be booked by phone at (406) 265-8888; confirm this booking option before your trip.

The Havre Residential Historic District comprises 36 blocks and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Havre has two self-guided historic walking tours: the Havre Residential Historic District Tour and the Havre Downtown Business and Railroad Walking Tour. Their names refer to different historical themes, from the residential district to the history of downtown and the railroad.

Museums and Local Collections

Rudyard is located along Montana’s Hi-Line corridor between Chester and Havre. The grounds of the Rudyard Depot Museum include a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher’s residence, which was moved there in 1997. The museum also displays items used by settlers who arrived in the early 20th century.

Community volunteers restored the Phillips Building to house the Hi-Line Vintage Auto Museum. Visits are arranged through Toner’s Tire Rama across the street or by calling ahead; confirm arrangements in advance. The Frank DeRosa Railroad Museum has a complete model railroad. The Louis and Antoinette Hagener Museum of the Plains Indian is located in the Vande Bogart Library.

Trails and Landscapes

Beaver Creek Park is south of Havre, nestled in the Bears Paw Mountains. The park has more than 100 rustic campsites and picnic areas. For a walk, hike, or bike ride, the Devlin Walking Trail offers a 0.5-mile route; it is intended for a leisurely walk, hike, or bike ride.

The Bullhook Butte Hiking Area is a 1.8-mile loop trail. From its highest point, the panoramic view extends over Havre and the surrounding areas. Another route option is the southern, unpaved section of the Bill Baltrusch Nature Trail: it forms a 2.6-mile loop to Beaver Creek Road.

Events and Getting There

Every year, Hands on History takes place near Rocky Boy in Hill County, featuring a traditional powwow with a dance ceremony. The Great Northern Fair program includes a children’s rodeo, an open rodeo, 4-H livestock projects, and a demolition derby. An atlatl competition at Wahkpa Chu’gn, in turn, focuses on this throwing technique. Check the dates of events and seasonal tours before your trip.

The Havre Amtrak Station is at 235 Main Street. From Highway 2, also known as 1st Street, access is via 2nd Avenue and Main Street. The listed station services include ticket sales, baggage assistance, a waiting area, restrooms, and public telephones; check which services are currently available before your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hill County, these specific topics and visiting arrangements can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Havre, Rudyard, Carbon County, Sanders, Lake County, Flathead, Gallatin, Deer Lodge.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.