Explore Montana's Regions and Towns

10 things you didn't know you could do in and around Lewistown.

Geographically, Lewistown holds claim to fame of being geographically the center of Montana. There is much to explore in the area that renowned western artist Charles M. Russell immortalized in the landscapes of his paintings.
1. One of the busiest weekends to head to Lewistown is the second weekend in September. Start on Saturday with the State Chokecherry Festival. Sunday, gravitate to the “What The Hay” and Utica Day Fair just a short drive from town.
2. What’s old is new again. Check out the lovingly restored Calvert Hotel or the Symmes-Wick House – both guaranteed to give a restful nights’ sleep.
3. Any railroad buffs in the crowd? Hop aboard the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, Montana’s premiere dinner train for a tasteful journey through the rolling grasslands of central Montana.
4. Lewistown’s one-of-a-kind shopping delights include Riverside, bursting with exquisite riches for the home, and Montana Mountain Men Antler Art, with its floor to ceiling western treasures. The Lewistown Art Center features Montana made products, as well as exceptional arts and crafts.
5. Packing for a picnic? Stock up at Brooks Market for gourmet food /wine, then head to Crystal Lake, 35 miles south of town for the classic range of Montana lake activity (fishing, boating, and canoeing). Needing some exercise – try the moderately difficult 5 mile hike to the Ice Caves
6. Hungry? Start the day with fresh pastries from The Rising Trout Café and Bookstore (check ‘em out on Facebook). Head to the The Mint for dinner, or if hankering for Mexican, El Rancho Algre has an expansive menu. Ruby’s, a colorful burger joint on the east end of Lewistown, uses 100% Montana beef.
7. Check out the world’s largest collection of Tonka Toys at the Winifred Museum, 37 miles north of Lewistown on Hwy 236. You’re likely to meet the four-footed unofficial mayor, a basset hound named Beauregard, who happily shows up at all functions, including greeting the kids as they get off the school bus.
8. Only place in the world where the earth yields the cornflower blue yogo sapphire is near Lewistown. Shop for beautifully crafted sapphire jewelry at Don’s Store (if Don doesn’t have it, you probably don’t need it!)
9. If you missed it this year, mark the calendar for an August visit to Lewistown to take in the annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous And if you don’t have cowboy boots for stomping with the beat, remember Don’s Store.
10. Spring Creek, a natural artesan spring, flows underneath the community of Lewistown. Take a sneak peek at the Montana Tavern; just inside the door is a big cutout in the floor to see the creek. And yes, it’s okay to let the kids in for a look. A modest sign reads: "The only bar in central Montana that runs over Spring Creek."