Montana Traveler™
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Montana is a place of vast prairies, spectacular snow-covered mountains, and verdant forests. Wild rivers and streams are filled with rainbow trout and other fishes. Elk are bountiful in western areas of Montana. Montana's early history is a story of Indians, mountain men, and prospectors. Large herds of buffalo grazed the short-grass prairies. In the 1870s, large cattle ranches developed in Montana Territory. Statehood was achieved in 1889. Later, many homesteaders arrived to settle the land and build towns. Home was often a log cabin. With a population of 902,195 people in a land area of 147,000 square miles, Montana is a sparsely populated state. So there's plenty of room to roam, in the countryside and in the cities.  Eastern Montana is a region of rolling plains. The plains, often called prairies, are a grassland region with few trees. Huge wheat farms and cattle ranches dominate the prairies of eastern Montana. Some of the nation's richest coal mines are also found in this area. In the central part of the state, the plains are dotted with small mountain ranges which are outliers of the Rocky Mountains. Mule deer are abundant along the coulees throughout the region. Antelope are a common sight on the rolling grasslands of eastern and central Montana. In western Montana, the land changes to magnificent mountains. Welcome to the Rocky Mountains. The Absaroka Range near Billings is snow covered much of the year and reaches over 12,000 feet in elevation. Further to the west and north, the peaks of the Crazy Mountains mark the end of the plains. View a physical map of Montana. Forestry, mining, and tourism are the major industries in the mountainous areas of western Montana. This rugged landscape is home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. Gray wolves are common in Yellowstone Park. Montana is an arid region. Rainfall is low in most areas of the state, often less than 13 inches, annually. Temperatures in western areas, in the mountain valleys, are generally moderate the year-round. In eastern areas, on the plains, days can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Montana has two major rivers, the Missouri and the Yellowstone. The Missouri River drainage basin covers most of the northern part of the state. With many dams along its course, the Missouri River is a source of water for irrigation, recreation, and commerce. The Yellowstone River begins in Yellowstone National Park. It flows north through the Yellowstone Canyon and meanders across the plains of southeastern Montana, until it joins the Missouri River in North Dakota. The Yellowstone River Valley is a highly productive agricultural region, producing crops as diverse as alfalfa, sugar beets, and corn. Montana is a place where "Old West" traditions live on. Cowboys still drive cattle high up into the mountains to feed on lush summer grasses. Indians, in full native dress, gather to celebrate their customs at the Lewis and Clark County fairgrounds in Helena and other areas of the state. Montana has beautiful scenery and exciting historical places. Wonderful museums are found in cities, big and small. Fishing, hunting, and camping are popular activities for almost everyone. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons. Montana is the "Treasure State." This slogan symbolizes the wealth derived from the state's rich gold and silver deposits. True to its history, Montana is a genuine treasure, with its abundant natural resources and friendly people.
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The Best of Scenic Area
Scenic Highway
Natural Site
Lake
Museum
Restaurant
Scenic Drive
Small Towns
Historical Site
Night Life
Mountains
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Montana's Small Towns and Cities |
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Welcome Bienvenido Willkommen Bienvenu いらっしゃい |
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Montana: Campgrounds | Guest Ranches | Outfitters and Guides |
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Copyright © 2010 John Sandy |
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