Montana

Montana Slammed With 10th Polar Vortex

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2025

Has this winter felt a little harsher than usual here in Montana? You’re not imagining things. There have been some major irregularities in polar vortex patterns this year, making for an extra brutal season.

credit: Canva

I’ve lived in the West off and on for a few years now, specifically near Alpine, Wyoming, so I thought I was fairly prepared for whatever Montana had to throw at me. But I won’t lie—this winter has felt a little extra. So, I did some digging.

A polar vortex occurs when frigid air that usually stays locked in the North Pole gets disrupted by unusual weather patterns and shifts south.

Normally, this happens two or three times a winter. This year? The U.S. has been hit with ten polar vortex events—and winter isn’t over yet.

Meteorologists are studying why it’s happening more frequently this season, but for now, it seems to be an unusual but natural phenomenon.

credit: Canva

Just last week, Montanans saw temperatures consistently dropping below -20°F, even setting a new daily record. Of course, that’s still a long way from Montana’s coldest-ever recorded temperature—a bone-chilling -70°F in Rogers Pass.

While we’re bundling up here in the southwest region, northeastern Montana is bracing for even more extreme conditions, with temperatures expected to plunge between -20°F and -60°F through Wednesday. And Glacier is under a winter storm watch, with winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour.

So, in comparison, maybe we should consider ourselves lucky… and break out the shorts.

Credit: APnews

Montana’s Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Montana is named Big Sky Country for several reasons, not only grandiose Sunsets but impressive weather events as well! Ask any Montana resident who has scoffed at the idea of tossing a blanket or snow shovel in the trunk of the car ” just in case”. Here is a list of Montana’s Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Gallery Credit: Brian Lee

6 Winter Weather Activities Bozeman Residents Love

Whether you’re looking for a thrill or something slower paced, Bozeman has plenty of incredible winter weather activities to keep you active and busy.

Gallery Credit: Will Gordon

10 Helpful Montana Weather Terms You Need to Know

Weather in Montana can be unpredictable. Here are 10 weather terms that you need to know.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

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Montana

Between Bozeman And Billings Is Montana’s One-Of-A-Kind Historic Mill Filled With Cheese – Islands

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Between Bozeman And Billings Is Montana’s One-Of-A-Kind Historic Mill Filled With Cheese – Islands

artem evdokimov/Shutterstock

Montana may be well known as a top destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers thanks to its outdoor activities like hiking and paddling, but there are some unique foodie gems to be found here, too. One of the best ways to experience Montana’s local food scene is with a visit to Greycliff Mill, between Bozeman and Billings. Here, you can discover a one-of-a-kind cheese attraction along with a number of other things to see on site during your visit to Big Sky Country.

Greycliff Mill is housed in a restored 1760s barn, which features a water-powered gristmill and pretty scenery like ponds framed by rock formations. You may see bison wandering the site — there are five that live here. You may also catch a glimpse of a 10-foot-tall bear, but no need to panic as it’s only a statue, carved by a chainsaw. The pretty cafe, a mix of modern and rustic decor, serves from a menu that includes coffee, milkshakes, and pastries, plus paninis like “The Cattleman” and breakfast sandwiches like the “Sheepherders Sandwich.” Book in advance for a special farm-to-table dinner in the evening — these are only offered on select dates throughout the year, and may sell out. But one thing you shouldn’t miss here is the cheese cave.

Discover Greycliff Mill’s cheese cave

Greycliff Mill has an underground cheese cave, which is a must-see on any visit. It’s possible to see experts making artisan cheeses while you learn about the cheesemaking process and sample a few products. The cheese is aged in the cave at a temperature of 50 degrees with 85% humidity to create the perfect environment for a tasty product. It’s possible to buy some cheese at their market — which also sells seasonal produce, bread, and lots of other Montana-made products.

Besides the food-based spots, Greycliff Mill is also home to a small wool-weaving studio, and there are accommodations if you want to spend the night in restored log cabins or reclaimed farm silos. Greycliff Creek Ranch offers horseback rides and a chuckwagon dinner for more authentic Montana experiences. Whether you’re visiting especially to see the cheese cave, or road tripping and need a break, Greycliff Mill is a quirky and special spot. One Google reviewer summed up the experience well, praising the “amazing rustic atmosphere,” and saying, “I stopped for a coffee and ended up staying just to enjoy the view. Great coffee, peaceful place, and such a unique spot. Definitely worth the stop if you’re driving through Montana.”

Greycliff Mill is between Bozeman and Billings, the largest city in Montana and surrounded by natural beauty. It’s almost equidistant between the two cities — 1 hour to Bozeman and 1 hour to Billings. The closest major airport is Billings-Logan International Airport, although Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana’s mountain gem of an airport, is also a convenient option.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for April 17, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 17, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 17 drawing

38-43-44-49-62, Mega Ball: 08

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 17 drawing

01-08-12-27, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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