Montana
These 8 Towns in Montana Have Beautiful Architecture
Montana is known for its alluring, rugged landscapes, with roots in mining and ranching. But these small towns are rich in more than just silver and copper; each brick and stone that built this vast state uncovers a rich past integral to the country’s foundation.
Whether visiting Stevensville to witness the first traces of Montana’s European settlement, journeying through Helena—a town once home to the most millionaires in the world per capita, or exploring “The Richest Hill on Earth,” these towns all have their own stories to tell, told through historic buildings and districts that continue to inspire and intrigue visitors today.
Butte
Considered by many as Montana’s most historic city, Butte was once the largest city west of the Mississippi River. The town, known as “The Richest Hill on Earth,” had rich beginnings in mining; shortly after being founded as a mining camp in the 1860s, it grew to become the U.S.’s largest copper producer.
Today, its Victorian-style business district and the numerous mansions in the area preserve much of the town’s heritage. Among the most charming and impressive of them is the Copper King Mansion, named after one of the state’s “copper kings,” William A. Clark. Today, it serves as both a museum and a bed and breakfast. Built in 1884, this mansion demands attention with its 34 rooms, looming rooflines, stained-glass windows, and frescoed ceilings.
Another structure tied to William A. Clark’s legacy is the Clark Chateau, built for his eldest son in 1898. This 13,000-square-foot Chateau, inspired by the French countryside manors of the Old World, rises four floors and contains 26 rooms and seven fireplaces. Its grand, gothic presence would not feel out of place in a Charlotte Brontë novel.
Livingston
Livingston is hunkered down atop the mighty banks of the Yellowstone River and offers endless activities. From avid outdoors enthusiasts to ardent art connoisseurs, this town has something for everyone.
When strolling along the wide streets of the picturesque downtown area, visitors and locals alike are taken aback to a bygone era. Cafes, restaurants, and art galleries—many featuring some of the most notable Western artists—line the streets, making for the perfect night on the town.
One building that always catches the eye of visitors is the Livingston Depot. Built in 1882, this historic railway station was later redesigned to keep up with the increasing number of passengers on their way to Yellowstone National Park. Notably, Reed & Stem, the same architects who designed New York’s Grand Central Station, developed the updated version. Today, it exists as a museum in which visitors can relive Livingston’s rich history through events and exhibits.
Philipsburg
This 1890s mining town has survived to become one of Montana’s most impressively restored communities. Unsurprisingly, its attention has led to awards such as Sunset Magazine’s “Best Municipal Makeover and Reinvention.”
Charming late-nineteenth-century shops, museums, cafes, and restaurants dating back to the booming silver mining age preserve this historic district. In 1864, after initially discovering silver in Philipsburg, the town was reported to have begun to grow at the “rate of one house per day.”
Some notable historic buildings listed on the National Register include the Philipsburg School, the Queen Anne-styled Granite County Jail—with its imposing medieval-styled tower pointing straight to the vast Montana sky, and the Classical Revival-styled Granite County Courthouse—constructed of meticulously cut Montana granite. For a spectacular view of the town, you can climb the hill above the courthouse and see Philipsburg for all its preserved beauty.
To quench your thirst after a long day of exploring, feel free to stop by the Philipsburg Brewing Company located in one of the town’s distinctly historic, colorful, and ornate buildings. This one cannot be missed: just look for “BREWERY” in large gold lettering on its glass windows.
Hamilton
Like Philipsburg, this town will make you feel like you have gone back in time with its pristinely preserved architecture and historical vibe, having any visitor feel like they are a part of something truly remarkable.
Hamilton’s downtown Commercial District is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes some of Montana’s most impressive 19th-century buildings.
The Daly Mansion once belonged to one of Montana’s famous “copper kings,” Marcus Daly, who purchased the property in 1886 as a summer home. The mansion has over 50 rooms, which can be seen by booking a guided tour.
What was once the Ravalli County Courthouse is now a museum built in 1900. Fortunately, this magnificent building was saved from a wrecking ball in 1979 and continues to be one of Montana’s most opulent museums, offering many unique historical exhibits and collections.
Stevensville
In 1805, Lewis and Clark strolled down what is now Main Street in Stevensville on their journey through the Northwest. Later, in the 1840s, Jesuit missionaries worked with the Bitterroot Salish Tribe to build a small church, which still stands today as part of St. Mary’s Mission & Museum, “where Montana began.”
Some buildings, such as the Odd Fellows Hall, built in 1912, have been listed as individual entries in the National Register. Other entries, however, document entire areas of the town; Stevensville’s charming, well-preserved historic residential neighborhood is listed as a National Register historic district.
“The Thornton,” also known as The Stevensville Hotel, was built as a hospital in 1910 and operates today as a cozy, period-accurate hotel. Visitors delight in watching the sun rise over the Bitterroot Mountains from the comfort of the hotel’s porch. So, feel free to pour yourself a warm cup of coffee, pull up a rocking chair, and experience this magnificent view for yourself.
Helena
Helena, Montana’s state capital, is home to several museums and historic sites that offer visitors an authentic experience while exploring the historically rich area. Visitors can fill their days touring microbreweries, walking trails, observing art galleries, and dining at some of Montana’s finest restaurants—such as Lucca’s, an Italian restaurant awarded The Best Restaurant in Montana three years in a row by Business Insider magazine.
Among the many must-see areas in Helena is the picturesque Mansion District, which is exactly as it sounds. Sightseers love taking walking tours, weaving through these historic streets lined with tall trees, stone walls, and fresh-cut grass to witness the grand mansions that inhabit the area. A notable building in this district is the Original Governor’s Mansion, a Queen Anne-styled mansion built in 1888 by William Chessman to symbolize this wealth and influence.
In 1904, A.O. Von Herbulis built The Cathedral of St. Helena to equal the grand cathedrals of Europe. Visitors cannot miss this amazing feat of Vienna-inspired architecture for a taste of European culture right here in Montana. Another sight not to be missed is the Montana State Capitol. Here, visitors revel in a building that perfectly captures Montana’s rich history, art, and classical architecture.
Deer Lodge
Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges on both sides, this meadowland offers visitors several opportunities to discover a historic past infused with a welcoming vibe from the locals. For those interested in the area’s history, no other town in the Northwest contains as many museums as Deer Lodge.
Although Deer Lodge began as a mining town, it has grown to become a significant center of agriculture. Perhaps showcasing this area’s agricultural roots best is the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Visitors can live like cowboys of the past as they explore the expansive land, walk through the narrow bunkhouses, and hang out among real Rangers to learn about life on the ranch.
Deer Lodge is best known for one of the most unique structures in Montana, and perhaps even the country—the Montana State Prison. Now a collection of museums, this structure has 24-foot-high sandstone walls and medieval-styled turreted towers, giving the complex an intimidating and imposing feel. You can take a tour from the dreary Cell House, through the slide bar cells, to the Maximum-Security black box. Impressively, the complex contains five museums: the Old Montana Prison, Powell County Museum, Frontier Montana Museum, Yesterday’s Playthings, and the Montana Auto Museum.
Anaconda
Anaconda was born out of the need for a smelter to support Butte’s increasing supply of copper ore. Between 1883 and 1889, Marcus Daly built the world’s largest smelter here. Although smelting operations ceased in 1980, “The Stack,” still one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world, remains a landmark and state park overlooking the town.
There are 30 locations listed within the Anaconda Commercial Historic District. The Deer Lodge County Courthouse is a gloriously imposing building that dominates the skyline with its rising dome and looming stone walls. Likewise, the Copper Village Museum and Art Center—Anaconda’s former City Hall—is a High Victorian-styled complex that contains not only a museum but also an art center, archives, and a retail shop perfect for those wanting to get lost in the history of Montana without having to go far.
The Washoe Theater is another must-see. The building demands respect, with its lavish Art Deco furnishings, murals, and ornamental work made of silver, gold leaf, and, of course, a lot of copper. The theater has been considered a historic site on the National Register since 1982.
Whether you want a taste of European culture right here in the US or seek something more distinctive to the country’s roots, these small towns have it all. Some of the most important buildings and structures integral to the country’s beginnings exist in Montana. And besides, how many other places in the world can you find a Gothic-Revival style cathedral only a few hours from a small missionary church symbolizing the foundation of the state?
Brian Miller won the Democratic primary Tuesday for the U.S. House seat in Montana’s eastern district.
The Associated Press called the race for Miller, an attorney in Helena, who fended off a challenge from state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, a longtime legislator from Box Elder, and Sam Lux, a farrier from Great Falls.
In the Republican and rural eastern district, any Democrat will be an underdog, and Miller will face off against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, who was unopposed Tuesday.
Libertarian Patrick McCracken is also running.
In the primary, Miller took 58% of the vote. Lux took 27% and Windy Boy took 16%, according to the Montana Secretary of State’s website.
In April, Windy Boy paused his campaign amid “serious sexual abuse” allegations raised by the Montana Democratic Party — but Windy Boy restarted his campaign and later called the allegations “political attacks.”
Miller is representing the victim of the alleged abuse and her mother, although he said he didn’t take on the role until after Windy Boy initially suspended his campaign.
The Western Montana Food and Farm Trail, a new agritourism initiative led by Farm Connect Montana, launches May 30, offering locals and visitors a new kind of food and farm adventure across Western Montana.
Running June 1 through October 31, the self-guided Trail spans more than 200 miles and features more than 100 farms, ranches, farmers markets, restaurants, breweries and food businesses across the Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead and Mission Valleys. Along the way, participants are invited to meet growers and makers, taste what’s in season and experience the culture and care behind Western Montana’s local food community.
At the center of the experience is the passport-style Trail Field Guide, illustrated by Missoula-based artist Courtney Blazon. The guide features illustrated maps, curated itineraries, seasonal highlights and more than 100 local food destinations throughout the region. The guide also includes more than $130 in special offers from participating farms and businesses.
Participants can collect stamps at Trail stops along the way to qualify for prizes, giveaways, or simply as a way to document their journey. End-of-season prizes include raffles for three CSA memberships valued at over $600 each, as well as local food and farm gift certificates, product bundles and Courtney Blazon-designed market totes.
The Trail is a regional collaboration led by Farm Connect Montana in partnership with Land to Hand Montana, The O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center and Abundant Montana, organizations working to strengthen local food systems across Western Montana. The project aims to support local farms and food businesses through expanded visibility and agritourism opportunities while reconnecting locals and visitors with the people, places and stories behind their food.
“In creating the Western Montana Food & Farm Trail, we hope to inspire both residents and travelers to discover the stories behind their food and connect with the people cultivating a more vibrant, resilient and locally rooted food community,” said Bonnie Buckingham, Executive Director of Farm Connect Montana. “Participation in the Trail is a win for everyone. It creates new opportunities for farms and local food businesses to reach wider audiences while encouraging participants to explore new places, support local producers and experience Western Montana in a more meaningful way.”
“Land to Hand is thrilled to partner with Farm Connect on the Food and Farm Trail to highlight the robust agricultural heritage of Western Montana,” said Gretchen Boyer, Executive Director of Land to Hand Montana. “This initiative is more than just a guide – it’s an invitation to celebrate and support the local farmers who nourish our communities every day. By connecting residents and visitors directly to the source, we’re strengthening our local food system and honoring the people and landscapes that sustain the Flathead Valley.”
To celebrate the launch, regional Trail launch parties will take place in Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley and the Flathead Valley throughout early June, featuring Field Guide distribution, local food vendors, giveaways and opportunities to learn more about the Trail.
Trail Field Guides ($10) will be available for purchase beginning May 30 both online and at participating businesses, farmers markets and community locations throughout the region. A full list of Field Guide purchase locations and details, as well as a digital map and Trail listings, special events and more information is available at farmconnectmontana.org/trail.
Funding for this project was made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Regional launch events
• Missoula Launch Party — LaLonde Ranch, Sun., June 7, 1-4 p.m.
• Bitterroot Launch Party — O’Hara Commons Market, Wed., June 10, 4-6 p.m.
• Flathead Launch Party — Backslope Brewing, Tue., June 16, 4-7:30 p.m.
An “I voted” sign points to a Vote Center on June 1 in Los Angeles.
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Six states — California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota and New Mexico — hold elections on Tuesday. Most of the attention is on California and Iowa, where there are competitive primaries for governor. In both states, the Democratic Party also sees a road map to control of Congress in the fall.
In California’s unique primary system, voters send the top two vote-getters to November’s general election, regardless of candidates’ political parties. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is term limited, and California voters will also pick who should move on to the general election in five new Democratic-leaning congressional districts.
In Iowa, Democratic voters will choose a candidate in a key Senate race — the Republican in the race is already the de facto nominee. In order to win a majority in the Senate, Democrats must pick up four seats, forcing the party to win in Republican-leaning states like Iowa. For governor, the race is the first good chance Democrats have to win the office in years, but Republicans still need to select their nominee.
Here are key races to follow:
Or skip to specific races:
California governor | California U.S. House | Iowa governor | Iowa U.S. Senate | New Jersey and Montana
You can also check out June 2 voter resources from the NPR network.
California decides top two gubernatorial contenders
It’s been a chaotic scramble to pick the next leader of the country’s largest state. After three prominent Democrats — former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Alex Padilla and state Attorney General Rob Bonta — decided not to run, Democratic voters haven’t had a clear front-runner for the first time in decades. Voters have more than 60 candidates to choose from, but only a fraction of those are considered serious contenders. Only the top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November.
California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra hugs a supporter at the Long Beach Arena on May 31 in Long Beach, Calif.
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The race got a shakeup when former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, the presumed favorite, dropped out of the race after he was accused of sexual misconduct by several women. Most recently, polls show the contest could be between two Democrats — the Health and Human Services secretary under former President Joe Biden, Xavier Becerra, and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer.
Before Becerra was appointed to Biden’s Cabinet, he served 12 terms in Congress and was elected as the California attorney general in 2016. He’s considered by many as the candidate with the strongest political background. Becerra’s pitch is that he is a proven leader who can hold his own and protect California from President Trump.
Steyer has forked over more than $213 million of his own fortune on the race and is also financially backed by Our Revolution, a group aligned with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Steyer’s platform is centered on taking a stand against special-interest groups in politics.
Polling just a few points behind Becerra and Steyer is Republican Steve Hilton. The former Fox News host was endorsed by President Trump in April, after which Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another Republican in the race, quickly dropped in the polls. Hilton’s platform focuses on increasing affordable housing supply for first-time homebuyers, bolstering tech industries and reviving California’s film industry.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer speaks with students during a Get the Youth Vote with Bruin Democrats event at UCLA’s campus on June 1 in Los Angeles, Calif.
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The outcome of California’s new congressional districts
In response to Texas redrawing its congressional lines to create five Republican-leaning districts at the behest of President Trump, Californians approved Proposition 50 in November last year. The measure temporarily sidestepped the independent redistricting commission tasked with drawing nonpartisan influenced congressional boundaries, in favor of politically gerrymandered districts. That allowed state Democrats to redraw their map so five previously Republican-held districts now lean Democratic.
This has left those Republican incumbents figuring out their political futures. Rep. Ken Calvert, the longest-serving Republican from California, and Rep. Young Kim are running in the same district, for example, in a race that’s gotten quite heated.
Then there’s Rep. Kevin Kiley. After being drawn into a much more Democratic-leaning district, he decided to run in a new seat and announced he was leaving the Republican Party and running as an independent instead, though Kiley said would still caucus with the Republicans.
Because of California’s primary system, some of these more competitive seats are creating competitive primaries between Democrats, allowing primary voters to signal to the party what kinds of candidates speak to them most in places that have the most to lose — and gain.
Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary
Iowa Republican voters could decide the party’s nominee for governor in the state’s first open race for the office since 2011, as sitting Gov. Kim Reynolds opted not to run for reelection.
With five Republicans on Tuesday’s ballot, Rep. Randy Feenstra is the only one endorsed by Trump. The race will test whether Trump’s endorsement holds weight in a state where his approval rating has slipped over the economy and the war in Iran. Feenstra’s lead may be declining, as one recent poll shows political newcomer and Iowa businessman Zach Lahn could have a shot at winning the GOP primary.
There is a good chance, though, that Iowans won’t know the outcome of the race on Tuesday because a candidate must secure 35% of the vote to win outright. If no one clears that threshold, the nominee will be decided at a Republican convention where delegates — not primary voters — make the final choice.
But the Republican-backed candidate isn’t a shoo-in come November. Cook Political Report categorizes the governor’s race as a toss-up with a slight Republican advantage. Whatever Republican wins on Tuesday will face unopposed Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in the general election. Sand is popular among voters and has, so far, outraised any other candidate for governor.
Democrats look to flip Iowa Senate seat
Democratic voters in Iowa will pick which candidate they think has the best shot at beating the Republican nominee for Senate, expected to be Trump-endorsed Rep. Ashley Hinson, on Tuesday. This is a seat that Democrats believe they have a shot at flipping come November. It’s part of a larger strategy of expanding their map — and winning in states currently held by Republican senators — if they want a chance to retake the Senate majority.
Iowa Democrats have a choice between state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls. Both candidates are courting different Iowa voters, though. Turek is vying for the independent-leaning vote, while Wahls is hoping to gain the support from committed Democrats. Turek flipped a state House district held by a Republican, while Wahls represents a Senate district that is solidly blue. Both argue they are the candidate who has the right message to win in November.
And with three competitive congressional races on the ballot, some Democrats in the state are feeling like the road to a Democratic majority in Congress runs through Iowa.
Looking beyond Tuesday
New Jersey and Montana also have competitive races that could decide which party has control of Congress.
In New Jersey, all eyes are on Congressional District 7. Four Democrats are hoping to oust Republican Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. The sitting congressman has been notably absent from Washington for weeks due to what Kean cites as unspecified medical issues. He has missed more than 100 House votes since his last recorded vote on March 5.
Two races in Montana may be more competitive than originally expected with the last-minute announcements — shortly before the filing deadline — by Republicans, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke, that neither would seek reelection.
While an open Senate seat does not make Montana, which has long been considered a Republican stronghold, necessarily competitive for Democrats, an independent candidate is outraising candidates in both major parties. Seth Bodnar, Iraq war veteran and former president of the University of Montana, is hoping voters will send him instead, mostly on the message that he won’t work for either party and is focused on changing the direction America is heading. In Bodnar’s case, he has enough voter signatures to land himself on the November ballot, but the Montana Secretary of State’s Office hasn’t yet certified those signatures.
Democrats are working to flip Montana’s 1st Congressional District as well. When Zinke announced he was retiring from Congress, it was seen as an opening for Democrats to compete. Now, four Democrats are angling for the open seat, including front-runner Sam Forstag, a smokejumper who is endorsed by popular progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
June 2 voter resources from the NPR Network
California | Iowa | Montana | New Jersey | New Mexico | South Dakota
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