Fall into Fun
There's almost nothing better than a fall-time adventure with the smell of toasty campfires in the air and a chill on your face. Plan your autumn Central Montana adventure with these local stops.
Stop 1: Cinnamon roll hop
So many rolls, so little time! Get your goo-game on and enjoy the delicious samplings of local cinnamon rolls from a variety of local coffee shops, cafes, and bakeries. While you're at it, see if you can find a hot cider or eggnog latte to boot!
Stop 2: Ghost towns and gold mines tour
The central Montana community boomed in the late 1800s when gold was discovered in the surrounding mountain ranges. Towns such as Maiden, Gilt Edge, Kendall, and Fort Maginnis sprang from this gold rush and became major hubs of activity. Check out this luscious part of history through a self-guided ghost towns and gold mines tour.
Stop 3: Take in a class at the Lewistown Art Center
The Lewistown Art Center hosts a variety of social gatherings and classes throughout the year. From paint-and-sips to herbalism courses to professional acrylic classes to wreath making, the Art Center has an abundance of classes to choose from. Check out their calendar for the latest and greatest this season.
Stop 4: In September and October, grab a picnic and head over to Slippery Ann elk viewing
Elk breeding usually occurs in September and October, and it is during the breeding season, or rut, that large numbers of elk congregate at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area, about an hour north of Lewistown. Peak numbers of bull elk can be viewed in this area around the second and third weeks of September. Records from recent years show that nearly 500 elk may visit the elk viewing area in September, though this can vary from year to year. Numbers continue to remain high through early October, and then begin to decline as the harems (groups of cows) break up and the bulls begin to once again feed and store up reserves for the winter ahead.
Check out more information on how to plan your Slippery Ann trip here.
Stop 5: Catch a local football game
Small-town America can only mean one thing in the fall: FOOTBALLLLLLL! Check out the Fergus High School calendar of events to find a game near you.
Stop 6: Make a fire and camp out
If you're ending your day at Slippery Ann, James Kipp Recreation Area is a great nearby location for camping. Located along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the James Kipp Recreation Area offers interpretive signage, 19 single units and 15 multi/group camp sites, drinking water, public telephone, a floaters tent camp site, boat ramp, fish cleaning table, 8 restroom sites, and an RV dump station. There is a host on site during the summer season. All facilities are handicapped accessible.
Other spots closer to Lewistown include Ackley Lake and East Fork Reservoir. Grab some s'mores fixins, fire kindling, a ghost story and enjoy some stargazing under the big Central Montana sky.
