A borrowed list...Montana IS the best place to be!

50 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Montana

From dinosaurs to giant snowflakes, Big Sky Country is home to lots of big surprises.

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by: Amanda Orcutt

1. Fort Keogh holds the record for the largest snowflake ever observed, which was an astounding 15 inches in diameter.

2. In Fort Benton, a cowboy once insisted on riding his horse to his room in the Grand Union Hotel. The manager objected, so the two exchanged gunfire. The Horseman was killed and, later, fourteen .44 slugs were found in his body.
3. The Montana Yogo Sapphire is the only gem from North America that’s included in the Crown Jewels of England.
4. There are more cattle in Montana than there are people.

Source: Flickr user Theglobalpanorama

5. On Highway 59, south of Miles City, Harry Landers has topped almost 1 mile of his fence posts with over 300 boots.
6. Popular American daredevil Evel Knievel was from Montana.

Source: Flickr user Lisa Brewster

7. The O’Fallon Museum in Baker boasts the largest steer in world, Steer Montana. He grew to be nearly six feet tall and weighed 3,980 pounds.
8. In Montana, you can use the word “ditch” to order a drink. The phrase means “with water.” I.e. a “whiskey ditch” is a “whiskey and water.”
9. Successful animator and producer Brad Bird, who worked on well-known projects like “Rugrats,” “The Simpsons,” and Disney’s “The Incredibles” was born in Kalispell.
10. Montana was the site of the first placement of a Gideon bible in a hotel room.

Source: Flickr user Peter Gene

11. According to chlorofluorocarbon dating, the water at Giant Springs takes 26 years to travel underground before returning to the surface.
12. Montana is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the nation.
13. The first luge run in North America was built at Lolo Hot Springs in 1965.
14. Scot Schmidt, the first professional extreme skier, was born in Helena.
15. Travelers Rest in Lolo was a stopping point on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It’s the only site on the Lewis and Clark Trail that has physical proof of the explorers’ presence.
16. Montana holds the record for the most dramatic temperature change to occur over a 24-hour period. In 1972 in Loma, the temperature rose from -54˚F to 49˚F.
17. The Museum of the Rockies has one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils on Earth. It’s also home to 13 T-Rex specimens, more than anywhere else in the world.

Source: Flickr user Tim Evanson

18. Montana is the only state in the US with a triple divide, which allows water to flow into the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and the Hudson Bay.
19. Although Montana is now home to over 8,000 moose, the animal was once thought to be extinct in the Rockies south of Canada.
20. Infamous sheriff and outlaw Henry Plummer constructed the first jail in Montana.
21. In 1888, more millionaires per capita were living in Helena than any other city in the world. Most made their fortunes off of gold.

Source: Flickr user Carsten Schertzer

22. Jordan is one of the most isolated county seats in the country. The town is 175 miles from the nearest airport, 85 miles from the nearest bus line and 115 miles from the nearest train.
23. A portion of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the country, is in Montana. The park has 1000-3000 earthquakes each year and is home to one of the Earth’s few super volcanos.

Source: Flickr user David Ooms

24. Montana is the 4th largest state in the US, by area. You can fit Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York within its borders and still have room for the District of Columbia.
25. Despite its large size, Montana is only the 44th most populated state in the nation.
26. Great Falls is the largest waterfall on the Missouri River.
27. Montana has the largest grizzly bear population of all the lower 48 states.

Source: Flickr user Sharon Mollerus

28. Not surprisingly, Montana has also named the grizzly bear their state animal.
29. The name of Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika, meant “bad earth” or “bad land” to Sioux Indians. But, despite its name, it’s a paradise for geologists. The park has over 11,000 acres of layered rock formations that include fossil remains of dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.

Source: Flickr user Capture the Uncapturable

30. Miles City is known as the Cow Capital of the West, where cowboy traditions live on through events like the annual Bucking Horse Sale.

Source: Flickr user Emil Kepko

31. At 12,807 feet, Granite Peak is the highest natural point in Montana.
32. Wild buffalo can still be viewed at the National Bison Range, just north of Missoula.
33. Glacier National Park has 250 lakes within its boundaries.

Source: Flickr user Loco Steve

34. Fort Peck Dam is the largest earth-filled dam in the world
35. The Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Migration Area is one of the best places to view golden eagles in the country. More golden eagles have been seen in a single day than anywhere else in the US.

Source: Flickr use USFWS Mountain-Prairie

36. Montana’s name comes from the Spanish word for “mountain”.
37. The first territorial capital of Montana, Bannack, is still preserved as a ghost town.

Source: Flickr user Skakerman

38. Out of the 56 counties in Montana, 46 are considered “frontier counties,” with average populations of 6 people or less per square mile.
39. Beaver Creek Park in Hill County is the largest county park in the US.
40. Famous western artist Charles M “Charlie” Russell called Montana home.

Source: Flickr user Smithsonian Institution

41. Montana’s state motto is “oro y plata” which means “gold and silver” in Spanish.
42. The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park is considered one of most scenic drives in the country.
43. Due to its ample mining history, Butte is known as the “richest hill on earth”.

Source: Flickr user Woodleywonderworks

44. It’s possible to see up to about 1,700 nesting pelicans at the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
45. The Battle of the Little Bighorn, often referred to as Custer’s Last Stand, took place near the Little Big Horn River in Montana Territory. It was the most prominent action of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
46. The Yellowstone River, the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, runs through Montana.

Source: Flickr user Dave_mcmt

47. The town of Ekalaka was named after the daughter of famous Sioux chief, Sitting Bull.
48. There are eight different federally recognized Native American tribes living in Montana.

Source: Flickr user Woody H1

49. Montana has not just one but two state gemstones: sapphire and agate.
50. At 585 feet high, the smokestack in Anaconda is one of the world’s tallest free-standing brick structures

The best days...

Whoever said that your 30's are the best years of your life is completely crazy! Either that or they are NOT the parent of two very busy children ages 4 and 2. They also may be running on 12 hours of sleep over the past 4 days because those two adorable little monsters have decided the only place they will sleep is in their mom and dad's bed. I swore I would never let my children in my bed, but then I had kids and neither of them have ever slept well (they did not get that from me)!

So today I leave you with a picture of the Milk River here in Malta. This picture was taken at the trailhead of the Trafton Park trail. This is where I will spend my lunch break, walking today. Otherwise I would go home and take a nap...not a great idea because I probably wouldn't make it back to work on time. :) Happy Tuesday everyone!

Trafton Park Trail built by Malta Trails, Inc. Two half mile walking trails bordering the Milk River.

The view from the trail. The Milk River will always be home to me.

A Montana Bucket List

Originally published in the Great Falls Tribune...a great list of things that every Montanan (and/or visitor) should experience. I highlighted everything I have seen and done, I have a lot left to do!

Life is short, and Montana is vast.
To make the most of living in Big Sky Country, one needs a plan, a goal.
We've developed a list of 100 activities every Montanan should have on a bucket list of things to do in a lifetime.

100. Reflect on Montana's early ranch days at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site near Deer Lodge.
99. Look at the colors of the Berkeley Pit in Butte from the observation tunnel or above the city at the Our Lady of the Rockies statue.
98. Pose for a picture with Cut Bank's 27-foot-tall penguin.
97. Visit with period actors at the Nevada City Living History Museum, open every summer.
96. Stop for a burger at the Two Dot Bar.
95. Wander through the Daly Mansion and arboretum in Hamilton.
94. Watch a planetarium show at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman.
93. See the mounted white wolf at the Basin Trading Post in Stanford.
92. Ride a train, across the Hi-Line, through Glacier National Park or near Lewistown.
91. Attend North American Indian Days in Browning.
90. Listen to elk bugle and defend harems at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area in the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge in late September and early October.
89. Spend the Fourth of July in Choteau, with a parade, rodeo, community lunch and fireworks on a day full of small-town fun.
88. Watch changing light illuminate the colorful cliffs of the Bighorn Canyon on the Montana/Wyoming border.
87. Feed the fish at the Giant Springs Heritage State Park and Fish Hatchery.
86. Check out the fort in Fort Benton.
85. Whether in winter or summer, ride the chairlift at Whitefish Mountain Resort for spectacular views of the Flathead Valley and access to recreation opportunities by ski, board, foot, zip line or bike.
84. Visit Virgelle.
83. Walk the boardwalk of Bannack State Park and learn about life in the first Montana Territory capital.
82. Smell the grass of the Sweet Grass Hills near Sunburst on a warm summer day.
81. Chuckle and marvel at the Montana Bale Trail around Hobson and Utica every September.
80. Take in the sights and sounds of a threshing bee.
79. Dine and dip at Chico Hot Springs just north of Yellowstone National Park.
78. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg.
77. Talk to 4-Hers and admire their animals and other projects at a county fair. (Love this one by the way)!!
76. Eat Rocky Mountain oysters. At least one bite.
75. Drive U.S. Highway 2 from Idaho to North Dakota.
74. Hike through the capstone formations of Makoshika State Park in Glendive.
73. Throw an atlatl, an 8,000-year-old weapon once used in Montana.
72. Belly up to the bar for beans or beer at the Jersey Lilly Saloon in Ingomar.
71. Wander through the Sporting Eagle Saloon, opium den, a Chinese laundry, bordello and other historical spots on the Havre Beneath The Streets Underground Tour.
70. Spend the night at a historic Glacier National Park lodge or chalet.
69. Circumnavigate Canyon Ferry Lake, with a burger break in York.
68. Pan for gold.
67. Know enough about C.M. Russell to have a favorite among his paintings. Bone up at the C.M. Russell Museum.
66. Eat a Viking — a fried, battered meatball on a stick — at the Montana State Fair.
65. Steep in cowboy culture at the legendary Augusta American Legion Rodeo.
64. Spot a wolf in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park's northeast corner.
63. Step out of the car during a night drive over Roger's Pass near Lincoln to watch the stars far from city lights.
62. Stand in silence at the Sleeping Buffalo Rock near Saco.
61. Listen to an old-timer speak of Montana as it was long ago.
60. Pick cherries along Flathead Lake.
59. Shake the hand of the sorehead in Rudyard, pop: "596 nice people and one old sorehead." At the very least, have a cup of coffee in the Sorehead Cafe.
58. Learn the words to our state song, "Montana" by Charles Cohan:
"Montana, Montana, Glory of the West. Of all the states from coast to coast, you're easily the best..."
57. Ride in a combine during harvest in Montana's Golden Triangle.
56. Catch a trout.
55. Golf, play tennis, fish, ride horses, bike, raft, ride a zip line, ski or snowboard: Whatever your sport is, use it as an excuse to play at Big Sky Resort in the Gallatin National Forest.
54. Make your way to Wolf Point for the Wadopana Celebration, the oldest traditional pow-wow in Montana.
53. Know how to react in a bear encounter.
52. Chow down on chicken-fried steak and pie at the historic Crazy Mountain Inn in Martinsdale.
51. Tour the Montana Historical Society in Helena.

Readers offered their own Montana bucket list items, which included Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake. It's is now owned by the state and managed as a state park. Buildings remain from the early 1900s when the island was homesteaded. 

50. Stand on a ridge above the Little Bighorn River and listen to the wind blow while you ponder the Lakota and Cheyenne and U.S. Cavalry companies that clashed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in late June 1876. Follow the walking tour, listen to an interpretive ranger and wander through the visitors center south of Crow Agency.
49. Spot the ancient pictographs at Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings.
48. Cross the border into Waterton Lakes National Park, on the Canadian side of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
47. Learn how to identify five Montana wildflowers.
46. Memorize the John Steinbeck quote: "I'm in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it."
45. Find a fossil.
44. Stop at the intersection of Montana highways 1 and 569 and decide if you want to turn south for Wisdom or north for Opportunity.
43. See the alpenglow as daybreak briefly colors the mountains of Glacier National Park.
42. Whoop it up at an old-fashioned, small-town community dance.
41. Take in the sights of the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, a legendary wild weekend every year in May.
40. Spend the night in Montana's oldest continuously operating hotel, the 112-year-old Kempton Hotel of Terry.
39. Watch the Montana Legislature in session.
38. Explore Missouri Headwaters State Park near Three Forks to see where the mighty river is born.
37. Sample the tasty treats of the Parrot Confectionery on Helena's Last Chance Gulch.
36. Hoot, holler, whistle and hiss at a Virginia City Players vaudeville show at the historic Virginia City Opera House.
35. Take in the view from a fire lookout.
34. Listen to water surge over the largest undammed waterfall in Montana, Kootenai Falls between Troy and Libby.
33. Cheer, tailgate and revel in the rivalry at a Montana/Montana State Cat-Griz football game.
32. Find a blooming bitterroot, the state flower (but don't pick it!).
31. Grab a hot chocolate and cheer on competitors in the Race to the Sky, a 350-mile sled dog race that ends in Lincoln.
30. Hike along the Garden Wall in Glacier National Park.
29. Wander through the Charles M. Bair Family Museum in Martinsdale.
28. Skydive at Lost Prairie near Kalispell.
27. Drive across the Koocanusa Bridge north of Libby. It's the tallest and longest bridge in Montana.
26. Shop for art at the annual Western Art Week in Great Falls.
25. Drive into the Elkhorn Mountains near Boulder to see Elkhorn Ghost Town. Don't miss the cemetery.
24. Wander through the Ross Creek Giant Cedars Grove in a rainforest atmosphere near Troy.
23. Take part in branding day on a ranch.
22. Dance at the Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs.
21. Support a favorite Montana musician.
20. Eat huckleberry pie in five different Glacier National Park area restaurants. For comparison purposes.
19. Explore the Lewis and Clark Caverns near Whitehall.
18. Feel haunted at the Big Hole National Battlefield west of Wisdom and the Bear Paw Battlefield south of Chinook.
17. Drape yourself in green, pour a Guinness and join the revelry on St. Patrick's Day in Butte.
16. See layers of time and history at Havre's Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump.
15. Watch the mermaids swim at the Sip 'N' Dip Lounge in the O'Haire Motor Inn.
14. Read "The Last Best Place: A Montana Anthology," Ivan Doig's "This House of Sky," A.B. Guthrie's "The Big Sky," James Welch's "Fools Crow" and Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It."
13. Make music at the Ringing Rocks of Pipestone.
12. Get to know all of Montana's seven Indian reservations.
11. Watch snow goose and tundra swans take off from Freezout Lake between Choteau and Fairfield during spring migration.
10. Follow the Montana Dinosaur Trail to at least a few of the 14 dinosaur museums and field stations that sprinkle the state.
9. Float the wild and scenic stretch of the Missouri River.
8. Experience Yellowstone National Park in every season.
7. Hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.
6. Take a roadtrip and stop at every historical highway sign.
5. Visit all Montana's tiny corner towns: Yaak, Alzada, Westby and Sula.
4. Follow the Yellowstone River to its confluence with the mighty Missouri.
3. Connect with points from the Lewis and Clark trail across the state, such as Pompey's Pillar near Billings.
2. Drive over the Fort Peck Dam.
1. Explore Glacier National Park by foot, by boat and by red bus.