Montana's Most Underrated Mountain Town Is Known As The 'Front Porch Of The Rockies'

Like a front row seat to the magnificent Rockies, the proud little town of Choteau features everything you love about the mountains, without the massive crowds. Hiking, history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure await you, surrounded by majestic mountains, peaceful streams, and unparalleled landscapes.

In the welcoming community of Choteau, visitors will find the spirit of hospitality alive and well, with an authentic small-town vibe in the heartland of Montana. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain Front, life in Choteau takes on a slower pace so you can just relax while taking in the exquisite beauty of this natural wonder.

Choteau is considered an ideal location, and convenient to any Rocky Mountain experience you may be seeking. If you're interested in exploring ancient paleontology, challenging yourself to the winding hiking trails or discovering why Montana is called "Big Sky Country," be sure to include this magical town in your Rocky Mountain itinerary. Also in the Montana mountains is National Park Highway, America's most scenic road trip, as is the opportunity to hike in one of Glacier National Park's best trails for viewing wildlife.

Choteau is a year-round destination with exciting recreational opportunities from hunting and wildlife viewing to golfing and skiing. The most popular hikes can be enjoyed in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (about 26 miles from Choteau) where you can follow the trail of the early explorers or camp out. Only accessible by boat is the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge, made up of 20 islands to scout out fish, wildlife, and plant species in their natural habitat.

Fish in the nearby streams to catch plentiful trout. Or hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which features more than 1.5 acres in three areas: Great Bear, Bob Marshall, and Scapegoat Wildernesses, the third biggest wilderness area in the continental USA. Horseback riding through this area is also very popular, and the best way to traverse it. 

Head to Freezeout Lake for waterfowl hunting of geese, mallards, and pheasants. To determine the best times, you can check out their seasonal migration reports. To make the most of your visit to Choteau, there are a number of companies that offer guided adventure tours for hiking, hunting, and fishing. These experts can greatly enhance your experience. The majestic Continental Divide also beckons in the Rocky Mountains.

If you're a history buff, you have your choice between prehistoric exhibits and some more recent history. Why not do both? At the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, now known as the Montana Dinosaur Center, people of all ages can go on a dig at an active fossil site from June through September. Who knows what you'll find? 

A visit the Old Trail Museum will show you what life was like in the prairie, tracing Choteau's illustrious past. See an authentic sheep wagon, a Blackfeet Teepee, or admire the works in the Jesse Gleason Art Studio. To relax, chill out at the thrilling rodeo. Plan your visit to Choteau soon, and discover a more laid-back experience in the Rockies!