From Skiing to Underground Town: The Best Things to Do in Havre, MT
Havre, Montana, is a charming small city in north-central Montana along the Hi-Line. Known as the “Hub of the Hi-Line,” Havre is the region’s significant transportation and business center.
The city is near the Bear Paw Mountains and the Milk River, providing stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Havre also has several historical landmarks, museums, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
One of the most popular attractions in Havre is the Havre Beneath the Streets tour, which takes visitors on a journey through the city’s underground history.
The tour recreates Havre’s history, including when business owners moved underground to carry on their businesses after a devastating fire destroyed most of the city.
Another popular attraction in Havre is the Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site, a historical landmark featuring Native American artifacts and ruins.
Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Native American tribes that lived in the area thousands of years ago. The site also features an outdoor interpretive trail that provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these early inhabitants.
Havre is also home to several outdoor recreational opportunities, including Bear Paw Ski Bowl, a small ski area that draws visitors from all over the region. The ski hill offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels, from beginner to expert.
Additionally, the Blaine County Wildlife Museum is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The museum showcases the region’s rich wildlife and natural history, including displays of local fish, birds, and animals.
Havre Beneath the Streets
Havre Beneath the Streets offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history of Havre, Montana. After a devastating fire destroyed much of the town, business owners took refuge underground to continue their operations until the town could be rebuilt.
The historical underground tour takes visitors through this fascinating chapter of Havre’s past, offering a glimpse into the lives and activities of the town’s early residents.
One of the highlights of the tour is the Sporting Eagle Saloon, a turn-of-the-century honky tonk where cowboys gathered to gamble, dance, and drink. Visitors can also explore an opium den, one of only three known to have existed in the town’s early days, as well as a Chinese laundry, an ethnic restaurant, and a bordello.
The tour guides bring these underground spaces to life with vivid descriptions and engaging reenactments, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era.
The historical tour is available during the summer months, with tours running daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Winter tours are also available Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Large group tours can be arranged upon request, and information can be found at the Havre Chamber of Commerce.
Beaver Creek Park
Beaver Creek Park is a stunning natural wonder in Havre, Montana’s picturesque town. Nestled in the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains, this expansive park covers over 10,000 acres and offers visitors a breathtaking array of outdoor activities and natural beauty.
From hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife watching, Beaver Creek Park has something everyone can enjoy.
Visitors enter the park and are greeted by a landscape of rugged mountains, lush forests, and meandering streams.
The park’s trails wind their way through this stunning scenery, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem up close. Along the way, visitors can spot various wildlife, including deer, elk, and even the occasional moose.
Beaver Creek Park offers various camping options for those looking to spend the night, from primitive sites to fully equipped cabins. As the sun sets over the park, campers can gather around the campfire and marvel at the starry night sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a more extended stay, Beaver Creek Park is a must-see destination that offers a truly unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of Montana.
Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site
Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site is a remarkable historical landmark in Havre, Montana. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the area’s earliest inhabitants, who lived in the region more than 2,000 years ago. It’s behind the Holiday Village Mall, down to the Milk River.
The site is home to the remains of several Native American buffalo kill sites and a collection of artifacts and tools used by the tribes that once called this land home.
As visitors explore the site, they can see firsthand the tools and techniques used by the early inhabitants to hunt buffalo and other games. The site features a series of bison kill sites, where visitors can see the remains of these ancient hunts, including bison bones and other artifacts.
Additionally, the site features several reconstructed tepees and other structures that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of these early Native American communities.
One of the site’s highlights is the on-site museum Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump, which features a range of artifacts and exhibits related to the site’s history. Visitors can see everything from ancient pottery and tools to personal items like jewelry and clothing.
The museum also features interactive displays and educational programs that provide a deeper understanding of the site’s importance and the people who once lived there. Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl
Nestled in the stunning Chippewa Cree Recreation Area in north-central Montana, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is a winter sports destination with a unique and unforgettable ski experience.
This small ski area draws visitors from Havre, Montana, and the nearby Rocky Boys Indian Reservation and is managed and operated entirely by an all-volunteer group of local skiers.
The ski area features 24 trails, with 25% beginner, 25% intermediate, and 50% expert-level runs. With a vertical drop of 900 feet, Bear Paw offers skiing and snowboarding options for all levels, from beginner to expert.
At Bear Paw Ski Bowl, visitors can expect an affordable, old-fashioned, and friendly ski hill experience. The ski area’s motto, “Raccoon the eyes, rack the boards, rack up some runs, rack up some fun, and ski knee-deep cheap at the steep and deep Bear Paw Ski Bowl,” perfectly captures the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the hill.
The ski area is managed and operated by dedicated volunteers, who ensure that skiers and snowboarders have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl boasts an average annual snowfall of 140 inches, making it a good winter sports destination. With one double lift and one handle tow, visitors can easily access the 24 trails, which are split between beginner, intermediate, and expert levels.
Skiers and snowboarders can also take in the stunning views of the Chippewa Cree Recreation Area from the top of the mountain, which reaches an elevation of 5280 feet. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a first-time skier, Bear Paw Ski Bowl offers an unforgettable ski experience in the beautiful Montana wilderness.
Blaine County Wildlife Museum
Located in Chinook, Montana, the Blaine County Wildlife Museum is a welcome destination for anyone interested in the region’s natural history. The museum features a wide range of exhibits and displays that showcase the rich diversity of wildlife that calls Blaine County home.
From large game animals like elk and deer to smaller mammals and birds, visitors can learn about the fascinating species that populate this unique ecosystem.
One of the Blaine County Wildlife Museum highlights is the interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife on display.
Visitors can touch animal pelts, learn about animal tracks and habitats, and explore a range of hands-on exhibits that make for a fun and educational experience. The museum also features a wide range of taxidermy displays that showcase the beauty and complexity of the region’s wildlife.
In addition to its exhibits, the Blaine County Wildlife Museum also offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
From guided tours to guest speakers and wildlife workshops, visitors can deepen their understanding of the natural world and the vital role that wildlife plays in our ecosystem. Blaine County Wildlife Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural history of Montana and the unique wildlife that calls this region home.
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