For a trip that combines archaeological traces, historic walking tours and outdoor trails, Hill County offers a variety of starting points. When choosing where to stay, it helps to first prioritize the visits you want to make, such as Havre’s self-guided historic walking tours, the Rudyard Depot Museum or outdoor activities.
Explore Archaeology and History
Wahkpa Chu’gn includes a camp that was used between 600 and 2,000 years ago. During guided tours of the site, visitors learn to throw an atlatl; an atlatl competition is also held there. Artifacts from the site are on public display at the Wahkpa Chu’gn Interpretive Center. The H. Earl Clack Museum displays a variety of historic and prehistoric artifacts and conducts tours at Wahkpa Chu’gn.
Fort Assinniboine also combines history with a visitor program: the fort was built in 1879 and remained in active use until 1911. The Fort Assinniboine Preservation Association regularly offers guided tours during the summer months. Check the specific dates before your trip. Every year, “Hands on History,” a traditional powwow with a dance ceremony, takes place at Rocky Boy in Hill County.
Historic Walking Tours and Collections
The Havre Residential Historic District comprises 36 blocks and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Havre has two self-guided historic walking tours: the Havre Residential Historic District Tour and the Havre Downtown Business and Railroad Walking Tour. They offer different themes for an independent walking tour of the city.
Havre Beneath the Streets takes visitors through underground facilities, including an opium den, and recounts Havre’s history after a fire destroyed most of the city. Tours can be booked by calling (406) 265-8888; confirm the details before your trip. The Frank DeRosa Railroad Museum has a complete model train layout. The Vande Bogart Library houses the Louis and Antoinette Hagener Museum of the Plains Indian.
The Phillips Building was restored by community volunteers to house the Hi-Line Vintage Auto Museum. Visits are arranged through Toner’s Tire Rama across the street or by calling ahead. Make these arrangements before your visit. At the Rudyard Depot Museum, you can see items used by settlers who arrived in the early 20th century. The museum grounds also include a one-room schoolhouse with a teacher’s residence, which was moved there in 1997. Rudyard is on Montana’s Hi-Line corridor between Chester and Havre.
Trails and Scenery
Beaver Creek Park is nestled in the Bears Paw Mountains south of Havre. It has more than 100 rustic campsites and picnic areas. The Devlin Walking Trail is a clearly defined option for walks, hikes or bike rides: the trail is 0.5 miles long. The Bullhook Butte Hiking Area is a 1.8-mile loop; from its highest point, the panoramic view extends across Havre and the surrounding areas.
Another trail length to note is that of the southern section of the Bill Baltrusch Nature Trail: it is unpaved and forms a 2.6-mile loop to Beaver Creek Road. The three distances can help you compare routes when planning; each gives the distance, not the time needed to walk it. Walking, hiking and biking are specifically listed as uses of the Devlin Trail.
Practical Information for Getting Around Havre
Havre Amtrak Station is at 235 Main Street. From Highway 2, also called 1st Street, you can reach the station via 2nd Avenue and Main Street. The station has ticket sales, baggage assistance, a waiting area, restrooms and public telephones; check these station details before your trip.
When planning your stay, you can compare your priorities: historic walking tours and collections, local history in Rudyard, or time on outdoor trails. Decide which of these themes you want your trip to focus on, and choose your lodging base accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Havre, Rudyard, Beaverhead County, Daniels County, Phillips County, Powder River County, Granite, Judith Basin County.
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