Harlowton brings several aspects of Wheatland County into focus: railroad history, the Musselshell River and the open prairie. The town lies on the banks of the river, east of the Crazy Mountains. This gives you a choice of culture, scenery and different activities when planning your trip.

Railroad History and Special Collections

The Upper Musselshell Museum is housed in the Marshall Building, a two-story sandstone building dating from 1908. The museum’s Pedersen Collection is considered the largest collection of Milwaukee Road HO scale models in the United States. The architecture and models connect a specific building with a collection focused on railroad history.

The Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum offers a different historical perspective: the depot was built in 1908 as a “Standard Class A Passenger Station” and used by the Milwaukee Road. In downtown Harlowton, an E57B electric locomotive also stands as a tribute to the region’s electric railroad history. The two buildings dating from 1908 and the locomotive highlight different aspects of this theme.

Natural history is represented, too: the Upper Musselshell Museum displays Avaceratops Lammersi. The dinosaur was discovered north of Shawmut and is considered the first specimen of its kind.

River, Mountains and Prairie

The Musselshell River and Harlowton’s location east of the Crazy Mountains give the town two clear geographic landmarks. Another point of reference in the landscape is the Judith Gap Wind Energy Center between Harlowton and Judith Gap. Built in 2005, it has 90 towers rising 262 feet above the prairie. In a historical comparison, this energy facility and the railroad buildings built in 1908 represent very different chapters in the region’s history.

Trails, Swimming and Golf

The scenic Smoking Boomer Trail in Harlowton begins at the restored Milwaukee Depot. As an alternative to a walk, the City of Harlowton operates a public community swimming pool during the summer months. The pool offers lap swimming, recreational swimming and swimming lessons. The program may vary by season; check current opening dates before your trip.

Jawbone Creek Golf Course is a public, links-style nine-hole course with two sets of tees that make an 18-hole round possible. Its distinctive character also comes from being considered the only golf course in the world that includes a cemetery. The course is characterized both by its layout and by this unusual feature.

Fishing Access and Places to Eat

Fishing access points vary in location and amenities. Harlowton Fishing Access Site is located outside Harlowton on the Musselshell River, covers five acres and is next to St. Josephs City Park. Selkirk Fishing Access Site, a state fishing access point on the Musselshell River, is also in the area. Deadman's Basin Fishing Access Site has a boat ramp.

Gally's Brewing Co. is a brewery with a taproom in historic Harlowton, serving craft beers and food. Harlowton is also a useful point of reference for road travel: the town is at the junction of US Highways 12 and 191.

Discover more destinations: Harlowton, Broadwater, Park, Cascade, Beaverhead County, Lake County, Deer Lodge, Carter County.

For the broader trip overview: Montana.