Denton MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Denton, Montana.
1. Ackley Lake State Park
PRISTINE MONTANA LAKE RECREATION
Ackley Lake State Park offers visitors a beautiful outdoor recreational area near Denton. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping activities on the shores of this scenic lake. The park provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by Montana's characteristic natural beauty with views of rolling hills and open skies.
2. Lewistown Carnegie Public Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN
The Lewistown Carnegie Public Library stands as a historic cultural landmark in nearby Lewistown. Built with funds from Andrew Carnegie, this library combines historical architecture with modern library services. The library serves as both a community gathering space and a repository of local history.
3. Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train
SCENIC DINNER RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience while traveling through the scenic landscapes of Central Montana. Passengers enjoy a gourmet meal while the train winds its way through picturesque countryside and historic routes. The experience combines Montana's railway history with entertainment and spectacular views of the region.
4. Central Montana Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Central Montana Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Denton and surrounding areas. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and stories that chronicle the settlement and development of Central Montana. Visitors gain insights into the agricultural traditions, pioneer life, and community development that shaped this region.
5. Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster
THRILLING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
The Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster provides an exhilarating outdoor adventure in Montana's beautiful mountain terrain. Riders control their own speed as they zip down the mountainside on this gravity-powered roller coaster. The attraction offers breathtaking views combined with the excitement of twists, turns, and drops through the natural landscape.
6. Moss Mansion
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE
Moss Mansion stands as an elegant historic home showcasing turn-of-the-century architecture and lifestyle. Designed by renowned architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the mansion features original furnishings and family artifacts from the prominent Moss family. Tours offer visitors a glimpse into the past with well-preserved rooms and gardens that reflect the grandeur of Montana's early wealthy residents.
7. Our Lady of the Rockies
MONUMENTAL HILLTOP STATUE
Our Lady of the Rockies is a 90-foot statue perched on the Continental Divide overlooking Butte. Built as a tribute to women everywhere, particularly mothers, the statue stands as one of Montana's most unique landmarks. Visitors can take bus tours to the statue, which offers panoramic views of Butte and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
8. Whitefish Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Whitefish Depot serves as both a functional Amtrak station and a historic landmark in downtown Whitefish. Built in 1928, this Alpine-style railway station features distinctive architecture and a museum highlighting local railway history. The well-preserved building continues to welcome travelers while connecting visitors to Montana's transportation heritage.
9. Hungry Horse Dam
MASSIVE ENGINEERING MARVEL
Hungry Horse Dam stands as an impressive engineering achievement on the South Fork of the Flathead River. The concrete arch dam reaches a height of 564 feet and creates Hungry Horse Reservoir, a major recreational area. Visitors can tour the dam's visitor center to learn about its construction and importance to Montana's power generation and flood control.
10. Bair Family Museum
WESTERN ART AND HISTORY
The Bair Family Museum preserves the legacy of one of Montana's wealthiest and most influential ranching families. Housed in the family's original 1920s stone mansion, the museum displays an impressive collection of Western art, Native American artifacts, and European antiques. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms while learning about the Bair family's impact on Montana's development.
11. Bear Paw Battlefield
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Bear Paw Battlefield marks the site of the final battle of the Nez Perce War of 1877. This historic location commemorates where Chief Joseph surrendered after a six-day battle, delivering his famous speech ending with "I will fight no more forever." The battlefield includes interpretive trails and exhibits explaining the significance of this pivotal moment in Native American history.
12. Pictograph Cave State Park
ANCIENT ROCK ART SITE
Pictograph Cave State Park features three caves where prehistoric hunters left behind over 30,000 artifacts and distinctive rock paintings. Some of the pictographs date back more than 2,100 years, providing a window into ancient Montana cultures. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and exhibits that explain the archaeological significance of this National Historic Landmark.
13. Pompeys Pillar National Monument
HISTORIC LEWIS AND CLARK LANDMARK
Pompeys Pillar National Monument preserves a 150-foot sandstone formation bearing the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. William Clark carved his signature into the rock in 1806, alongside Native American petroglyphs that had already existed for generations. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits explaining the pillar's significance to both Native American and American history.
14. Artitudes Cooperative Gallery
LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE
Artitudes Cooperative Gallery displays the creative works of Central Montana's talented artists in a community-focused space. Visitors can browse and purchase diverse artwork including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and photography created by regional artists. The gallery hosts regular events and showcases that highlight the vibrant artistic culture of Montana's rural communities.
15. Going-to-the-Sun Road
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY
Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering one of America's most spectacular scenic drives. The 50-mile mountain highway crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, reaching an elevation of 6,646 feet with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers. Travelers encounter numerous pullouts, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities along this engineering marvel completed in 1932.