Lavina MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lavina, Montana.
1. Bull Mountain Trading
LOCAL TRADING POST EXPERIENCE
Bull Mountain Trading is a charming local business in Lavina that offers visitors a glimpse into Montana's trading culture. Visitors can browse unique merchandise while experiencing authentic small-town hospitality. The trading post has earned positive reviews from travelers seeking authentic Montana souvenirs and collectibles.
2. Mule Train Alpaca Ranch
ADORABLE ALPACA EXPERIENCE
Mule Train Alpaca Ranch offers visitors a delightful opportunity to interact with alpacas in their natural habitat. The ranch has earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the educational and entertaining experience. Guests can learn about alpaca farming while enjoying the picturesque countryside setting.
3. Musselshell River
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Musselshell River flows through Lavina, offering beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, and peaceful walks along its banks. The river has played an important historical role in the development of Lavina, which started as a stage stop along its shores.
4. Town & Country Lanes and Lounge
BOWLING AND DINING FUN
Town & Country Lanes and Lounge provides entertainment and dining options for visitors to Lavina. The venue combines bowling lanes with a comfortable lounge area where guests can relax and socialize. It serves as a community gathering spot offering a taste of local culture and hospitality.
5. Phipps Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Phipps Park is a popular outdoor recreation area located near Billings, a short drive from Lavina. The park offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Visitors appreciate the park's natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, earning it a solid 4.1-star rating.
6. Lake Elmo State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Elmo State Park features a 64-acre reservoir surrounded by recreational amenities just outside Billings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, non-motorized boating, and bird watching in this tranquil setting. The park's proximity to Lavina makes it an ideal day trip for those seeking water-based activities.
7. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
HISTORIC WORKING CATTLE RANCH
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves the heritage of cattle ranching in American history. Once the headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire, this 1,600-acre working ranch features over 80 historic structures and numerous artifacts. Visitors can explore walking trails while learning about Montana's ranching legacy.
8. Old Montana Prison
HISTORIC FRONTIER PRISON
Old Montana Prison offers a fascinating glimpse into Montana's penal history through guided and self-guided tours of this turn-of-the-century fortress. Built by inmate labor, the prison once housed members of Butch Cassidy's "Wild Bunch" and served as Montana's state prison from 1871 to 1979. Visitors can explore the intimidating Cell House, maximum security areas, and view the "Prison Life" photo exhibit.
9. Frontier Montana Museum
WILD WEST HERITAGE COLLECTION
Frontier Montana Museum showcases the rich history of Montana's wild west era through an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Located on the grounds of the Old Montana Prison, this museum offers visitors insight into frontier life. The exhibits feature items from early settlers, Native American artifacts, and tools used during Montana's formative years.
10. Montana Auto Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Montana Auto Museum displays an impressive collection of vintage and classic automobiles that trace the evolution of transportation in America. The museum features over 160 vehicles ranging from early 1900s models to classic cars from the mid-20th century. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the meticulously restored vehicles and the historical context provided throughout the exhibits.
11. Yesterday's Play Things Doll and Toy Museum
NOSTALGIC TOY COLLECTION
Yesterday's Play Things Doll and Toy Museum houses a charming collection of antique dolls, toys, and childhood memorabilia. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through the evolution of children's playthings across different eras. Visitors of all ages can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of these well-preserved items.
12. Bannack State Historic Park
PRESERVED GOLD RUSH TOWN
Bannack State Historic Park preserves a well-maintained ghost town that was founded in 1862 following John White's gold discovery on Grasshopper Creek. As Montana's first Territorial Capital in 1864, this historic site features over sixty original structures that visitors can explore. The park offers a genuine glimpse into Montana's gold rush era and early territorial history.
13. Lavina Stage Stop
HISTORICAL TRANSPORTATION HUB
The Lavina Stage Stop represents the town's origins as an important transportation hub in Montana's early development. This historic site offers visitors insight into the stagecoach era when Lavina served travelers along the Musselshell River. The preservation of this landmark helps tell the story of how small Montana towns emerged and evolved during territorial expansion.
14. Lavina Farming and Ranching Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Lavina Farming and Ranching Museum celebrates the agricultural heritage that forms the backbone of this small Montana community. Exhibits feature historical farming equipment, photographs, and artifacts that document the evolution of agricultural practices in the region. Visitors gain appreciation for the hardworking ranchers and farmers who have shaped Lavina's identity and economy.
15. Bull Mountain Trading Post Cafe
LOCAL FLAVOR AND HOSPITALITY
Bull Mountain Trading Post Cafe offers visitors authentic Montana cuisine in a friendly, rustic atmosphere. The cafe specializes in hearty, home-style meals that reflect the local culinary traditions of this ranching community. Travelers enjoy both the delicious food and the opportunity to mingle with locals while experiencing genuine Montana hospitality.