Poplar MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Poplar, Montana.
1. Poplar Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Poplar Museum features extensive tribal history and artifacts from the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The museum serves as an important educational resource for understanding the indigenous history of the region.
2. Poplar Indian Days
CULTURAL CELEBRATION AND POWWOW
Poplar Indian Days is a vibrant cultural celebration featuring traditional dancing, food, crafts, and fellowship. This annual event showcases the living traditions of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Visitors can experience authentic Native American culture through performances, artisan markets, and community gatherings.
3. Wahcinca Dakota Oyate Celebration
TRADITIONAL TRIBAL GATHERING
The Wahcinca Dakota Oyate Celebration is a significant cultural event celebrating Dakota traditions with dancing, food, and crafts. This gathering brings together tribal members and visitors for a meaningful exchange of cultural heritage. The celebration offers authentic experiences that honor the Dakota people's customs and history.
4. Fort Kipp Celebration
HERITAGE FESTIVAL AND POWWOW
The Fort Kipp Celebration is a traditional gathering that honors Native American heritage through dance, music, and community activities. This cultural event showcases the living traditions of the tribes residing on the Fort Peck Reservation. Visitors can witness authentic ceremonial dances, sample traditional foods, and purchase handcrafted Native American art.
5. Turns Around Celebration
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL FESTIVAL
The Turns Around Celebration honors indigenous traditions with dancing, storytelling, and community gatherings. This cultural event preserves and promotes the heritage of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Visitors can experience authentic Native American customs while engaging with tribal members in a respectful cultural exchange.
6. The Perkulator
LOCAL COFFEE AND EATS
The Perkulator serves as a community gathering spot offering coffee, beverages, and light fare in Poplar. This local café provides a warm atmosphere for visitors and residents alike to relax and socialize. The establishment offers a taste of small-town Montana hospitality with homemade treats and freshly brewed coffee.
7. Dakota Trading Post
NATIVE ART AND GOODS
Dakota Trading Post offers authentic Native American artwork, crafts, and cultural items from local artisans. This retail establishment showcases the skilled craftsmanship of Assiniboine and Sioux tribal members. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs while supporting the indigenous artistic community of the Fort Peck Reservation.
8. Buckhorn Bar
HISTORIC LOCAL WATERING HOLE
The Buckhorn Bar is a longstanding local establishment serving drinks and providing a social gathering space in Poplar. This traditional Montana bar offers visitors a glimpse into authentic reservation life and culture. The establishment serves as a community hub where locals and visitors can mingle and share stories.
9. Fort Peck Community College
TRIBAL HIGHER EDUCATION
Fort Peck Community College is a tribal college dedicated to providing higher education opportunities while preserving cultural heritage. The institution offers academic programs that blend modern education with traditional knowledge and values. Visitors can explore the campus to learn about indigenous educational approaches and cultural preservation efforts.
10. Missouri River Historical Site
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL
The Missouri River Historical Site near Poplar marks where Lewis and Clark camped on May 3, 1805, during their famous expedition. This historical location offers visitors a connection to the important westward exploration that shaped American history. The site provides interpretive information about the expedition's journey through what would later become Montana.
11. Going-to-the-Sun Road
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular 50-mile mountain highway that crosses Glacier National Park and the Continental Divide. This engineering marvel offers some of Montana's most breathtaking views, with dramatic mountain vistas, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Visitors can experience this iconic road through driving, shuttles, or guided tours that showcase the natural beauty of the region.
12. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
HISTORICAL EXPEDITION MUSEUM
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center provides comprehensive exhibits detailing the Corps of Discovery's journey through Montana. This educational facility features interactive displays, artifacts, and historical information about this pivotal expedition. Visitors gain insights into the challenges faced by the explorers and their interactions with Native American tribes in the region.
13. First Peoples Buffalo Jump
ANCIENT HUNTING GROUNDS
First Peoples Buffalo Jump is one of the largest buffalo jump sites in North America where indigenous hunters drove bison off cliffs as a hunting method. This archaeological site includes a visitor center with exhibits explaining the sophisticated hunting techniques developed by Native Americans. The location offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding plains and mountains.
14. Pictograph Cave State Park
ANCIENT ROCK ART
Pictograph Cave State Park features three caves where over 30,000 archaeological artifacts have been discovered. The main cave displays ancient rock paintings that date back more than 2,100 years, offering a window into prehistoric life. Visitors can explore the site's interpretive trails and learn about the various cultures that used these caves throughout history.
15. Pompeys Pillar National Monument
HISTORIC SANDSTONE FORMATION
Pompeys Pillar National Monument preserves a 150-foot sandstone formation bearing William Clark's signature from the Lewis and Clark expedition. This natural landmark also features Native American petroglyphs and was an important navigational aid throughout history. Visitors can climb to the top of the pillar for panoramic views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding landscape.