The Very Best Things to Do and See in Choteau, Montana

Welcome to Choteau, Montana

Looking for a true Montana experience? Head to Choteau, a small town 52 miles from Great Falls.

Here, the Rocky Mountains rise up to meet wide open plains, creating a perfect backdrop for adventure.

Whether you love outdoor activities, want to learn about dinosaurs, or simply enjoy good food and friendly locals, Choteau has something for everyone.

Visit the Old Trail Museum

Step back in time at the Old Trail Museum, where dinosaur history comes alive. You can see complete reptilian skeletons and even baby dinosaur remains found in this area.

The friendly staff will show you real fossils you can touch and tell you amazing stories about local discoveries.

Don’t miss the Native American exhibits and their old farming tool exhibits or join a guided tour focusing on the Maiasaura and Einiosaurus exhibits to learn more about the Jurassic period.

Watch Birds at Freezout Lake

Just south lies Freezout Lake, an ecosystem of marshes and grasslands that attracts thousands of snow geese and swans in spring during the peak migration period.

Visit in late March to see up to 100,000 birds on a single day. The area offers several vantage points along the tour route road and Highway 89.

You might also spot American white pelicans and hawks soaring overhead. Once here, come at sunrise (10:00 AM) or sunset (4:30 PM) for the best views.

Explore the Rocky Mountains

Right behind Choteau, the Rocky Mountains offer endless adventures. You can hike the Headquarters Pass trail (7.5 miles round trip) to catch the sunrise over the Rocky Mountain Front.

Pine Butte Swamp Preserve (managed by the Nature Conservancy) is famous for bird migrations.

In summer, wildflowers paint the meadows purple, yellow, and red. Want to see elk, moose, or deer? Take the Ear Mountain trail (5.6 miles) that stays open from July 1 to December 14.

For a special treat, go horseback riding in the Choteau area, just like early settlers did back in the wild west.

Discover Dinosaur History

Want to walk where dinosaurs once roamed? Choteau sits on the famous ‘Dinosaur Trail.’

Just 13 miles west, scientists found the first proof that dinosaurs cared for their babies. The area has yielded fossils from over 30 different dinosaur species, making it one of North America’s most important fossil sites.

At the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, join a guided fossil dig expedition or explore the new paleontology gallery at the Old Trail Museum.

Float Down the Teton River

The peaceful Teton River flows through beautiful open prairie and rolling hills. Some tours start at Choteau City Park where you’ll float downstream.

If you’re lucky, you might encounter deer, otters, and colorful birds along the way. Anglers, this river is known for rainbow trout.

Local guides will help you find spots where rainbow trout grow up to 16 inches long, try Eureka Reservoir for a more accessible experience amidst the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy ‘Chilled’ Spaces

When snow falls, you can ski on 15 miles of trails or hit the slopes nearby Teton Pass Ski Resort, where tickets cost less than half the price of bigger resorts.

Love snowmobiling? Local guides will take you on amazing backcountry trips where you might spot wolves or snowy owls.

Engage in winter activities like ice fishing at nearby lakes, such as Bynum Reservoir and Eureka Lake.

If you’re here in December, gear up for the Choteau Christmas Stroll, a significant winter event, featuring a Parade of Lights, lots of storytelling, and holiday shopping.

Learn Local History

At Old Trail Museum, discover exhibits on Maiasaura, the Montana state fossil, and learn about the Blackfeet and Métis histories.

You’ll even come across Jesse Gleason Art Studio at the museum, it’s got a historic grizzly bear exhibit.

To really feel part of the community, try the Wild Game Potluck at the Rocky Mountain Civic Center.

Shop for Montana Crafts

Downtown Choteau’s shops offer unique Montana treasures.

Country Hallmark is one of the best spaces for buying antique souvenirs and handcrafted gifts. At the Teton County Farmers Market catch local vendors selling woollens, leather goods, and other vintage treasures.

Check out the local shops during the Choteau Bucks (kinda like their version of a Black Friday sale) promotion for the best discounts.

Experience Ranch Life

Want to be a real cowboy or cowgirl? Several ranches around Choteau let you join in their daily work.

At the historic Montana Dude Ranch (south of Glacier National Park), you’ll get on horseback and learn about prairie care. These guys also offer recreational experiences.

Imagine Teton River’s crystal clear waters as you tube down scenic canyons, starting a few miles upriver from the ranch. For comfortable lodging, Deep Canyon Guest Ranch welcomes guests with fresh bread and homemade preserves.