Montana's Low-Key City With Western Vibes Has Intriguing Museums And A Historic Downtown

When it comes to offering an expanse of open country roads beneath an endless sky, no one does it better than the great state of Montana. Fittingly named Big Sky Country, its rugged landscape is peppered with charming towns, such as Wise River, which offers scenic camping and access to historic ghost towns. But turn your gaze toward the heart of the state, where Highway 12 meets Highway 191, and you'll find the city of Harlowton, a true Western destination by character and fabric.

Simplified to "Harlo" by the locals, this former railway hub sits in the center of Montana — a state that is hard to define, having adopted both a Western pioneer character and Midwest farming hallmarks. Harlo embodies that, blending a weekend on a traditional working cattle ranch with visits to local art galleries and hiking trails. Less than an hour west of Harlo, in the shadow of Elk Peak, lies the Bonanza Creek Ranch, founded in the 1870s. As a guest ranch, it offers authentic northwestern hospitality in one of its cabins and a plunge into a plethora of activities of your choosing. Whether it's nature photography, fishing, or riding out with the cowboys to work the cattle, you're one with nature. Open from mid-June to mid-September, it's located at 523 Bonanza Creek Road.

Finding yourself in the dead center of Montana, adventure calls in every direction, with Harlo rich in activities both in town and outdoors. From guided trail rides at the local Sweet Grass Ranch to a downtown with museums steeped in rich history from its heyday as a railroad hub, this isn't a drive-through city. Harlo is a colorful mosaic of unique attractions, tasty bites, and a vibrant community that is welcoming and tightly-knit.

Harlowton owes its legacy to the age of railroads, including its name. Richard Harlow was the president of the Montana Railway Company, and the town was renamed in his honor in 1900. Located in Wheatland County, it isn't hard to understand why Harlowton became a booming community that was one of the state's largest for shipping grain. The railroad has been abandoned since the 1970s, yet the Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum does an excellent job in preserving its significance, offering a truly intriguing experience.

Located at 307 Central Avenue South, the museum opens seasonally on Memorial Day. Originally a passenger station built in 1908, it now houses a generous array of fantastic exhibits that include preserved model trains, wagons, and other railway artifacts. It is well-rounded enough to excite railway enthusiasts and kids alike, with its colorful displays that illustrate the story of a railroad that once spanned from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean.

Lodged in the heart of Harlo's historic downtown behind a building's sandstone facade, hide remnants far more ancient than the age of trains. The Upper Musselshell Museum is part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail, a state-wide network of 14 museums that span many boroughs on the "Front Porch of the Rockies," like the secret Montana mountain town of Choteau. Albeit humble in its appearance, the museum offers a good glimpse into the state's wealth of paleontological discoveries. You can find a full-size Avaceratops replica skeleton, as well as collections displaying other fossils, bones, and a Plains Indian exhibit showcasing Montana's rich Indigenous culture.

As you find yourself strolling through the heart of Harlo, it's impossible to ignore the rich frontier town atmosphere cemented in its streets, occasionally illustrated by bright murals narrating its ranching and railway history. Having already visited its museums, which are housed in historic buildings from the early 20th century, you may also walk by the shell of the former State Theater, built in 1917, or the endearing Harlo Theater, an active remnant of the golden age of independent cinemas that opened its doors in 1948. 

Should you be visiting in the summer, the Bair Family Art Museum is open from June 1 through August 7, and it's an excellent way to explore the West's dramatic past through the medium of canvas. The Bair family's art collection showcases beautiful paintings by Charles Russell, as well as photogravures by Edward S. Curtis. This affluent family estate spans across 11,000 square feet and has amassed a wonderful collection of artwork, furniture, and antiques from around the world.

If you need some refreshments and a meal, Barky's Bar and Casino offers the quintessential downtown Harlo experience. Offering local Montana-brewed beer and known for its hearty burgers, polka on Wednesdays, and a highly welcoming atmosphere, you can find it at 17 Central Avenue North. To tie up your Harlowton visit, you can explore the Smoking Boomer Rail Trail, named after a beloved station dog that would greet arriving visitors with a pipe in its mouth. Still hear the call of the West after exploring everything Harlo has to offer? Head toward the Rockies and the town of Anaconda, a hidden gem with endless outdoor recreation opportunities.