Choteau Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Choteau, Montana. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Choteau

Choteau is situated in the heart of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, offering visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. It is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the breathtaking Crown of the Continent and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas. Choteau is also the gateway to a wide range of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll showcase all that Choteau has to offer and provide detailed information about the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Choteau

If you are planning a trip to Choteau, here are some of the must-visit places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Trail Museum: This museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It showcases the local history of Choteau and features artifacts and exhibits ranging from early frontier life to local wildlife.

  • Choteau Acantha Museum: This small but impressive museum offers visitors a glimpse into the pioneer past of the region and highlights the importance of the area’s newspaper and printing in the development of the community.

Natural Attractions of Choteau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Two Medicine River: This stunning river offers visitors a beautiful spot for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. There are also several hiking trails with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

  • Rocky Mountain Front: Is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Take a guided wildlife tour in the Bob Marshall Wilderness area or trek the Continental Divide Trail to soak up the breathtaking views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Choteau

Choteau is known for its extraordinary hiking and mountain biking trails, winding through mountains, forests, and grasslands. Here are some of our favorite hikes and bike rides in and around Choteau:

  • Swiftcurrent Lookout Trail: This 7-mile round-trip hike to Swiftcurrent Lookout is challenging but incredibly rewarding. You’ll enjoy stunning views on the Continental Divide, vast alpine meadows, and mountain ranges.

  • The Rocky Mountain Front Bike Route: This 57-mile route stretches from Choteau to Augusta and traverses the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountain Front. Cyclists will experience breathtaking landscapes and Montana’s big-sky country.

Best Things to Do in Choteau: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Choteau. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • Fly-Fishing: Cast a fly rod in some of Montana’s best trout fishing waters in remote wilderness areas.

  • Wildlife Watching: Witness the wildest creatures such as Grizzly and Black bears, elk, deer, and mountain lions in their natural habitats.

  • Hiking: Go for a day hike experience along one of the Rocky Mountain Front trails or challenge yourself on a multi-day backpacking trip.

Week-Long Itinerary for Choteau

If you’re planning to spend a week in Choteau, here’s an itinerary that will allow you to cover all the highlights of this beautiful small town and its surrounding areas:

Day Activities
Day 1 Hike Swift Current Lookout Trail and visit Old Trail Museum
Day 2 Go on a guided wildlife tour
Day 3 Experience fishing on one of Montana’s best trout fishing waters
Day 4 Go for a scenic drive to St. Mary and explore Glacier National Park
Day 5 Set out on a day trip to Yellowstone National Park
Day 6 Visit Choteau Acantha Museum and go shopping for souvenirs
Day 7 Enjoy a leisurely bike ride on The Rocky Mountain Front Bike Route

Food and Drink Scene of Choteau

Choteau offers a range of dining options for visitors, from fine dining to quick bites. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Montana steak: Montana is best known for its steak, so don’t pass up the chance to savor a perfectly grilled piece.

  • Huckleberry ice cream: Huckleberries are abundant in Montana, and the state is famous for its unique ice cream made from this local berry.

Local Beverages

  • Breweries and distilleries: Choteau is home to one of Montana’s top breweries, Harvest Moon Brewery. You can also sample locally made spirits from distilleries like Willie’s Distillery.

Where to Stay in Choteau: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Choteau has a range of accommodation facilities to choose from, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly guesthouses or plush hotels. Here are some of the top options:

  • Stage Stop Inn: A highly rated hotel offering amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center.

  • The Choteau Country Hideaway: Offers a real Montana experience and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front.

What to Buy in Choteau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Choteau, don’t forget to bring home some local souvenirs. Here are some of the things you should consider buying:

  • Huckleberry jam: Made from Montana’s local berries, a jar of huckleberry jam makes for a delicious souvenir.

  • Montana-made crafts: From ceramics to wooden bowls, Montana has an excellent selection of locally made crafts to choose from.

Local Culture and Customs of Choteau

Montana’s small towns, including Choteau, pride themselves on their western heritage and culture. The local people are friendly and welcoming. It’s polite always to greet people with a smile or hello – manners matter. Cowboy hats and boots are always in fashion, and the western spirit is alive and kicking.

Best Time to Visit Choteau

Choteau’s climate is semi-arid, with mild to cool temperatures throughout the year. Summers are warm with average highs reaching 75°F, while winters are cold with average lows dipping to 15°F. Generally, summer is the best time to visit Choteau, with the weather being perfect for outdoor activities. However, fall and winter are also great times to visit for other winter sports like snowmobiling and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Choteau

Do:

  • Attend local events: Choteau has a strong sense of community, and the town regularly hosts events and festivals throughout the year. Check the calendar of events to see what’s going on during your visit.

  • Respect nature: Montana is famously home to some of America’s most stunning natural landscapes, and it’s essential always to leave these areas in good condition. Stick to the marked trails and pack out all your trash.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety warnings: Montana’s rugged terrain and sprawling wilderness can be dangerous. Always heed the advice of park officials and obey all trail and road closures.

  • Litter: Montana’s pristine beauty is a significant draw for visitors, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way. Always dispose of your trash properly and respect the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Choteau

Choteau and its surrounding areas are typically safe. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, like locking their vehicles and avoiding isolated areas after dark.

Health in Choteau

There are limited healthcare facilities in Choteau, so visitors should ensure they have adequate insurance coverage before traveling. Wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated is essential when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Choteau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Choteau

The nearest airports to Choteau are:

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 820 miles.

  • Billings Logan International Airport: 185 miles

Bus Stations Near Choteau

Choteau doesn’t have a bus station. The nearest bus stations are in Great Falls and Helena, both approximately 75 miles away.

Other Options

Car rentals are available at the airports and make getting to Choteau easy. Due to Choteau’s rural location, having a car is essential to explore all the area has to offer.

How to Get Around in Choteau

The best way to get around Choteau is by car. There are car rental services available at the Billings Logan International Airport and Helena Regional Airport and car rental agencies in Great Falls and Bozeman. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are not available.

Where to Go Next from Choteau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Choteau is a great starting point for exploring Montana’s other exciting destinations. Here are some of the nearby spots to consider:

  • Glacier National Park: 86 miles away and renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, alpine meadows, and sparkling lakes.

  • Yellowstone National Park: 220 miles away and famous for its geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.

  • Great Falls: 80 miles away and home to several fascinating museums, including the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Conclusion

With its scenic beauty and endless outdoor recreational activities, Choteau is a must-visit for nature lovers. Whether you’re hiking the Rocky Mountain Front, casting a fly rod in remote rivers, or exploring the region’s vibrant history and culture, Choteau will not disappoint. Use our comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip so that you don’t miss a single delightful thing!