National Bison Range
St. Ignatius Mission
Dixon was a division point on the Northern Pacific Railroad. The post office opened in 1904 with Charlie Shelledy as postmaster. The community, which was formerly known as Jocko City, was renamed to honor Governor Joseph Dixon.(from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)
Dixon is located along the Flathead River on the Flathead Indian Reservation along Highway 200. Dixon is just southeast of the National Bison Range, accessible through Moiese. Established in 1908, it is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. A large portion of the 18,500-acre range consists of native Palouse Prairie. Forests, wetlands and streams are also found here providing a wide range of habitats for wildlife. Elk, deer, pronghorn, black bear, coyote and ground squirrels are just some of the mammals that share the area with 350 to 450 bison and 200 species of birds.
Nearby, tour the St. Ignatius Mission built in the early 1890s, which features 61 original paintings on the walls and ceilings.
And as most Montanans know, Dixon is home to the famous Dixon Melons one of the tastiest treats to be had in Montana in August and September. Come celebrate the Dixon Melon at the annual Dixon Melon Day.
