The Chokecherry Festival
Photo courtesy: Donnie Sexton
Fergus County Courthouse
An Area Farm
Charlie Russell Chew Choo
Wagon Train
Lewistown sits at the geographic center of Montana. Originally a mining town and now largely agricultural, Lewistown captures both the rural and artistic nature of Montana. Known as the City of Stone, the original settlers were Croatian stone masons. Beautiful architecture constructed by early residents forms the centerpiece of Lewistown's five historic districts. The Central Montana Museum showcases area history and also features a unique dinosaur specimen found in the area. Annual events include the Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous, Montana Chokecherry Festival, a 4th of July Parade, Central Montana Fair and the Montana Winter Fair. When planning a trip to Lewistown be sure to make time for the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo, a three and half hour dining and entertainment train ride through scenic Central Montana. The Lewistown Art Center on Main Street has three galleries and offers educational workshops. Lewistown is known for Yogo Sapphires, a gemstone mined nearby. The sapphire is a cornflower blue color and does not need to be heat treated to enhance the color.
The town is perfectly situated for anyone seeking outdoor recreation. With the Judith River, Crystal Lake, Ackley Lake and Big Spring Creek all nearby, Lewistown is an ideal basecamp for days of fishing. Hikers, campers, wildlife watchers and hunters will find plenty of opportunities in the national forest lands of the Little Belt and Snowy Mountains. Lewistown is also the headquarters for the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument, the vast area that parallels the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Much of the Missouri Breaks is accessible only by hiking, ATV or boat and outfitters are available.
