One place you can experience a small-town getaway in Montana is Lewistown. Known for its happy, friendly residents, a visit here is always worth it. Best of all, there are plenty of things to do in Lewistown, too! Let this Lewistown travel guide inspire you to plan your own weekend getaway.

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History Of Lewistown

What is Lewistown known for? Well, back before the settlers came, the area that is now the town of Lewistown was inhabited by the Blackfoot Tribe. Thus, the area is rich with Native American heritage. In 1874, Fort Lewis, named for former Major, W.H. Lewis, was established by Company "F" of the 7th U.S. Infantry. The fort was meant to protect those traveling by the Carroll Train between the towns of Helena and Carroll. You can probably guess that the town of Lewistown was named after the fort, and was established as a town in 1879. At this time, the main permanent settlers of the area were the Metis people who were descendants of Native Americans and European settlers, mainly of French descent.

By the 1880s, the town became part of the Gold Rush era after gold was discovered in the Judith Mountains. Once established as a mining town, the Central Montana Railroad came along in 1903 and the economy really grew. Due to the rich soil of the Judith Basin, the agricultural industry started to boom as well.

By 1942, the time of World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps established an airbase to train crew for war-related missions. Today, this base is the site of the Lewistown Municipal Airport. As you can see, this town is quite historic, and that is apparent especially as you explore downtown Lewistown.

Is Lewistown Worth Visiting?

I am a firm believer that any small town is worth visiting, and that's no different for Lewistown. With its rich history, landmarks, scenery, community, friendly residents, and recreational opportunities, you may find Lewistown to be the perfect small-town getaway destination in Montana. Lewistown is also the geographical center of Montana, and that alone makes it a great place to visit!

How To Get To Lewistown

While there is no way to get to Lewistown by train, there are a couple of options. Driving is, by far, your best option. As Lewistown is located in the center of Montana, it's a 2-hour drive from Billings by taking I-90 West to US-87 North. From Helena, it's around 2.5 hours by driving along US-12 East.

Flying may be an option as well. If you're intent on visiting Lewistown from out of state and need to fly, the closest major airport is 120 miles away in Billings. You can set price alerts with Dollar Flight Club to get the best rates. From there, you can rent a car and make the drive to town. As Lewistown is home to its own airport, you may be able to charter a flight in. However, the airport does not offer commercial airline services.

Getting Around Lewistown

The best and most fun ways to get around Lewistown, especially downtown, is by walking or biking. In fact, the town has 24 miles of paved and graveled trails that will take you through town and to parks, all while enjoying spectacular views of the mountain ranges that surround the town! These include the Judith, the Big Snowy, the Moccasins, the Belts, and the Highwoods Mountains. If you are unable to walk or bike, you will need a car. Ride-share options via Uber and Lyft may be available as well.

Best Time To Visit Lewistown

Summer

The summer is perhaps the best time to visit Lewistown. It truly comes alive here between June and August with live music events, the Montana dinner train running through the verdant landscape, the Central Montana Fair, a rodeo, and so much more! Not to mention that the average temperatures range between 72 and 82 degrees, which is quite pleasant to spend time outdoors this time of year.

Winter

If you're someone who enjoys the winter months, you may enjoy the quiet, solitude, and beauty of Lewistown in winter. There's something truly picture-perfect about snow-capped mountains and a layer of white covering the surrounding prairies. And, if you love being outdoors, there are many activities in Lewistown you can enjoy like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The town also offers a variety of winter festivals and activities like the North Pole Adventure Train on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo.

Where To Stay In Lewistown

Hotel Pick: Calvert Hotel

Located in a remodeled historic building that once served as a dormitory for Fergus County High School and was built in 1917, the Calvert Hotel is an exceptional place to stay in town. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, the ambiance here is truly one of a kind. The Calvert Hoel is also set in a prime location within walking distance of downtown. With luxurious rooms and amenities, there's perhaps no other place as memorable to stay in town as this.

Airbnb Pick: The Log House

The Log House is a handmade dovetail log home that gives it such a unique look. It features one bedroom and one bathroom, and up to four guests can stay here. Set on 5 acres of private land, you'll experience all the privacy you may be looking for. However, you'll only have a 10-minute drive to downtown Lewistown which is quite convenient. The open-concept interior feels quite spacious and you'll enjoy amenities like in-floor heating, a wood stove, and a gourmet kitchen. There's even a cowboy bathtub outside!

Lewistown Sights & Landmarks

Central Montana Historical Museum

If you're interested in learning the history of Central Montana, there's no better place to visit than the Central Montana Historical Museum. Here you will find interpretive exhibits ranging from Native American culture through art and artifacts to fossils that were collected in the area, historic photographs, tools, swords, musical instruments, information on famous and infamous local residents, and so much more.

Lewistown Public Library

With only 269 books in its initial collection, the Lewistown Public Library first opened its doors in 1897. In 1899, the library collection moved to another location and then Andrew Carnegie granted the town $10,000 to build a new library made of local sandstone. It eventually opened in 1908 as a Carnegie library. When you visit, you'll notice its unique architectural aesthetic.

Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church

The center of many small towns not just in the U.S. but around the world happens to be a church. Established in 1888, Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church has stood the test of time and still holds mass today. It's absolutely worth seeing this gorgeous structure from both the exterior and the interior.

Lewistown Activities & Attractions

Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train

Dinner on a train? Sign me up! As one of the most exciting Lewistown attractions, the Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train offers a Montana Dinner Train excursion through ranch land as you take in views of the surrounding mountains. Along the route, the train passes over three historic train trestles and also goes through a half-mile-long tunnel. The trip lasts 4.5 hours and you'll dine on a prime rib dinner complete with dessert and music by local entertainers. There is a cash bar onboard as well. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time well in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.

Snowy Lanes

Who doesn't love a night out bowling, especially when food and drinks are involved? Snowy Lanes is the place to go to have some fun for a night out on the town. Bring your family, bring your friends, and have a ball!

Shops & Boutiques In Lewistown

Country Junction

If you enjoy shopping, there are several locally-owned shops in town that are worth stopping at. One such shop is Country Junction where you will find a selection of gifts, home decor, and kitchen items. If you want to commemorate your visit, the store has a selection of Lewistown apparel and souvenirs you can buy and proudly show off at home!

Marigold Market

Another great locally-owned spot in town is Marigold Market. Here you can peruse a wide variety of handmade goods made locally by different talented artisans. Whether it's body care, home decor, jewelry, or something edible, this is the place to shop for some of the most unique goods in town.

Restaurants In Lewistown

618 Coffeehouse

If you need a caffeine fix first thing in the morning, make your way to 618 Coffeehouse. With a wide selection of coffee, espresso, and chai drinks along with fruit smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries, you can certainly start your morning off right here!

406 Cafe

If you want to start your day with a plate of pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or an omelet, 406 Cafe is a great place to go. You'll love the home-cooked food at this local spot.

Central Feed Grilling Company

Located within the town's historic Mercantile Building, Central Feed Grilling Company is a highly-reputable steakhouse. Aside from the steak, customers rave about the Reuben sandwich, Huckleberry BBQ Burger, and the seasoned fries. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a craft beer that will further enhance the relaxed atmosphere of this establishment.

Vino & Brews

For another relaxing night out, make your way to Vino & Brews on Main Street. Sip a glass of wine or a pint of craft beer and order tapas (shared appetizers) for the table as you sit out on the porch. There's no better way to end your day!

Nature In And Around Lewistown

Big Spring Creek

The 30-mile-long Big Spring Creek runs right through Lewistown and is one of the largest spring-fed streams in the state. The park surrounding the creek is filled with willows and cottonwood trees that provide lovely shaded areas. Wildlife is abundant here and you can also cast a line to see how many trout you can catch. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

Beckman Wildlife Management Area

Located in nearby Denton, MT, the 6,600 acres that is Beckman Wildlife Management Area is ideal for a remote nature escape. With rolling hills of farmland and ponderosa pine trees above the Judith River, you'll be in awe of the beauty here. You'll find a series of trails that will take you on an outdoor adventure of birdwatching and wildlife viewing, and even primitive camping and horseback riding if you'd like. This preserve is open annually from April until October.

Bear Gulch Pictographs

One of the most incredible attractions in the area lies in nearby Forest Grove, MT. The Bear Gulch Pictographs are located among a beautifully rugged landscape. This is where you'll be able to view nearly 4,000 pictographs left behind by prehistoric people. This is on private land and you can schedule a tour on the Bear Gulch website. There is a fee but it's totally worth it, especially if you're looking for what to do in Lewistown that's unique.

There you have it — some of the best things to do in Lewistown. Are you ready for your visit? If you plan on doing any hiking, we recommend getting an AllTrails + account beforehand. We do hope you use this as your Lewistown travel guide when you go. Happy and safe travels!