Discover the Rustic Allure of Lewistown

Discover the rustic allure of Lewistown. This beautiful town of 5,800 residents has both the natural beauty and western lifestyle that Montana is famous for. If you’re looking for an authentic small-town experience with plenty of recreation and relaxation, Lewistown is worth checking out.

Location

Lewistown is just 125 miles from Billings Logan International Airport and 162 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Its close proximity to Billings provides convenient access to health care and major shopping (Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, Costco, Scheels).

Recreation

Lewistown is surrounded by five island mountain ranges; miles of ranch, farm, and public land; and Big Spring Creek that makes it ideal for hunting, fishing, biking, and hiking.

• The town has 25 miles of city trails that connect schools, parks, ponds, landmarks, and downtown.
• Most of the trail runs along beautiful Big Spring Creek. It’s the main water source for Lewistown. Lucky residents get their water from an artesian spring that comes out of the Big Snowy Mountains. It pumps 50,000 to 64,000 gallons of 52-degree, mineral-rich water per minute, all year round.
• Big Spring Creek offers year-round fly fishing. There are six access sites along the creek and it’s one of the few places where you can catch rainbow and brown trout from within city limits.
• Ice Caves Trail Loop: Lewistown is about 1 hour north of the trailhead. This 12-mile hike is a favorite among hikers because of the unique ice caves that await you at the top. There may be snow at higher elevations during the winter so wait until late summer for full access.

Where to Eat/Stay

• Calvert Inn: Beautifully remodeled rooms with historic charm.
• Yogo Inn: Great accommodations with 2 restaurants, an indoor pool, and a spa.
• Judith Mountain Lodge: Nestled on 80 acres in the Judith Mountains and just 6 miles from Lewistown. The area borders BLM land and has miles of hiking/walking trails that start right from the lodge.
• Cottonwood Log Cabins: Cabins are Rustic Allure and charming and have all the comforts of home and some have hot tubs. There are 5 miles of walking trails and it’s just 10 miles from Lewistown.
• Elks Bar and Clubhouse at Pine Meadows Golf Course: A local favorite for lunch; beautiful natural setting, covered deck, classic Montana comfort food, full bar.
• Central Feed Grilling Company/Big Spring Brewery: Grab dinner and drinks at this popular local hangout and its accompanying brewery located in the historic Mercantile Building downtown.

Things to Do

• Annual Chokecherry Festival: On the first Saturday after Labor Day more than 5,000 people gather in the streets of Lewistown to usher in the fall. This is classic family fun with a pancake breakfast, live music, kids’ entertainment, and a local lineup of arts, crafts, and food vendors.
• Montana Winter Fair (Jan 27-30, 2022): This annual event is a celebration of Montana’s world-class agriculture and the western way of life. Events are held at various venues all over Lewistown.
• American Prairie Reserve: COMING SOON. This Bozeman-based conservation group has purchased an old building in Lewistown to act as a gateway to the reserve. It will house staff offices, exhibit area, children’s play area, conference area, and more. APR picked Lewistown as a central starting point for recreationalists to see Montana as they make their way northeast towards the reserve’s Great Plains.

Real Estate

Homes in Lewistown are extremely affordable. You can get a single-family home near downtown for under $100,000. If you’re looking for more space, it’s doable to get home and more than 50 acres of surrounding land for somewhere around $650,000.   Given the prices that a home sale in Bozeman could fetch, one would do well financially to sell in Bozeman and move to a place like Lewistown, if one’s work would permit.  If you have any questions about Lewistown or Bozeman and its surrounding areas, feel free to contact me at liz@windermere.com.