BILLINGS AND THE BIG OPEN - Montana and Wyoming - page 101

typically held in late July at the Fort Belknap Powwow Grounds. The Hays Pow Wow
(406/353-2205, ext. 367) is another excellent celebration of Native American history and
culture, staged annually five miles south of Hays in Mission Canyon. The event features a
weekend of Native dancing and singing, along with multiple contests for every age group.
The event is free and open to the public.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are a number of small motels in Malta, the nicest being the Great Northern Hotel
(2 S. 1st St. E., 406/654-2100, $69-74). It's not charming in a historical sense, but the
rooms are quite comfortable and impeccably clean. There is also a nice steak house and
nonsmoking coffee shop on the premises. The pet-friendly Riverside Motel & RV Park (8
Central Ave. N., 406/654-2310 or 800/854-2310, www.riversidemotel-rvpark.com , $49-65)
is a good choice for more budget-conscious travelers. The rooms are clean and spacious,
and free Wi-Fi is provided.
CAMPING
In Malta, camping is available at the Edgewater Inn & RV Park (47176 U.S. 2, 406/
654-1302 or 800/821-7475). Tent sites (from $15.50 plus $3 for each extra person) and RV
sites ($25-36.50) with or without hookups are available. Beer can be purchased in the lobby.
There are multiple primitive campgrounds in the vicinity of Malta: Fourchette Bay
Campground is 60 miles south of Malta, Montana Gulch Campground is 1 mile south
of Landusky, and Nelson Reservoir is 17 miles east of Malta. But roads and access can be
problematic in wet weather, and most sites advise campers to bring three days' worth of
food in case they get stranded.
A new and exciting option for camping in the region is Buffalo Camp at American
Prairie Reserve (44704 Regina Road, 406/658-2252 or 877/273-1123,
www.americanprairie.org , May 15-Nov. 1, $10), 50 miles south of Malta and in the midst of
excellent hiking and biking terrain. The campsite is primitive but does provide non-potable
water, vault toilets, and an amphitheater. There is no cell-phone coverage on the reserve.
FOOD
As this is ranch country, diners often have the choice between steaks and burgers, and
you can't really go wrong with either. The Tin Cup Bar and Grill (1652 U.S. 191 S.,
Malta, 406/654-1250, 10am-3pm and 5pm-10pm daily summer, limited hours fall-spring,
$7-25) is an elegant full-service restaurant overlooking the Marian Hills Golf Course and