Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
swans on their way north. The snow geese typically arrive at Freezeout in early March. As
with most wildlife, dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities. A variety of other
birds pass through the area, including raptors and upland game birds in winter, waterfowl in
spring and fall, and shorebirds in summer. The interior roads have ample parking and pul-
louts, and are open to vehicles mid-March to the beginning of waterfowl season.
Accommodations
Although this is ranch country with a number of fabulous guest ranches, there are also a
couple of quaint motels in Choteau including the
Big Sky Motel
(209 S. Main Ave., 406/
466-5318, from $50), which is within easy walking distance of town.
Two exceptional guest ranches in the area, both 28 miles west of Choteau, are the
Seven Lazy P Ranch
(2055 Teton Canyon Rd., 406/466-2044,
www.sevenlazyp.com
,
from
$1,600 weekly pp, $1,120 children), located in the heart of Teton Canyon with easy access
to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, and the
Pine Butte Guest Ranch
(351 South Fork
Rd., 406/466-2158,
www.pinebutteguestranch.com
,
from $2,200 weekly pp, $1,500 chil-
dren), which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Both are exceptionally beautiful old
dude ranches with specialized amenities that include naturalist hikes and a swimming pool
in addition to the classic Western dude experience.
Another favorite family-friendly guest ranch west of Augusta is the
Triple J Wilderness
Ranch
(80 Mortimer Rd., 406/562-3653,
www.triplejranch.com
, $1,980 weekly pp all-in-
clusive), tucked in the magnificent Sun River Canyon above Gibson Lake. In addition to
all-inclusive vacations catering to riders, hikers, and fishers, the Triple J offers fantastic
kids' programs and awesome pack trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Early June-
late September, the ranch offers four-, five-, and six-day stays with discounts for children
and teens.
Food
Choteau has some good options for regional cuisine. The
M
Elk Country Grill
(925 Main
Ave. N., 406/466-3311,
www.elkcountrygrill.com
,
11am-9pm Mon.-Sat., lunch $5-11, din-
ner $7-26) lives up to its name with wild game selections that include elk medallions. The
specialty is steak, but there are plenty of seafood and pasta dishes as well. Treat yourself to
one of their homemade pies.
For a quick, fresh lunch or snack,
9th and Main Gourmet
(825 N. Main, 406/466-3880,
11am-5pm Thurs.-Sun. summer) offers soups, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, smoothies, and a
mouthwatering assortment of fresh-baked goodies.
