Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While Butte has lost nearly 7,000 people since 1930, other cities have seen signi-
ficant increases, leaving Butte now the fifth-largest city in Montana. Billings is the
largest city, with more than 105,000 residents, and Missoula has moved up to number
2 with nearly 70,000 people.
If they did change the numbers for the license plate, Butte-Silver Bow would now
be 8, and the top five counties would be Yellowstone (Billings), Missoula, Flathead
(Kalispell), Gallatin (Bozeman), and Cascade (Great Falls). Lincoln County, now
with more than 19,000 residents, jumped up more dramatically than any other. It's
moved from last place (56) to 10th since 1930. Generally, western Montana is grow-
ing in population and eastern Montana is shrinking. Also, transplants tend to settle in
the larger, more urban centers where service-related jobs are typically abundant.
Why aren't the numbers on the plates being changed? Montana drivers have a
certain amount of pride regarding their heritage, and the numbers hark back to a dif-
ferent era. Newcomers may not pay much attention to it, but old-timers and natives
certainly do. The numbers are part of the state's cultural history—something nobody
wants to change anytime soon.
Distances between settlements can be great in Montana and Wyoming, especially in the
eastern parts of the states. As a rule of thumb, planning ahead is critical. Don't wait until
your gas light is on to fill up your tank, and make sure your spare is inflated. Carrying emer-
gency gear is recommended. Rest areas—even on major highways and interstates—can be
hundreds of miles apart. Most major towns and cities have reliable mechanics and car deal-
erships, but don't expect to find parts for your old Porsche roadster in very many places.
In general, the speed limit in both states is 75 mph on interstates and 70 mph on most
two-lane highways in Montana and 65 mph on state highways in Wyoming, although it can
vary quite a bit depending on location. Many two-lane roads have numerous turnouts, where
slower-moving vehicles can pull over and let cars pass. Montana and Wyoming drivers are
used to driving faster on these roads, so if you're getting tailgated by a local, just pull over
and let them go by. Increasingly, passing lanes are being incorporated into many state high-
ways, particularly on roads over mountain passes.
