Bud Lilly's Angler's Retreat
City/town information
For a historical walk around uptown and a taste of the Copper King times, Butte is an hour’s drive west over the continental divide. The town gets a bad rap for the Berkeley Pit and the fact that it’s a little rough-around-the-edges, but I think it’s chocked full of history and interesting people. During WWII, my dad undertook the Navy V-12 officer candidacy school here at the then-named Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech).
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Butte
For a historical walk around uptown and a taste of the Copper King times, Butte is an hour’s drive west over the continental divide. The town gets a bad rap for the Berkeley Pit and the fact that it’s a little rough-around-the-edges, but I think it’s chocked full of history and interesting people. During WWII, my dad undertook the Navy V-12 officer candidacy school here at the then-named Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech).
City/town information
Bozeman, my hometown, with all its shopping, dining, hiking, and entertainment amenities, is a half-hour to the east. Call Jim Thull, librarian of special collections at Montana State University, for a tour of the Bud Lilly Trout and Salmonid Special Collection. This is the world’s pre-eminent collection of Fly-fishing literature, some dating back to the 1600s.
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Bozeman
Bozeman, my hometown, with all its shopping, dining, hiking, and entertainment amenities, is a half-hour to the east. Call Jim Thull, librarian of special collections at Montana State University, for a tour of the Bud Lilly Trout and Salmonid Special Collection. This is the world’s pre-eminent collection of Fly-fishing literature, some dating back to the 1600s.
Sightseeing
Yellowstone Park is about 90 minutes away for both the Gardiner and West Yellowstone entrances. This is an absolute world-class must for fishing, hiking, or wildlife and geyser viewing. Please be bear aware and careful of approaching wildlife while touring the area. Bud had his world famous Trout Shop in West Yellowstone for many years. It has since been sold and renamed, unfortunately, but his legacy is cemented.
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Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Park is about 90 minutes away for both the Gardiner and West Yellowstone entrances. This is an absolute world-class must for fishing, hiking, or wildlife and geyser viewing. Please be bear aware and careful of approaching wildlife while touring the area. Bud had his world famous Trout Shop in West Yellowstone for many years. It has since been sold and renamed, unfortunately, but his legacy is cemented.
Lewis and Clark Caverns (May-September) Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest. Cave access by guided tour only. 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Rd. Whitehall, MT 59759
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Lewis and Clark caverns
Lewis and Clark Caverns (May-September) Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest. Cave access by guided tour only. 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Rd. Whitehall, MT 59759
Take a picnic and hike to the top of Madison Buffalo Jump State Park for impressive views of the Madison River Valley. Situated on the edge of a broad valley carved by the Madison River, this high limestone cliff was used by Native Americans for 2,000 years--ending as recently as 200 years ago. The park includes all the main geographical features of a jump site and other evidence remains to provide visitors with a glimpse into the cultures that used this hunting style.
6990 Buffalo Jump Road
Three Forks, MT
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Madison Buffalo Jump
6990 Buffalo Jump RdTake a picnic and hike to the top of Madison Buffalo Jump State Park for impressive views of the Madison River Valley. Situated on the edge of a broad valley carved by the Madison River, this high limestone cliff was used by Native Americans for 2,000 years--ending as recently as 200 years ago. The park includes all the main geographical features of a jump site and other evidence remains to provide visitors with a glimpse into the cultures that used this hunting style.
6990 Buffalo Jump Road
Three Forks, MT
Please be sure to walk over to the Veteran’s Park (Main and Neale streets as you enter town from the north). Here, my parents put up a permanent display of the history of the Japanese-American soldiers of WWII. Some of the men in the highly-decorated unit were friends of my dad’s from the Three Forks, Logan, and Manhattan areas.
Memorial Park
105 North Main StreetPlease be sure to walk over to the Veteran’s Park (Main and Neale streets as you enter town from the north). Here, my parents put up a permanent display of the history of the Japanese-American soldiers of WWII. Some of the men in the highly-decorated unit were friends of my dad’s from the Three Forks, Logan, and Manhattan areas.
Next, be sure to visit the Headwaters Heritage Museum for loads of information on the history of the area, there is quite a lot to take in from the pioneer times here. This is right downtown next to the Plaza bar.
Headwaters Heritage Museum
202 S Main StNext, be sure to visit the Headwaters Heritage Museum for loads of information on the history of the area, there is quite a lot to take in from the pioneer times here. This is right downtown next to the Plaza bar.
Of course, you must see the actual Missouri Headwaters, formed by the confluence of the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers just northwest of town. Opportunities abound here for hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, and learning of the Lewis, Clark, and Sacajawea Corps of Discovery which is so vital to the history of the area and really, the entire west. 1585 Trident Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752
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Missouri Headwaters State Park
1585 Trident RdOf course, you must see the actual Missouri Headwaters, formed by the confluence of the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers just northwest of town. Opportunities abound here for hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, and learning of the Lewis, Clark, and Sacajawea Corps of Discovery which is so vital to the history of the area and really, the entire west. 1585 Trident Rd, Three Forks, MT 59752
Recreation
The Headwaters Golf Course is a fun little 9-hole course with some long drive par-4s and 5s and some fun par-3s with a fair amount of water hazards. Weekends are slammed but mid-week you should be able to get on right away.
Headwaters Public Golf Course
225 N 7th Ave EThe Headwaters Golf Course is a fun little 9-hole course with some long drive par-4s and 5s and some fun par-3s with a fair amount of water hazards. Weekends are slammed but mid-week you should be able to get on right away.
V-42 fitness has very reasonably priced day-passes if you’d like to work out. Sean and Kira Gifford are the proprietors, located right on main street across from city hall.
V-42 Fitness Three Forks
207 South Main StreetV-42 fitness has very reasonably priced day-passes if you’d like to work out. Sean and Kira Gifford are the proprietors, located right on main street across from city hall.
My childhood ski area. It's experiencing some growth in popularity which is leading to a bit higher lift ticket prices, but it is still quite affordable to other giants like Big Sky in comparison. Bridger Bowl is unique in every sense of the word. This nonprofit ski area (since 1955) has been recognized for its sustainable business model while also being known as one of the best ski areas in North America. Bridger offers a big mountain experience with a friendly local vibe and full customer service. With a dedicated Beginner's Area, including 2 covered conveyor lifts, a chairlift, and a warming hut, Bridger helps first timers prepare for more challenging terrain. On the north side, more experienced beginner and intermediate guests will enjoy easy access to 500 acres of low angle powder and groomers. Ridge terrain offers an impressive variety of steeps and natural features for advanced skiers and riders. Bridger Bowl ski area boasts some of the best skiing in the Rockies for a fraction of the price!
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Bridger Bowl Ski Area
15795 Bridger Canyon RdMy childhood ski area. It's experiencing some growth in popularity which is leading to a bit higher lift ticket prices, but it is still quite affordable to other giants like Big Sky in comparison. Bridger Bowl is unique in every sense of the word. This nonprofit ski area (since 1955) has been recognized for its sustainable business model while also being known as one of the best ski areas in North America. Bridger offers a big mountain experience with a friendly local vibe and full customer service. With a dedicated Beginner's Area, including 2 covered conveyor lifts, a chairlift, and a warming hut, Bridger helps first timers prepare for more challenging terrain. On the north side, more experienced beginner and intermediate guests will enjoy easy access to 500 acres of low angle powder and groomers. Ridge terrain offers an impressive variety of steeps and natural features for advanced skiers and riders. Bridger Bowl ski area boasts some of the best skiing in the Rockies for a fraction of the price!
Food scene
For casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Iron Horse Cafe and Pie Shop next door is a good choice; the Three Forks Café has similar food and a nice outdoor patio. It is located across the street by the flower shop.
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Iron Horse Cafe & Pie Shop, Three Forks, Montana
24 S Main StFor casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Iron Horse Cafe and Pie Shop next door is a good choice; the Three Forks Café has similar food and a nice outdoor patio. It is located across the street by the flower shop.
Woolzies Restaurant and Saloon about ten minutes away in Willow Creek has amazing ribs and affordable drinks in a town that time forgot.
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Willow Creek Cafe & Supper Club
21 Main StreetWoolzies Restaurant and Saloon about ten minutes away in Willow Creek has amazing ribs and affordable drinks in a town that time forgot.
I would suggest dining at Pompey’s Grill at the Sacajawea Inn for fine dining, while the “Sac Bar” downstairs portion has great drinks and dinners as well. The burgers, wings, and salads on the bar menu are superb.
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Pompey's Grill
5 N Main StI would suggest dining at Pompey’s Grill at the Sacajawea Inn for fine dining, while the “Sac Bar” downstairs portion has great drinks and dinners as well. The burgers, wings, and salads on the bar menu are superb.
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Shopping for items around town
The Three Forks Market and the Family Dollar on the southwest part of town have quick and easy shopping for the essentials. For bigger grocery lists with more item availability, I'd suggest Bozeman or Belgrade grocery stores.
The Thriftway gas station is probably your best bet for beer and wine. The Plaza has liquor bottles for sale.
I'd suggest gassing up your vehicle in Bozeman or Belgrade as Three Forks gas prices tend to be just a bit higher.