Discover Broadwater: Nature, Water and History

Broadwater combines wide-open landscapes, water-based experiences and a rich, multilayered history. Around Canyon Ferry Reservoir, wildlife watching, fishing and golf meet historic sites, regional events and cultural discoveries. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth first considering what you want to focus on during your trip: days by the water, excursions through the countryside or insights into the region's history.

Nature and Water Around Broadwater

Canyon Ferry Reservoir covers 33,500 acres of water and has a shoreline of 96 miles. As a result, the body of water strongly shapes the character of the surrounding area. At Canyon Ferry Lake, you can fish year-round for trout, salmon, perch and walleye. For your trip planning, this offers a practical way to combine peaceful hours by the water with an active day on holiday.

North of Townsend lies the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area at the point where the Missouri River flows into Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The area covers approximately 5,920 acres and provides a habitat for waterfowl, pheasants, other upland birds, white-tailed deer and elk. Public opportunities there include hunting big game, waterfowl and upland birds, trapping with a permit, and birdwatching. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus more on observing nature or on activities at the reservoir.

The Elkhorn Mountains to the west and the Big Belt Mountains to the east of the valley between them offer further scenic impressions. The Crow Creek Trail west of Radersburg follows the creek for 3.5 miles to a waterfall. At Toston Dam Recreation Site, seven campsites, picnic tables, grills, a boat ramp, a parking area and restrooms are available. York's Islands Fishing Access Site is located on 22 acres along the Missouri River south of Townsend. For a small fee, it offers a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing access, campsites and restrooms.

Culture, Crafts and Regional History

Broadwater also offers a variety of reasons for an excursion away from nature and the water. The Broadwater County Museum and Library features exhibits on mining, a settlers' log cabin, a general store, a blacksmith shop, fossils, Lewis and Clark, and military history. Goose Bay Handblown Glass, a studio for decorative glass and custom-made blown-glass pieces, is located in Townsend. Jim and Terry Gundersen opened it in 2002.

Crimson Bluffs is a 50-acre rock formation above the Missouri River. It was described in Meriwether Lewis' journal on July 24, 1805, and is preserved as an important public landmark for future generations. The associated tour map covers 43 miles and identifies 19 road markers. It therefore provides a clearly defined framework for anyone who wants to combine scenery with expedition history.

Canton Church was built in 1875–1876 by the first settlers in Montana's Canton Valley, who belonged to various faiths. The restoration board presented performances in the summer. Tours were offered from 3 to 6 p.m. every other Friday from June through the end of August. In addition, at the Townsend Farmers Market you can discover seasonal fruit and vegetables grown locally as well as baked goods, and speak directly with the producers.

Active Days and Special Events

Old Baldy Golf Course has nine holes and three different sets of tees. Tee times at Old Baldy Golf Course are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Townsend Fair & Rodeo takes place on the first full weekend in August; activities begin on Thursday and end on Sunday afternoon. These different reasons for travelling make accommodation whose location you can choose according to your preferred holiday focus a worthwhile option.

For further orientation, you can also explore Pondera County, Jefferson County, Richland County, Roosevelt County, Treasure County, Powder River County and Custer County.

For the main travel overview: Montana.