welcome to the boulder valley

On your way to Camp Mimanagish you’ll follow Route 298 through The Boulder River Valley after passing through Big Timber, where the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers converge. Following the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883, the town was officially named Big Timber for the massive cottonwood trees that line the rivers. Today, the town maintains a historic feel, featuring 19th-century architecture and serving as a hub for both agriculture and tourism, with the famous Grand Hotel as its centerpiece.

On this beautiful drive, you will pass Natural Bridge State Park and travel through the Gallatin National Forest which lines much of the Boulder River. The historic ranger station built in 1905 sits along Route 298. Native American Caves used as shelter can be seen from the road just west of the ranger station. There are pictographs on the walls of one of the caves.

History

The expansive, buffalo-rich territory was originally home to the Crow Indians before the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad and the 1891 cession of lands west of the Boulder River. Bordered by the Crazy Mountains (a key spiritual, vision-quest site), the valley drew many settlers to the area in search of gold and silver. Eventually these settlers turned to farming and ranching, a mainstay that is still popular today.

THE BOULDER RIVER: Camp Mimanagish boarders the Boulder River, one of Montana’s most lovely waterways. It starts in the high mountains of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness near the northern border of Yellowstone National Park and meets the Yellowstone River 60 miles later near Big Timber.

INDEPENDENCE, MT: 13 miles (1 hour driving on dirt roads?) beyond The Camp you’ll find the ghost town of Independence. In it’s prime this small mountain town boasted about 500 people. Today, all that remains of Independence and the other area mining camps are a few tumbling cabins and mining remnants. *A high clearance vehicle is required to access this ghost town!

NATURAL BRIDGE FALLS: In late spring or early summer, when the Boulder River is running high, a 100-foot waterfall tumbles over a limestone cliff. The rest of the year, the river disappears under a limestone shelf and pours out a hole in the cliff. There was once a natural bridge spanning the river, but it collapsed in 1988. *This is a wonderful place for a picnic or quick trip during your stay with us!

MCLEOD, MT: The little town of McLeod has a school, post office, cabins, camping, and the infamous Road Kill Cafe, the go-to spot for locals, road trippers, and campers looking for great food, cold drinks, and a friendly atmosphere. *For fan’s of the 1994 movie Airheads, be sure to snag a t-shirt from the Road Kill Cafe! Steve Buscemi’s character wears the very same shirt throughout the movie!

BIG TIMBER

Big Timber is a small town of less than 2,000 people, but what it lacks in population it makes up for in charm! Here are a few places worth visiting if you have the time:

  • Big Timber Bakery: Casual eatery dishing out baked goods such as cinnamon buns along with breakfast, pizza and burritos.

  • Boulder River Fishing Access: Wade around in the Boulder River. This spot is perfect for fishing and a nice place to cool down.

  • Country Crossroads Antiques: Eclectic tchotchkes, vintage furniture, jewelry and more.

  • 1895 Antiques: Funky antiques, vintage clothings and second hand goodies.

  • Big Timber Bar & Grill: A classic Montana tavern in the heat of Big Timber.

  • The Tangent Coffee Shop: Funky local coffee shop with seating & drive-through options.

  • Community Thrift Shoppe: For thrift enthusiasts, this is a must. Great finds at affordable prices!

  • The Grand Hotel: If you don’t mind driving an hour to the camp, this is the best place to stay in Big Timber. They have 14 cozy rooms and we hear the food is great. Make a reservation for their formal dining room, or snag a seat in their casual dining area.

LIVINGSTON

Halfway between Bozeman and Big Timber, Livingston might be the coolest town in Montana. Serving as the "Original Gateway to Yellowstone," Livingston is a magnate for creatives, with numerous art galleries, live music, theater, and unique shops. Here are a few of our favorite stops:

  • Coffee Crossing: A nostalgic coffee house, next door to the historic Empire Twin Movie Theater.

  • RX Coffee: Great coffee shop on the east end of town.

  • Fireflies Pottery: Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee, pastries, ice cream or come in to paint a wide range of pre fired ceramic pieces.

  • Second Street Bistro: Classic French cooking meets locally sourced ingredients at this fine dining bistro.

  • Campione: Some of the best Italian food in the entire country. Yep, you read that right.

  • Engine Room: Delicious deep dish pizza, beer & wine.

  • Fainting Goat Pub: Our favorite place to grab a drink and sit outside.

  • Gil’s Goods: Wood fired pizza, burgers and delicious pub fare made with locally sourced ingredients.

  • Fayes Cafe: Located in the historic Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, Faye’s is famous for their warm atmosphere and delicious comfort food.

  • Marks In & Out: Prepare yourself for a long line at this iconic 1950’s drive-in. Come for the vibes, stay for the tater-tots & milkshakes.

  • The Mint: Western-style grill offering cocktails, cold beer & live music.

  • The Murray: This historic hotel is home to several bars and restaurants including Gil’s Goods, Second Street Bistro, and The Murray Bar.

  • The Owl Lounge: This funky, nostalgic bar is all about the vibes.

  • Bitterroot Records: a curated selection of new and used vinyl, handcrafted gifts and more.

  • Lu Dale: With gallery-level curation and a saloon-like laid back atmosphere, Lu Dale is a mix of old and new with an emphasis on well-designed quality finds. Open hours are a bit random so call ahead!

  • Cactus Blossom Collective: This thoughtful boutique and collaborative art collective has an incredible selection of slow fashion brands, locally made gifts, vintage apparel, books, candles, perfumes & more!

  • Parlour: Intimate hair salon and apothecary/boutique owned by our dear friend Celeste!

  • Community Closet Thrift: For thrift enthusiasts, this is a must. Great finds at affordable prices!

  • Curated Closet: The sister shop to Community Closet sells excellent-condition vintage clothing & accessories, high-end contemporary labels, fashion-forward styles, and locally commissioned art and goods that have been creatively recycled for reuse.

  • Out of The Blue Antiques: Filled to the brim with vintage and antique treasures.

  • Placed Gallery: An art & design gallery focused on creativity in the context of The West.

  • Junk & Disorderly: Funky shop filled with antiques and collectibles, art, furniture, and hardware.

  • Kith-Ship: A cozy shop filled with expertly curated antiques. Open hours are a bit random so call ahead!