9 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old Montana
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Jessica Wick
Author
Ask anyone who has called Montana home for more than a few years how they feel about living here, and after they finish praising it, they’ll sigh wistfully about the “good old days.” Like every other place, Montana has changed over the years… but the good news is, there are still a few spots you can go where it stays exactly the same.
The Jersey Lilly building dates back to 1914, when it was the Wiley, Clark, and Greening Bank. It's been the Jersey Lilly since 1948, but not much has changed -- in fact, you still have to use an outhouse here.
The Merc did add a bakery in the 90s, which we're grateful for (because the huckleberry bear claws are our everything). Other than that, it has stayed mostly the same since for over 100 years, including being powered by a generator.
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Sure, we can't control erosion, melting glaciers and other weather-related changes. But hike deep enough into the park and you'll be staring at the same views as generations before you.
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Once the home of Marcus Daly and family, this sounds structure is a great piece from the past.
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While the Grand Union has been lovingly restored and preserved, but in many way, it's just like it was in the late 1800s. The entire city of Fort Benton is a historic gem.
Montana's first state park never changes, and that's part of what makes it so great.
The Western Cafe has been locally owned and operated for the better part of a century. You can still get a hearty, oversized breakfast here, and on any given day you can pull up a seat and listen to the locals talk about the good old days.
Not only has the Virgelle Merc been around for over 100 years, but when you visit, you can ride a river ferry that has been in operation since 1913.
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Curious about the cowboy way? The Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a perfectly preserved historic site that allows you to experience a taste of the good old days.
Montana may have experienced a lot of changes over the years, but in many ways, it’s still the Last Best Place. You can still have a meal at our state’s oldest restaurant.
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