Looking for an authentic Western experience without the rodeo? Do as the cowboys do and head down to the local watering hole to catch up on the day’s adventure over some homemade food and a pint of beer. At these classic cowboy hangouts, once you’re in, you’re a regular.
Photo by Cassie Solberg
We recommend stopping in Miles City, the birthplace of genuine Montana cowboying with its deep roots in the Old West cattle trade. To get some chow, visit the historic Montana Bar where every piece of the establishment has a story behind it, from the wooden stand-up bar to the now-extinct Audubon bighorn sheep mounted on the wall. Mile City’s other historic tavern, the Bison Bar, is known to always have a fun crowd.
If you’re traveling into Montana from Wyoming on Highway 212, don’t miss the Stoneville Saloon in Alzada, an old-style saloon with sawdust-covered floors, an antique bar and a bartender with a million stories. Other friendly small-town taverns include the Stockman’s Club and Baker’s Heiser’s Bar. Hang out long enough at either of these establishments and someone might invite you to their cattle branding later.
Around here you’ll see local cattle brands, old posters and pictures embellishing the walls that serve as great conversation-starters. If you’re driving north out of Billings on Highway 87, pull up a stool at Roundup’s Grand Bar to learn a bit about the cattle-wrangling town.