We first learned about Havre thanks to Debbie Vandeberg at the Chamber of Commerce. We were looking for a Montana destination with character, personality, and enough fun to keep short-attention-span tourists like us entertained while we checked out the town and wrote up all the attractions. Debbie didn’t just engage us, she pointed us in the right direction, and what we’ve found is Havre, Montana. It’s a city with a long, rich history, unique cultural attractions, a large and growing base of local citizens, and an overall fascinating town.

Havre is located in the rolling plains of north central Montana. It began over 100 years ago as the first trains forged across the Great Plains, needing regular stops to refuel and reload with water, as well as rest its weary travelers.

Havre quickly became the transportation hub of the area providing goods and supplies to trappers, miners and military personnel stationed at Fort Assinniboine, located just six miles southwest of town.

Prior to 1910, the area was devoted primarily to raising sheep, cattle and horses. Ranches diminished in numbers as area farms began to produce some of the world’s greatest spring and winter wheat.

Agriculture has remained a financial mainstay in the area, but the economy is diversified with farming, ranching, hospital and health services, education, professional and retail business, manufacturing, and railroad industries.

Havre is the focal point of commercial activity in the area. As the largest city on the Hi-Line, it serves as a wholesale distribution and retail center for communities within 150 miles. To put this in perspective, yes, there is even a Wal-Mart. You don’t have to like Wal-Mart, but you can agree that when a company like that invests in a community, it is truly recognized in the regional – if not global – environment.

The diverse geography of the Milk River with golden wheat fields and the majestic rising Bear Paw Mountains, towering thousands of feet above the plains surround the city of Havre, are an inspriational site to visitors and locals alike. The peaks of Mount Baldy, Bates and Otis have elevations up to 7,000 feet, and are all within a 20-minute drive of Havre.

Havre isn’t just a pretty place, but one rich in modern (historic) cultural attractoins. The official state tourism website lists plenty of Havre area attractions, some of them (like Havre Beneath the Streets) are like none others you’ll find anywhere.

In terms of youth events, attractions and things to do, there are more available than we can even list here. In terms of K-8 alone they have

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Gymnastics, Dance, 4-H, Boys & Girls Club, Kitty Keepers, Archery, VFW Jr. Rifle Club, Baseball, Softball, Flag Football, Tennis, Swimming, Skateboard Park, Playmobile (arts & crafts), Reading Program, Tackle Football, Soccer, Basketball, Basketball, Trap, Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball, Bowling, Hockey, Ice Skating, and Skiing.

If that’s not enough to convince you that this really is a hub worthy of paying a visit, check out the Calendar of Events provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

We spent a year looking for a reason to visit this part of the state. We already have this accredited travel news publication about the state, but for many of us, it’s difficult to get away from Interstate-90. It only took a few minutes on the phone to understand enough of why this city is a destination that should not be missed.

This summer we’ll be spending a fair amount of time in Havre (including attending the Fair), so check back for updates from Havre and our reviews of the countless attractions this historic town has to offer.

We’re dedicating our time there, and it’s without hesitation we suggest that you do the same. You’ll get off the beaten path, see things few others have, enjoy all the glory of the Big Sky state, and have a great time while you’re at it.