Montana has several legal holidays and dates for which most state offices observe them. These holidays include New Year’s Day, January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and Mardi Gras. Most Ted’s Montana Grill restaurants are open on these holidays, but some drive-ups may be closed during secondary holidays. Many restaurants will open later than normal and close earlier than normal on holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and New Years Day.
Most Montana restaurants are closed for Thanksgiving to allow staff to enjoy time with their families. However, there are still options for dining out on Thanksgiving. The Top 5 Best Restaurants in Montana are listed below.
The Montana Club is a great Thanksgiving Day option for those who don’t want to cook or have obligations elsewhere. They offer a special menu 11am-7pm and is open 11-7 Thanksgiving Day. Glacier and Yellowstone Park offer interactive programs for kids, making them ideal for family adventures.
Family-friendly activities in Montana include visiting Glacier, Yellowstone Park, and Glacier National Park. Montana’s BBQ and Bar offers a Family Day Celebration Event, featuring 88 traveler reviews and a map. Montana’s BBQ and Bar is known for barbecue classics like in-house smoked pork ribs and beef brisket, and kids eat free on Tuesdays with every adult entree.
Montana’s BBQ and Bar is Canada’s home of BBQ and is open to all family members, including the Bobkittens. Their Parent and Family Weekend is open to all family members, and many families bring siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and everyone else.
Institut Montana’s Open Day welcomed around 150 visitors from 10 am to 2 pm.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| We open Tuesday to Sunday and Public Holidays. Free … | We are open from Tues – Sun and Public Holidays 9am – 5pm. Free entry fee daily until further notice. | montanafamilymarket.co.za |
| Family Day (Canada) | In most provinces of Canada, the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday, typically known in general as Family Day though some … | en.wikipedia.org |
| What’s closed and open Family Day across southern Ontario | Open: Most convenience stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, and movie theatres will operate as usual while some restaurants will offer dining and takeout … | insauga.com |
📹 Why Nobody Lives in Montana?
In this video, we explore the 10 reasons behind Montana’s small population. Despite being the fourth largest state in the US, …
What Restaurants Are Open On Thanksgiving Day In Montana?
On Thanksgiving, many restaurants and grocery stores across Montana will be open to serve those in need. Notable dining options include Jaker's, which operates from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. in Missoula and Great Falls, and The Montana Club, providing a complete holiday meal. A variety of top-rated restaurants offering Thanksgiving dining experiences include Cracker Barrel, Walkers, Western Empire Emporium, and Montana Jack's in Billings. Missoula features dining options such as FINN, Charlie's Bar, and Dinosaur Cafe.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake will serve a Thanksgiving dinner from 12 to 8 p. m. at $75 for adults and $35 for children. It's advisable for diners to call ahead, as hours may vary by location. A comprehensive list of restaurants confirmed to operate on Thanksgiving Day has been compiled, ensuring a festive dining experience for those not cooking at home or seeking community meals. There will also be special deals and traditional meals available at various establishments. With numerous options like Perkins and Old Chicago, Montanans can enjoy dining out during the holiday, whether for a full meal or a casual dining experience.
Are Texas Roadhouse Ribs Beef Or Pork?
At Texas Roadhouse, we prioritize using only American-grown products, featuring USDA 1 inspected fresh domestic Pork Loin Back Ribs. This commitment to quality ensures legendary ribs that can be made at home with average kitchen equipment. The restaurant predominantly offers pork ribs, specifically baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, making them a popular choice among diners. Unlike beef ribs, pork ribs have superior interior fat marbling, resulting in natural tenderness and flavor, especially after low, slow cooking.
Texas Roadhouse ribs are known for their melt-in-your-mouth quality. While most locations focus on pork, some may feature beef or lamb options as well. The secret lies in their preparation: the pork ribs are slow-cooked and basted with a unique BBQ sauce, enhancing their tenderness and taste.
Even though beef ribs may be available, Texas Roadhouse ribs primarily consist of high-quality pork loin back ribs. The restaurant has mastered the art of creating tender, flavorful, fall-off-the-bone ribs, making them a top choice for rib enthusiasts. For those curious about dietary restrictions, it's important to note that Texas Roadhouse ribs are exclusively pork, ensuring clarity and satisfaction for all diners.
Are Montana'S Ribs Pork Or Beef?
Montana's BBQ and Bar specializes in all-you-can-eat pork ribs, celebrating their hickory-smoked, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. For those interested in beef, the Honkin' Beef Rib is recommended. The pork ribs meal includes a choice of BBQ sauce, coleslaw, in-house baked beans, freshly baked cornbread, and seasoned fries. Available for dine-in only, the meal boasts a great quality-to-price ratio, with two racks for $19. 99 CAD, making it a convenient option for at-home meals or sports snacks.
Montana's offers a variety of sides, including fries, baked potatoes, rice pilaf, and salads. Nutritional details highlight that pork back ribs are smaller and more tender compared to beef, which is larger with a richer flavor. Montana's ready-to-eat, fully cooked pork back ribs are seasoned for optimal taste and require only a quick 10-12 minutes to heat. The restaurant is a popular pitstop for travelers near Yellowstone National Park, offering a diverse menu that caters to meat lovers across Canada.
Are There Public Holidays In Montana?
According to MT Statute 1-1-216, public holidays in Montana that fall on a Sunday are observed on the following Monday, while those on a Saturday are shifted to Friday. For 2024, Montana has ten public holidays, all of which are on weekdays. The state's public holiday calendar includes the following legal holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January), and other federal holidays such as Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.
Important dates in Montana for 2024 include:
- New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 15
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 19
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
- Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 2
Today, December 1, 2024, is not a public holiday, but the upcoming holiday is Christmas Day on Wednesday, December 25. Montana recognizes both state and federal holidays, impacting public and private employers with designated days off for employees. The comprehensive holiday schedule facilitates better planning for holidays in Montana, making it easier to enjoy various vacation ideas throughout the year.
Can Montana Employees Take Holiday Paid Time Off?
Montana full-time state employees can take paid holiday time off in various ways: the day before the holiday, on another day after the holiday during the same pay period, or on a mutually agreed day with their supervisor. Exempt employees working on holidays receive holiday pay and can bank those hours as exempt compensatory time, but they cannot bank holiday hours acquired after December 31, 2010. Overtime or premium pay is only applicable for hours exceeding 40 during the workweek, even if worked on holidays or weekends.
Annual vacation leave is paid at the employee's regular rate and must be taken in half-hour increments. Employees accumulate annual leave credits from their first day but must be employed for six months before utilizing them.
Montana law does not mandate private employers to provide paid or unpaid holiday leave, and there are no state or federal laws requiring vacation time. Thus, if a private employer opts to offer holiday leave, they must adhere to their own policies, with no legal obligation to provide it. Full-time state employees are entitled to holiday benefits for recognized state holidays, whereas part-time workers receive prorated holiday pay. Montana companies generally provide paid vacation to approximately 89% of their employees, varying by industry and company size.
Is Montana'S Changing Its Name?
We are thrilled to announce our rebranding as Alberta's BBQ and Bar, reflecting our Canadian BBQ heritage! The name "Montana" comes from the Spanish term "Montaña Relucientes," meaning "shining mountains," which poetically captures the beauty of the Rocky Mountains as dubbed by Native Americans. Historically, no admitted U. S. state has changed its name for trivial reasons, and Montana's formal name change process is guided by state law. The name was introduced by Congressman James M.
Ashley when Montana was established as a U. S. territory in 1864, derived from Latin. Officially, Montana is known as the "Treasure State," highlighting its rich natural resources. Recent discussions have emerged regarding legal name changes, such as a municipality rebranding itself to Banff Alberta Canada, aiming to attract tourists. Additionally, changes in hospital names and educational institutions signify ongoing transformations within the state.
Furthermore, Montana's vital statistics allow for recording name changes on birth records. Regardless of the historical significance of its name, the continuing developments in branding and identity are noteworthy. Alberta's BBQ and Bar commits to celebrating its roots, just as Montana showcases its unique heritage through name acknowledgments and potential transformations in nomenclature.
Who Is Montanas Owned By?
Recipe Unlimited Corporation, based in Vaughan, Ontario, owns the Canadian restaurant chain Montana's BBQ and Bar, originally known as Montana's Cookhouse Saloon. Established in 1995, it has gained a reputation for its smoked pork ribs, steaks, and burgers. Meanwhile, in Montana, land ownership is predominantly held by the federal and state governments, with around 32 million acres owned collectively. The largest private landowners in Montana are the Wilks family, who possess over 358, 000 acres.
Approximately 65% of land in Montana is privately held, while the U. S. Forest Service controls over 18%. The federal government owns around 27 million acres, including lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Montana's governance is framed by its constitution and executed by various state officers and boards. In 2002, Cara Operations acquired multiple restaurant brands, including Montana's, further solidifying its presence in the Canadian dining landscape. Most recently, Montana's BBQ and Bar merged with Fasano Associates in December 2019, reflecting its ongoing growth in the restaurant sector.
Does Calgary Have Montanas?
Montana's BBQ and Bar, situated at 4916 130 Ave SE, Calgary, offers takeout services. Customers can either call the restaurant or order online for their BBQ favorites. Dining options include an outdoor patio, weather permitting, for those who prefer al fresco dining. Known for its finger-licking smoked and barbecued comfort food, Montana's is a popular spot for sports fans, with games always playing on-site. The restaurant is located conveniently near Crowfoot Arena and the Star Cozy Hotel.
Montana's specializes in barbecue cuisine, featuring dishes like in-house smoked pork ribs and beef brisket that defy conventional dining norms. If you're looking to plan your visit, you can get directions, reserve a table, and check restaurant hours online. Yelp shows that Montana's has garnered attention among food enthusiasts in Calgary, encouraging patrons to enjoy their vibrant atmosphere and delectable menu.
With locations throughout Canada, Montana's BBQ and Bar invites everyone to experience affordable comfort food while having a good time. Additionally, the establishment participates in promotional events, sharing samples from their renowned menu in various cities, including Edmonton and Halifax. For a taste of BBQ in Calgary, Montana's is the go-to choice for satisfying cravings and enjoying a lively dining experience.
How Do Montanas Smoke Their Ribs?
To achieve the perfect flavor, our ribs are smoked in-house using hickory wood for about three hours. Once smoked, they are coated in your favorite signature BBQ sauce and caramelized on the grill, delivering the bold taste you love. There is some debate about whether Montana's actually smokes their ribs on-site or uses pre-smoked frozen meats from suppliers. Some argue for the authenticity of in-house smoking, while others believe in pre-prepared options.
The smoking process typically involves reaching an internal temperature of 205°F within three to three and a half hours and then drizzling BBQ sauce on the ribs. Different techniques exist—some may oven roast while others use traditional smoking methods. A full-proof smoking method involves a six-hour process of seasoning and alternating between smoking and wrapping with foil to retain moisture. Beginners often find success using the "3-2-1" method: smoke for three hours, wrap in foil for two, and then unwrap and sauce for one more hour.
Our seasoned Smoke Masters create tender, juicy ribs that fall off the bone, showcasing the best of Montana's BBQ culture. Ultimately, the choice between pre-smoked meat or on-site smoking remains a hot topic, but our methods ensure delicious results every time.
Are Grocery Stores Open On Thanksgiving In Montana?
In Montana, numerous grocery stores and restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day to meet holiday needs. Notably, Albertsons and Safeway will operate until 4 p. m., and Super1Foods until 3 p. m. Whole Foods will open from 7 a. m. to 1 p. m., except in Massachusetts and Maine. On the other hand, Walmart will be closed for Thanksgiving, resuming normal business hours on Friday. Many Cub Grocery locations will be open until 2 or 4 p. m., although some may close.
ShopRite and Sprouts Farmers Market will also have variable hours, with Sprouts open from 7 a. m. to 2 p. m. Several notable chains, including Target and Costco, will remain closed. While most major retailers shut their doors on Thanksgiving, certain national grocery chains, like Food Lion and Kroger, will maintain limited hours. Additionally, curbside pickup availability will be offered at select stores from 7 a. m. to 11 a. m., though all pharmacies will be closed. To prepare for a festive dinner, patrons are encouraged to verify local store hours for specific timing.
What Day Does Montana Have All You Can Eat Ribs?
Every Wednesday, Montana's invites you to indulge in All-You-Can-Eat Ribs, featuring signature pork-back ribs served with your choice of BBQ sauce, in-house baked beans or coleslaw, cornbread, and seasoned fries. This popular promotion draws BBQ enthusiasts from afar and is a highlight at Montana's restaurants. The special rib offer lasts until this Sunday, so be sure not to miss it! While the ribs are undeniably delicious, it's recommended to not eat 24 hours before to fully enjoy the experience.
Montana's also offers an All-You-Can-Eat Rib tour across Canada during the summer months, from July 9 to August 11, appealing to every BBQ lover's dreams. For $29. 99, you can feast on as many ribs as you like, though keep in mind there's a limit of three servings per order. So, grab your bibs and be ready to sink your teeth into fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. Whether you’re a seasoned rib eater or a newbie, Wednesday is the perfect day to satisfy your meat cravings!
📹 Montana: What Every Traveler Needs to Know Before Visiting
Montana is known as the treasure state. But what makes Montana different from the rest of the country? Do they like visitors?
As a Montanan I can safely say: our winters are BRUTAL. We’ll go entire weeks in the negatives sometimes. This keeps a lot of people away from the state and I don’t blame them. I’ve known a few people who have moved here after seeing nothing but photos of our beautiful summer landscapes only to instantly regret it once the 6-month winter starts in October.
I am born and raised in Great Falls Montana and have lived in Missoula for 13 years now. Over the last few years Missoula has become overwhelmed by people from other states, we have seen property taxes shoot through the roof and tech companies come in. Montana has always been on the low end of the pay scale this is true but the off set to that was what we had around us. We were ok with not having much money and a small house because we had so many other beautiful opportunities around us that compensated for the low pay like, rivers, lakes, hiking, hunting,,mountains, sense of community, just to name a a few. Now that we have had all these people move in and buy up everything and overcrowd our communities it has turned into a rat race of trying to get money to compensate for the rise in property tax. We have turned into a community just trying to pay the mortgage when we use to be a community of our pay is low but we have everything we need around us to off set the low pay. I had a conversation with a wealthy person from California who sold here house for 2 million and moved to Idaho, she said she wanted to get away from the people, have more space, get away from the beliefs of the people around her. In the same instance she also said there are more people around her from California then actual Idaho Residents. I took that as your not getting away from any that, its just following you. Wealthy people are moving in and buying it all up, to be fair if I was wealthy I might to the same thing but, I was wealthy before all of this not by possession or a monetary sense but by the riches of my surrounding and the understanding of my community and nature.
I am from the Czech Republic and I stayed 1.5 year in Stevensville (1990 – 1992). It was like in a paradise. Incredible nature, incredibly nice and friendly people. Nobody was locking his house and all people was greeting each other and waving to themselves from the cars. I will never forget about my stay there and I am still in touch with beautiful people Diane and Paul from Hamilton at whose ranch I spent that time.🤗 Unfortunately, as I have heard, that Montana – the last best place, is gone because of flood of people from California.
Moved back home to Montana 10 years ago after 12 years in Nebraska. Montana gets into your soul. My dad was stationed at a radar base in Havre. We arrived in January of 1968, one of the coldest winters on record, from Hawaii, where I was born. Most of what you mention is true but things are changing, some better, some worse, and some not at all.I’m just grateful to be back.
All good points. Plus Montana loses a significant portion of its population each year to bear attacks, drowning in raging rivers, and falling off cliffs. Life expectancy in Montana is pretty short due to all the dangers and no health care anywhere. Last year a Montana kid broke his little finger when he was attacked by a mountain lion. He was airlifted to Salt Lake City (the nearest hospital) but died anyway because it took too long to clear all the buffalo off the landing strip. Kids on their way to school are often eaten by mountain lions. It’s just Montana nature taking its course. Starvation is a real concern as well. So basically it is best to avoid Montana at all costs. Even thinking about going to Montana is dangerous. California is much safer.
I flew into Billings two years ago and it was honestly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I drove for miles in rural Montana without seeing a house or car. I could breath! Montana is so awesomely beautiful that the mountain ranges on the horizon looked almost fake. I mean, nothing could be that beautiful, could it? If not for the winters, I’d jump into my car and leave Austin far behind forever.
I spent two years in Montana and Wyoming way back in 1977-79. Since I’m from a rural area of NC, I loved everything about Montana – except the winter. And I think that harsh winter is a big part of why it’s never taken off. I remember when I drove into Great Falls the sign on the bank showing the temperature was at -22. Then you step out of the vehicle and the wind tosses you into the nearest snowball. In World War II terms it’s Bastogne cold! But a great place!
I know somebody who moved to Montana. They were a radio personality. She went to greeet one of her neighbors in her car. It had California plates. He said that he didn’t like people from California. She replied that she didn’t either and that was one of the reasons she moved to Montana. Thy got along real fine after that. She was always quick witted that way.
My family is all from Montana but I grew up living all over the US due to being a military brat. My dream of moving back to the state has been crushed by out of staters and the rising costs. I feel like these two factors have robbed me of my family heritage. I hope I can give that heritage back to my future kids someday if the good Lord blesses me.
I did a car road trip from Atlanta and visited my daughter and her family just west of Billings, MT this last summer. It was like driving the Delorean time machine back 50-60 years! And it was absolutely wonderful! The people were friendly. Zero-stress and family-friendly. (Local ice cream shop has wooden hitching posts in front…for your horse…we saw a few when we stopped.) So…do us a favor… DON’T TELL PEOPLE ABOUT MONTANA.. Just let it be as beautiful…low traffic and low crime…a beautiful state. They don’t need 20 macdonalds or burger kings on every block!
I’ve lived in Wyoming and Montana and love them both for their old fashioned outdoor lifestyle, we currently reside in Alaska. My daughters famous quote is “Alaska is like Montana except there’s money here in Alaska. And the old saying about Montana that we were saying when we left 23 years ago is “Montana is nice but you can’t eat the trees” meaning if scenery was your paycheck you’d be rich.
Being a Brazilian who left Rio de Janeiro to work for a season at the big sky resort, I knew what I would face in the weather and focused on snowboarding as my travel objective, I visited some cities in Montana and then traveled all over the west coast, it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in the United States. His natural vocation is agriculture and tourism. Good place for those who can no longer stand the “diversity” of the world’s big cities.
I’ve been living in Great Falls for a little over 4 years now. Honestly, I like it here. I’ve lived in Florida, California, Mississippi, Washington D.C., Texas, Hawaii and South Korea prior to moving to Montana. Each had good and bad points, and Montana is no different, though in my opinion the good outweighs the bad. The weather can be wild sometimes, but it feels like that adds to the uniqueness of the place.
I was born in Great Falls and when I was about 14 we moved out to land near Missoula, it may be rural, and it may not be the best, but it’s a damn good state. When I was you my parents split, half the time I lived with my mom in the city, and the other half I was out helping on my grandparents farm with my dad, halving gotten a taste of both sides of life, and going on a gap year after high school, has made me realize we have it pretty damn good. It’s a wonderful state with kind people and tons to do.
A good rule of thumb is to expect 1-6 weeks of below 0 temperatures every winter and 1-4 weeks of above 100 every summer. The closer you get to the mountains the more this varies. One of the difficulties people have who did not grow up with the cold is that it’s hard to ignore and just accept as a part of life. It’s the same with places with high humidity, especially if it’s coupled with high heat. People who grow up with it notice it but are not really bothered by it. I will say living close to the mountains has a huge advantage compared to living on the plains. If it’s below 0 it’s probably completely calm. Once that wind starts it’s going to warm back up into the teens and twenties.
As a military brat/military, I have lived in different countries and states. Montana, by far, is the best place I have ever lived. The USAF brought me to Montana in 2003 (I retired in 2007 but still work for DAF) and never left. I like everything about Montana; however, the wind is my least favorite.
Most people I’ve met are shallow and dependent on social support, the opposite of states like Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, midwest. To many people place to much value on social distractions, less on community and the environment. When I get away, I seek out open spaces, putting cities, bad drivers, and outrageous taxes, mental clutter behind me. Some of the best mornings I’ve had, eating breakfast at a local small-town dinner, with people who can still talk to one another face to face, without a cell phone. Yeah I know, the fish are always bigger, the wind was always stronger, and the tornado ate the barn. One morning friend, told me he didn’t like John, I think he’s a liar, I laughed, said, we are all liars.I get some of the best stores at breakfast, he laughed. Don’t need Facebook, Youtube, or the great world wide web to connect to another human, it’s actually fun and entertaining. When you come to rural communities, and a neighbor says, if you ever need a hand, just give me a call, I’ll be glad to help, and they mean it. Try that in a city.
I was raised in Kalispell. My family and I moved there when I was 11. When I was 24, we all went home to Louisiana. Montana is by far the best state in America. I’ve lived in only 3, but MT is special. People, places, and things are so unique. I have 4 children and am planning to move us up there in the coming months\\years.
I’m an adopted orphan now retired. I live in northern Minnesota. I emigrated from the Lone Star State to the North Star State. It’s not heavily populated here in the Northern Pines. It’s quiet, peaceful and people here are kind, civil and fear the Lord. I do miss the glory days and golden age of the hill country in Texas when life was of simpler times when my wonderful, wise, loving grandparents were all alive. Back then, people feared the Lord and went to church regularly and prayed and lived unto God. That era is long gone and etched into my memory like a beautiful dream world that doesn’t exist anymore. Live oaks spread out like canopies in the wide open rolling hills, blue bonnets and indian paintbrush dotting the landscape of lush green grass. There’s only one thing that comes close to a fleeting Texas spring time, that is a North Minnesota summer. So now here I live in Minnesota on my 100 acre farm in my 2 story log cabin and gothic style red barn with livestock and no drought. It’s clean. We’re organic, non-gmo and don’t believe in using chemicals. The water and air are clean and unpolluted. I hope it stays this way. Winters are harsh but summers are mild. No poisonous snakes, no fire ants. Just be prepared for mosquito season and dress warm for a long winter. Please don’t tell anyone about this place. They might all move here and then I will have to relocate to Montana.
Been through Montana a few times and it is a beautiful state but you’re right about medical care and not being suited for seniors etc. Also, didn’t a bunch of Californians buy up a lot of the most beautiful part of Montana a few year back driving up land prices in the mountain areas? Pretty sure I read that somewhere.
1) Lack of job opportunities for growing a family 2) Siberian winters That said, I’m 67, and have lived in Washington State all my life – on the Wet Side. I have seen the down side to Californians, Bostonians, and New Yorkers moving in with their cash and peculiar politics. The major cities are now a wreck, and unaffordable unless you are a very wealthy person. If I ever move to Montana, I might be seen as doing the same thing to them. But, I wouldn’t. We have talked about it, and our goal would be to buy modest and have a low inflation impact on the existing community.
I married into Montana in 1987. Inlaws were out on the highline, then moved to whitefish. Found a fair amount of culture and interesting food in the Flathead valley. Real estate near those larger communities are insanely high. On the plains, way cheaper, but you must bring you own income. Hard to beat the wild beauty of western Montana. Watch out for the bears though.
I just visited my Dear Friend and her family in Billings Montana April/17/2024 . I love it!! It’s so true about a lack of diversity and at the Airport everyone was looking at me, kind of curious ( I’m Mexican). But getting out of the Airport the first thing I love was the pure and clean air in my face “I loved it ” I’m planning to go back next year and enjoy more of that peaceful atmosphere. I love California but I could use more of everything The State of Montana have, to offer. There is good things and bad things all over the world. We should be happy every where we are. 🙏💕
We just moved to Great Falls, MT, a year ago. I have always loved Montana & am beyond thrilled to finally call this state home!! Originally, we are from the Portland, OR area, but we did spend the last 8 years in rural Iowa. I love it here (even with the winters, which really aren’t too much worse than Iowa winters anyway). Having spent 30+ years living on the west coast, I have no desire to go back to live there ever. Oregon, Washington & California have been ruined by the very liberal politics and the cost of living is ridiculous. We enjoy going back to visit family & friends there, but Montana is our forever home now! – Lindsay
If the cold winters and lack of “diversity” keeps out the idiots, then I’m down to go live there. Seriously, I’m in my late 50s and the lack of commonsense in today’s society is terrifying. My grandmother was a Forest Ranger in Cobolt, Idaho and I spent many winters and summers there with her and my aunts. I prefer serenity over the explosion of stupidity infecting the heavily populated areas of the country.
Compared to over crowded high crime and higher cost of living city areas this sounds like paradise. Diversity is way over valued. Traditional American lifestyles are a blessing compared to what’s going on in most city environments to say nothing of the homeless and drug issues which accompany crime. Montana sounds like a gem.
I build stupid huge houses here for people who dont get what it means to live here… that’s why the cost of living is so high, people who don’t work here, fly in for a month or two and jack up the property value. My kids can read and do math above grade level because we have decent class sizes with teachers that care about the future of the community.
Left MT in 1981 right out of Butte High, moved to the bay area, or as I call it “The land of Fruits and Nuts”. Lasted 10 yrs quit my job. and moved back for half the wage. The experience of living in the big cities is undoubtedly mind blowing but holy crap traffic, traffic, traffic and the highways are bumper to bumper leaving the bay area on friday afternoon and bumper to bumper coming back Sunday night. The coastal weather is awesome but if I had one thing to note about living in a large metropolis……… when I watch zombie apocalyptic movies, the hordes are real my friend.
People come to Montana in the spring when the birds are chirping and the butterflies are flying and they say It’s beautiful I want to move here, then the winter hits and they say Oh F^**& I am going to die. It was just -25 to -38F ambient temp out my front door this past week, nothing stirs not even a mouse. The Grizzly bears are moving into this area now wish me luck!
I have enjoyed exploring Montana on road trips. I’ve also worked for a touring band that did shows in Missoula and Bozeman. All my Montana experiences as a visitor have been very nice! But yes, the harsh climate is the biggest reason I’d never consider living there. I just don’t do cold anymore if I can help it. Tech companies do seem to like Bozeman now, but with remote work being more prevalent, this doesn’t mean they’re going to hire solely in the Bozeman area.
Hey all. Montana is truly terrible. You should just continue to get your Montana fix by perusal Yellowstone. It’s totally what Montana used to be before all this change. It’s freezing here all the time, jobs are just terrible, our Healthcare is medieval, lack of diversity is a huge, huge problem. I mean, there are zero Mexican restaurants, and, like, one sushi restaurant. Just terrible! Our cities are so, so small, there’s nothing to do here! Our culture just sucks. God, we’re so lame. Zero museums, no concerts, etc. Our cost of living is through the roof, Arkansas is a much better place to live. Omg, our education is just atrocious. MSU, UM, Rocky, GFCMSU… all suck. Like, CSU terrible. And, yeah, our reputation is just terrible. We’re not welcoming. Stay in your cities, seriously. Briggs really nailed this one, you should listen to him.
My general observations on Life In Montana — are ya listening Mr Briggs? We just completed our 3 1/2 months of alternated sub-zero weather and are happily into Spring were it can snow on any day (like on a 4th of July once) and the wind isn’t so bad if you remember to drive a stake in the ground to keep your logging chains from blowing into your neighbor’s yard. Summer, last year was nice – all 3 weeks of it. I still had green tomatoes when the growing season ended and they were frozen on the vine! The typical high wages here — and this was after 11 years with the same company – is $15/hr — which was also my neighbor’s pay rate when he retired as the whole IT department of a large Wood Milling & Processing company. — yay! There’s no sales tax, but the property taxes are a lot higher to compensate for that! Now that properties are as high as they are, the taxes will follow them to new heights! Most people who need bigger pay go to the oil fields in the east of Montana — but they are closing up and most wells are capped. Coal too – no work there either! There’s always McDonalds, DQ and KFC! There is also no In-N-Out, no Jack In The Box, no AM/PM, no Slurpees, no Dunkin’ Donuts — actually there’s NO donuts in MT at all – and the cake ones in the markets don’t count! Pizza is a mixed bag — there are/were a few good ones, but they go out of business because they only attract CA expats. Mackenzie River makes a pretty good pizza — not authentic, but tasty in a non-Italian way.
For me, as a black person lack of diversity means products that I really need for like my hair or specific body products I want might be non existent. Not as big of a problem due to ordering online but definitely a possible roadblock. I’m not letting it stop me from moving to a rural area personally, if I wanted, just a work around to keep in mind.
Montana is a great place to live if you like rural areas. It’s true that health care is difficult, and there isn’t much in the way of arts and entertainment, but it’s a very safe place to live. There is crime here for sure, but we don’t have carjackings, home invasions, or muggings because just about everyone is armed. People here mind their own business for the most part. No one cares what color your house, is, or about that ugly shed you built in the yard, or how much your dogs bark, or that old pickup truck on blocks in the front yard that you’re going to get running some day.
I took a motorcycle trip a few years ago and I went through part of Montana. It was a gorgeous state and I had a great time. The people I talked to were friendly. I did like that it was spread out. And being from crowed SF, I like the idea of having my nearest neighbor a few miles down the road. But I believe the winters would be way too much for me.
Went to MSU in Bozeman in the 60’s and early 70’s. The population, (full time residents, not college students), was around 7000. Now it’s 50,000. If you want to live in a true Montana environment, it’s not in the Gallatin valley, we don’t call it Bozeangeles for no reason. They wrecked it. Anything west of the continental divide isn’t close to what it used to be, and it ain’t what most natives call Montana.
A lot of good points brought up. I live about a hour outside of the nearest town (Helena) and we love being left alone on our land. We really don’t want more people moving here as its already caused a mess as is. Winters are usually in the realm of 8-9 months out of the year so if you don’t like the extreme cold don’t look here.
Live in one of the small isolated towns we have a local hospital and 2 major hospitals within 100 miles probably takes less time to get to than it would in LA also you get attention right away when I have needed an ER I had someone taking care of me in minutes. We have 6 4 year colleges/universities plus community college’s and they educate you to get a job. Cost of living We bought a home here and paid it off with our low paying wages in 15 years. We have gone to concerts including the Oakridge boys think it was $15 to get in. Again to see other things 100 miles away all kind, and you can drive to it and get a place to park probably faster than you can get there in any major city ie Denver.
I love to hear about regions of the world where few people live! This analysis only looks at what Montana doesn’t have for city folk. Well, this is the wonderful thing about humanity. We are all individuals with our individual likes and dislikes, and this helps to give us all a place to live and enough food to go around too. I mean, barring the money limitations. I expect, one can thrive with a small business that enough others want or need the products from. Distances will make things harder than elsewhere… But anyone happy living in the midst of nature and happy to cook their own food should do well, as anywhere in such environments.
As far back as when I was a kid, in the 70s and 80s, there were always people (actors and singers that I recall) announcing that they were moving to Montana – “bought me a big ranch”. It always seemed like those people would move away from Montana within a couple of years. It can be too quiet and isolated for a lot of people. Now days, millennials and Gen Z folks seek entertainment options. Many eat out most meals. That simply isn’t possible or remotely convenient in most small cities and towns. It sounds possible. But once you are here, sitting in your cabin in the woods, things get quiet real quick. It’s just not for everyone.
You identify two drawbacks to Montana as cold winters and high housing prices. As a Canadian, the Montana winter sounds pretty normal to me and with the average home price in Butte Montana at $270 K, that’s a price we haven’t seen here since the mid 1980’s. Here, a two-bedroom bungalow on a 30 ft. X 150 ft. lot will run you just over $1 Million.
Fellow Montanan here 🙋🏻♀️. We have 2 seasons, winter and getting ready for winter. Wages are 15 years behind the rest of the US and there is no affordable housing. If you want to live here you must be independently wealthy and enjoy winter sports – or be extremely introverted so you won’t mind being snowed in for weeks on end.
Some points I would to see: – internet access – up to speed? down time? – access to outdoor activity – hiking, golf, biking, hunting – electricity sources – is it up to me to make my own? only wood burning stoves? – water access – rural does not guarantee water access – garbage pickup – sometimes rural you have to haul it yourself
I grew up in an eastern community and we had really brutal winters. Snow could go as high as your roof. But when you grow up in it you never measured it by other areas. So you didn’t really notice it. You just dressed for the weather. I used to deliver newspapers in the most vicious snowstorms. You had to walk into long driveways because houses were built that way back then. The snow would be up over your knees. A lot of times the newspapers were thick so it was heavy, like Saturday’s papers. You couldn’t see a few feet in front of you. I was 12 or 13 years old. I had to go because you didn’t want newspapers piling up for your customers. We could handle the cold easily. In fact, there are lots of benefits, people like about it. Ski doing, skiing, loved making snow forts. Out in a cabin with a nice fire on the go. You can sleep nights comfortably because you can only strip down so far when it gets hot. But when it is cold you put on warm clothing. Now you can snuggle up with your wife. LOL !! The isolation was great in our area because it had a small population. But when we got up in the mornings no loud noises or traffic congestion. You can go anywhere in about 5 minutes. So you didn’t spend most of your life in traffic. So always ask someone who lives there what they think about it all. Especially when God builds them tough. To those, it’s like shoveling a driveway or using a snowblower to the individual.
Great article! Lived there 3 years; stationed at Malmstrom AFB in the ‘80s. I saw amazing starscapes and majestic scenery traveling between Minuteman sites. Great Falls was good, Bozeman was about 20000 then, but I thought Billings was unattractive. I got my MBA from UM at their Great Falls campus, and had to go to Missoula about 4 times a year. That’s my favorite spot in Montana and because of the university, you got a lot more diverse cultures, food, etc, represented there. The winters were brutal. As musician Tom Waits said, “The hawk had his whole family out there, dishing out more than a good man could bear, kicking your ass in a cold-blooded fashion…”.
I’ve lived here 15 years after growing up outside of Chicago. The article does not accurately portray Whitefish/Kalispell, Missoula, or Bozeman in western Montana. We have the shopping, restaurants, entertainment, healthcare, jobs, great schools, low crime, decent traffic, with the bonus of beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains, forests. And we can be in Seattle, Portland, Calgary, Salt Lake City, or the Oregon Coast in a days drive. Montana feels and looks like 2 different states, west vs east of the divide. The article is good for the rural east of the divide.
I lived in Montana for five years. Grew up in California. Worked for the state of California for 18 years. Went to Montana and it was like getting hit in the face. Went from well over 100 thousand a year to 14 dollars an hour at the one prison in Deer Lodge. The people were not very kind or accepting of implants. And the story continues but alls I will say is it’s absolutely beautiful but that’s about all it’s got going for it.. true good old boy system, Yellowstone story isn’t to far fetched from the truth.
Lack of diversity to me is a good thing. Most people are more comfortable around people like themselves. Many of our major metro areas have predominantly black populations and this draws more black people to that area reinforcing this idea. Most rural areas are predominantly white drawing more white people to that area. It is not racist to be drawn to people like yourself. Ninety nine percent of people marry someone of the same race. This is natural and good.
A friend of my wife moved to Montana with her husband last summer. One winter there was enough for her, she is moving back to Washington. After 2 years of playing on a bad high school football team, I got recruited by one college, Eastern Montana College. It is now known as MSU-Billings. I went into the Navy instead.
Great article as always Briggs. Montana is the best. Have visited all over this huge and beautiful state ever since I was a kid. Glacier and Yellowstone Parks are truly special. Just booked a cabin in Polebridge near Glacier in September. Check out The Beartooth Highway sometime. Oh, and don’t worry, I’m just visiting y’all.
As a Montanan I agree with most of what you say. Healthcare and contractors are a problem here. There is just not enough of them. Yes it gets cold here and lots of the whitestuff but I wouldn’t give it up for any other place. Internet is lacking with some areas that just don’t have it. Most Montanans will tell you they like it the way it is and I am one of them. Don’t need big cities and what they offer we do just fine. We can sit out on our porch and see a big beautiful sky free of that brown stuff in big city skylines and actually smell the fresh air of spring. So nope I wouldn’t change it one bit . Just have to deal with that occasional grizz, black bear or cougar now and then but as far as mountain living it has what is needed. So if you don’t mind cold winters, critters and a slower paced mountain life free of big cities then it’s the place for you otherwise I don’t recommend it. I’ve met very few city people who can stick it out however once Montana is in your bones you never want to leave or you leave and come back.
Montana just added two new medical schools, 1 in Great Falls and another one in Billings. Hardly something you would see in “rural” communities! As a former Californian (born, raised & lived there 31 years) I usually tell people who are considering moving here to leave their politics and wokeism home. I’ve actually met a surprising number of people like myself who have taken up the job of vetting these “potential residents”. Hopefully they get the message!
I went to college in Billings, Montana and only job I could work at the time was at the college cafeteria and summer jobs on campus. Besides that the local movie theater and mall were the ones hiring. I did a gig at FedEx Ground as well which was brutal for a college kid. The state is beautiful if you love the outdoors but hot summer heat and frozen winter wither are not the the faint hearted. Ha!
I moved to Helena, MT in 2006 from Phoenix. There are NO jobs. There are no places to live, unless you want to buy a house as expensive as one in CA or CO. The water is TOXIC with poisons from mining 1880 to 1940. The people dislike anything and everyone new. I stayed less than a year. Went back to Alaska for a few years to make $. Good place to visit. Not a good place to live, unless you are independently wealthy or have a really good ON-LINE job. Peace out.
Along with lines of diversity, we gotta reference racism and backwardness. If you don’t know certain types of people you can create racist and classist assumptions about who they are and why the moved to a particular racism. This can happen in more developed places as well. But with America’s history and current political situation, it’s probably not safe for a family like mine to be stuck in rural Wyoming, Montana or the Dakotas. Despite what the news says, many people live in cities for safety. I’m always hearing about rural farmer of color facing racial intimidation.
I moved to Montana in 2009 and lived there in Billings until 2021 then I moved back to Oklahoma City. I love Montana it was cold and I hated it at first but it grew on me. Im sure I’ll go back one day. There are actually many concerts that come through. I’m half Irish with a quarter Native American. I got in touch with both of those two cultures while living in Montana. Butte, Montana is nearly all Irish. There are seven American Indian reservations there. Where I lived in Billings was next to the crow rez. Montana is a great place to live I miss it very much .
Come on up and pay us a visit. See the sights. Visit Glacier Park. Yellowstone. Do some amazing fishing. Eat a Huckleberry. Take those awesome family pictures. Spend those tourist dollars. As over 50% of the state lives off tips. Especially in the winter. Then after your amazing vacation is done. Then…go home. 🤣🤣😘 Hugs and kisses y’all. Oh and… FJB 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Missoula is awesome but kind of expensive anymore. And Bozeman is pretty cool with a really eclectic little town nearby called Livingston. Winters are very harsh and houses are surprisingly expensive in the state which is a little surprising with such a small population. Only part of the state I didn’t care for that I’ve been in is Billings…it’s smells bad and the wind and the cold are horrible. Very little diversity but I didn’t see a lot of racist attitudes though…the state is definitely for the outdoors types that can handle the cold.
@World According to Briggs: Love your website. Love your articles. You have something unique. My 2 cents: You don’t need the inserts and Internet memes (that, by the way, everyone else has). Most YouTubers would kill to have your voice and your narrative style. Go with that. I’m your fan. Good luck, hombre.
Oof. It’s just awful in Montana. The people are all mean and if you set foot outside city limits without wearing orange you’ll be shot by a hunter. The winters are so brutal I lost the toes on my right foot from frostbite; the kicker was, it was late August. My 650 square foot home cost me $425000 but my interest rate is only 9% I’ve lost 5 dogs and one daughter to wild animal attacks. There’s no sales tax, but my income is taxed at 49%. Oh, one last thing. All the paper money is tainted with methamphetamine residue. I hear Washington is a much better place.
I moved from Florida to Montana five years ago because my daughter married a man from Helena and they invited me up. I grew up primarily in small Southern towns and cities. I lived in and around Miami and South Florida around 35 years. I rented a house in the foothills ten miles south of Helena near Montana City and loved it! I had to drive a mile along an unpaved road to reach my mailbox. Two years later I left because of personal reasons. Leaving Montana was the worst mistake of my life. I’m 81 and stranded in Texas. It’s horrible. If you move to Montana be prepared for Arctic winter conditions, and a good degree of self-sufficiency is mandatory. Being snowed in for three or four days is not unusual out in the countryside. Temps occasionally drop below minus 30F.for a day or two after a strong cold front passes, with two to four feet of soft powder snow in your driveway. I’ve traveled much of the world extensively. The nicest people I have met anywhere are Montanans. One of my favorite things is the “lack” of “diversity.” There was no street crime in and around Helena when I left. I can’t speak for anywhere else. Additionally, I have drank beer in around a dozen countries. I quit drinking shortly after initially arriving in southern Arizona, but the local Montana craft ales and beers are some of the best on earth. I wish I could return.
lots of people live in Montana and love it here. winters are cold but they are manageable if you dress for the weather. I’ve been here since 1986 and wouldn’t live anywhere else. we had a house in Arizona that we used in the winter. but sold it last spring when dealing with the HOA became too much of a hassle. one more thing, i’ve lived in missoula since 1986. it’s my dad’s hometown and the Stegner family (my family) Has been here since 1921. the field behind sentinel high school is named stegner field after my grandfather who was a very well known and successful track coach. one of my favorite descriptions of montana is that it is a small town with really long streets. that’s because regardless of where you go, you are likely to meet someone with whom you have mutual friends.
Lived in Montana for 15 years loved it. Only left because it was hard to find a decent job that wasn’t tourist related. Im not a logger seemed to be the only decent paying job. Where i lived the winters weren’t bad at all. Hardly never dropped below freezing let again below zero. East of the continental divide can be brutal. We st of the divide where i was, was fine. Live in Northern Wisconsin now. Winter here totally different bone chilling cold in the winter.
Good points brought up in this article. But it seems like you have shown mainly the most populated scenes, and more summer scenes. Montana is all about getting ready for winter during the summer, and figuring out how you can put those visiting relatives to work doing that. Personally, I spend that short summer season outdoors from dawn to dusk, or from five a.m. to ten p.m. just worshipping that sunshine, sweating to the point of heat exhaustion, and making hay literally and figuratively, to survive that winter that is coming! Been in NW MT for over forty years btw.
When you talk about “limited educational opportunities”, especially when talking strictly about college, it would be a much better indicator if you spoke to the percentage of college-bound students (in every state) that actually stay in state, vs go out of state. I think it would paint a different picture of states like Montana, given the relatively easy access to transportation.
I currently reside in the Beartooth Mountains of MT. June 23 2024 it is 92 degrees at 4,800 feet. I grew up in very western NY state. Where I grew up gets more show than we do here in the Beartooth. It’s great here, I brought my job with me. No commute & if it is -30 I do go outside. I live in the mountains & right on the river. If something on the list bothers you then it is best for everyone if you dont move here.
It’s reassuring to us Montana natives and immigrants who have had the grit to stay, that it still remains true: if you can’t handle extreme weather or need the noise, shops facilities and don’t mind the crime, and traffic of big cities, and much more,….you will blow away from here like top soil, in under 2 years. I quote a 5 generation local rancher.
I was in the Air Force in Great Falls. The people who live there like to live there and they are happy. I would visit Butte often and that place is like the old west. It’s a mining town, I felt like I was back in time 30 years. I’m not why you went to such lengths to tell why we shouldn’t live there. It’s like comparing NYC. and complaining that the hunting was bad.
Rather than saying it “lacks diversity” as if to imply it were odd or wrong, it would be nice to say that it has its own culture and the people living there are content to travel should they want to experience other cultures. It is a shame people have forgotten what made this country great, that the country itself was diverse and you can travel it to experience different things regionally. If you force every tier of a society to be diverse you inevitably kill diversity and erase culture.
Health-treatment options in rural part of the country, e.g. Montana, do incl. a bowie knife and the six-shooter right (oh, I forgot, the door-knob and a string to cure dental problems) ? We have been traveling in WY for the last few months and I love the countryside and nature, so that is a huge bonus.
I was in Bozeman arrived there at night in there little airport .I couldn’t get over how dark it truly was without all that dang light pollution ………it was amazing the stars looked so gigantic & bright . I guess i’m the loner type as i found it peaceful & relaxing …why is it people always think they need to be doing something ….that’s the problem we forgot how to relax . I’m getting ready to retire, but i guess if i was younger i would move there, but like they said the job opportunities are few and cost of living is higher
MMontana and Wyoming used to be a couple of great states been here all my life. Now it’s filling up with east and west coast people that bring their politics and trash are back country with cigarettes and water bottles. Go to are national parks and act like Jack asss. Good old days are gone and lost forever
The reason is those states are owned by Ranchers that don’t want to sell their ranches respectively. So it’s not like anyone can just go and buy a house out there. Also it does not have industry because it’s a state run by ranchers, so it’s not like there are factory jobs all over the place. /endofvideo
I love our 4 season state. -40 and we still go outside and play. It’s not for the weak of heart or mind. Rattlesnakes that bite, grizzly bears, strong 2A rights and hunting heritage. If you want to move to Montana don’t try to change what we have and how we live, it’s why we live here. Leave the woke, liberal BS where you are getting away from. Enjoy the outdoors, respect our way of life and we can embrace your family. Bring the BS and we won’t, pretty simple
The Entertainment comment is WAY OFF. From Spring to Fall, there is a Concert, a Festival, a Car Show, or Motorcross event going on in any given City in MT. I live in Butte, MT, which has a College and a University, a lot like almost every larger City in MT (Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, Helena and Great Falls) I am currently purchasing a land and a home, which is costly, but, still affordable. MT has No Sales Taxes and has an AMAZING VA SYSTEM, which i like as a Retired Army Combat Veteran.
I just found out I have 40 acres in fort peck I want to move out thare from Seattle I don’t have a lot of money but when I felt my land for the first time it felt like home I’m on a mission to get out thare in 2 years and start a dispensary about an hour away from the north Dakota state line so look for me if your still in Montana in 2026
Montana is great and everything but as someone who has been living elsewhere I find it strange how many homeless people from Montana are ending up here now. Now that rent is stupid high and wages are still low it will be interesting to see the invading rich still want services that the working class have provided in Montana. No home, no work catering to the invading wealthy.
All good points that make me want to go there . I used to love our small Pennsylvania city but overflow low income New Yorkers that were displaced because of gentrification all came here now we have a huge crime rate and garbage EVERYWHERE people litter now (something we never had a problem with until recently). That sounds like a plus that it’s far from big cities
hi bro, i have a serius question about montana, because im from latin america, from Chile specific, and i and my family are trying to live in montana for a while, but, i know that montana is a nacionalist state, and im really concerned about how they treat foreigners and latinos in that state, thats because im trying to buy some acres, and live off the ranch and that stuff, i have experience from here in my country, but i dont want to lead my family to have a bad time socially. thanks and i love your articles. greetings!!!
I took the train across country. Everyone was friendly except for one person ‐ a cowboy from Montana. He let it know that he despised the East Coast, major cities and everyone from them. That’s his opinion. After that experience I would have to say that’s one place that I wouldn’t go back to and would say doesn’t deserve the outsized representation that it has in congress.
The problem I see with MT, is that Millionaires go there with their private jets, lined up to take off some days. They very nice homes like you would see in Beverly Hills. They go there to play cowboy, hunt, fish etc. With house like that they drive the taxes up for the residents. You would be surprised at the NBA, NFL, Nascar, etc who homes in MT. It blows my mind, when I am up there. He is right about the job opportunities, it is a hard place to make a living. Most people who go to Mexico for beach. They little pop, so getting a scholarship, I found was really easier, than my state.
I grew up in New York and spent my life trying to get out. I guess I didn’t look far enough. Montana looks perfect and I’m ready to leave this trash city behind me with it’s disgusting politics. I think I’ve always known I’m a country boy at heart. I just want peace & quiet in a place where people love God, their family & country. Nothing else.
I would like to visit Montana as a minority. I met several Montanans and they were friendly people. I would like to visit but not live because those bears and mountain lions are everywhere there. Montana looks like the state that I have seen in many films whether horror or adventure. The scenery is just pretty and weird to me
No one lives in Montana?? The Montana county that I live in has over 350,000 acres of subdivision. People from all over move here, buy 20 to 40 acres, move in a bunch of junk they don’t need, and destroy the land. The entire state is getting to be the same way. One giant subdivision. And don’t even get me started on Native American reservations. What a terrible place to be raised. Our winters aren’t really that bad, though. Minnesota winters are worse.