Townsend lies at the southern end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Water and nature are therefore central to the area; recreational activities offer a range of options, with birdwatching and fishing alongside golf, hiking and glassmaking. If you choose Townsend as your place to stay, you can compare these interests based on the specific locations and conditions.
Reservoir, Wildlife Management Area and Fishing
Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area is near Townsend at the southern end of the reservoir, where the Missouri River flows into it. The protected area covers about 5,920 acres and offers opportunities for birdwatching. Its location at the river’s mouth and on the reservoir gives the area a distinctive geographic setting.
Fishing is also available at Canyon Ferry Lake near Townsend. Species mentioned include rainbow trout, perch, burbot and walleye. Indian Road Group Use Shelter offers a different setting, with its small fishing pond for children and people with disabilities. An access point on the Missouri River is near Townsend, about 4 miles south; it has a boat ramp and fishing access. The options therefore vary by body of water and designated focus: from the lake with four named fish species, to the small pond, to river access with a boat ramp.
Golf and Hiking
Old Baldy Golf Course is a 9-hole course with three different sets of tees. Its length of 3,238 yards applies from the back tees; this figure therefore specifically refers to that position. Tee times are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and through the honor system. The number of holes, sets of tees and stated length offer several specific points of reference for assessing the golf options. The three sets of tees represent different starting positions on the course.
Round Mountain Saddle to Crow Creek is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail near Townsend, suitable for hiking and horseback riding. The distance already includes the route there and back, not just the distance to the destination. The stated length can therefore be read directly as the round-trip distance.
Glass Art and Events
Goose Bay Handblown Glass makes decorative glass objects and custom-made blown-glass pieces in Townsend. Visitors can watch each piece of glass take shape, from a puddle of molten crystal to its final form. The focus is therefore not only on the finished object, but also on the making process. If you would like to plan a visit, confirm the visiting arrangements in advance.
The 2026 edition of the Broadwater County Rodeo program included a children’s rodeo, a professional NRA rodeo and a local rodeo in Townsend. Dates and program items may differ for future editions; check them if an event is important to your travel plans.
For the broader travel overview: Broadwater.
