A miniature roundhouse, historical exhibits, and a reservoir stretching as far as Noxon: Sanders offers different ways to explore history and landscape. In Thompson Falls, you can encounter topics such as railroad development and trails within the city; other discoveries lead to river landscapes, seasonal wildlife viewing, and regional traditions.
Railroad History and Early Development
At the Paradise Center, exhibits feature the railroad and a miniature roundhouse. They also explore Paradise’s significance in the development of the railroad. Outdoors, the center’s public walking trail offers another way to experience the area: 15 interpretive panels cover nearby attractions. The trail is open during daylight hours.
The Old Jail Museum offers a different perspective. It preserves the history of Sanders County, along with historical artifacts, photographs, and maps. Its exhibits showcase periods in Thompson Falls’ early development. The building is also one of the oldest continuously used buildings in Sanders County. Thus, the Paradise Center focuses on railroad development, while the Old Jail Museum focuses on the county’s history and Thompson Falls’ early development.
The LaRue Hot Springs Museum also focuses on the area’s past: it preserves the hardships and achievements of the people who settled here. From May through September, it is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. Because its hours are seasonal, it’s a good idea to check them again before you arrive.
Trails, River, and Water
The Thompson Falls Trail System offers trails within the city limits. Printed maps of the Thompson Falls Community Trails are available at the Extension Office. Thompson Falls State Park offers another way to get oriented in the landscape: it lies along the Lower Clark Fork River, one mile from Thompson Falls.
The Lower Clark Fork River also shapes Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. The 3,000-acre reservoir extends upstream from the Idaho border to Noxon. Fishing here includes northern pike, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Four developed public boat ramps provide anglers with access to the reservoir. Its size and four ramps set it apart from the trails within the city: here, fishing opportunities and access by boat take center stage.
Wildlife Viewing and Historic Routes
The Mount Silcox Wildlife Management Area covers 1,552 acres. Its management objectives include providing winter and spring habitat for bighorn sheep. The animals can be seen there from late October through mid-April; sightings depend on natural conditions. This seasonal viewing period differs considerably from the museums’ opening season, which runs from May through September.
Another trace of the past in the landscape is the historic Road to the Buffalo. Signs bearing a buffalo symbol mark the route. Through Sanders County, it generally follows Montana Highway 200, diverges along Blue Slide Road, and forms a loop northeast of Plains. Along the route, attractions are highlighted that in many cases resemble what David Thompson might have seen. The historical connection is thus part of the route’s orientation, while the route itself includes specific detours from the highway.
An Annual August Tradition
The Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival takes place annually on the second full weekend in August and showcases handmade crafts and works of art. Its set date on the events calendar and focus on handcrafted items make the festival a distinct cultural highlight alongside the museums, routes, and nature-related attractions. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between historical topics of year-round interest, seasonal opening hours and wildlife viewing, and this annual August weekend.
Explore more destinations: Thompson Falls, Noxon, Silver Bow, Mineral County, Ravalli County, Sheridan County, Wheatland County, Judith Basin County
For the main travel overview: Montana.
