Lewistown, Montana

Lewistown is an agricultural community located at the geographic center of Montana in the vast Judith Basin. The town is surrounded by large cattle ranches and wheat farms, and is the major trading center for the area. Lewistown began as a small trading post on the Carroll Trail between Helena and the mouth of the Mussellshell River. The Croatians from Bribir near the Adriatic did much of the town's stonework; the high quality interiors of the buildings were crafted by Norwegian and other skilled workers. Although mostly rolling prairie, farms, and ranches, the Lewistown area features two mountain ranges, the Snowy and Judith at an elevation of 3,963 feet. The Central Montana Historical Society Museum is located in Lewistown. The Lewistown Art Center houses three galleries, educational classrooms and a shop of consignment art from area artists. Lewistown is the county seat of Fergus County. The Central Montana Fair is held at the Fergus County Fairgrounds each July. The Charlie Russell Chew Choo excursion train offers a dining car on its 56-mile run.