Accommodations and Food

Both of these motels are comfortable, convenient, and offer rooms with rates under $50 per night:

The Lake Townsend Motel (413 N. Pine, 406/266-3461 or 800/856-3461) is in a quiet spot one block off the highway. Each room in this tidy personable place has its own theme, and there’s an outdoor hot tub. Pets are permitted with a deposit.

The Mustang Motel (412 N. Front St., 406/266-3491 or 800/349-3499) is right along Highway 12 and accepts pets for an extra $5. Some rooms have refrigerators and microwaves; one room is wheelchair accessible.

More upscale lodging is available north of town at the Canyon Ferry Mansion B&B (7408 Hwy. 287, 406/266-3599, www.canyonferrymansion.com [1]), with rooms starting at $139. The 28-room mansion is a popular place for weddings and family reunions.

To find campgrounds, follow Highway 12 or 284 north along Canyon Ferry Lake; the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management run 12 campgrounds along the lakeshore.

As much landmark as it is a restaurant, bar, and casino, the Mint (305 Broadway, 6 a.m.–midnight) also has lighter meals and sandwiches. The Horseshoe (500 N. Front St., 406/266-3800) is open for three meals a day with good quick food. Stop for pizza, soup, and sandwiches at Full Belli Deli (209 S. Front St., 406/266-5459), which also makes its own sausages and cured meats.

The name Cowboy Coffee and Steakhouse (316 N. Front St., 406/266-3348, 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun.) seems expansive but indicates that this newly relocated restaurant’s roots are as a coffee shop. Expect a friendly welcome and good home-style cooking; main courses are $8–20.