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cleardot.gif (831 bytes) out and about Broadus, Montana...
things to see and do out & about Broadus, Montana... click here to... visit the Arches, bird watch at the Helm House, enjoy a movie at the Pastime Theater, explore for dinosaur bones, watch the wildlife and check out the hunting opportinites.
or meander on back to: Judge's Chambers Restaurant, lodging, cultural attractions, out & about Broadus, buffalo jumps..., home, e-mail us!

Arches of Broadus

These unique and interesting architectural structures are special to Broadus. Early in the history of the town several local builders designed and built these unusual rock arches. They make for a quick and interesting stop.

When you come into town you'll find the first stout arch along the highway, one block North of the park. Surrounded by huge cottonwood trees in a serene setting, this arch is fitted with a gate, making the typical lack of fence or connection to other structures even more apparent. An unusual and large, round, rock pool sits just behind the arch.

From there, continue to the Northeast corner of the town-square. Just past the Post Office, on your right, you will see the second of the arches. This one is much too short to walk through, exemplifying the artistic, rather than utilitarian value of the arches. It's stone is petrified wood, gathered from the hills in Powder River County. Look closely at the grain and character of what was once a living tree and now is stone. It boosts a beautiful, lighted, Christ scene each year at Christmas.

From the Post Office travel two blocks West, with enroute stops at the Museum and antique shop, to the Historic Helm House. Once there you will find the best example in the region of lava rock walls, terraces, fireplaces, an underground rock garage and the two largest of the arches, all built by Mr. Helm. These recently restored gardens were long the finest flowerbeds of the area. Some say the house is haunted.

After your trip to the Arches of Broadus, be sure to stop at the restored and famous Judges Chambers Restaurant.
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Bird Watching at the Helm House

If you enjoy a relaxing stroll after eating or before bed, come visit the Helm House. Birds naturally flock to this yard, both to set up residency and on their way North or South. The many varied trees and shrubs create natural habitat for nesting, mating or giving us a passing song. In 1998 we've put in additional habitat and are beginning a bird house collection. Feel free to add to the collection or put out food from the feeders provided.

Blue Jays, sparrows, red breasted robins, finches, hummingbirds, game birds and many others can be seen during your stop. Sit on the walls, by the wishing well, near the fountain, under the arches, near the large outdoor fireplaces, above the underground garage, near the art studio or in the orchard.

Discover other fascinating locations for special bird watches. Eagles (bald and golden) sand hill cranes, Canadian geese, pheasants, grouse and turkeys can be found in their natural habitat.

A pleasant stop, a short walk from the famous Judges Chambers Restaurant, antique shops and the Powder River Museum.
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Historic - Pastime Theater

This post war movie house takes you immediately back to "the Last Picture Show".  Run by Orvie Hough for many years, parents were always assured that no hanky panky would be taking place under Orvies' watchful eye. Many teenagers remember the glare of the flashlight just as the kissing began.

Now under the guidance of Doug Wilbert, the charm and timeless ambiance comes through. Old couches are used for seating, comfortable and fun, they clue you into the experience ahead. The pre-show includes slides of local kids and events. Formerly the beloved school band teacher, Mr. Wilbert has created an outlet for many of the fine youth of Powder River County.

Competing with big city theaters, Doug's Seattle background has him bringing in the best of current films. After touring the region and enjoying a fine dinner at the Judges Chambers Restaurant, sit down in the relaxing, hometown atmosphere, to a top new film.
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Dinosaurs & Ancient Things

dino.jpg (9253 bytes)Check your Jurassic maps dinosaur enthusiasts; you have just found a very special place. This was an ancient coastal region and therefore one of the best deposits of fossilized bone and plant life ever found.

A stop at the Powder River Museum will give some background for the wide array of things you might find. A wing holding the renowned collection discovered through the lifelong efforts of local Mac McCurdy will get your archeologist juices flowing. Fossilized remains of the mighty T-Rex, triceratops, ancient sharks, seashells, petrified bison bones, dinosaur eggs and signs from the beginnings of time can be stumbled across during a casual stroll.

Traces of human past are also scattered over the land. This was an active place for Native Americans for tens of thousands of years. Still, it pales in comparison to the millions of years of plant and animal history free for the finding. You can discover it all during your visit to Broadus.

Take an afternoon or a week to walk, dig and sift through your own personal site. Let the friendly help at the Broadus Motels set up a private tour or give you guidance to places where others have had luck. Imagine being the first human being to find the remains of a creature that lived millions of years ago. Go ahead, get carried away.
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Buffalo Home where Deer and Antelope Play

Whether you enjoy watching wild game, photography or hunting, this is one of the best places to visit for an uninterrupted experience. Here millions of acres are home to many species of Big Game, wild birds and varmints. This was considered the last great hunting ground of the Native Americans.

With our National Parks becoming more and more crowded the chance to peacefully observe animals in the wild is disappearing into the past. Though we're on one of the main highways connecting Yellowstone Park to the Black Hills and enroute to Glacier National Park, the Powder River Valley offers a completely natural setting for wildlife. National Parks have taken on the atmosphere of Wild Animal Zoos, with millions of people crowding around for a quick peek. Yet in the Powder River Valley you can picnic or walk as the original people did on these lands for tens of thousands of years. Step off the trail without being fined. Go alone or with your guide where it is still possible to be surrounded by only natural sounds and sights. The fresh air Montana is known for will fill your lungs under the Big Sky. A night time walk in the country often comes as a surprise for those who have never seen stars without the glare of city lights.

Watch as the native white tail and mule deer browse, mate and raise their young. Great herds of antelope, the fastest animal on the prairie, may race your car as you cruise through the country. Elk too can be found in the Powder River Valley. Upland game birds, waterfowl and many species of migrating birds are seen nesting and traveling through.

Imagine calling a wild coyote, fox, bobcat or even an illusive mountain lion to within a few feet. It's possible in this Broadus country.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Greg Risdal has a vast knowledge of area wildlife. A few hours with him, whether at home or in the field gives you an up close and personal Discovery Channel type experience.

The region is host to a wide variety of creatures including raccoon, beaver, muskrat, mink, skunk, porcupine, rattlesnake, hawk and eagle, both golden and the great American bald eagle. Have you ever had rattlesnake steak? Did you catch it yourself? No doubt its flavor is enhanced by the experience.

The many local fishing spots will provide you trout, catfish, bass, northern pike and sunfish. Make camp at the White Buffalo Campground to enjoy your days catch over an open fire.

Even setting out on your own, the novice outdoorsman will find an array of interesting wildlife. Or you might take along a guide to point out some of the many mysteries of this land. However you decide to explore the region, whether for an afternoon or an entire season, this experience can change your life. Be sure not to enter private land without permission.

Inquire at the Broadus Motel office for more information.
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Modern Day Hunting

This region has long been a great hunting ground. It's quite simply some of the best hunting in North America. With tens of thousands of acres of new land opening up to hunters, don't deprive yourself of one of the finest hunting experiences available. This is one of the few hunting places still open to all pocketbooks.

Whether you choose to camp at the White Buffalo Campground, sleep in a teepee, enjoy the comfort of a motel room, Jacuzzi suite or Cowboy Cabin, you may go out with a professional guide or ask guidance from the helpful motel staff to find your own special hunting grounds.

If you're looking for Monster Bucks and Bulls; mule deer, white tail, antelope or elk are all found here. Meat hunting abounds as well, with many options for licenses available through the Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Upland game birds; pheasant, sharptail grouse, sage hens, hungarian partridge and turkeys fill these hills, creeks and rivers. You'll find Canadian geese and ducks stopping throughout the season at the many reservoirs in the area.

Fishing can also be had; rainbow trout, various catfish, bluegill, northern pike and bass are in the many fishing holes around the county. You might take a day excursion to go paddlefishing. These ancient mysterious fish are almost a guaranteed catch. Growing to over 100 lbs., they sift through their microscopic lunch until snagged by your well-timed hook. 20 to 70 lb. fish are common.

If you are interested in experiences most modern people don't have, consider calling varmints like coyote, fox, bobcat or the illusive mountain lion. With local ranchers reporting increasing loss due to these predators, your chances at a shot have never been better.

Perhaps you're interested in the fine art of trapping. Take a vacation to study with a professional trapper. Or perhaps you'll find your way into a plane with professional predator control experts.

Whatever your hunting plans, they will not be complete without a stay in Broadus. A full service western burg known as "the Wavingest Town in the West!"

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More contact information:
Judge's Chambers Restaurant for reservations call 406-436-2002.

Motel and Museum information call 406-436-2626. For Motel reservations and info you can also e-mail broadusmotels@rangeweb.net.
Please send ALL regular mail inquiries to Broadus Motels, 101 West Holt Street, P.O. Box 3 Broadus, Mt. 59317
url:http://www.broadusmontana.com