Communities: Augusta
Along the southern Rocky Mountain Front, Augusta is located on US Highway 287 53 miles west and slightly south of Great Falls and about 25 miles north of the Hwy 200/287 junction at Bowman’s corner.
Waving prairie grasses and scattered timber invited cattlemen to the area in the early settlement days. Today, Augusta’s heritage and livelihood remain rooted in “cowtown life.” It’s no small wonder that the legendary “Wildest One Day Show on Earth,” the annual American Legion Rodeo, is an embedded community calendar event. With a population of about 250, the town literally bursts at the seams with the influx of people coming to town for a weekend of high stakes camaraderie.
A popular gateway to the Rocky Mountain Front, immense Bob Marshall and adjoining Scapegoat Wilderness, hikers, backpackers and horseback riders assemble in Augusta to access a million acres of unspoiled, rugged beauty in the high country. There are ten beautiful lakes ranging from 6 to 25 miles from town, and many excellent fishing streams close by. Guest ranches in the area offer riding, rustic cabins and hunting, fishing and sightseeing trips. The area teems with wildlife, and the real meaning of being in a major bird flyway is understood in the spring and fall.
Popular authors, Rick and Suzie Graetz write, “Augusta provides easy entry into the southern Front. One byway goes west to the Sun River Canyon and Gibson Reservoir and another to Benchmark, a favorite horse route into the Bob. Highway 435 extending west and south of Augusta, points to Bean Lake and the Dearborn Canyon. Good access ensures those not wishing to or able to enter the wilderness can experience some of the same sights backcountry wanderers see. To understand the value of this majestic piece of the state, probe its roads and trails in all seasons. In the long light of a summer evening, watch as all the details of the heights slowly fade, leaving a purple silhouette on the horizon. Catch the rich first light of a rising sun on the peaks of Steamboat, Sawtooth or Castle Reef.”
In addition to the spectacular landscape, true western hospitality awaits visitors to Augusta with gift shops, an array of food and drink opportunities, motels, campgrounds and an RV park. Making friends in Augusta is as natural as enjoying burgers and beer.
The following businesses welcome you to Augusta
Accommodations
Bunkhouse Inn
122 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3387
Mail: PO Box 294
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Built in 1912, this ten room hotel reminds you of the best of the Old West. It's clean and quaint and just a few steps away from all the essential services Augusta has to offer. You'll find that folks are especially friendly around here and our guests come back regularly...just like family. We're sure that you'll enjoy stay here on the Rocky Mountain Front.
Wagons West Motel, RV Park, Bar, Casino and Restaurant
956 Highway 287 N, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3322
Mail: PO Box 525
Located on the foothills of the magnificent Rocky Mountain Front, the Wagons West Motel, RV Park, Bar, Casino and Restaurant is able to accommodate a variety of travelers, depending on whether you want to stop and stay one of our themed rooms or pull into the RV Park next to the motel on the edge of town. Whatever type of accommodation you choose, you'll certainly want to have a refreshing beverage in the bar, try your gaming luck in the casino or dine with us for breakfast, lunch or dinner...where you'll enjoy Augusta's small town western hospitality.
Artisans
Tippetts Fine Art
101 Gilman, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3611
Mail: PO Box 611
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Website: http://www.tippettsart.com
Linda Tippetts says, "It's great to return home after seeing the world." A landscape artist working "en plein aire" is focusing on interpreting, in oils, the Rocky Mountains from north of the Canadian border to south of the Dearborn river near Augusta. If you are the market for fine art it's a good idea to call ahead because Linda is often out on the scene...painting.
Organizations
Augusta Senior Center
134 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3623
Mail: PO Box 21
Website: http://www.rmdc.net
Operated by the Rocky Mountain Development Council, the Augusta Senior Center is a great place to join others for lunch and socialization. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 2:00pm. Lunch is served at noon with a suggested donation of $3.50 for seniors 60 years and older. For anyone under 60 the lunch price is $5.00. Bingo is held on Mondays at 1:00pm and cards are played on Wednesdays.
Food & Drink
Buckhorn Bar
120 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3344
You'll have to walk inside the Buckhorn Bar to fully understand its name. Test your knowledge of the local wildlife and try to name all the impressive mounts on the wall. Local congregate at the Buckhorn to enjoy the good food, have a drink (or two) and enjoy old time friends. Visitors are always welcome at the Buckhorn where rustic describes the place...except when it comes to the atmosphere. Then exceptional comes to mind.
Lazy B Bar and Cafe
135 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
Mail: PO Box 67
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Established in 1883, the Lazy B Bar and Cafe was known as the Augusta House. We've upgraded since then but are still known for our friendly atmosphere and home-style meals. You'll find us right on Main Street. Don't worry about the parking. There's always room for you.
Mel's Diner
121 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3408
Mail: PO Box 515
Mel's Diner is an icon on the streets of Augusta. It's the place where folks meet and eat well. It's the most eclectic place in town with the biggest ice cream at the best price...ALL SERVED WITH HUMOR. It's the place where you'll meet the old timers having breakfast with their grandchildren, and tourists conversing with new found friends. There's just no place like Mel's Diner...especially in the summertime.
Western Bar
142 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3262
Mail: PO Box 322
Get western at the Western Bar...a friendly, full service bar with a hunting and fishing problem. Always a hot spot on Augusta's Main Street, the Western Bar welcomes travelers to come on in, and get a first hand understanding of what this hunting and fishing talk is all about. You might even want to take in a fishing derby or book a trip with a local outfitter...after you know what to expect.
Outfitters
Ford Creek Guest Ranch
15245 Benchmark Road, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3672
Mail: PO Box 329
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Website: http://www.fordcreek.com
In the midst of the Lewis & Clark National Forest and the heart of the Rocky Mountain's Bob Marshall Wilderness, Ford Creek Guest Ranch offers romantic ranch vacations, superb dining, 19 riding trails, hot tubs, large wild trout and fully outfitted adventure trips.
Klicks K Bar L Ranch
Sun Canyon Road, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3589
Mail: PO Box 287
Since 1927 the K Bar L Ranch has been a superb mountain retreat...a place to call your own with a main dining lodge and comfortable guest cabins. You can only get here by jet boat up Gibson Lake, or by saddle horse and pack mule around a scenic mountain trail to the ranch. The K Bar L's reputation has been built on giving our guests the best of everything, a little piece of heaven... and a good horse. "Beyond all Roads" since 1927.
Mark Young Outfitters
351 Lovers Lane, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3250
Mail: PO Box 211
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Website: http://www.markyoungoutfitters.com
Mark Young Outfitters offers private land archery and rifle hunts for Whitetail deer in the Sun River, Willow Creek and Elk Creek areas.
Mills Wilderness Adventures of Montana, Inc.
1 Hogan Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
888-560-3576
Mail: PO Box 2
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Website: http://www.millswildernessadventures.com
With over 40 years of experience and extensive references, Mills Wilderness Adventures of Montana offer pack trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for fly-fishing, hunting, photography or just a good time. Expert caring guides, who love their horses, will show you the scenic Rocky Mountains...with western style and hospitality. Trips are offered June through November. Join the "Mills" for an experience of a lifetime.
Sun Canyon Lodge and Outfitting
Sun Canyon Road, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3654
Mail: PO Box 327
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Website: http://www.suncanyonlodge.com
Sun River Canyon, where our lodge is located, is an eastern gateway to the vast Lewis and Clark Forest and the unique Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. We provide affordable, personalized back country horseback trips featuring fishing, wildlife photography and hunting. Sun Canyon Lodge is a magnet for locals, who come for good food and a good time with friends and newly made acquaintances'.
Triple J Wilderness Ranch
80 Mortimer Road, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3653
Mail: PO Box 310, Augusta, MT, 59410
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Website: http://www.triplejranch.com
Now in the second generation, the Barker family of JJJ Wilderness Ranch offers western hospitality and gracious service. Located just inside Montana's Rocky Mountains, the ranch overlooks the Sun River Canyon and Gibson Lake with the Bob Marshall Wilderness just out the back door. Specializing in family vacations that offer horseback riding, trout fishing, hiking, children's programs, traditional cowboy steak BBQ's, evening firesides of poetry and tale tales, we know you will experience the ultimate outdoor vacation with us.
Services
C Bar N Camp - Montana Wilderness School of the Bible
15431 Dearborn Canyon Road, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3806
Mail: PO Box 366
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Website: http://www.mwsb.org
Located near the Dearborn trailhead accessing the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, Montana Wilderness School of the Bible students receive an education and experience that lasts a lifetime. Spending a school year with 60 other students at a camp in the woods tends to result in strong friendships, memorable moments, and creative entertainment that might not happen anywhere else.
Shopping
Allen's Manix Store
Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
When you walk in the door of Allen's Manix Store, you'll understand the depth and breadth of an old fashioned mercantile, serving the community of Augusta and the many visitors that have passed through for decades. Allen's Manix Store provides everything from the basic staples, tasty snacks to cold drinks to fishing supplies. It's a measurement of the community social fabric, too!
J & S Country Store
134 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3238
Mail: PO Box C
Conveniently located on Augusta's Main Street J & S Country Store is your one stop shop with an endless selection of country clothes and fancy ones, too! Real cowboys and cowgirls shop at J & S Country Store to find work clothes and clothes that look good while they're working. You'll be amazed at what you can find and who you might find when you shop in downtown Augusta.
Latigo & Lace
124 Main Street, Augusta, MT, 59410
406-562-3665
Mail: PO Box 345
Themed Montana 1900, Latigo & Lace dresses up Main Street with its western storefront. To promote and support the many artists who live in the region, Latigo & Lace has found wonderful and unusual art that reflect the old western heritage of the area, as well as interest in the local scenery and wildlife. Even if you're not a shopper, take a much needed break from the road at the Cappuccino Bar, where you can soak up local color and information as well as a latte or Italian soda.