Communities: Browning

Browning, incorporated in 1919, is located at an elevation of 4,655 feet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northwestern Montana. The town is 13 miles east of what the Blackfeet (Pikuni) call the "Backbone of the World", the magnificent Rockies and this includes Glacier National Park, the "Crown of the Continent," which shares a border with Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta, Canada.

Browning is the largest community on and agency headquarters for the 1.5 million-acre Blackfeet Indian Reservation which includes most of Glacier County and is home to about 8,600 members of the Blackfeet Nation, the largest tribe in Montana. The Town of Browning is the hub of Blackfeet Country and the home of several businesses and tribal offices connected to the world by two major highways, U.S. 2 and U.S. 89. Major use of the land includes ranching and farming, with the principle crops being wheat, barley and hay. Browning is the last encampment of a proud and mighty people often referred to as "The Lords of the Great Plains."

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountain Front, Browning offers quick access to one of the most pristine natural settings left in North America, spectacular Glacier National Park. Numerous local attractions include North American Indian Days, the Museum of the Plains Indian, the Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery, the Sweet Grass Hills, Holy Family Mission, Triple Divide Peak, and the Lewis & Clark Two Medicine Fight Site and Camp Disappointment.

Browning and the outlying communities of Heart Butte, Babb, Blackfoot, East Glacier Park, Seville, Kiowa, Starr School, and St. Mary are well known for the limitless assortment of opportunities they offer outdoor recreationalists. Abundant wildlife and majestic, scenic beauty make the area an ideal base camp for hikers, fishermen, hunters, snowmobilers, and cross country skiers. Hunting and fishing compete with golf, camping, hiking, rodeos, and two annual native celebrations during the summer and fall seasons; snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing dominate the winter months.

The following businesses welcome you to Browning

Accommodations

Western Motel, LLC

121 Central Avenue East, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-7572
Mail: 121 Central Avenue East

Western Motel is located in the center of Browning offering 15 spacious totally remodeled rooms with air conditioning and individual room heat. Complimentary coffee, tea and ice. Phones, cable TV, refrigerators and microwaves included in all rooms. Close to restaurants, gift shops and the Museum of the Plains Indians. Browning is the center of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation which attracts many visitors to Indian Days and Blackfeet cultural events as well as being the jumping off place for visiting the eastern side of Glacier National Park.

Organizations

Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery

333 Central Avenue West, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-5661
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Website: http://blackfeetnationstore.com

The Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery, an authentic cultural center and art gallery in Browning, is an exciting place where all people can come to expand their understanding of Montana's first people, the Amp-Ska-Pi-Pikuni. Here we share the rich heritage and creations of the Blackfeet Nation's people who draw upon the lifeways of long ago, the wisdom of our elders, and the enduring traditions. The Heritage Center is open daily in the summer and handicap accessible.

Browning Area Chamber of Commerce

124 2nd Avenue NW, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-2344
Mail: PO Box 469
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Website: http://www.browningchamber.com

The Browning Area Chamber of Commerce can help you find your way around Blackfeet County. Bordering both Glacier and Waterton National Parks, attractions include, the Museum of the Plains Indian, the Blackfeet Heritage Center, the legendary Sweet Grass Hills, Holy Family Mission, and Lewis and Clark's Two Medicine Fight Site and Camp Disappointment. Enjoy your time in Browning, especially during North American Indian Days.

Friends of the Museum of the Plains Indian

Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-7537
Mail: PO Box 950
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Website: http://www.browningchamber.com/mpiaa.html

Concerned with the long range health of the Museum, Friends of the Museum of the Plains Indian was formed as a tax-exmpt, non-profit organization to assist in developing a strong education program, acquire funds for building maintenance, and build a stronger regional arts and crafts program. More help is always needed to keep the Museum of the Plains Indian open. In conjunction with the Museum of the Plains Indian Artist Assocation, FMPI continues to serve as the primary citizen-based advocate for the museum to educate the public, preserve Plains Indian culture and heritage through the arts, and to keep the museum open to the public.

Galleries & Museums

Lodgepole Gallery and Tipi Village

Highway 89 and Durham Road, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-2787
Mail: PO Box 1832, Browning, MT, 59417
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Website: http://www.blackfeetculturecamp.com

The Lodge Pole Gallery & Tipi Village cultivates Blackfoot culture and shows its beauty to the world by providing overnight stays in tipis (traditional dwelling), serving traditional food, exhibiting Northern Plains Indian contemporary and traditional fine art and raising Spanish Mustangs (original Indian horse). Cultural history tours to buffalo jumps, tipi rings, etc. including the Museum of the Plains Indian and activities such as horseback riding and hikes with a Blackfeet guide can be arranged.

Museum of the Plains Indian

Junction of US Highway 2 & Montana 89, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-2230
Mail: PO Box 140
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Website: http://blackfeetcountry.com/museum/html

The Museum of the Plains Indian is a major exhibitor of Northern Great Plains Native American artifacts, culture and art. The Museum offers varied programs and educational, informational and promotional activities, as well as exhibits of contemporary Native artists. The Pikuni Gift Shop in the Museum offers a variety of art works, crafts, literature, recordings and other products. Open year round, a permanent exhibit presents diversity of the historical arts of the tribal peoples of the Plains.

Services

Colleen's Computer Corner

209 Highway 89 West, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-7217
Mail: PO Box 1123, Browning, MT 59417
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Website: http://www.colleenscomputercorner.com

Colleen's Computer Corner, LLC is located in Browning, Montana, heart of Blackfeet Country. CCC is a Native American, HUBZone Certified Firm owned by Colleen M. Barcus, MSIS and offers professional web site design and computer related services for businesses and individuals.

Siyeh Development Corporation

109 North Public Square, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-5669
Mail: PO Box 1989
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Website: http://www.siyehdevelopment.com

Fearless, Independent and True! Siyeh Corporation's purpose is to generate business development, produce revenue, spark job creation, and advance the economic self-sufficiency of the Blackfeet Nation by managing 6 tribal enterprises, two 2 of which are casinos.

Shopping

Western Curios

129 East Central, Browning, MT, 59417
406-338-2815
Mail: PO Box 210, Browning, MT 59417
Website: http://browningchamber.com/westerncurios.html

Western Curios has been a mainstay in Browning for what seems like close to forever. That's a sign that quality products have been attracting travelers for eons. In the store you'll find Blackfeet and Glacier Park logo souvenirs, moccassins, local crafts, Made in Montana items, huckleberry products, breads, spices and Montana Silversmith jewelry. Come on in and enjoy yourself.