Welcome to Choteau, Montana

Choteau is a county seat and one of the oldest still active towns in this part of Montana. It began as a trading post and was called Old Agency when the post office was established in 1875. In January 1882 the name was changed to Choteau to honor Pierre Chouteau, Jr., president of the American Fur Company, who brought the first steamboat up the Missouri (Perrin). Chouteau’s father was a founder of the Missouri River Fur Company. The county, which was also name din honor of this family, uses the original French spelling (Chouteau), but the town name has dropped the first u. (from Cheney’s Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Visit the Old Trail Museum for a fascinating look at fossils, unique exhibits, dinosaurs, Indian artifacts and western history. The Old North Trail left reminders of the Indians as they fled from the Arctic to Mexico over 8,000 years ago. The museum reflects the rich cultural and natural history of the Rocky Mountain Front area. Visitor Information Center is located next to the Museum.

Millions of years ago this area was used by dinosaurs as a breeding ground. Paleontologists have put together pieces from excavated eggs and bones. Egg Mountain is 12 miles to the west of Choteau. It is the site that has yielded more information about dinosaur biology during the Cretaceous period than any other paleontology dig in the world. Dinosaur digs, egg shell fragments, nests, and babies were discovered for the first time in North America. Paleontology programs are available for adults and children.

Choteau offers opportunities for camping, swimming, shopping, and golf right in town. Nearby opportunities include hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and dinosaur digging. Chouteau is surrounded by outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities on the Lewis and Clark National Forest and in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The community also has several taverns and restaurants. Downtown shopping includes gift stores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, hardware stores, grocery stores and gas stations.

West of town ample opportunities await at: The Bob Marshall Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy's Pine Butte Swamp Preserve, BLM's Ear Mountain Trailhead and Lewis and Clark National Forest land.