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Where is Libby, Montana located?
- Libby is a small town in Montana, situated on the beautiful Kootenai River at the foot of the Cabinet Mountains.
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How did Libby get its name?
- Libby was founded in the 1880s and named after the daughter of a local miner.
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What is the history of Libby?
- The town has a history rooted in mining and timber, but more recently, it has become known for tourism.
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Why is Libby called the ‘City of Eagles’?
- Libby is fondly known as the ‘City of Eagles’ due to the several eagle sculptures displayed around town.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Libby?
- Libby is surrounded by over two million acres of rugged landscapes, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking in the Kootenai National Forest
- Fishing on the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa
- Fishing in the Kootenai River
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McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch
Experience authentic cattle drives and enjoy a peaceful, rustic retreat.
McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch is an authentic working cattle ranch with a horse program that trains horses using the Buck Brannaman style of horsemanship, which his based on the 300-year-old Vaquero tradition. The ranch caters to guests and riders of all levels who come to further their riding skills and learn more about horsemanship, as well as working on the cattle program. Non-riders can enjoy an array of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, inner tubing and fishing on a lake on the property, or simply relaxing with a book on the outdoor deck.
6220 Mc Ginnis Meadows Rd, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-5000
Kootenai National Forest
Hike scenic trails and admire breathtaking mountain and river views.
The Kootenai National Forest is a national forest in the north-western corner of Montana that covers over two million acres of land and offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and camping to fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The Kootenai and Clark Fork Rivers run through the forest, along with several smaller rivers and their tributaries and there are 141 lakes scattered around the forest, including the1,240-acre Bull Lake. The forest features over 1,400 miles of hiking trails, miles of backcountry roads, and 40 developed campgrounds, as well as over 70 miles of well-maintained trails for snowmobiling, off-trail riding, cross-country skiing, and snow machines.
12557 MT Highway 37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7773
Turner Mountain Ski Area
Enjoy exciting winter adventures and affordable skiing on uncrowded slopes.
The Turner Mountain Ski Area is a ski and snowboard paradise and boasts wide-open slopes, excellent snow conditions, beautiful scenery, inexpensive lift tickets. Located 22 miles outside the town of Libby up the Pipe Creek Road, the ski area rests at an elevation of 5,952 feet and provides world-class downhill skiing. Facilities in the area include a 5,600-foot double chairlift, a cozy day lodge with a snack bar, and ski equipment rentals. The area is home to rugged landscapes, and a diverse array of wildlife such as elk, whitetail and mule deer, black and grizzly bears, and mountain lion, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Pipe Creek Rd, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-2468
Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Drive along stunning lake views and discover hidden natural gems.
The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a 67-mile route connecting Libby and Eureka that follows the Kootenai River and the 90-mile Lake Koocanusa. The lake is bisected by the border between the United States and Canada and the scenic byway highlights the southern half of the reservoir and includes a side loop around the west side of the lake. The Byway is intersected by numerous hiking trails, and a 100-mile long circular bicycle trail begins at the Libby Dam. Recreational opportunities are plentiful along the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway, including full-service and primitive camping, picnicking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Kootenai National Forest, 12557 MT Highway 37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7773
Libby Heritage Museum
Explore local history and discover fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
The Libby Heritage Museum is dedicated to the history of Libby and its residents, which included miners, loggers, trappers, and Kootenai Indians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Housed in a 130-foot, 12-sided log structure that was built in the 1970s, the museum features a collection of interesting artifacts and objects relating to the town’s industries of mining, lumber, and trapping, as well as a small house with turn-of-the-century furnishings. Other interesting attractions on the grounds of the museum include a cookhouse from the early 1900s, a blacksmith shop, a Sylvanite ranger station, renovated and furnished miner's cabin; and an array of farming, mining and logging machinery.
34067 US-2, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7521
Kootenai Angler
Go fly fishing and enjoy peaceful moments on pristine rivers.
The Kootenai Angler is a fly-fishing shop owned by Dave Blackburn that offers a range of fly-fishing guide services and equipment. The shop is located on the beautiful Kootenai River, which is home to a native rainbow trout called the Columbia Redband, a fish renowned for its acrobatic fighting ability and exceptional strength. Dave Blackburn and his professional staff offer fly-fishing lessons, guided fly-fishing tours, fishing gear and equipment, and a range of non-angling activities.
Kootenai Angler , 13546 MT-37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7578
Venture Inn
Relax in comfortable accommodations and enjoy a quick, affordable stay.
Located just a short drive from Kootenai Falls along US Route 2, the Venture Inn is a comfortable motel with standard accommodations, a heated swimming pool and a hot tub, and a casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Well-appointed guest rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers, flat-screen television, minifridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and complimentary wireless Internet. A complimentary breakfast is served every morning and facilities at the hotel include a restaurant with a fresh salad bar that serves family-style, American cuisine, a guest launderette, and modern meeting and banqueting facilities.
1015 9th St, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7711
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Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and fewer crowds.
The Country Inn – A cozy and welcoming stay in the heart of Libby.
Visit Kootenai Falls – See breathtaking waterfalls and walk across the swinging bridge.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Venture Inn – A comfortable stay with a restaurant and great amenities.
Explore the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness – Hike scenic trails and enjoy wildlife viewing.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
The Evergreen Motel – A budget-friendly and charming lodging option.
Drive along the scenic Highway 37 – Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Koocanusa.
Plan Your Trip
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