Red Lodge

Located in the southern part of the state, just outside of Billings, Red Lodge is a quaint Montana town where the culture and atmosphere is palpable. It’s the perfect place to get away when you want life to slow down. Downtown is the heart of life and culture is Red Lodge: an artisan market, furniture and antique shops, an old-fashioned candy shop, an outdoors store, a bookstore, pizza places, a few coffee shops, a high-quality Italian restaurant, and (of course) bars. Despite all it has to offer, the strip always feels comfortably slow and relaxed. Visitors to the town often stay in the historic Pollard Hotel, located in the heart of Downtown Red Lodge. Constructed in 1893, the Pollard (first called the Spofford, until the Pollard family bought it in 1902) was Red Lodge’s first brick building and drew in famous guests from across the nation, looking for a place to stay and a taste of the west, such as William Jennings Bryant, Buffalo Bill, and Calamity Jane. 

Red Lodge and the surrounding areas were originally Crow tribe territory. Like many “Western” towns, Red Lodge was founded in the 19th century thanks to the mining boom (in particular coal). These operations drew in an array of immigrants looking for work. Although the town has only 2,600 people today, it once boasted of a population of up to 6,000 people. A combination of the rise of strip mining in the 20’s and the Depression ended the town’s mining industry. During this era, the town’s main export, reaching across the nation, was bootleg liquor branded and sold as medicinal “syrup.” The town’s main source of income shifted from coal to “syrup.” There would be one more economic shift when the town’s income drive would, once again, change from “syrup” to tourism. 

One of the town’s biggest tourist-boosting moves was the construction of the Beartooth Scenic Byway, stretching up through the mountains all the way to Yellowstone. The highway began construction in 1931 and is still drawing visitors to this day. American journalist and broadcaster Charles Kuralt called it “America’s Most Beautiful Drive.” Many who take this drive likely agree with this sentiment. The natural beauty visible along the highway through the green mountains gives further credence to Montana’s nickname “The Treasure State.” 

Anyone wanting to learn more about this town’s rich history should visit the Carbon County Historical Society & Museum.