2025 Fall
September 15, 2025The Fall 2025 issue celebrates the winners of the Best of Montana contest while exploring the state’s complex history and untamed landscapes. Russell Rowland provides a nuanced look at the filming of the notorious flop Heaven’s Gate in Glacier National Park, while Cab Tran recounts Ed Craney’s ambitious effort to bring the first television signal to Butte. Readers will find a visceral history of the 163rd Infantry in New Guinea and an account of the military’s 1944 aerial bombardment of an ice jam in Miles City. From restoring vintage steam locomotives to wandering the Taylor-Hilgard wilderness, this issue examines Montana’s enduring spirit.
2025 Summer
June 15, 2025The Summer 2025 issue of Distinctly Montana captures the essence of the season—a time for enduring journeys, deep historical dives, and moments of quiet, blissful escape. This issue follows the incredible 1,700-mile journey of thru-hiking the Montana Trail. We also relive the wild history of the legendary Red Lodge riots of 1975, a Fourth of July that went completely sideways. Slow down to appreciate a well-cooked meal, like the Montana Gold Rush Apricot-Glazed Pork Sandwich, or escape to paradise at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort, where the scenery is "stunningly beautiful". We also dive into the history of Butte's "Band Boys" and their entanglement with the tycoon William A. Clark, and explore the Teller Wildlife Refuge, a shining example of conservation in the Bitterroot Valley. Here’s to summer days that last forever, good stories, and living in the best place on earth.
2025 Spring
March 15, 2025The Spring 2025 issue of Distinctly Montana explores the state through lenses of history, endurance, and quiet observation. Michael Ober examines the utilitarian architecture of Glacier National Park’s snowsheds, while Joe Shelton recounts the perilous race to conquer the Continental Divide by air. Douglas Schmittou provides a rigorous analysis of the Little Ice Age’s impact on Montana’s ecosystems and Indigenous cultures. Other highlights include a reflection on the cinematic legacy of Missoula-born David Lynch and a personal journey through the backcountry with a ski pulk. WE'RE SORRY BUT THIS ISSUE IS SOLD OUT!
2024-25 Winter
December 15, 2024In this Winter 2024-25 issue, Distinctly Montana explores the tension between myth and reality. Ednor Therriault examines the Snowden Bridge, a world-record vertical lift span that became obsolete almost upon completion. Sherman Cahill recounts the grueling, whiskey-soaked production of the 1930 epic The Big Trail, where a lanky prop boy became John Wayne. Other features delve into the complex legacy of pioneer photographer Evelyn Cameron , the rugged origins of Willow Creek , and the "hippie haven" status of 1960s Missoula. It is an issue dedicated to the stubborn roots of Montana's identity
2024 Fall
September 15, 2024The Fall 2024 issue honors the state’s complexity with literary features that include James Grady’s poignant retrospective on poet Richard Hugo’s Missoula years and Doug Stevens' account of the Buffalo Soldier Wheelmen’s harrowing 1,900-mile bicycle trek. The issue explores the intersection of legend and reality, from Bigfoot research in the Pacific Northwest and haunted historic hotels to the prehistoric legacy of Tyrannosaurus rex in the Hell Creek Formation.
2024 Summer
June 15, 2024This issue of Distinctly Montana offers a thoughtful examination of the state’s cultural and historical dualities. The edition highlights the rise of Charley Pride from a Helena smelter to country stardom and celebrates the legacy of author Dorothy Johnson. Narrative depth is found in Douglas Schmittou’s profile of 19th-century women warriors and a compelling investigation into the state’s violent sheep wars. From the architectural history of Livingston’s hotels to the surreal legacy of the Marlboro Ranch, this issue balances grit with elegance, capturing the complex spirit of the West.
2024 Spring
March 15, 2024Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of Distinctly Montana, a time of thaw and new beginnings, beautifully captured by Ross Mosher's photography on the cover. Inside, you'll explore the diverse landscape between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. This issue features stories spanning Montana's history and culture, from the legacy of the Devil's Brigade training in Helena to the colorful life of cowboy Sam Russell, the Powder River Kid. Discover Buffalo Bill's last tour of Montana and the fascinating tale of Butte's resilient pigeons. We also offer delicious recipes for Maple Pulled Lamb and the Marcus Daly cocktail. This issue is a treasure trove of Montana life and heritage.
2023-24 Winter
December 15, 2023The Winter 2023-24 issue of Distinctly Montana explores the state through lenses of ambition and survival. Major features include an account of the 1923 Dempsey-Gibbons fight in Shelby, a spectacular financial ruin , and the grueling 2,000-mile survival odyssey of Hugh Glass. The issue also investigates the high-stakes 19th-century rivalry to name Montana’s state capital , alongside a profile of Frontier Town, an architectural labor of love atop the Continental Divide. From Chouteau County's history to regenerative ranching at Tangen Draw, this edition celebrates the complex, unvarnished spirit of the Treasure State.
2023 Fall
September 15, 2023This issue of Distinctly Montana magazine is a vibrant tapestry of the Treasure State's culture, history, and natural beauty. Dive into the world of legendary rodeo king Leo J. Cremer, explore the fascinating and disputed history of the shunka warak'in in the Madison Valley, and uncover the surprising truth behind Butte's reputation as J. Edgar Hoover's "FBI Siberia". From the golden-hued reflections of Glacier National Park in cinema to the Blackfoot gift of a vital map, the Fall 2023 edition is a journey through Montana's enduring spirit, including a celebratory look at the year's "Best of Montana" winners.
2023 Summer
June 15, 2023The Summer 2023 issue explores the rugged, often uncompromising history of the Big Sky State. It delves into the brutal legacy of Stuart’s Stranglers and provides a nuanced look at the life of Calamity Jane. Readers visit Charlie Russell’s Bull Head Lodge and witness the final performance of sharpshooter Tom Frye. Douglas Schmittou examines the sacred significance of Chief Mountain, while other features highlight the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness and the enduring architecture of Butte. It is a collection that trades clichés for the complex reality of Montana’s past and present.