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.
2023 Spring
March 15, 2023The Spring 2023 issue examines Montana through a lens of transformation and historical depth. Ednor Therriault explores the persistent folklore of the Flathead Lake Monster, while Douglas Schmittou provides a scholarly look at 19th-century Lakota delegation portraits. The edition features a visceral account of Hank Williams Jr.’s survival on Ajax Mountain and a detailed geological history of the Shonkin Sag. From the healing waters of Southwest Montana’s historic hot springs to the underwater ghosts of the town of Armstead, this issue captures a region defined by its prehistoric origins and human endurance.
2022-2023 Winter
December 15, 2022This issue of Distinctly Montana traverses the state's historical and physical corridors, with a primary focus on the legacy of the rails. Sherman Cahill offers a nostalgic journey aboard the mid-century Empire Builder, capturing a vanishing era of luxury travel, while Amy Grisak profiles the ambitious James J. Hill. The issue delves into the darker side of locomotive history with Joseph Shelton’s account of Kid Curry’s Great Northern train robbery. From the Nez Perce's somber flight for freedom to Todd Klassy’s meditative photography of Montana’s backroads, the content remains grounded in the grit and beauty of the Treasure State.
2022 Fall
September 15, 2022This issue of Distinctly Montana explores the state’s complex landscape through stories of loss and endurance. Todd Klassy’s photo essay captures the poignant beauty of abandoned landmarks, while Renee Carlson traces the somber history of the Montana Children’s Center in Twin Bridges. The "Best of Montana" winners are announced, celebrating local excellence. Readers can delve into the 1970s cattle mutilation mystery or find humor in an "old broke rancher’s" perspective on the autumn of life. From WWI history to the pursuit of solitude on the Continental Divide Trail, it is an issue defined by Montana's grit.
2022 Summer
June 15, 2022This Summer 2022 edition marks twenty years of celebrating the Treasure State with a profound focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The issue moves beyond textbook accounts, examining the Corps’ harrowing encounters with grizzly bears and the vital, often overlooked, Salish "discovery" of the explorers. Beyond the trail, we explore the rugged solitude of the Crazy Mountains and the restoration of the majestic Crow Creek Falls. From the artisanal craftsmanship of Montana bootmakers to the vibrant, sensory tradition of the county fair , these stories sit with the state’s complex history and enduring landscapes. WE'RE SORRY BUT THIS ISSUE IS SOLD OUT!
2022 Spring
March 15, 2022The Spring 2022 issue of Distinctly Montana centers on the state’s agricultural roots and major conservation milestones. Todd Klassy documents the communal ritual of spring branding , while Holly Matkin explores the ancient ingenuity of buffalo jumps. The issue highlights the historic return of the National Bison Range to tribal management and features a conversation with The Revenant author Michael Punke on the ethics of stewardship. From the high-altitude history of the Beartooth Highway to the rowdy legacy of the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, this edition honors Montana's enduring traditions.
2021-2022 Winter
December 15, 2021The Winter 2022 issue of Distinctly Montana delves into the state's shadowy history and rugged winter culture . Sherman Cahill explores how Dashiell Hammett’s time as a detective in Butte inspired the birth of noir fiction . The issue features a deep dive into the mystery of who killed John Bozeman and a series of interviews with acclaimed mystery writers like James Lee Burke and C.J. Box . From the nostalgic artistry of Montana’s seven carousels to the "panorama of hell" that was the 1886 Big Die-Up , this edition explores Montana’s grit and ghosts with literary sophistication.
2021 - Fall
September 15, 2021The Fall 2020 issue of Distinctly Montana explores the state’s identity through its history and landscapes. Teresa Otto investigates the enigmatic vigilante code 3-7-77 , while Ednor Therriault documents the unsettling decline of St. Marie, Montana’s newest ghost town . The issue also pays tribute to Native American veterans and the legacy of photographer Evelyn Cameron . From the "prairie skyscrapers" of historic grain elevators to the autumn larches of Glacier National Park , this edition captures the grit and grandeur of the Treasure State with literary depth.
2021 - Summer
June 15, 2021This special edition pays homage to the literary legacy of Norman Maclean, featuring an interview with John N. Maclean and an excerpt from Home Waters. The issue explores the intersection of landscape and narrative, from the conservation of the Blackfoot River to the enduring history of fly fishing in the state.Beyond the Maclean tribute, the issue examines Montana’s structural identity, ranging from fire lookouts and kit homes to the extraordinary home of Chief Plenty Coups. Other highlights include a search for Sasquatch in Indigenous stories and a journey through the state's darkest night skies.WE'RE SORRY BUT THIS ISSUE IS SOLD OUT!