Geraldine is a small town in Chouteau County, Montana. It sits on the richest wheat-producing land in the region, right in the heart of Montana’s Golden Triangle. Kingsbury Lake sits in this town and serves as a tourist destination.
According to the 2020 census, Geraldine, MT, had a population of 207, with White (Non-Hispanic) as the dominant ethnic group. Visitors can access Geraldine via Montana Highway 80.
The town was named for William Rockefeller’s wife, Almira Geraldine Rockefeller. William Rockefeller was the railroad’s owner and director at that time.
In 1914, Milwaukee Road built a wood-constructed railroad depot in Geraldine, and due to the Rockefeller family’s interest, the depot was more elaborate than most turn-of-the-century depots.
The wooden depot has been fully restored and features displays that document the town’s history. It is a Montana Historic Site and appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Next to this depot is another depot for Central Montana Railroad that’s still active.
Square Butte, a designated Outstanding Natural Area, is near Geraldine. The flat-topped butte is a compelling and imposing site, thanks to its collection of buttresses, pinnacles, and spires. Wildlife such as mountain goats and raptors live on this butte.
The Top 3 Hotels in Geraldine
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Great Falls Inn By Riversage
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Main Attractions
Kingsbury Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Kingsbury Lake Waterfowl Production Area is a birdwatching site located about four miles from Geraldine, Montana. Visitors from Geraldine use Kingsbury Road and Geyser Road to head to the production area.
The production area is 3,733 acres and sits at the foot of the Highwood Mountains. Cliffs, shallow marsh, and prairie are common around this area but vanish with low rainfall.
Visitors enjoy spending a day in this production area, watching bird species like grasshopper sparrow, Sprague’s pipit, colored sparrow, sharp-tailed grouse, Swainson’s hawk, prairie falcon, and short-eared owls.
From April to May and July through September, the production area is home to migrating shorebirds.
Geraldine Milwaukee Depot
Geraldine Milwaukee Depot is an important historical site in Geraldine. The depot was established in 1914 by the Milwaukee Road to serve local wheat farms and passengers. Its craftsman’s style and historical significance attract dozens of tourists to this town.
The depot features exhibits documenting the railroad’s role in the region and the town’s history as an agricultural center.
Recreation Activities
Birdwatching
Kingsbury Lake Waterfowl Production Area is home to grassland birds, raptors, and migrating shorebirds, making it an ideal bird-watching spot. Carry your camera to document epic moments in this area.
Hiking
Below are some hiking trails around Geraldine, MT.
- Rivers Edge Trail – 1.8 miles
- North Pilgrim Trailhead – 4.2 miles
- Sluice Boxes State Park – 2.8 miles
Camping
Some of the best campgrounds in Geraldine include:
- Thain Creek Campground
- Chouteau County Fairgrounds & Canoe Launch Campground
- Wood Bottom Recreation Area
- Great Falls KOA
- Judith Landing
Accommodations
Hotels and lodgings around Geraldine, MT.
- Grand Union Hotel
- Holiday Inn Great Falls-Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- Great Falls Inn by Riverside
- Wingate by Wyndham Great Falls
- O’Haire Inn
- Comfort Inn
- Midtown Motel
Special Events
- July – Future of AG Tour. The event offers locals and visitors insights into the impact of agriculture on the Great Falls Community. Over the years, Geraldine and the entire Montana Golden Triangle have developed due to strong roots in agriculture. The main crops are wheat and barley, but other crops such as lentils, chickpeas, canola, and industrial hemp are taking root.
Activities Near Geraldine, Montana
Museums
- Museum of Northern Great Plains
- Old Fort Benton
- Earth Science Museum
- M. Russell Museum
- Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Casinos
- The Banque Bar & Casino
- Player’s Casino
- Lucky Charm Casino
- Holiday Casino & Lounge
Landmarks
- Missouri Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center
- Fort Benton Bridge
- Ryan Dam
Wildlife Areas
- Charles M. Russel National Wildlife Refuge
- Montana Tribal Fish & Wildlife
- Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
- First People Buffalo Jump State Park
- Stone’s Blackrock Cattle
Towns
- Big Sandy (22.40 mi)
- Fort Benton (34.33 mi)
- Great Falls (66 mi)