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Hays, Montana

Located on the southern end of Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Hays, Montana, is home to over 900 residents.

The Assiniboine people and the Gros Ventre people occupy Fort Belknap Reservation. Most of the inhabitants of Hays belong to the Gros Ventre.

The Gros Ventre people had lived in the Western Great Lakes region over 3,000 years ago, and they migrated into Montana in the 18th century. Today, Fort Belknap is a part of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Hays is a small, tight-knit community in Fort Belknap, mainly a residential area for Native Americans. You will find a few places offering amenities, but wilderness surrounds most of the site.

Enjoy the natural beauty of this town filled with proud and friendly residents. Explore cattle country and the clear, crystal creek that runs through it.

Main Attractions

main attractions in hays

Shopping

Martin’s Grocery – Martin’s is the only grocery store in town, but they have a good selection of food and household items. If you are in the area, check them out!

They carry many convenience items and bulk food. If they don’t have something you want, the owners will order it for you. You can expect a clean, well-maintained store with friendly customer service.

Red Paint Creek Trading Post – Located a few miles away in Lodgepole is another grocery option for the area. Red Paint carries convenience foods along with fresh produce and drinks. Stop in and check them out if you’re in Fort Belknap!

Historic Sites

St. Paul’s Catholic Mission is a historic church built-in 1898 by the Jesuits, a Roman-Catholic order. The Jesuits recognized the area’s potential with its rippling creeks, timber, and good garden soil.

The Catholics built this beautiful church to establish a community for the people living there. The Cathedral is open to the public and is a great place to check out if you appreciate architectural history.

Bars

Miner’s Club Bar and Cafe – located a few miles away from Zortman is Miner’s Club. Stop in, order a cold drink, and enjoy a nice meal with friends and family. They also hold poker runs and dance nights!

Parks

Hay’s Skatepark – This is a great family-friendly park in the heart of Hays. The playground equipment is perfect for your kids to run and play on or try out the skate park! It’s a very popular spot for the young residents of Hays to socialize and have fun.

Clubs and Recreation Centers

Kills at Night Recreation Center is where the community comes together for recreational activities and events. Drop your kids off at the daycare center and play a basketball game, or stop by the gift shop selling handmade souvenirs!

Recreation Activities

recreation activities in hays

Enjoy the vast beauty of Fort Belknap Reservation while engaging in these recreational sports.

Hiking

There are several fun trails to hike and explore in the Hays area. Try Kid Curry Cave trail for a short, beginner hike. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute hike until you reach the cave. Be careful to stay on the correct path. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature.

Nearby is the Bone Springs Trail, an intermediate hike to Big Horn Creek.

Camping/Fishing

Montana Gulch Campground is in the nearby town of Landusky, where they offer ten stream-side campsites. The campground is quiet, with restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables.

The grounds are well-maintained, and there’s a little convenience store down the road. Pay $8 a night to enjoy this beautiful site and spend the day fishing for trout and bass.

Camp Creek Campground is a scenic campground offering 20 campsites with drinking water, restrooms, picnic shelters, and fire pits. Spend the day bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.

You can stay for $10 a night at this campsite near the town of Zortman.

Hunting

Go hunting in the nearby town of Zortman. This area of the country has plenty of game to hunt for, including moose, deer, mountain lions, coyotes, mountain goats, and pheasants. Stop by Redbone Outfitting in Zortman to get more information.

Accommodation

Try out these motels or reserve a nearby camping spot if you’re passing through the area and need a place to stay.

Special Events

special events

The most significant event in Hays, Montana, is the Powwow Festival. Every August, natives from all over the United States and Canada travel to Hays to participate in this lively event filled with dancing, music, food, and games.

Check out this annual summer event in this small community and learn about the culture and people of this great reservation!

Activities Near Hays, Montana

activities near hays

Check out what else there is to do in nearby cities and towns!

Cities & Towns

Casinos

Museums

Parks

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