Water defines the existence of Twin Bridges—a fact made somewhat obvious by the name.
The fact is though there are actually quite a few more than merely two bridges in this Montana community these days, although the name stuck from the time of the town’s establishment when it converged around two.
The reason for the bridges is that the Big Hole, the Beaverhead, and the Ruby Rivers all interconnect near Twin Bridges to form the Jefferson.
If that doesn’t sound scenic enough, the huge Tobacco Root Mountains also rise across to the east, while the Highland and Pioneer Mountains stand to the west.
Although the infamous Lewis and Clark Expedition had already trodden the roads through what is now Twin Bridges in Montana’s Madison County, the first settlers began to establish themselves in the mid-19th century with agriculture and ranching practices.
Herders had been coming to the area previous to that to winter their cattle, and of course, the land had been frequented and used by the Shoshone Tribe for eons.
In 1867 a bridge was constructed across the Beaverhead River in what is now the area of the community.
This was followed soon after by another bridge at the Point of Rocks, which prompted a name for the rapidly-forming town. Initially, the name was ‘The Bridges’, and this was later changed to Twin Bridges.
A large proportion of the acclaim for establishing the town proper went to the Lott brothers, who not only built the bridges but were also known as ‘ranchers, vigilantes, miners, sawmill operators, storekeepers, farmers, gardeners, and builders of towns.’
Fishing is one of the main activities that bring people into the area, either that or taking a floating trip down any of the rivers and enjoying the picturesque scenery of the lush ranchland that surrounds Twin Bridges.
Aside from that, a trip to Montana wouldn’t be complete without a fair and rodeo, and Twin Bridges’ annual Madison County Fair is one of the best there is.
Twin Bridges is the ideal location for some fantastic fishing, a few unique cultural events, and perhaps some outdoor Montana adventure.
To get here head to Dillon along MT 41 following the Beaverhead River, and the town is 12 miles north of the famous Beaverhead Rock which is well signposted.
