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Montana Hi-Line
Chinook, MT

Chinook, Montana

Downtown Chinook, Montana

Chinook, Montana, to be truthful, is one of my favorite towns on the Hi-Line. Chinook probably hasn’t changed in years. Maybe that is what I like about it. Yet, the town has avoided the fate of some of the other Hi-Line towns due to its relatively close proximity to Havre. So, even though the agricultural businesses around Chinook have consolidated and led to less people in the agricultural industry, the town itself has managed to retain both people and its businesses due to an influx of people who work in Havre but live in Chinook. In other words, Chinook seems to be becoming a “suburb” of Havre in some ways.

Chinook has a population of around 1500 people, and is the county seat of Blaine County. The towns’ founders had the foresight to plan Chinook better than some of the other towns on the Hi-Line. As such, the streets in Chinook are lined with trees and the town boasts several nice, very large parks (including a pool). All these trees, parks and it’s proximity to Havre, I think, have played a big role in allowing Chinook to avoid the fate of some of the other Hi-Line towns.

The location of Chinook is quite nice. It is located on Highway 2, about 20 miles to the east of Havre. Local attractions include the Blaine County Museum which highlights the history of farming in and around the Chinook area. Other attractions include the Bear Paw Battlefield, which is part of Nez Perce National Historical Park and Nez Perce National Historic Trail. The battlefield highlights the last battle between the Nez Perce Tribe and the US Army. The battlefield is full of educational markers and is located about 16 miles south of town.

One of Many Parks in Chinook, MT

The history of Chinook dates back to the arrival of the Great Northern Railway. Back in the 1920’s, they heyday of the agricultural industry in Montana, Chinook had a massive Sugar Beet factory. Today, this factory is closed. Oil and gas discoveries have also from time to time given the local economy a boost. Yet, even today, Chinook remains a agricultural community.

Chinook has a very nice downtown. All the storefronts are full and the downtown area has been nicely kept up and restored. Numerous old homes that have been renovated are in Chinook, adding a “touch of class” to the town in some ways. The town is also very functional. While you won’t find a retail box store, Chinook has all the basic stores that a small town needs to have.

Overall, I like Chinook. Anyone passing through town should plan on spending some time in Chinook and venturing down to the interesting and educational Bear Paw Battlefield. And, unlike some other struggling Hi-Line towns, I think Chinook has a pretty bright future, as its close proximity to Havre will allow it to “piggyback” on its growth, as people will undoubtedly move here seeking the small-town quality of life that Chinook provides.


Chinook Pictures

Downtown Chinook Another View of Downtown Clean Streets in Downtown Chinook

One of the Parks in Chinook

Next Page : Sidetrip to the Bears Paw Mountains


Web Resources
Chinook Web Site : Official site for the city of Chinook.

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The Montana Hi-Line : Intro
History of the Hi-Line
Population & Economics
Western Edge of the Hi-Line
Cut Bank, MT
Shelby, Montana
The Sweet Grass Hills
Havre, Montana
Fort Benton
The Bears Paw Mountains
Chinook, Montana
Malta, Montana
Recreation on the Hi-Line
Glasgow, Montana
Fort Peck Lake
Travel Tips
Maps and Aerial Photos
Future of the Montana Hi-Line
Conclusion & Summary
Hi-Line Photo Galleries
Suggested Books
Web Resources

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