Browning

Sitting among the velvety, rolling foothills and backed by the towering peaks of Glacier National Park, Browning serves as Agency Headquarters for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, the third-largest reservation in Montana and home to the largest tribe in Montana—the Blackfeet Nation.

There are three branches of the Blackfeet peoples—the Northern Blackfeet (Siksika), the Blood and the Piegan or Pikuni. The tribe call themselves "Niitsitapi" (nee-itsee-TAH-peh) meaning "the real people."

Each summer, Browning hosts North American Indian Days—one of the largest gatherings of U.S. and Canadian tribes. The celebration includes dancing, traditional games, a pow wow, Indian relay and rodeo. Heart Butte Indian Days offers four days of traditional American Indian regalia, dancing and drumming, plus a parade, pow wow, stick game tournament and other traditional activities. The Ponokamiitaa Relay Races Indian relay races offer an authentic look at this tribal tradition.

The landscape on US-2 from Browning to East Glacier Park really holds its own with 14 miles of stunning scenery and the Blackfeet’s own herd of bison along the way. Highway 89 from Browning to Saint Mary Lake also provides access to jaw-dropping views.

The region boasts one of Montana’s most majestic mountains—Chief Mountain—also believed by the Blackfeet to hold special powers. This natural landmark, named “Ninaistako” by the Blackfeet, borders Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Reservation, once provided a cultural center for many tribes and today makes for a truly unique, scenic views, both from the summit and of the mountain itself, especially from Chief Mountain Highway.

Noteworthy locations include the tribal-owned Glacier Peaks Casino, Museum of the Plains Indian, Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery, Lodgepole Gallery, Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post, Blackfeet Community College and the local fairgrounds.

Browning is connected to the world by two major highways, U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 89.

Visitor + Business Information

Blackfeet Tourism, Parks and Recreation (406.338.7406)

Government

Fire + Safety

Blackfeet Law Enforcement Agency (BIA) (406.338.4000)
Blackfeet Fire Rescue
Montana Highway Patrol – District 8

Hospitals

Blackfeet Community Hospital
Logan Health Cut Bank – 35 miles from Browning

Transportation

Cut Bank International Airport – 32 miles from Browning
Glacier Park International Airport – 92 miles from Browning, offering nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles
Amtrak