"From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." These words were spoken by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe at the site of present-day Havre, Montana, during the surrender to the U.S. Cavalry following the Battle of Bear Paw.
As memorable as that speech was, it can't hold a candle to the rip-roaring history of this little town in far northern Montana, at the midpoint of what is known as Montana's Hi-Line. Much of its history was written underground, literally; you can catch glimpses of its hidden life from street level, but you can experience the days of the opium dens, bordellos, saloons, Chinese laundry, and the rooms where prohibition liquor was stored by actually going below ground. Purple-colored glass "skylights" embedded in the sidewalk above are original. They once shed some light on the, uh, more or less frowned-upon activities underneath!
Actually, the complex was at least partially responsible for what Havre would become
"From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." These words were spoken by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe at the site of present-day Havre, Montana, during the surrender to the U.S. Cavalry following the Battle of Bear Paw.
As memorable as that speech was, it can't hold a candle to the rip-roaring history of this little town in far northern Montana, at the midpoint of what is known as Montana's Hi-Line. Much of its history was written underground, literally; you can catch glimpses of its hidden life from street level, but you can experience the days of the opium dens, bordellos, saloons, Chinese laundry, and the rooms where prohibition liquor was stored by actually going below ground. Purple-colored glass "skylights" embedded in the sidewalk above are original. They once shed some light on the, uh, more or less frowned-upon activities underneath!
Actually, the complex was at least partially responsible for what Havre would become. Today's downtown brick buildings were built after a 1904 fire destroyed the business district. Brick structures were rebuilt at street level, while business was transacted underground. It worked, and the little town prospered as a railroad and ranching town. It is still that, with the largest Amtrak station in Montana, and it is a tourist town as well, serving as a gateway to Glacier National Park. It is also the regional commercial hub and home to a major area medical center.
Havre has moved beyond its seedy past, restored its downtown area, and generally matured into a pleasant town of just under 10,000. If Havre is in your future, you'll find friendly people, reasonable housing prices and a variety of activities to occupy your time and energy. For those wanting to move into the small Montana enclave, be sure to scout it out thoroughly (so you can also pick out your next favorite coffee shop and farmers market!) before you land.
Make inquiries about rental houses or apartments for rent just as far in advance as you can. Patience will serve you well as you look for long-term housing. Studio apartments for rent in Havre tend to be leased quickly, so bring your deposit check and be prepared to present your qualifying documents when you see a suitable place. Even though a relatively high vacancy rate is the norm, you should act quickly when you find something suitable.
Havre is small, but you'll still want to tell friends which neighborhood you call home. Here's where to look.
City Center: Havre's downtown is mostly renovated, pretty cute, and still the center of what's happening in town. This is where you'll want to look for studio apartments for rent. If you would prefer to look for month to month leases, start your search in this area.
West Havre: Characterized by a healthy mix of owner-occupied and rented medium size to larger homes, and small apartment complexes, this is a good place to look for 3 to 5 bedrooms, if that's what you need. There are also attractive duplexes for rent in this neighborhood, and it is seen as a quiet, but relatively hip neighborhood.
5th Avenue / 11th Street: Here is an attractive mix of housing composed primarily of older (built between 1940 and 1969) medium to smaller homes. They are primarily owner-occupied. If you want to live in this area, look below the surface (but not below ground!) It's possible to find a duplex or even an apartment carved out of part of a larger home. There are some townhouses for rent, but you'll have to be diligent.
Beaver Creek / Herron: Here's the Big Sky and vast land that Montana is famous for. A considerable percentage of the living in this loosely defined neighborhood is "remote." You'll find less than one person per square mile. Less than one person! You won't see your neighbors. Ever! Your best option is to "ride on!"
More than 40 restaurants serve Havre's residents. You can always be sure of getting a good meal in town. Uncle Joe's Steakhouse and Char's Family Dining are local favorites; the standard fast food chains have also found their way to Havre.
Havre celebrates its summers, but each season ushers in a different variety of activities for the hardy folks who live here. Despite snow and cold, people enjoy winter sports just as much as summer fishing and hiking. It just depends on what you like. For getting away, Canada is just up the road!
