That's one big airport -- if you look at a map, the area covered by the Lewistown Municipal airport is bigger than the entire city limits of the town -- and it's just a general aviation airport. The secret? In WWII, it was a training field for crews operating B-17 bombers.
Lewistown operated as the base for the air wing of the army from 1942 to 1943 before the Flying Fortress training ops were shifted elsewhere
That's one big airport -- if you look at a map, the area covered by the Lewistown Municipal airport is bigger than the entire city limits of the town -- and it's just a general aviation airport. The secret? In WWII, it was a training field for crews operating B-17 bombers.
Lewistown operated as the base for the air wing of the army from 1942 to 1943 before the Flying Fortress training ops were shifted elsewhere. In 1948, the base was declared surplus and it's been a civilian airfield ever since. Home to Native Americans for centuries before exploration and settlement, it now bills itself as the Heart of Montana. Named for Fort Lewis, which of course was named for Meriwether Lewis of the famed exploration team that went through these parts back in the day. It's home to the annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous, the second oldest event of its kind in the country. Just about 6,000 people call Lewistown home and it's located at the junction of highways 191, 200, and 238.
Moving to Lewistown
Like much of the rural West, the economy is different from what is found in the cities. Often, that can mean a higher than average number of properties are vacant. Energy exploration is bringing jobs to some towns in the region and that is changing the dynamic somewhat. When you know that you want to move here, be prepared by being informed. Start your search for an apartment for rent in Lewistown by making a list of available rentals and going through it methodically to get the best deal from what's available. If your credit is challenged, be prepared to pony up first and last month's rent along with a deposit. If your credit rocks, look for deals like serviced apartments. It's a small town so you won't see much in the way of hi rise apartments but there are plenty to be found close to the ground.
Lewistown Neighborhoods
There are a few neighborhoods in Lewistown for you to choose from. Be sure to choose carefully before committing to just one spot -- though you could always feasibly move again later if you find you like one neighborhood better than the first that you find a place in.
Downtown: It's a small town with a lot of history and that's on full display in the historic buildings. One is the remodeled Judith Theater, which has all the charms of an old-fashioned cinema house. Local eateries and small shops blend in with businesses and some residences. Look for serviced apartments in mixed-use buildings or one-bedroom apartments for rent.
Lewistown Heights: It's the northwest part of town that stretches out along Big Spring Creek. You will find a couple of manufactured home parks, single family homes and some larger lots. Kiwanis Park and Judith Park are in this area.
Southwest: This is where you will find the airport, on the edge of town. Before that, a mix of commercial and residential properties are spread about.
Living in Lewistown
In the plains of Montana but surrounded by no less than (count 'em) seven mountain ranges, this historic town has a lot around it, recreational wise, anyway. There aren't many towns close by, so plan on finding your pleasures locally, small-town style. For good eats, try local faves like Mint Bar & Grill or Harry's Place. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is just to the north and the incredible scenery of Yellowstone National Park is a couple of hours to the south. Elks Country Club offers a chance to get out on the links, while the open grandeur of Big Sky Country is all around you.
