Bonner Milltown History Center

06/24/2026

The world premiere of the opera is scheduled for September 18th, 2026, in Bozeman, and these preview events will offer a glimpse into the new work. Word has it the opera comes to Missoula early next year.

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

“Paul and I fished a good many big rivers, but when one of us referred to ‘the big river’ the other knew it was the Big Blackfoot. It isn’t the biggest river we fished, but it is the most powerful, and per pound, so are its fish.” — Norman Maclean, “A River Runs Through It”

Thank you for the pictures, Laurie Lane!

06/22/2026

Thanks to all 30 people, young and old, who traveled the Maclean fishing trail today. Special thanks to Robyn Heyer for the pictures, Wally Higgins for bringing the Bunyan Bugs and Steve Fisher for sharing his flyfishing expertise. As usual the Blackfoot River treated us just right on a sensational summer day. Question for each of you: What drew you to the walk?

06/20/2026

Wouldn’t it be cool if someone caught a fish in one of the “Maclean holes” on the Blackfoot River tomorrow? Better yet with a Missoula-made Bunyan Bug? Bring your gear and give it a try.

Our Father’s Day hike to the Macleans’ (probable) climactic final fishing hole in Norman’s novella “A River Runs Through It” stages at 1 p.m. at Johnsrud Park. Look for the BMHC “History” sign. We’ll drive up the 9.5 miles, the first six of which are paved, to the Belmont Creek Day Use Area lot and start walking by 1:45.
Figure something less than a mile into the site. The going is good along the old railroad bed. Gets a little rough when you climb down off it. We’ll leave plenty of time to wander or dip a line down on the river.

Don’t forget to bring your favorite excerpts from the book, in particular from that last 20-page scene.

06/17/2026

If you’re going hiking with us Sunday on the Blackfoot River you might consider re-reading the climactic fishing scene in Norman Maclean’s novella “A River Runs Through It.” Start where Norman’s driving and his father and little brother Paul are riding up the Blackfoot. They turn on the road that leads them to a preordained fishing site “above the mouth of Belmont Creek.” The next 20 pages or so are literary gold. Consider bringing your favorite passages to read aloud.

The once notorious 3.5-mile road between Whitaker Bridge and Belmont Creek has been graded and greatly improved, though it’s still bumpy and dusty. It’s suitable for just about any vehicle.

We’ll plan to stage at 1 p.m. at Johnsrud Park for the Father’s Day hike. It’s 9.5 miles up to the Belmont Creek fishing access site, which has limited parking. The hike itself is two miles, tops, including the wandering you’ll want to do. There is some rough and rocky terrain down by the river and one or two steep riverbanks to navigate but the lion’s share is on the level, on the old Milwaukee Railroad grade. See you Sunday.

06/15/2026