Columbia Falls Historical Society

08/31/2026

We are excited to announce our next evening presentation. If you are interested in climbing and/or Glacier National Park you will enjoy this, it will be a great evening. Hope to see you there!! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW LOCATION

08/30/2026

Glacier National Park has some very interesting history!!

All construction at Kintla Lake is complete! Efforts to plug the historic Butte Oil Well at Kintla Lake this summer were successful, removing safety and health hazards from the area.

Prior to the establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910, mines were developed in the area. One of these sites was at Kintla Lake, which became Montana’s first oil well in 1901. However, soon after its establishment, the historic well caught fire and was abandoned.

In 2023, natural gases were detected to be leaking from the Butte Oil Well. The area is seismically active; tremors and changing pressures within the bedrock often lead to gas escapes. Such conditions present a health and safety hazard.

Plugging the well was considered essential to reduce methane leaks, prevent the migration of chemicals into the lake, minimize physical hazards, and ensure adherence to environmental regulations. Contractors worked with park staff in July and August to plug and cap the well.

Operations at Kintla Lake have now returned to normal for the Kintla Lake frontcountry campground, the Kintla Lake wilderness campground, and trails in the area. Thanks to all who worked on this project, making the Kintla area safer and healthy for all!

NPS Photo

08/18/2026

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Hungry Horse Presentation last night!! Thank you Kirya Henderson for a very informative talk!! We had a great time!!

08/17/2026

This is the evening!!! Come to the Chapel at the Vet's Home we'll have coffee and cookies!!!

08/10/2026

Remember to buy your raffle tickets for this beautiful quilt, to support the Columbia Falls Historical Society and Museum. Donated by Jan Weaver and the Teakettle Quilt Guild, hand quilted!!
You can get your raffle tickets at the Museum on Wed. Thur. or Fri. from 10 to 4
At our upcoming events, next is the presentation on Hungry Horse Reservoir on August 17
By talking to any of the volunteers at the Museum
Or by calling Susan at 406-270-1806.
Price of tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

08/10/2026

Mark your calendars, one more week until Kirya Henderson will be giving us a presentation on Hungry Horse Reservoir!! Lots of pictures and information about the history of, as well as technical information about it.

08/05/2026

The Columbia Falls Historical Society is inviting you to an evening with the Museum. Kirya Henderson will be speaking about the Hungry Horse Reservoir. She will give us both historical and technical information about the Reservoir, as well as some amazing pictures. Mark it on your calendar.