Silver Star

Founded in 1866, Silver Star is the third oldest town in Montana.  With only 30 residents, Silver Star supports a local post office and grocery located at Granny's Country Store.  Driving through town, visitors can view a collection of very large, antique mining equipment on the west side of the highway.  Located adjacent to the Jefferson River, the town is popular with fly fishers.  Silver Star is also located on the Lewis & Clark National Historical Trail.  For more information on Silver Star's history, please visit the Notable History page.  

For more interesting historical information about Silver Star, please visit Montana's Gold West Country and the Silver Star History page.  

Twin Bridges

Twin Bridges is a typical small Montana town with a population of about 400 people. Located adjacent to the Beaverhead River, the town is a hub for the neighboring ranches and attracts businesses serving fly fishers and hunters. The town's largest business is the world famous R.L. Winston Rod Company which employs 50 persons. On the west bank of the Beaverhead is the Madison County Fairgrounds with a rodeo arena, event facilities, livestock barns, and camping area.

Visitors to Twin Bridges often comment on the scenic beauty, the avid community spirit, and the friendly folks. On Saturday mornings during the summer, you’ll find a small traffic jam in front of the City Park, as locals shop for produce and homemade products at the Farmer’s Market. The town turns out in force to support the monthly summer festivals and parades (please see the Community Calendar). Even the high school’s Homecoming Parade is a town-wide event. In the fall, if you need to find someone on a Friday evening, you can probably find that person at the high school football field, watching the Falcons defend their excellent record. This is a small town community at its best.

The Twin Bridges Public Library offers free internet access on computers in the library and free wireless access.  The library has free tourist information which includes brief histories of the Montana State Children's Center, the Flour Mill and the Doncaster Horse Racing Barn.  There is also information on local birds.  Free sketched maps of the local area and Montana road maps are available.  Topographical maps of the area can be viewed in the library.  Other library services of interest to tourists are a FAX machine, copy machine, state phone books, local newspapers, free magazines, local family histories and books for sale.  

A few doors up the street from the library is the Twin Bridges Historical Association which operates a museum full of exhibits on local history and natural artifacts including  geological exhibits, antique mining tools, photos of the Montana State Children's Center, military histories, and much more.  Staff at the library and the museum are always happy to assist visitors with current and historical information.  

Twin Bridges has three public parks.

• The “city” park is located in the center of town between the fire hall and the Old Hotel. Don’t miss the branding fence on the east side of the park
• Jessen Park is located across the Beaverhead River Bridge on Highway 41. The town’s original, stonewall jail is located near the river. During the winter months, the town provides an outdoor ice skating area at the park. In January or February (depending on the temperature), the Rotary Club sponsors a Christmas tree bonfire and potluck near the skating rink. Jessen Park is also a popular fishing access and swimming hole.
• Riverside Park is located on the west side of the Madison County Fairgrounds and is used for many community youth sports functions (Little League, t-ball, etc.). The gazebo and clubhouse are also available for community gatherings and events.

The Twin Bridges Community blog is at http://twinbridges.communityblogs.us/.  You'll find information about the Twin Bridges Horizons project.  

Why is the town called "Twin Bridges"?

Twin Bridges was named for two bridges built by the Lott Brothers.  The first bridge was built over the Beaverhead River on the west side of the town. The second bridge was built on the High Road over the Big Hole River.  Both bridges served to connect the towns of Twin Bridges and the mining town of Rochester, located in the hills to the west. 

For more information on Twin Bridges and the Lott Brothers, please visit the Notable History of the Ruby Valley.