Troy, Montana: Gateway to Untamed Wilderness Adventures

Where Rugged Beauty Meets Frontier Spirit

Nestled in the rugged mountains of northwest Montana, Troy beckons the adventurous soul with its pristine wilderness and untamed natural wonders. This hidden gem sits at the lowest elevation in Montana, creating a unique microclimate where dense forests meet rushing waters, offering thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts an authentic Montana experience away from the tourist crowds. From heart-pounding swinging bridge crossings over the mighty Kootenai River to exploring ancient cedar groves where trees have stood sentinel for over five centuries, Troy invites you to write your own wilderness adventure story in a landscape that remains as wild and captivating as it was when the first prospectors arrived in search of fortune.

Quick Facts

Population: 985
County: Lincoln
Founded: 1892
Elevation: 1,892 ft (lowest elevation in Montana)
Known For: Kootenai Falls, ancient cedar groves, outdoor recreation, and mining heritage
Nearby Landmarks: Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge, Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Ross Creek Cedar Grove
Fun Fact: Former President Teddy Roosevelt's initials can be found carved on the side of the current city hall building

Notable People & Pop Culture

E.L. Preston – Civil engineer for the Great Northern Railroad who named Troy after Troy Morrow, the son of a family that provided him room and board while surveying the area
Les Balsiger – Notable religious figure from Troy
The River Wild – The 1994 thriller film starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon featured Troy's famous swinging bridge in several scenes

Top Things to Do in Troy

✧ Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge – Experience Montana's largest undammed falls and test your courage on the swinging bridge featured in "The River Wild"
✧ Ross Creek Cedar Grove – Wander among ancient western red cedars up to 12 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall in this 100-acre temperate rainforest
✧ Troy Museum and Visitors' Center – Explore local history and use it as a starting point for the FOLF (frisbee golf) course
✧ Roosevelt Park – Enjoy riverside recreation with boat launches, fishing ponds, and picnic areas along the Kootenai River

Local Industry & Economy

Troy's economic landscape has evolved dramatically since its wild frontier days, transforming from a booming mining and logging town to a more diverse economy. Originally established as a railroad division yard for the Great Northern Railroad in 1892, the town quickly flourished with mining operations in the surrounding mountains. Gold discoveries in the mid-1860s first brought prospectors to the area, but it was the establishment of the railroad that truly sparked Troy's growth. Today, while mining still plays a role in the local economy, Troy has diversified with education, retail, and tourism becoming major economic drivers. The town's spectacular natural surroundings, including Kootenai Falls and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round, creating a growing tourism sector. The Chamber of Commerce is actively working to further develop the local economy through initiatives like the "Rockin in Roosevelt Park" summer concert series, which aims to bring additional revenue to local businesses that often rely on the busy summer season and the town's famous 4th of July celebration to sustain them through quieter winter months.

History & Heritage

Troy's rich history is woven into the fabric of Montana's rugged frontier past. First settled in 1886 when miners established a tent camp known as Lake Camp at the mouth of Lake Creek on the Kootenai River, the area was initially considered part of the "Montana Wilds" due to its deep ravines, dense forests, and steep mountains. The discovery of gold in the mid-1860s brought the first wave of settlers, but the area remained largely unsettled until the Great Northern Railroad established a freight division on the current town site in the early 1890s. The town was officially established in 1892, with some debate over its naming—the most accepted theory being that E.L. Preston named it for Troy Morrow, the son of a family providing him room and board while he surveyed the area.

Troy faced near destruction in 1910 when great forest fires raged through the area. Railroad hoses soaked downtown buildings while a locomotive was kept steamed up, ready to evacuate remaining residents and crews. Fortunately, a shift in the wind saved the town. By 1924, Troy had become the richest town in Lincoln County with a population exceeding 1,200 people. Throughout its history, Troy has maintained its character as a frontier community where self-reliance and connection to the natural environment remain central to its identity. The town's mining and logging heritage is preserved at the Troy Museum and Visitors' Center, which showcases artifacts and stories from this colorful past, including the town's evolution from a wild railroad camp with fifteen saloons to the close-knit community it is today.

Seasonal Activities & Local Events

Spring/Summer: Hiking the numerous trails around Troy, fishing in the Kootenai River, whitewater rafting, attending the "Rockin in Roosevelt Park" summer concert series, exploring the Ross Creek Cedar Grove, and mountain biking
Fall/Winter: Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, ice fishing, and enjoying the spectacular snow-covered mountain views
Annual Events: Troy's Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration (bringing over 6,000 visitors to town), Kootenai River Bluegrass Festival, Arts on the Grass at the Troy Museum, and the Rock & Blues Festival at Roosevelt Park

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

Troy is located in the northwestern corner of Montana, approximately 20 miles west of Libby along Highway 2. The town sits near the Idaho border, making it accessible from both states. If arriving from the east, visitors will pass the Troy Museum and Visitors' Center as they enter town. From the west, the town is accessible via Highway 2 from Idaho. The nearest major airport is in Kalispell, about 100 miles away. Nearby destinations include Libby (20 miles east), the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Kootenai National Forest, and the charming town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho (about 30 miles west). The area serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of northwestern Montana, including Bull Lake, Savage Lake, and numerous hiking trails throughout the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay in Troy

Accommodations in Troy offer visitors a chance to experience authentic Montana hospitality in a spectacular natural setting. While the town is small, it provides several comfortable lodging options that serve as perfect basements for wilderness adventures. The Lake Creek Inn offers clean, comfortable rooms and well-kept grounds, making it an excellent choice for families or groups gathering for outdoor activities. For those seeking a more personal experience, the Double J Bed & Breakfast provides homestyle accommodations with local knowledge and charm. Outdoor enthusiasts might prefer the Kootenai River Campground, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the river and wake up ready for adventure. For longer stays or those wanting more independence, several vacation rentals are available in and around Troy, many offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. During peak seasons, especially around the 4th of July celebration and summer months, it's advisable to book accommodations well in advance as the limited options can fill quickly with the influx of visitors.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Troy? Add it to your Montana travel itinerary and discover the charm, history, and adventure waiting in Big Sky Country. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding outdoor thrills or a peaceful retreat into nature's grandeur, Troy offers an authentic Montana experience that will leave you with lasting memories and stories to tell.