Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 85 The chocolate-colored log building that is the centerpiece of the Range Riders Museum holds a captivating his- tory of eastern Montana within its walls. Founded in 1939 by a group of seasoned cowboys, it's here you'll come to appreciate the life and times in the days of Fort Keogh. Pioneer Home provides a glimpse into the "good old days" of life on the frontier, while Lame Deer Camp details the life and times of Indians who called this land home. The Bert Clark gun collection is an exceptional exhibit of over 400 firearms. The Range Riders Museum should be top of the bucket list for American history buffs. Originally the concrete basins of the 1910 Water- Works that held Miles City's drinking water for over sixty years, the WaterWorks Art Museum now houses a permanent collection of images from renowned photographer L.A. Huffman, who documented frontier life as the "post photogra- pher" of Fort Keogh. In addition, this repurposed space, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has become a showcase for rotating contemporary exhibits, as well as providing educational outreach through both adult and children's classes. Its lovely setting along the Yellowstone River makes for an ideal spot to pack a picnic to cap off the museum visit. If you're looking to get gussied up as a cowboy or cowgirl, head to The Miles City Saddlery, where the selection of Western clothing and boots is almost overwhelming. The business started in 1909, when the need for saddles was on the rise. In 1916 alone, 1,937 saddles were made, but the demand for saddles would take a dive with the Depression years. The business would pass through a few hands before it would end up with present owners Jack and Mary Lou Deibel, who purchased the business in 1989 and started the revival of the saddle making. In addition to the retail, there is a beautiful display of over 100 hand-crafted saddles in the upstairs gallery. U CONTINUED

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