Looking for cheap Flights to Havre City, Montana, USA (HVR) airport?

Havre, accessible via cheap flights to HVR airport (Havre City-County Airport), is a vibrant hub along Montana’s Hi-Line, where Old West history, Native American heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures create an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking authentic Western culture. Find the best things to do in Havre, MT, from historical tours to outdoor recreation.

Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Hi-Line," Havre offers a blend of Old West history, Native American heritage, and year-round outdoor adventure. The Hi-Line, running along Highway 2 and the BNSF railway, defines northern Montana’s broad, open landscapes, making Havre a key stop for cultural and outdoor exploration.

Geography and Climate of Havre, Montana

Havre, Montana, sits in the Milk River Valley at an elevation of 2,536 feet, centrally located in Hill County along the Hi-Line, near the Canadian border (30 miles north). The city is framed by the Bears Paw Mountains to the south and the vast plains of northern Montana, offering scenic vistas and diverse ecosystems. The Milk River, flowing through Havre, supports local agriculture and wildlife, including bald eagles and antelope.

Havre experiences a semi-arid steppe climate with cold winters and warm summers. Expect snowy winters ideal for skiing and mild summers perfect for hiking. The region’s low precipitation supports wheat and barley farming, a cornerstone of the local economy.

Historical Adventures & Things to Do in Havre

Founded in 1893, Havre emerged as a key railroad town along the Great Northern Railway, named after Le Havre, France, by early settlers. Its location on the Milk River and proximity to the Canadian border made it a vital trade and agricultural center, serving ranchers and farmers.

Havre’s history is deeply tied to its Native American roots, with the nearby Rocky Boy’s and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations preserving Chippewa-Cree and Assiniboine heritage. A devastating 1904 fire led to the creation of Havre’s unique underground business district, now a historic attraction. The city’s railroad legacy and frontier spirit are evident in its preserved 19th-century architecture.

Iconic Places to Visit in Havre

Explore Havre’s history with a guided tour of Havre Beneath the Streets, a restored underground city from the early 1900s featuring historic saloons, a pharmacy, and a bordello. The Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site, a 2,000-year-old bison kill site, showcases Native American history with guided tours. Visit Fort Assinniboine, a late 19th-century military post with preserved ruins, or the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum, a Montana Dinosaur Trail stop displaying fossils and pioneer artifacts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Beaver Creek Park, one of the largest county parks in the U.S., spans 10,000 acres with hiking trails and scenic grasslands.

The United States Historic Post Office and Courthouse, with its orange brick facade, is a landmark worth visiting. Beaver Creek Park offers year-round recreation.

Economy and Employment in Havre, Montana

Havre’s economy thrives on agriculture (wheat, barley), transportation (BNSF Railway), education (MSU-Northern), and healthcare (Northern Montana Hospital). The city serves as a regional hub for Hill County, supporting ranching and small businesses. Major employers include BNSF Railway, Montana State University-Northern, and Northern Montana Health Care.

Havre’s rural setting faces challenges like population retention but benefits from ag-tech advancements and tourism growth. Local initiatives promote small business development.

Educational Centers & Learning Opportunities in Havre

Havre is a hub for education in northern Montana, offering learning opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Higher Education and Trade Schools

Montana State University-Northern (MSU-Northern) offers two-year, four-year, and master’s degrees, with its College of Technical Sciences excelling in automotive technology, welding, and civil engineering technology. Its unique Trades Management program prepares professionals for leadership roles.

MSU-Northern provides accessibility services like alternative testing and note-taking assistance for students with disabilities.

K-12 and Adult Education

Havre Public Schools supports K-12 students with a Special Education Department. The Community Education Program offers adult classes in computer skills, fitness, and arts. Organizations like the Montana Empowerment Center and Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP) provide resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Outdoor Recreation & Adventures Near Havre, MT

Beaver Creek Park, 10 miles south, is the nation’s largest county park, offering hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing, with winter activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing. It includes Beaver Creek Reservoir for trout and walleye fishing.

The Bears Paw Mountains feature scenic trails like Baldy Mountain and the Bear Paw Ski Bowl on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, with a 900-foot vertical drop. Other spots include Bullhook Butte for hiking and Fresno Reservoir for boating and fishing.

Fishing & Hunting in Havre, Montana

Havre is a prime destination for fishing and hunting. Anglers can fish in the Milk River, Bearpaw Lake, or Reser Reservoir (catch-and-release for bass and trout). Hunters find white-tailed deer, elk, and pheasants, with public access at Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and Block Management Areas.

Unique Places & Wildlife in Northern Montana

Explore Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs near Malta for mineral soaks or the Fort Peck Interpretive Center for dinosaur fossils. Wildlife like mule deer and bald eagles thrives around the Milk River and Beaver Creek Park.

Best Shops & Boutiques in Havre, MT

Historic Downtown Havre features shops like Wild Thistle Boutique for Montana-made gifts. The Holiday Village Shopping Center on Highway 2 West includes Maurices and Dunham’s Sports.

Top Dining Options in Havre

Havre’s dining scene ranges from casual to upscale:

• Bow & Marrow: Steak, seafood, pasta.
• Char’s Family Dining: American breakfast and lunch.
• Duck Inn: Smoked gouda nachos, prime rib.
• 40 Below Public House: Burgers, craft beer.
• Wolfer’s Diner: 1950s-style burgers, malts.
• Triple Dog Brewing Company: Local brews, pub fare.
• Murphy’s Pub: Burgers, local beers.
• Nalivka’s Original Pizza Kitchen: Wood-fired pizzas.
• Henny Penny Cupcakes: Desserts, soups.
• Vine 19: Wine bar with charcuterie.
• Canton Restaurant: Authentic Chinese.
• Parker’s BBQ Pit: Classic BBQ.

Camping & Lodging in Havre, Montana

Camp at Beaver Creek Park or Fresno Reservoir (Kiehns Bay), or try RV parks like Evergreen Campground or Hansen Family Campground & Storage. The Great Northern Fairgrounds offers camping. Hotels include:

• Best Western Plus Great Northern Inn: Free breakfast, pool.
• Best Western Plus Havre Inn & Suites: River views.
• Quality Inn: Indoor pool, breakfast.
• Siesta Motel: Retro-style, clean rooms.
• Super 8 by Wyndham Havre: Budget-friendly, pool.

Festivals & Events in Havre

The Great Northern Fair (July) features carnival rides and livestock shows. The Rocky Boy Pow Wow (August) celebrates Native American culture. Havre Festival Days (fall) includes parades, and the Havre Art Walk showcases local art monthly.

Museums to Explore in Havre

Visit the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum for fossils, Blaine County Wildlife Museum for wildlife exhibits, Old Library Gallery for local art, and High Line Heritage Resources Museum for railroad history.

Travel Tips

The Havre City-County Airport (HVR) offers regional flights, and car rentals are available for exploring nearby attractions. Public transit is limited, so having your own vehicle is recommended. The Amtrak Empire Builder also stops in Havre, connecting to major cities. The best time to visit is during the summer for outdoor activities and festivals, but winter offers a quieter experience and opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. When packing, be sure to bring layers, as temperatures can change throughout the day, especially in the evenings.

Transportation and Getting Around Havre

Havre City-County Airport (HVR) offers regional flights, and the Amtrak Empire Builder connects to major cities. Highway 2 and US-87 provide road access. Public transit is limited, so car rentals or personal vehicles are recommended. Bike trails and downtown walking are viable.

Infrastructure and Utilities in Havre

Havre’s utilities include water/sewer, electricity via NorthWestern Energy, and broadband from providers like Spectrum. Waste management and public Wi-Fi are available downtown.

Notable People and Culture in Media

Havre has ties to figures like actor Gary Cooper (born nearby in Helena) and local Native American leaders from the Chippewa-Cree community. The city’s Hi-Line culture appears in novels like “The Hi-Line” and documentaries on Montana’s railroads, enriching its cultural narrative.

Sports and Recreation in Havre

Havre’s sports scene includes the Havre High Blue Ponies (football, basketball) and MSU-Northern Lights college teams (wrestling, rodeo). Community events like local rodeos and golf at Beaver Creek Golf Course complement outdoor recreation.

Health Care & Wellness in Havre, MT

Havre offers comprehensive healthcare via Northern Montana Hospital (30 13th Street, Havre, MT 59501), with 24-hour emergency services. Clinics include Northern Montana Family Medical Center (1410 1st Avenue), Specialty Medical Center (20 13th Street West), Vision Center (20 13th Street West), and Sletten Cancer Center (40 13th Street West). Veterans access care at Merril Lundman VA Clinic (1753 US Highway 2 Northwest).

Homes for the Elderly & Senior Living

Northern Montana Care Center (24 13th Street) offers nursing care, and Timbercreek Village Community (155 34th Ave W) provides assisted living.

Government & Public Services

Havre, the Hill County seat, operates from the Hill County Courthouse (315 4th Street, Havre, MT 59501), overseeing the Sheriff’s Office and Health Department. The Montana DPHHS Office of Public Assistance (48 Second Avenue, Suite 200) offers food assistance and Medicaid.

Real Estate & Cost of Living in Havre

Havre’s real estate market offers homes from $70,000 to $500,000, with a median value of $208,848 and median rent of $653. Homeownership is 62%. Cost of living is below the national average.

Key Demographics & Statistics

Havre’s population is 9,362 (2020 census), with 80% White, 14% Native American. Median household income is $64,754, and per capita income is $32,490. Commute time averages 11–13 minutes. Crime includes a violent rate of 992 per 100k and property rate of 3,959 per 100k.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on September 16, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.