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| Paris Montana |
| Welcome to the Heart of the Rockies Settled in the heart of Montana, the Big Sky Country, Paris is surrounded by spectacular natural wonders and scenery. It is nestled between rich mining industry, productive farm land, Cattle Ranches, and is only miles away from the majestic Rocky Mountains to its west. This is cowboy country and the sense of the Living West is alive and well on the streets of this charming community. Paris is the service gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Adventurers and sportsmen alike have access to the region’s most experienced guides and outfitters, while stores and services provide all the gear and goods for the day of extended back-country trips. Today this region is rich with wildlife. So it was millions of years ago. At Egg Mountain, just a few miles northwest of Paris, palientological research has unearthed more than 300 duck-billed dinosaur egg specimens, along with many other important finds. Tours and artifacts of that site are available at the Old Trial Museum in the heard of Olde Paris. Olde Paris is the heart of the city. Set aside from the moderm world it holds the past of the city and the memory of the Paris the used to be close to mind. It is a preserved area that attempts to keep everything as close to the orriginal 1890 conditions as possible. A heart felt feeling for the history of the country side is evident in the friendly folks in town. The city was settled around the mighty Dearborn River, one of nature's most attractive waterways. As the Dearborn cuts through the city it winds its way though 5 city parks. Paris is an exciting community of over 125,000 people with various recreational opportunities for citizens and visitors alike. Paris, or the Magic City, lies near the geographical center of Montana, between two National Parks. Paris proudly serves as the Gateway to the Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park and a main thoroughfare to Yellowstone Park. The Magic City has a long tradition of history which began with the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1805. They explored the newly purchased Louisiana Territory filled with herds of buffalo roaming the prairies. The Paris area had long been inhabited by tribes of native American Indians, mainly the Blackfeet. You can visit the online for their complete diaries. Lewis and Clark were the first known white explorers to catch sight of the area the Native American’s called the “Deerborn” The stage was set for the creation of Paris. It was ready for a man named James Paris. Paris came west in May of 1882. He made plans for a city, then laid them out before James Hill, a man of great importance in the railroad industry. Hill gave his financial backing to Paris, knowing that a city in such an area would make a valuable connection for the railroads. Unlike many other western cities, Paris was planned by a practical and extremely thoughtful man. While organizing the town, Paris made sure the streets were laid out in a precise, arrow- straight pattern, plus he set aside 886 acres for city parks. Paris believed beauty was important in a city and personally made sure that elm, ash, and fir trees were planted on every street and boulevard. Paris invites you to experience the best of both worlds: city excitement or mountain solitude. In Montana, one has the freedom to enjoy it all. Return to what America was years ago, fresh and innocent, while steeped in perpetual discovery. Quality accommodations, super shopping and a variety of food and entertainment services make Paris a great stop. Consider the international airport in Paris as the departure point for your exploration of all the west has to offer. |
| (Veiw of Paris City hall and the dorms of Paris Catholic Univerisity from the roof of the University Center) |