Montana Pavilion
The Montana Pavilion (Official Guide Book, p. 22-23):
The Big Sky Country of Montana stands tall among the good neighbors of Expo ‘74. And the State of Montana World’s Fair Pavilion is designed to give you a spellbinding stroll through the old and the new West.
The huge “in the round” extravaganza leads you past fascinating displays of the Gem State’s mineral bounty - gold, sapphires and other precious stones - and into a priceless collection of authentic pioneer artifacts, among the most significant displays of its kind in America.
Contemporary adventure is represented in a lively three-screen audio-visual production that presents a panoramic sweep of scenic and recreational wonders. Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, great mountain ranges, icy clear lakes and streams, and four-season sports in all of Montana’s five “states within a state.”
In fifteen minutes of excitement, Montana’s personality comes alive in spectacular color and song. Glass-like streams showcase the state’s famous, blue-ribbon trout fishing. Alpine mountain meadows beckon campers and hikers. And war paint seems once more to streak the ancient hunting grounds of the Crow, Sioux and Cheyenne nations.
Your “five-vacation” mini tour begins with the million acres of Glacier National Park and its forty shining glaciers - among the few in the U.S. still accessible to man. This crown jewel of the Rockies, carved in grandeur by a distance Ice Age, is rich in lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and deep wilderness forests.
You’ll adventure your way through the old, open range of north central Montana. Charlie Russell Country - named for the state’s immortal cowboy artist whose work lifts you back, back to the trail dust of cattle drives and Indian war parties.
Moving into northeastern Montana, your Expo ‘74 experience includes the full-color beauties of the wide Missouri River, flowing from mountain man country to the 135-mile long waters of the great lake at Fort Peck Dam. A paradise for every water sport. You’ll see the old west streets of the restored Frontier Town at Scobey, and join campers in the Badlands of Makoshika State Park.
Southeastern Montana, next on your film tour, still carries the whisper of war drums on its vagrant winds. There are indian fairs and festivals - and the unforgettable site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his entire command were annihilated by the Sioux.
Your Montana adventure is completed in Yellowstone Treasure Country, bordering the nation’s oldest and largest national park, a southwestern Montana playground that’s a mother lode of challenge for trout fishermen, rock hounds and sapphire hunters.
The exhibit is capped by eight interesting and informative displays with the detailed story of unique attractions like Chet Huntley’s Big Sky of Montana and Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.
World’s Fair visitors planning to continue their vacations in the West will discover a wealth of ideas - with warm Big Sky hospitality - at the colorful State of Montana pavilion.
