Blackfeet Indian reservation. I have been there different times over the past 44 years. The last visit was so very sad. The place has hit bottom. Did have some good discussions with people who lived there about 8 years ago and did attend the large pow wow. Last year we were going to the pow wow and turned around after driving into the parking area. Did not look safe nor welcoming. Definitely we were being stared at at their gas station. Avoid the beautiful hwy 49. They do not maintain it and there are parts of the road missing with no warning signs. The parts of the road have gone down the sides of the mountains.
My husband and I were really eager to visit once we learned how close it was to Glacier NP;,however, once we got there it was another story. Very depressed area--sadly as we were eager to learn more about the Blackfeet Indians. The day we were in Browning, the museum was closed. The town and the people did not frighten me, it just didn't appeal to me either-- no real attractions. The outlying areas were magnificent open land and absolutely beautiful . I agree with other reviews in that this town is definitely missing out on many opportunities on which to capitalize and improve their tourism flow.
We had to go through Browning to get to Glacier and we were surprised that there could someplace this dirty and disgusting in such a beautiful part of the country. There were dogs running everywhere and people sitting on the side of buildings drinking beer. We had to stop for gas and it was very uncomfortable. There was only one place to get gas and everyone we saw was dirty and stinky. This could be such a mecca for the Blackfeet people as everyone from the east has to go through Browning to get to Glacier. I had to take my wife to the emergency room when we were staying at Glacier and going through there at 9PM and again at 5AM were very uncomfortable. Get gas before you get there and pass on through.....
While traveling from Great Falls, MT to Billings, MT we took a little side trip to Browning, MT where we stopped into the Faughts Blackfeet Trading Post. Oh MY! They have a wonderful selection of Indian wear, souvenirs and beautiful, authentic beadwork from the local Blackfeet tribe; a lovely group of people we visited during their Indian Festival mid July.
A cosy town in this reservation of the Blackfeet nation. Next to the hotel is a Casino and a restaurant inside. Food is average. In town are better dining facilities.
I admit I was afraid having read some of the reviews on this and other sites, but we went to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and really were made to feel part of the local life. Random people came up and asked us if we were enjoying ourselves as we toured the museum (BEAUTIFUL art work by local artists who draw as you watch), the art gallery (affordable work, again by local artists), and the Indian Days celebrations. We were even thanked for coming, and asked to come again. The tribe members were very open and sharing about the issues of the Nation, and we learned a great deal about history, the art work, and the changes in the tribe from the past to the present. Even though the Holiday Inn is, indeed, over-priced for the area, the trip and the stay were well worth the time!
I think that great opportunity is being missed by the town of Browning. Most visitors to Glacier are interested in the nearby Indian Reservation, and I find it a real shame that the Blackfeet people don't capitalize on this. Browning could be a real tourist mecca, which would bring a lot of money there for the Blackfeet people. The museum is excellent, but the town needs a facelift, and a marketing person to come in and tell them what to do in the way of other attractions, restaurants and shops. My Grandson was most impressed with the Blackfeet Buffalo Reserve, which we passed through on the way to Browning.....we had read nothing about that, and just happened to notice there were Buffalo in the fields as we passed through it.
There are dogs running all over the place in Browning and East Glacier Park and none with collars. The entire area is poor and dilapidated. This is a very depressed area.
Browning has their annual North American Indian Days Pow Pow in early to mid July with a parade, Native Pow Wow dancing and merchants selling Native Crafts and food like their famous fry bread. It was to me an Honor see the Pow wow and Celebrate with the locals on the Black Feet Reservation. After all it is an Indian reservation.
Went through Browning last week. I was on my Harley with several other friends. We actually stopped and bought gas. First thing I noticed was dogs everywhere. Then a local walked up and started talking to us while we fueled up, then he started asking for money, thats when I decided I will never come back. I had reservations for the new Hotel next to the casino and cancelled at the last minute and ended up staying in East Glacier. After stopping in Browning I now know I made the right decision.