Tim Montana, Lewistown Train, and Missoula’s Film Scene Honored at Montana Tourism Awards

HELENA – Musician and Montana native Tim Montana was among the honorees at this year’s Montana Tourism Awards, held Tuesday during the Department of Commerce’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Helena.

Montana, whose hard rock sound and rugged upbringing near Butte have earned national attention, received the Excellence in Cinema and Cultural Heritage Award for elevating Montana stories and traditions through his music and public profile. Pictured at the ceremony with his daughter, Tim represents a new generation of artists bringing Montana’s cultural identity to a broader audience.

“Tourism is a vital engine that keeps Montana’s economy strong,” said Acting Commerce Director Mandy Rambo. “This year’s award winners reflect the creativity, work ethic, and pride that make Montana a world-class destination.”

Other winners included:

• Tourism Destination of the Year: Lewistown Chamber of Commerce for the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a dinner train experience complete with prime rib, saloon girls, and holiday rides to the “North Pole.”
• Excellence in Tribal Tourism: All-American Indian Shootout in Billings, a three-day tournament featuring tribal youth athletes, cultural performances, and Native vendors.
• Film Community of the Year: Missoula, recognized for hosting five seasons of the hit series Yellowstone and providing locations for 1923.
• Heritage and Culture: Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, home to thousands of works and the country’s largest Will James archive.
• Marketing Campaign: Beaverhead Treasure Hunt, a wide-reaching campaign run by the Beaverhead Chamber.
• Tourism Ambassador: Charity Schreibeis of Glendive, known for community murals painted with her high school art students.
• Tourism Rising Star: Rebecca Jones of Dillon, praised for uniting local businesses and leaders to grow Beaverhead County tourism.

The awards recognize the individuals, organizations, and communities making Montana’s tourism industry a $3.5 billion cornerstone of the state economy.