OVANDO, Montana Community Information

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  Welcome!

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

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  Ovando Museum

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

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  Local Parade

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

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  Blackfoot Inn

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

Ovando is northeast of Missoula and was named for Ovando Hoyt, the first postmaster. Ovando is a supply point for hay and sheep ranches and for small logging camps. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Ovando is nestled in a beautiful ranch valley with the Swan and Garnet mountains rising from its edges. Just by strolling the streets you will walk through a piece of Montana history and culture. With only a population of 50 residents, Ovando provides the quiet solitude so expected on a Montana retreat. Situated on Highway 200, 60 miles from Missoula and over 80 from Helena and Great Falls, Ovando allows for more scenery per capita than any other small town.

Ovando is the southern entry to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Scapegoat Wilderness Area and home to the fabled Blackfoot River and its tributaries. Ovando is the perfect remote spot to spend an hour, a day, a weekend or a week.

Mountain meadows ablaze with wildflowers with the mountain peaks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Scapegoat Wilderness as a backdrop greet the visitor to Ovando. A number of guides and outfitters in the area will take you into the wildlands, or several guest ranches offer accommodations. Fishing and windsurfing are excellent reasons to visit Browns Lake, near Ovando. It is also great for the birdwatcher. See eagles, loons, herons and pelicans, just to name a few.

Don't miss Ovando, the little jewel in the heart of the Treasure State!

Elevation: 4,100 feet