Lima, Montana: A small town with big adventures

Originally established as Allerdice in the late 1800s, the town underwent multiple name changes, becoming Spring Hill before finally settling on Lima in 1889. The name was inspired by Lima, Ohio, the hometown of an early settler. High valleys of the area are home to many multigenerational ranches, some dating back to the 1860s. Since its early days, Lima has been a welcoming stop for travelers.

On May 9, 1880, the Utah and Northern Railroad crossed the Montana-Idaho (Montana was still a territory) border in Monida Pass. Fifteen miles later it reached Lima. The town eventually became a railroad off hub and transportation center. It had a 14-bay roundhouse with turntable for steam engine repair.

Lima is an excellent base for exploring the nearby high peaks of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and wildlands in all directions. Hiking and biking possibilities are many. Activities ranging from backpacking and camping to wildlife viewing in the renowned Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for the Trumpeter swan. Red Rocks is reached from either the Lima Reservoir area or from Lima and Monida off of Interstate 15 South.

For those who love fishing, the nearly 70 miles of the Red Rock River skirting the northeast side of town provides ample opportunity for both. East of Lima anglers can spend time at the Lima Reservoir, known for its excellent fishing and calm waters.

For hikers and cyclists, the area offers access to the Continental Divide Trail. The Sawmill Trailhead and Shineberger Trailhead serve as key entry points, providing opportunities for resupply and camping. Adventurous hikers can trek, and cyclists ride the Middle Fork Road to reach White Pine Ridge, a remote and rewarding route through Montana’s wild backcountry and other trailheads west of Lima lead into the Lima Peak and the Tendoy Mountains.

Also in Lima’s southwest view, the Red Conglomerate Peak formations rise along the Continental Divide. A canyon separated them from the Lima Peaks. Camping sites and trails to the high country are reached from Sawmill Road, southeast of Lima. This cluster of unique reddish volcanic and granite rock formations provides a rugged backdrop for hiking and climbing. While three notable features lie just across the Idaho border, the nearby 10,106-foot North Summit, located in the Centennials Mountains, marks the Continental Divide.

Despite its small size, Lima boasts an impressive reputation. In 2022, the town won the award for the best-tasting water in Montana, a testament to the purity of its natural resources.

For those looking for a cozy place to stay, the Beaverhead Inn and RV Park offers year-round accommodations. After a day outdoors, visitors can unwind at the Homestead Café.

Editor's note: The University of Montana's Office of Research & Creative Scholarship along with the Davidson Honors College have produced a series of stories called the "This Is Montana Community Vitality Program." In partnership with the program, Lee Newspapers will be regularly running their Treasure State treasure trove of stories.