The Yellowstone River begins in Yellowstone National Park. It flows north through the Yellowstone Canyon and meanders across the plains of southeastern Montana, until it joins the Missouri River in North Dakota. The Yellowstone River Valley is a highly productive agricultural region, producing crops as diverse as alfalfa, sugar beets, and corn. The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed the Missouri River westward across Montana in 1805. On the return trip from the Pacific Ocean, in 1806, Lewis followed the Missouri River and Clark went down the Yellowstone River.
Cowboys still drive cattle high up into the mountains to feed on lush summer grasses.
Indians, in full native dress, gather to celebrate their customs at the Lewis and Clark County fairgrounds in Helena and other areas of the state. Montana has beautiful scenery, fabulous wildlife, exciting historical places, first-rate museums, and wonderful towns and cities. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons. Fishing, hunting, and camping are popular activities, so it seems, for almost everyone. That slogan symbolized the wealth derived from the state's rich gold and silver deposits.