The Last Best Podcast

On this episode of The Last Best Podcast, we talk about the history of skiing in Montana. We learn about the Beef Trail located outside of Butte, which once attracted a famous winter games Olympian in the 1930s. We also share about some of our own experiences skiing (or not skiing) in Montana, and discuss some of the challenges surrounding the popular winter sport. Thank you so much for listening!...

On this episode of The Last Best Podcast, we talk about the Slayton Mercantile located in the tiny town of Lavina! This location is actually not the original location of Lavina, and this is not the original mercantile. The original was built in 1908 and burned down in 1910. It was rebuilt in the same location. The SMCo as it was referred to, experienced some success over its 90 year history. It pl...

On this episode of The Last Best Podcast, we discuss the beginning of the cattle ranching industry in Montana. Starting with how men heading west to work as fur traders would transition into raising cattle as they saw the decline in demand for animal fur. One of those fur traders, Johnny Grant, would start what is known today as the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, which would become one of the longest running...

The Diamond J Ranch opened for its first season in June of 1931 with Julia Bennett as its proud owner and operator. Everyone who stayed at the ranch raved about Julia's hospitality and can do attitude, but opening a dude ranch at the beginning of the Great Depression had numerous challenges. In Part 2 we learn about all the creative ways Julia drew people to her ranch, how she became successfu...

The Diamond J Ranch opened for its first season in June of 1931 with Julia Bennett as its proud owner and operator. Everyone who stayed at the ranch raved about Julia's hospitality and can do attitude, but opening a dude ranch at the beginning of the Great Depression had numerous challenges. In Part 1 we learn about Julia's early life and all that she experienced that led her to the thresh...

The Old Montana Prison located in the shadow of Powell Mountain would bear witness to tragedy in the spring of 1959. Not long after, the last prisoners would be removed. Leaving the stone walls empty but not for long. Soon, it would see new life as a museum, greeting nearly 40,000 tourists each year. Sources for this episode: Montana Vigilantes – Legends of America The story of ‘Turkey Pete’ Old P...

The Old Montana State Prison situated on Main St. in the small town of Deer Lodge would have a long and storied history in its 108 years of operation. Opening before Montana had even gained statehood, it would hold the lives and souls of many men within its large and imposing stone walls. It was a place ment for punishment, and it took that job seriously. This episode explores the dark and trouble...

Join friends, Heather and Merlita, as they delve into Montana history! Follow us on instagram @lastbestpod.