Currently, we’re seeing a lot of 25-35 degree days in Cut Bank. And while that’s certainly cold, it’s nowhere near the coldest weather on record, especially for Montana. So when you drive into the city and see the giant penguin proudly boasting that Cut Bank is the “coldest spot in the nation,” you may be a little confused.

But just like every other roadside attraction in the Treasure State, the penguin comes with a backstory.

Cut Bank is a small city of about 3,000 people, located on Highway 2 between I-15 and Glacier National Park.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
It does get very cold here, and in fact, it does sometimes hold the title of the coldest spot in the lower 48 states.
mr_t_77 / Flickr
However, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Montana was 70 degrees below zero at Rogers Pass north of Helena in 1954.
The penguin statue is a 27 foot tall sculpture made by Ron Gustafson in 1989.
mr_t_77 / Flickr
You'll find him outside of the Glacier Gateway Inn.

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The statue was designed to commemorate Cute Bank's freezing cold status, but most locals agree that he's pretty charming.
mr_t_77 / Flickr
Do not be alarmed if you hear this penguin talk to you (yes, we're serious).
Jasperdo / Flickr
When his speaker works, he's known to blurt out "Welcome to Cut Bank, the Coldest Spot in the Nation!"
As tempting as it may be, we do not recommend that you climb the penguin.
Cedar / Flickr
But we definitely do recommend stopping for a few photos on your way to Glacier National Park, preferably on a day when Cut Bank is not, in fact, the coldest spot in the nation.

Montana is full of these quirky roadside attractions, which is one of the many reasons that it’s the best state for going on road trips.

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