If there’s one thing Montanans love, it’s preserving the local history. From our abundance of dinosaur fossils to our rich mining history, our museums, parks, and historic buildings tell our story well. we’ve even got a handful of general stores in the state that span centuries, including the Cooke City General Store. Visiting this place feels like going back in time.

Cooke City is a tiny town -- only around 150 people call it home.
Alain Tremblay / Google
It's also considered to be Montana's snowiest town, so you won't find too many visitors here after early fall.
The Cooke City General Store is easy to spot.
David Graves / Google
Not only is it in a bright red building, but it sits right on Main Street.
The ground on which the store was built was originally part of the "Cache of Ore Millsite," owned by George A. Huston, the region's earliest known prospector.
Cockerdog / TripAdvisor
But by 1886, John Savage and John Elder had purchased the site and were planning the construction of the store.

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The general store officially opened in late 1886.
nishiyo / TripAdvisor
Cooke City's population varied widely at the time, ranging from 20 residents to over 1,000.
The store has changed hands many times over the years, but it has never closed for long.
Britt Lowie / Google
It's provided miners and settlers with merchandise as well as locals and tourists with some much-needed goods.
You'll find a little but of everything here, from groceries to gifts.
Derry K / TripAdvisor
The current owners have kept the nostalgic vibe, and the prices remain as reasonable as ever.
The Cooke City General Store is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Many of the original fixtures from the late 1800s are still in place.
Derry K / TripAdvisor
The store is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Have you ever been to the Cooke City Store?

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