Townsend is a town in Montana. It is the county seat of Broadwater County and about 1,700 people live there.

Understand

Townsend is at the southern tip of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, a year-round popular spot for boaters and fisherman.

Get in

Townsend is 34 miles southeast of Helena at the intersection of US 12 and US 287. Take exit 192 from Interstate 15 in Helena or exit 274 from Interstate 90 near Three Forks.

Get around

As a small town, there is no public transportation. It is easy to walk to any location.

See

• Broadwater County Museum, 133 N Walnut St, ☏ +1 406-266-5252, bwcomuseum@mt.net. May 15-Sept 15: Daily 1-5PM, closed July 4th. free. (updated Dec 2020)

Do

Canyon Ferry is a popular recreation area, the reservoir covers 25 miles and there are multiple recreation sites around the reservoir. In the summer, it offers recreation-boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing. The winter offers ice fishing. The area around Townsend is popular for hunting, and also offers opportunities to hike, camp, ATV, and snowmobile.

Eat

• Betsy's Kitchen, 219 Broadway, ☏ +1 406 266-1444. W 11AM-8PM Th-Sa noon-9PM Su noon-7PM. (updated Dec 2020)
• Full Belli Deli, 209 S Front St, ☏ +1 406 266-5459. Daily 7:30AM-9PM. (updated Dec 2020)
• Penny's Breakfast Station, 316 N Front St, ☏ +1 406 266-9990. Daily 7AM-2PM. (updated Dec 2020)

Drink

• 1 Canyon Ferry Brewing, 300 Broadway, ☏ +1 406 266-9939, info@cfbrew.com. Open daily, M-Th 4-8PM, F Sa Su noon-8PM. Microbrewery with variety of beer choices. (updated Jul 2023)

Sleep

• Mustang Motel, 412 N Front St, ☏ +1 406 266-3491, mustangbobs@netzero.net. (updated Dec 2020)
• The Silos RV Park & Campground (Townsend/Canyon Ferry Lake KOA), 81 Silos Rd, ☏ +1 406 266-3100, toll-free: +1-800-562-5904, info@canyonferrylakekoa.com. (updated Dec 2020)

Go next

Routes through Townsend

Missoula ← Helena ←	W  E	→ White Sulphur Springs → Miles City
Choteau ← Helena ←	N  S	→ Three Forks → Yellowstone N.P.