Ante Up
A music-filled weekend in White Sulphur Springs.
What do women’s workwear, summertime, and White Sulphur Springs have in common? For those in the know, the answer is obvious. If you’re out of the loop, be sure to clear your schedule from July 24-27 for this year’s Red Ants Pants Music Festival. This supersized shindig has been shaking up central Montana since 2011, and it’s acquired a large and loyal following. I’d even go as far as to call it a staple summer event. During the festival, White Sulphur graciously hosts people from all over, as the town floods with folks looking to dance, camp out, and experience this part of the state in a one-of-a-kind way.
If you’re on the fence, rest assured—this ain’t just local acts and shenanigans. Sure, there’s plenty of that, but the talent and performances rival some of the most well-known musical gatherings around. With past names like Merle Haggard, Brandi Carlile, and Bella White, this festival knows how to pack a punch. Beyond the music, there’s also nonstop action with cultural events and competitions to keep everyone entertained: crosscut contests (two-person wood-sawing), horse-and-wagon driving, butchering clinics, trailer-backing training, arts & crafts classes, and more.
Over the course of the four-day event, Red Ants Pants offers camping on the festival grounds for an additional $50. That includes just a few amenities, among them being ice available for purchase and a place to shower. There are no RV hook-ups but you can run a generator.
For quieter camping, go for the Conestoga Campground; they’ve got RV hookups and everything else you need for a nice stay. There are a few other camping options around White Sulphur, including the nearby Forest Service campgrounds. Alternatively, you can book a room at the recently-renovated Edith Hotel in town and get the full White Sulphur experience.
For more luxury, take it up a notch at Grassy Mountain Ranch. Their brand-new Mountain View Lodge has top-of-the-line accommodations for folks looking to get away for a weekend in the beautiful Montana countryside. (You can also rent out the entire place to host your own private event—after-party, anyone?)
Dining, drinking, and soaking aren’t the only activities that await in and around White Sulphur. As one can expect, there’s plenty to do in the great outdoors.
The town of White Sulphur, albeit small, isn’t just some sleepy hamlet—at least not in the warmer months. Nope, during summer and fall the place bustles with hikers, bikers, anglers (the fabled Smith River is just west of town), and hunters, all enjoying après at the local shops, restaurants, and bars. The Meagher County Chamber of Commerce helps pull it all together; learn about local happenings and area history by keeping up with them.
To get acquainted with the town, park your rig and start walking. Stock up on gear and other goodies at the Twin Sisters Trading Company. They’ve got just about everything you might want or need, including sporting goods, ammunition, gifts, clothing, footwear, and booze. Hoping to add some vintage Montana charm to your wardrobe? Pay a visit to the Parberry, and you may even find something cool and unique to wear at the festival. Next, a little pre-dinner drink at the Jawbone: they’ll whip up a classic cocktail or something more modern. If you’re feeling cozy, stick around for flatbread or filet mignon. When it’s time to step into an authentic western bar & restaurant, Bar 47 is the place. It’s got good food, cold drinks, and a casino, of course, in true Montana style. Afterward, stop by the Spa Hot Springs for a soak. Whether you’re melting away your cares or looking for some holistic healing, you’ll saunter away satisfied.
Dining, drinking, and soaking aren’t the only activities that await in and around White Sulphur. As one can expect, there’s plenty to do in the great outdoors. For starters, swimming in Lake Sutherlin is a great way to cool off after you’ve broken a sweat dancing at the festival. The frigid mountain water offers a refreshing respite, and a welcome re-charge for the remainder of the weekend.
The surrounding Lewis & Clark National Forest teems with recreational opportunities. The Little Belt Mountains are just north of town, with loads of trails for hiking, biking, and trail running. To the southwest, the Castle Mountains offer arresting views of the surrounding landscape. You can also pop over to the Smith River at Camp Baker; flows are likely to be low in late July, but you may still see a few groups launching for a multi-day excursion. If they’ve floated the Smith before, they’ll regale you with tales of great fishing and even better views on Montana’s only permitted river.
On your way back to the Bozone, take Hwy. 89 down through the Shields Valley and wet a line in the Shields River. This time of year, the river runs low, creating distinct pockets where the fish pile up. Access is mostly at county-road bridges, so be sure to park well off the road and stay within the high-water marks.
All right, folks, there you have it. A real Montana music festival, in a real Montana town, with plenty of real outdoor fun to be had. You’ll be blown away by the dedication and execution of the Red Ants Pants team, not to mention completely wooed by the charm of White Sulphur Springs. Mark your calendars, buy your tickets, and we’ll see you there.
