Broadwater County Trails (BCT) Booth at the Broadwater County Rodeo and Fair
Author: Al Christophersen, Broadwater County Trails
Article Published: 08/07/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 05Al Christophersen
Broadwater County Trails
The Broadwater County Trails team will be providing information and seeking public input and support on their trail efforts within Broadwater County. Team members will have information on and status of on-going trail projects. There will be a display of the county-wide vision for trails.
The proposed “Fairgrounds Trail”, a multi-use trail connecting N. Harrison Ave. to the fairgrounds entrance will be featured and maps will be present. This trail will be established to provide a safe off-highway travel route to the fairgrounds, available and designed for all users: pedestrian walkers and runners, bicycles, equestrian and will be fully ADA compliant. There will be a map showing the general route line for the trail within the Highway 12 right-of-way. The trail team members will have a petition sign-up sheet for everyone to demonstrate their support for this trail and it will be presented as part of a grant application this winter to help fund this work. Public support is very important in selection of funded projects so we need as many signatures as possible to be competitive in acquiring this funding.
The Fairgrounds Trail will be a major portion of several potential loop trails around the Townsend area. The current resurfacing contract of the asphalt trail north of Townsend and efforts to tie to Centerville Road, Centerville Park, Canton Lane, and Townsend City street routes support several of these trail routes. Each segment helps accomplish the larger goal of the Trail Vision Plan. Completion of each segment helps provide safer outdoor activity opportunities and enhances stronger local community ties. Recreational, commercial and commuter access results from these trail developments.
The Fairgrounds Trail is one of several trails that help implement the priority trails envisioned in the Trails Vision Plan, completed by the trails committee of the Broadwater County Development Corporation. The plan has been in the development for the past three years and as of January 2026, implementation of the plan has begun. Since January the team has applied for 6 trail support grants; received 4 with one pending. Dedication of the Missouri River Paddlers Trail 43 and the contracting of the resurfacing of the asphalt trail north of Townsend are important and strong indicators of the enthusiasm of the trails team and the support from Broadwater County residents, businesses, and organizations. The Broadwater County Trail team appreciates the support and encourages you to come by the booth in the Commercial Building at the Broadwater County Rodeo and Fair, August 6-9th.
Trails team meets the second Thursday of each month, with the next meeting August 13th, 6 pm at the Lodge. The team welcomes new team members and ideas. For information contact: John Hahn, 406-202-1050, Carol Hatfield,406-431-9656, or Al Christophersen, 406-439-0197.
