Choteau is the county seat of Teton County. Built around the county courthouse, Choteau is one of the oldest still active towns in the area. The Old North Trail left reminders of the Indians as they fled from the Arctic to Mexico over 8,000 years ago. The town was named after Pierre Chouteau, President of the American Fur Company, who brought the first steamboat up the Missouri. To separate this town from Chouteau County, the first u in Chouteau was dropped. Choteau served as home to novelist A. B. Guthrie, who passed away in 1991.

Many years ago this area was used by dinosaurs as a breeding ground. Paleontologists have put together pieces from excavated eggs and bones. Visit the Old Trail Museum for a fascinating look at fossils, unique exhibits, dinosaurs, Indian artifacts and western history. The museum reflects the rich cultural and natural history of the Rocky Mountain Front area. (466-5332).

Visitor Information Center is located next to the Museum. Egg Mountain is 12 miles to the west of Choteau. It is the site that has yielded more information about dinosaur biology during the Cretaceous period than any other paleontology dig in the world. Dinosaur digs, egg shell fragments, nests, and babies were discovered for the first time in North America. Paleontology programs are available for adults and children.

Choteau offers opportunities for camping, swimming, shopping, and golf right in town. Nearby opportunities include hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and dinosaur digging. West of town ample opportunities await at: The Bob Marshall Wilderness (466-5341), The Nature Conservancy’s Pine Butte Swamp Preserve (466-5526), BLM’s Ear Mountain Trailhead and Lewis and Clark National Forest land. Contact the Choteau Ranger Station for more information.