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1-1-2013
Montana Travel Corridors:The Driving Routes of Nonresident Visitors based on Overnight Location and State Entry Point
Christine Oschell The University of Montana-Missoula
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Recommended Citation Oschell, Christine, "Montana Travel Corridors:The Driving Routes of Nonresident Visitors based on Overnight Location and State Entry Point" (2013). Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications. 94. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/itrr_pubs/94
This Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Montana Travel Corridors: The Driving Routes of Nonresident Visitors based on Overnight Location and State Entry Point
Research Report 2013-12 Prepared by: Christine Oschell, Ph.D. Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research College of Forestry and Conservation The University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 www.itrr.umt.edu
Copyright © 2013 Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research. All rights reserved. This study was funded by the Montana Lodging Facility Use Tax Contents Introduction ...... 1 Methods ...... 1 Results...... 1 Billings Executive Summaiy ...... 2 Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 7 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 7 BozemanExecutive Summaiy ...... 11 Overnight Visitors to Bozeman...... 16 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Bozem an...... 16 Butte Executive Summary ...... 20 Overnight Visitors to Butte...... 24 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Butte...... 24 Great Falls Executive Summary ...... 28 Overnight Visitors to Great Falls...... 34 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Great Falls...... 34 Hlghllne Area Executive Summary ...... 38 Overnight Visitors to the Hlghllne Area ...... 42 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to the Hlghllne Area...... 42 Helena Executive Summary ...... 46 Overnight Visitors to H elena...... 51 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to H elena...... 51 Kallspell Executive Summary ...... 55 Overnight Visitors to Kallspell...... 60 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to K allspell...... 60 Miles CityExecutive Summary ...... 64 Overnight Visitors to Miles City...... 68 Characteristics of Overnight Visitors to Miles City...... 68 MissoulaExecutive Summary ...... 72 Overnight Visitors to M issoula...... 76 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to M issoula...... 76 West YellowstoneExecutive Summary ...... 80 Overnight Visitors to West Yellowstone...... 85 i Characteristics of Overnight Visitors to West Yellowstone...... 85 Whlteflsh Executive Summaiy ...... 89 Overnight Visitors to W hlteflsh...... 94 Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to W hlteflsh...... 94 Summary and Implications ...... 97
List of Tables & Figures Figure 1: Routes by Visiters overnighting in Billings (n=388) ...... 3 Figure 2: Billings overnight visitors who entered from ID on 1-90 (n=51) ...... 4 Figure 3: Billings overnight visitors who entered at Billings Airport (n=48) ...... 5 Figure 4: Billings overnight visitors who entered from WY on 1-90 (n=42) ...... 6 Table 1: Residences of Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 8 Table 2: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip for Billings overnighters ...... 8 Table 3: Mode of Entry of Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 8 Table 4: Top State Entry Points of Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 9 Table 5: Top 5 Information Sources Used for Planning by Overnight Visitors to Billings ...... 9 Table 6: Top 5 Locations where Billings overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 9 Table 7: Top 10 Activities of Overnight Visitors to Billings in Montana ...... 10 Table 8: Sites Visited by Overnight Visitors to Billings in Montana ...... 10 Table 9: Top 10 towns that Overnight Visitors to Billings drove through while in Montana ...... 10 Figure 5: Routes by Visitors overnighting in Bozeman (n=310) ...... 12 Figure 6: Bozeman overnight visitors who entered through Bozeman Airport (n=46) ...... 13 Figure 7: Bozeman overnight visitors who entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 (n=38) ...... 14 Figure 8: Bozeman overnight visitors who entered the state throughID on 1-90 (n=35) ...... 15 Table 10: Residences of Overnight Visitors to Bozeman ...... 17 Table 11: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip for Bozeman Overnighters ...... 17 Table 12: Mode of Entry for Bozeman Overnighters ...... 17 Table 13: Top State Entry Points for Bozeman Overnighters ...... 18 Table 14: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Bozeman Overnighters ...... 18 Table 15: Top 5 Locations where Bozeman overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 18 Table 16: Top 10 Activities in Montana for Bozeman Overnighters ...... 19 Table 17: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Bozeman Overnighters ...... 19 Table 18: Top 10 towns driven through by Bozeman Overnighters while in Montana ...... 19 Figure 9: Routes by Visiters overnighting in Butte (n=142) ...... 21 Figure 10: Butte overnight visitors who entered from ID on 1-90 (n=31) ...... 22 Figure 11: Butte overnight visitors who entered through Gariner on Highway 89 (n=18) ...... 23 Table 19: Residences of Butte Overnighters ...... 25 Table 20: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Butte Overnighters ...... 25 Table 21: Mode of Entry of Butte Overnighters ...... 25
11 Table 22: Top State Entry Points of Butte Overnighters ...... 26 Table 23: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Butte Overnighters ...... 26 Table 24: Top 5 Locations where Butte Overnighters spent other nights in Montana ...... 26 Table 25: Top 10 Activities of Butte Overnighters in Montana ...... 27 Table 26: Top Sites Visited by Butte Overnighters in Montana ...... 27 Table 27: Top 10 towns driven through by Butte Overnighters while in Montana ...... 27 Figure 12: Routes of Overnight Visitors to Great Falls ...... 29 Figure 13: Great Falls overnight visitors who entered from Canada on 1-15 at Sweetgrass (n=21) ...... 30 Figure 14: Great Falls overnight visitors who entered through Great Falls Airport (n=17) ...... 31 Figure 15: Great Falls overnight visitors who entered through ID on 1-90 (n=17) ...... 32 Figure 16: Great Falls overnight visitors who entered from ID on 1-15 (n=16) ...... 33 Table 28: Residences of Great Falls Overnighters ...... 35 Table 29: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Great Falls Overnighters...... 35 Table 30: Mode of Entry of Great Falls Overnighters ...... 35 Table 31: Top State Entry Points of Great Falls Overnighters ...... 36 Table 32: Top Information Sources Used for Planning for Great Falls Overnighters ...... 36 Table 33: Top Locations where Great Falls overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 36 Table 34: Top 10 Activities in Montana for Great Falls Overnighters ...... 37 Table 35: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Great Falls Overnighters ...... 37 Table 36: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Great Falls Overnighters...... 37 Figure 17: Routes of Overnight Visitors to the Highline Area ...... 39 Figure 18: Highline area Overnight Visitors who entered from ND on Higway 2 (n=8) ...... 40 Figure 19: Highline Overnight Visitors who entered from ID on 1-90 (n=5) ...... 41 Table 37: Residences of Highline Overnight Visitors ...... 42 Table 38: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip for Highline Overnight Visitors ...... 43 Table 39: Mode of Entry by Highline Overnight Visitors ...... 43 Table 40: Top State Entry Points of Highline Overnight Visitors ...... 43 Table 41: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Highline Overnight Visitors ...... 44 Table 42: Top 5 Locations where Highline Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 44 Table 43: Top 10 Activities of Highline Overnighters in Montana ...... 44 Table 44: Top Sites Visited by Highline Overnighters in Montana ...... 45 Table 45: Top 10 towns driven through by Highline Overnighters while in Montana ...... 45 Figure 20: Routes of Helena Overnighters ...... 47 Figure 21: Helena Overnighters who entered through ID on 1-90 (n=12) ...... 48 Figure 22: Helena Overnighters who entered the stae from ID on 1-15 (n=13) ...... 49 Figure 23: Helena Overnighters who entered through the Helena Airport (n = ll) ...... 50 Table 46: Residences of Helena Overnighters ...... 52 Table 47: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip by Helena Overnighters ...... 52 Table 48: Mode of Entry by Helena Overnighters ...... 52 Table 49: Top State Entry Points by Helena Overnighters ...... 53 Table 50: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Helena Overnighters ...... 53 Table 51: Top 5 Locations where Helena Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 53
hi Table 52: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Helena Overnighters ...... 54 Table 53: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Helena Overnighters ...... 54 Table 54: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Helena Overnighters ...... 54 Figure 24: Routes of Kalispell Overnighters ...... 56 Figure 25: Kalispell Overnighters who entered through ID on 1-90 (n = ll) ...... 57 Figure 26: Kalispell Overnighters who entered through WY on 1-90 (n = ll) ...... 58 Figure 27: Kalispell Overnighters who entered through Gardiner on Highway 89(n=9) ...... 59 Table 55: Residences of Kalispell Overnighters ...... 61 Table 56: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Kalispell Overnighters ...... 61 Table 57: Mode of Entry of Kalispell Overnighters ...... 61 Table 58: Top State Entry Points of Kalispell Overnighters ...... 62 Table 59: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Kalispell Overnighters ...... 62 Table 60: Top 5 Locations where Kalispell Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 62 Table 61: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Kalispell Overnighters ...... 63 Table 62: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Kalispell Overnighters ...... 63 Table 63: Top 10 towns driven through by Kalispell Overnighters while in Montana ...... 63 Figure 28: Routes of Miles City Overnighters ...... 65 Figure 29: Miles City Overnighters who entered from ND through On 1-94 (n=20) ...... 66 Figure 30: Miles City Overnighters who entered from ID on 1-90 (n=16) ...... 67 Table 64: Residences of Miles City Overnighters ...... 68 Table 65: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Miles City Overnighters ...... 69 Table 66: Mode of Entry of Miles City Overnighters ...... 69 Table 67: Top State Entry Points of Miles City Overnighters ...... 69 Table 68: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Miles City Overnighters ...... 70 Table 69: Top 5 Locations where Miles City Overnighters spent other Nights in M ontana ...... 70 Table 70: Top 10 Activities in Montana of Miles City O vernighters ...... 70 Table 71: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Miles City Overnighters ...... 71 Table 72: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Miles City Overnighters ...... 71 Figure 31: Routes of Missoula Overnighters ...... 73 Figure 32: Missoula Overnighters who entered through ID on 1-90 (n=78) ...... 74 Figure 33: Missoula Overnighters who entered through the Missoula Airport (n=35) ...... 75 Table 73: Residences of Missoula Overnighters ...... 76 Table 74: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip for Missoula Overnighters ...... 77 Table 75: Mode of Entry by Missoula Overnighters ...... 77 Table 76: Top State Entry Points of Missoula Overnighters ...... 77 Table 77: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Missoula Overnighters ...... 78 Table 78: Top 5 Locations where Missoula Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 78 Table 79: Top 10 Activities of Missoula Overnighters in Montana ...... 78 Table 80: Top Sites Visited by Missoula Overnighters in Montana ...... 79 Table 81: Top 10 towns driven through by Missoula Overnighters while in Montana ...... 79 Figure 34: Routes of West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 81 Figure 35: West Yellowstone Overnighters who entered from ID on Highway 20 (n=40) ...... 82
iv Figure 36: West Yellowstone Overnighters who enterered from YNP through West Yellowstone (n=31)83 Figure 37: West Yellowstone Overnighters who entered through Gardiner on Higway 89 (n=29) ...... 84 Table 82: Residences of West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 85 Table 83: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 86 Table 84: Mode of Entry of West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 86 Table 85: Top State Entry Points of West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 86 Table 86: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by West Yellowstone Overnighters ...... 87 Table 87: Top 5 Locations where West Yellowstone Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 87 Table 88: Top 10 Activities of West Yellowstone Overnighters in Montana ...... 87 Table 89: Top Sites Visited by West Yellowstone Overnighters in Montana ...... 88 Table 90: Top 10 towns driven through by West Yellowstone Overnighters while in Montana ...... 88 Figure 38: Routes of Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 90 Figure 39: Whlteflsh Overnighters who entered through Canada on Highway 93 (n=7) ...... 91 Figure 40: Whlteflsh Overnighters who entered through ID on 1-90 (n=7) ...... 92 Figure 41: Whlteflsh Overnighters who entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 (n=7) ...... 93 Table 91: Residences of Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 94 Table 92: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 95 Table 93: Mode of Entry by Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 95 Table 94: Top State Entry Points of Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 95 Table 95: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 96 Table 96: Top 5 Locations where Whlteflsh Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana ...... 96 Table 97: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 96 Table 98: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Whlteflsh Overnighters ...... 97 Table 99: Top 10 towns Whlteflsh Overnighters drove through while in Montana ...... 97
V Introduction With nonresident visitors to Montana traveling throughout the state, an important area of research is an examination of where these visitors spend their nights and subsequently where they travel in between communities. The purpose of this report is to provide an examination of different travel routes visitors took between communities in Montana and the characteristics of the visitors associated with these routes.
Methods The full 2012 quarterly nonresident data set was analyzed for this project. This data is collected yearly by surveyors around the state at gas stations, rest areas, and airports. These surveyors intercept nonresident visitors to Montana asking them questions about their trip and spending on-site, sending them with a mail-back survey with additional questions that can be answered via paper or on-line. Not all the respondents who are intercepted on the ground complete the follow-up survey. For this report on travel routes, this is significant because the map on which respondents indicate their travel route is included on the follow-up survey. Some respondents fail to complete parts of the follow-up survey, and the map is a portion they may skip. This results in missing data in some places.
The data was segmented into groups of visitors who spent at least one night in the following communities: Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, the Highline area, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, West Yellowstone, and Whlteflsh. This resulted in 11 groups of visitors. These communities were chosen because the sample sizes were high enough for each are to allow for greater meaning of the data. Each group was examined to understand more about them and where they traveled. These groups are not discrete and a particular visitor’s data could be in more than one group depending on where they spent their nights. In other words, if a visitor spent a night in both Billings and Butte during their trip, their characteristics will be part of both groups.
Results The total sample size for this analysis was 2,551 respondents, and the data represents 2,384,712 nonresident visitors. The data set was queried for visitors who had spent a night in each particular community with each group then having its own sample size. For example of the 2,551 people who completed the survey, 388 spent at least one night in Billings making this the sample size for that group.
The results are presented in sections with each representing a community where all visitors in the group had spent at least one of their nights. Each section has multiple maps. The first map represents the travel route of all those in this group. This group is then broken down further by looking at routes of only those who entered the state through each of the top entry points (>10%) and spent at least a night in the particular community. After the maps, a description and analysis of the routes will be presented, followed by tables reporting other data about the full group. The maps will show the concentration of people who drove through each community and will illustrate where people entered the state. The maps will not show direction of travel. Billings Executive Summary
♦♦♦ People who spent a night in Billings concentrated their traveling on 1-90. ♦♦♦ Of this group, those who entered the state through Superior were the least likely to leave 1-90. Many in this group were from WA and listed passing through as the main purpose of their trip. ♦♦♦ Those who flew into Billings Airport did not travel far from their entiy point. Many in this group listed business as their primary purpose. A small portion traveled south towards Yellowstone and west as far as Missoula. ♦♦♦ Those who entered from the south through Lodge Grass spread out the most. Most were here visiting friends and family and vacationing. A portion of this sub-group traveled west on 1-90 and then north to the Flathead Valley. ♦♦♦ Suggestions to expand the travel patterns of Billings overnighters include having marketing that introduces visitors to "off the beaten path” locations. Quality signage to direct people off of the Interstate for scenery would also be beneficial. Special flyers could also be developed which would show visitors alternate routes to their next destination that may include a stop in a small town they would not have otherwise visited. Figure 1: Map of towns where all those who spent a night in Billings drove in the State Community (n=388) where at least one nightnignt was^as Entiy spent Point into MT O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through r'.21-30% of respondents drove through ( ^ 10-20% of respondents drove through
B a b b Sc Ob a
Plentyw
Wh tef
Conra P oplar
olf P oint
Jo rd a
5 u ] p h u /- 5 -a rings Figure 2: Map of towns where those who entered from ID on 1-90 and spent a night in Billings drove in the State (n=51)
O ^41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^^31-40% of respondents drove through r " ! ^ ^ 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glaeie Sw6etgra99 NatiaittI Cut Bank H^re Plentyw Whitefi^ CheslM Glacier Park
Conrad Malta Gla'^glow " tBLIgforh P o i n t C h a te a u ^ o m p s o n
Saint dnatius Jordan
Lewistown Lmco —_ jpi|innett
1 ^ ^White rirrq9
Iton i e n d
EltaMlia
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 41% of subgroup from WA. Fort Sn/ith - 40% listed "passing through” as their main purpose.
- 23% cited friends and family W estY e D and mountains and forests as their main attraction to MT. - 44% visited YNP; 4% visited GNP. - Average age is 53. Figure 3: Map of towns where those who entered at the Billings Airport and spent a night in Billings drove in the State (n=48)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O:^31-40% of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
S w e e t g r a 9 s S c o p e
Cut Banh Plentyw
Wh tef ler Path Co urn b Cu meneon C o n r a d Gmaow
C h o t e a u © -fe A u raa Ifs Saint idnatius
W ibaux
■ ©-vv Helena'.u r White SujpfmF-S-grings P h i l i p s T im ^/H arlo Mite^rClty Touifbeend
EkaMlta
Key Facts of this Subgroup -16% of subgroup from CO. Jae a d u » 5 M Shy Fort^ith ^ - 38% listed "business” as their Virginia Ci main purpose.
- 42% cited YNP as their main W eet Y ello attraction to MT followed by family/friends. - 57% visited YNP; 18% visited GNP. - Average age is 51. Figure 4: Map of towns where those who entered from Wyoming on 1-90 and spent a night in Billings drove in the State (n=42)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through 31-40% of respondents drove through
r ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through \ 10-20% of respondents drove through
S w e e t g r a 9 s N atia ut Ba Plentyw HWre Chinooh Whitef i / ler Pa
€onrair« idforh ' ^ )
Augifsta
Jorda
White S u1phu>^ring9 Harlo Philips
EkaMlta
adus
Foil Sn/ th Key Facts of this Subgroup B M Shy -15% of subgroup from WY. - 33% listed "VFR” as their main w e s tY e 0 purpose, 30% said "vacation”. - 28% cited friends and family as their main attraction to MT. - 34% visited YNP; 31% visited GNP. - Average age is 59. Overnight Visitors to Billings
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in the city of Billings. From the dataset, 388 people fit this criterion.
Referring to Figure 1 which presents the driving routes of all respondents who spent at least one night in Billings, one can see that they mainly drove on Interstate 90 (1-90) with a concentration from Butte through Billings to Crow Agency (Figure 1). The far west end of 1-90 saw a smaller concentration of traffic as did the east end of 1-94. Some ventured into the Flathead area with 24 percent indicating that they visited Glacier National Park. Some also ventured south of Billings traveling through Red Lodge, Cooke City, and Yellowstone National Park. Others drove through communities west of Billings, like Ennis and West Yellowstone.
Referring to Figure 2 which presents the driving routes of those who entered Montana through Superior and stayed at least one night in Billings one can see that traffic is very concentrated on 1-90 with little diversion from it. Forty-one percent of this group was from Washington and many listed passing through as a main trip purpose. The sample size of this group is 51. Thirty-one to 40 percent of this group traveled off of 1-90 into Hardin and Crow Agency. Twenty-one to 30 percent traveled through Wibaux, Glendive and Miles City. Ten to 20 percent traveled through Broadus, Lame Deer, and Forsyth on highways 212 and 39.
Figure 3 presents the routes of Billings over-nighters who had entered the state through the Billings Airport. It is evident that this group did not travel far from Billings. Thirty-eight percent of this group was here on business. Laurel, neighboring Billings, was the community that saw the highest volume of traffic from this group. Traveling west on 1-90, the volume of traffic continues to decrease. The farthest west that anyone in this group traveled was to Missoula. Twenty-one to thirty percent of this group traveled through Red Lodge while 10 to 20 percent went through Cooke City, Gardiner, and West Yellowstone. This same percentage also traveled through Harlowton and Roundup and south through Hardin and Crow Agency.
Figure 4 presents the routes of those who entered through Lodge Grass and spent at least one night in Billings. This map looks much different than the other Billings groups. The major travel choice that 10 to 20 percent of this group made that is different from the others is that they ventured far from 1-90 and traveled up into the Flathead Valley. Ten to 20 percent also traveled south of Billings through the gateway communities of Yellowstone National Park. Fifteen percent of this group are from Wyoming and most are here to visit friends and family and vacation.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Billings The top three states where these visitors reside are North Dakota, Washington, and Idaho (Table 1). The purposes of their trip vary widely and there is not a large portion of people in any of the categories. Vacation, however, was mentioned most frequently with 50 percent saying it was one of their purposes and 34 percent saying this was their main purpose of their Montana trip (Table 2). The length of stay in Montana for this group was just over five nights (5.19). Ninety percent of this group was repeat visitors. Table 1: Residences of Billings Overnighters
Residence % of sample North Dakota 12% Washington 10% Idaho 9% California 6% Colorado 6% Minnesota 6% Wyoming 6%
Table 2: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip by Billings Overnighters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 50% 34% VFR 34% 27% Passing Through 21% 19% Business 20% 16% Shopping 5% 4% Other 8% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Billings (73%) entered the state via auto or truck while 16 percent flew into Montana (Table 3). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty-two percent indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only 16 percent indicated flying into Montana. Six percent flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 3: Mode of Entry by Billings Overnighters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 73% Air 16% Motorcycle 5% RV/Traller 4% Other 2%
Table 4 shows that most of these respondents entered the state through the town of Superior (15%) and Billings airport (13%). Table 5 shows that most respondents (39%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Thirty-one percent said that they used no sources and sixteen percent said they used none of the sources listed
8 Table 4: Top State Entry Points by Billings Overnighters
State Entry Point % of sample Superior 14% Billings Air 13% Lodgegrass 11% Wlhaux/Beach 8% Sidney 7% Targhee Pass 6%
Table 5: Top 5 Information Sources Used for Planning by Billings Overnighters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 39% Used no sources 31% Used no Sources listed 16% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 16% Automobile Club 14%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Billings and Table 6 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular location for other nights was Missoula at 17 percent followed by Bozeman at 15 percent.
Table 6: Top 5 Locations where Billings Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana
Top 5 locations of nights spent % of nights Missoula 17% Bozeman 15% Gardiner 10% Sidney 10% West Yellowstone 8%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (65%). Nature photography and wildlife watching were the next most popular at 39 and 36 percent, respectively (Table 7). Yellowstone National Park was the site most visited by this group (52%) followed by Little Bighorn Battlefield at 34 percent (Table 8). Table 7: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Billings Overnighters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 65% Nature Photography 39% Wildlife watching 36% Recreational shopping 33% Day hiking 32% Visit other historical sites 30% Car/RV camping 21% Visit museums 19% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 15% Visit Indian Reservations 14% Gambling 13%
Table 8: Sites Visited in Montana by Bliilngs Overnighters
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 52% Little Bighorn Battlefield 34% Glacier National Park 24% Other Montana State Parks 15% Hot springs 12% Virginia City/Nevada City 10% Pompey’s Pillar 9%
Table 9: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Bliilngs Overnighters
Towns % of sample Laurel 72% Livingston 66% Columbus 65% Big Timber 65% Bozeman 62% Butte 46% Crow Agency 41% Missoula 41%
10 Bozeman Executive Summary
People who spent a night in Bozeman concentrated their traveling on 1-90 but some traveled into the Flathead Valley and also south of Yellowstone. Of this group, those who entered the state through the Bozeman Airport did not travel through many communities but some drove through gateway communities of Yellowstone. Those who entered through Gardiner did not travel far, either, and concentrated their travels in the south west and south central portions of the state. Those who entered from the west through Superior mainly stayed on 1-90. Overnight visitors to Bozeman do not travel north and east in large numbers. Suggestions on ways to spread visitation around the state include advertising the diversity of the other areas of Montana to highlight landscape differences and availability of other experiences.
11 Figure 5: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Bozeman drove in the State (n=310)
Entry ^41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%o of respondents drove through " Communityit Point into MT O where at least I I ^ one night was I ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through spent
Glacier weetgra99 Scobe
Cut B a n r Plentyw
C ulbe C o n r a d Gmaow P o p l a r
o f Point
Chbteau
c e a t f ^ i is - ' I :
J o r d a n
L e w isto w n L inco O V m n e tt
Sulphuj!- 5onn R o u n d u Plrihps B o u ld e r
Fort Sitfith
CoQjte City Figure 6: Map of towns where those who entered the state through the Bozeman Airport and spent a night in Bozeman drove in the State (n=46)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Sw eetgra Natia Cut Banh Plentyw elby Chest££ ler ParK Coium b Conrad
C h b te a u
K o n a
W h ite Sulphijiii-&t>rings H a r ln m K O U T id U MiTe^:Clty T»vHiie B o u ld e r ......
H a m m Key Facts of this Subgroup Co lu m b u s* ®- -16% of subgroup from CA. Foil 511/th - 46% listed "vacation” as their VirginO^ main purpose. - 33% cited YNP as their main W e s t Y e l l o attraction to MT followed by family and friends at 25%. - 66% visited YNP; 9% visited GNP. - Average age is 52. Figure 7: Map of towns where those who entered the state through Gardiner on Highway 89 and spent a night in Bozeman drove in the State (n=38)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Sweetar?99
Cut Banh P l e n t y w 0— Chest££ Ea$t^- cier Park C o i u m b Conrad
Point Chbteau
Rona Aug reatj^nirs Jorda
town L i n to l — J f i n
rin g a
am JIton B o u ld e r v
Key Facts of this Subgroup T w in B - 16% of subgroup from AZ; 14% Fort Sn/ith from CA. Virgin - 67% listed "vacation” as their main purpose. W estYello - 69% cited YNP as their main attraction to MT followed by family and friends at 17%. - 100% visited YNP; 4% visited GNP. - Average age is 52. Figure 8: Map of towns where those who entered the state from Idaho on 1-90 and spent a night in Bozeman drove in the State (n=35)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
w e e t g m s s
C ut B a n h P len ty w
Wh tef S l l i l EastGjaxier Park C o n r a d G l a « a o w
J o r d a n Lake
L incoi
n n g 9
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 45% of subgroup from WA. - 38% listed "passing through” as their main purpose. f t Y e i l o - 21% cited friends and family as their main attraction to MT. followed by open space at 14% - 65% visited YNP; 37% visited GNP. - Average age is 52. Overnight Visitors to Bozeman
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in the city of Bozeman. From the dataset, 310 people fit this criterion.
Figure 5 represents all respondents in this group of people who spent at least one night in Bozeman while in Montana. Traffic was concentrated on 1-90 between Butte and Billings. The next highest concentration of visitors drove through Deer Lodge and Missoula to the west and West Yellowstone to the south. The towns of Ennis, Big Sky, and Gardiner also received a moderate amount of traffic from this group. Looking to the east, visitors ventured through Hardin and Crow Agency and some drove through Forsyth and eastward. The smallest volume of people (10-20%) in this group traveled in the Flathead Valley, through Helena and Townsend, through Twin Bridges and Dillon, through Red Lodge, and through Miles City and Wibaux.
Figure 6 hones in on those respondents who spent a night in Bozeman and entered the state from the Bozeman Airport. Those flying into the Bozeman airport did not spread far from Bozeman. The highest concentration of traffic was through Livingston, Big Sky, Gardiner and West Yellowstone. Travelers likely accessed Yellowstone National Park through Gardiner and West Yellowstone as 66 percent said they visited the park. Three Forks and Ennis saw 21-30 percent of this group travel through while the smallest volume of traffic went through Townsend, Helena, Whitehall, Butte, Deer Lodge, and Missoula.
Figure 7 depicts respondents who entered through Gardiner. One hundred percent of this group visited Yellowstone National park. The highest concentration of traffic was in Livingston and Laurel traveling on highway 89 and 212 respectively. Thirty-one to forty percent of traffic from this group went through West Yellowstone and along 1-90 through Three Forks, Big Timber, Columbus, and Billings. Twenty-one to thirty percent of this group traveled on 1-90 through Butte and Whitehall as well as in the communities of Ennis, Big Sky, Cooke City, and Red Lodge which are between Yellowstone and 1-90. Ten to 20 percent drove through Townsend and Helena and on 1-90 from Deer Lodge through Missoula to Superior.
Figure 8 presents respondents who spent at least one night in Bozeman and entered the state through the town of Superior. Almost half of this group is from Washington and 38 percent said they were passing through Montana. Traffic is concentrated on 1-90 from Superior to Billings, lessening in volume through 1-94 into Forsyth, Miles City, Glendive, and Wibaux. Thirty-one to 40 percent traveled through Hardin and Crow Agency. Four other communities (Great Falls, Helena, Red Lodge, and Gardiner) were traveled through by 10 to 21 percent of this group.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Bozeman The top three states where the visitors in the full group reside are California, Washington, and Minnesota (Table 10). The majority of respondents were in Montana on vacation with 70 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 47 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 11). The length of stay in Montana for this group was just over six nights (6.26). Eighty-four percent of this group was repeat visitors.
16 Table 10: Residences of Bozeman Overnighters
Residence % of sample California 9% Minnesota 8% Washington 8% Wyoming 7% North Dakota 6% Utah 6% Colorado 5%
Table 11: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Bozeman Overnighters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 70% 47% VFR 37% 23% Passing Through 21% 19% Business 12% 8% Shopping 6% <1% Other 4% 3%
Most people who spent at least one night in Bozeman (69%) entered the state via auto or truck while 17 percent flew into Montana (Table 12). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Thirty percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only 17 percent indicated flying into Montana. Thirteen percent flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 12: Mode of Entry by Bozeman Overnighters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 69% Air 17% RV/Traller 7% Other 4% Motorcycle 3%
Table 13 shows that most of these respondents entered the state through the Bozeman airport (14%), Gardiner (12%), and Superior (11%). Table 14 shows that most respondents (62%) used the Internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty-nine percent indicated they used a National Park brochure while 19 percent used no sources.
17 Table 13: Top State Entry Points by Bozeman Overnighters
State Entry Point % of sample Bozeman Air 14% Gardiner 12% Superior 11% Targhee Pass 9% Lodge Grass 8% West Yellowstone 8%
Table 14: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Bozeman Overnighters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 62% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 29% Used no sources 19% Automobile Club 15% Guide hook 14% Montana Travel planner 13%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Bozeman and Table 15 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular location for other nights was Missoula at 22 percent followed by Billings at 19 percent.
Table 15: Top 5 Locations where Bozeman Overnighters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of nights Missoula 22% Billings 19% Yellowstone National Park 18% West Yellowstone 16% Big Sky 11%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (72%). Nature photography and day hiking were the next most popular at 50 and 48 percent respectively (Table 16). Yellowstone National Park was the most frequently visited site by this group with 70 percent having visited (Table 17).
18 Table 16: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Bozeman Overnighters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 72% Nature Photography 50% Day hiking 48% Wlidilfe watching 43% Recreational shopping 35% Visit other historical sites 29% Car/RV camping 28% Visit museums 26% Attend festivals/speclai events 15% Flshlng/fly fishing 14%
Table 17: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Bozeman Overnighters
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 70% Hot springs 24% Glacier National Park 23% Museum of the Rockies 19% Virginia City/ Nevada City 15% Little Bighorn Battlefield 12% Other Montana State Parks 9%
Table 18: Top 10 towns driven through by Bozeman Overnighters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Livingston 71% Three Forks 58% Columbus 54% Big Timber 51% Bliilngs 51% Laurel 51% Whitehall 49% Butte 48% Missoula 39% Deer Lodge 38% West Yellowstone 34%
19 Butte Executive Summary
♦♦♦ People who spent a night in Butte concentrated their traveling on 1-90 but some traveled north on 1-15, in the Flathead valley, and east on 1-94. ♦♦♦ Of this group, those who entered the state through Superior concentrated their travel on 1-90 through Billings and down through Hardin and Crow Agency. Some left 1-90 and went south on I- 15. ♦♦♦ Those who entered through Gardiner traveled through a diversity of cities and towns. The same pattern as previous groups can be seen with a concentration on 1-90 but the density of travel into the Flathead is higher as well as with 1-15 north. ♦♦♦ The purpose of people’s trips appears to have defined the routes of these visitors. Those who entered through Gardiner and were mostly on vacation, traveled around much more than those who entered through Superior and were passing through the state.
20 Figure 9: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Butte drove in the State (n=142)
Entry O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^w^31-40% of respondents drove through 'A Point into MT o, Community where at least one night was 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through spent reha \ National \4 B a b b S w e B t g r a e e Scobe Cut Banh H^re Plentyw W hitefi^h K^sp ©lazier PariL * > iC onraii Glaaaow ^ ^ I Point Chbteau ForteAblon
Jordan
nn^ge Philips
E h a lih a
Fort Sitf th
1* s t Y e l l o Figure 10: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Butte and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the State (n=31)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
\ I O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
G la c ie r Sweetgr^99 NatialttI Cut Banh 0 Plentyw Havre Chinook Whifemh Park \prowmnft- f ^3 E«9t Ofaxier Park Kah^PlljJColumbiA ufls C onrad
Chliteau F o r t B ^ o n
Augursta rea ij»\h Saint Idnatius Jordan Seeldv Lake nford Lewistown Lmeo innett lO SO Gras orange Helena'v^s White SulphuJi-S-Q ringo Hariowtorr R oundu am Iton T o u im sen d B oulder Bciate EKsMta Key Facts of this Subgroup Whiteh*rhMe
- 37% of subgroup from WA Twin R idges J a e l t e e n Ed his - 49% listed "passing through” as Fort Sirf th Bid Shy their main purpose Virginia Ci - 16% cited mountains/forests as IB WestYellouifstW their main attraction to MT followed by open space and YNP both at 15% - 20% visited YNP; 13% visited GNP - Average age is 5 7 Figure 11: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Butte and entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 drove in the State (n=18)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
\ I O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
S w e e t g
P l e n ty w
W h if e f
P o i n t
% i b a u x
ring^
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 30% of subgroup from CO - 85% listed "vacation” as their Fort Sitfith main purpose - 40% cited Glacier National Park s t Y e i l o as their main attraction to MT - 84% visited YNP; 51% visited GNP - Average age is 52 Overnight Visitors to Butte
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in the city of Butte. From the dataset, 142 people fit this criterion.
Figure 9 represents all respondents in this group of people who spent at least one night in Butte. Respondents in this group concentrated on 1-90 between Butte and Billings. The next highest concentration of visitors drove through Hardin and Crow Agency. Twenty-one to 30 percent of this group drove through Dillon on 1-15 and through Boulder, Helena, and Great Falls. The towns of Ennis, Big Sky, and Gardiner also received a moderate amount of traffic from this group. Ten to 20 percent of this group ventured to Lincoln, Seeley Lake, Saint Ignatius, Ronan, Poison, Big Fork, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls. The same percentage of this group was on the east side of Glacier in Browning, East Glacier, Shelby and Conrad. This same concentration of people drove through Anaconda and Wisdom, Forsyth, Glendive, Wibaux, and Sidney.
Figure 10 displays the driving routes of those respondents who spent a night in Butte and entered through Superior on 1-90. Thirty-seven percent of this group is from Washington and almost 50 percent indicated that they were passing through the state. The sample size of this sub-group is 31. The traffic is concentrated on 1-90 from Superior to Billings and continues at the same volume through Hardin and Crow Agency. Twenty-one to 30 percent drove through Dillon and the smallest concentration of traffic (10-20%) drove through Forsyth, Miles City, Glendive, and Wibaux.
Figure 11 depicts respondents who entered through Gardiner. Many in this group are from Colorado (30%) and a large percentage visited both national parks. This group of 18 respondents drove through many communities and traffic is dispersed throughout the state with the exception of the north east corner. The most traffic can be found on 1-90 between Missoula and Billings and down through Hardin and Crow Agency. The communities of Seeley Lake, Helena, Great Falls, Big Fork, and Columbia Falls also saw 41 to 50 percent of this group. Poison, Ronan, and Saint Ignatius had less traffic (21-30%) then the communities north and south of them indicating that visitors likely accessed those areas from both directions and did not travel the whole Flathead corridor. Twenty-one to 30 percent also drove through Browning and East Glacier; Lincoln, Boulder, Anaconda, Wisdom, Dillon, and West Yellowstone. Ten to 20 percent of this group traveled through Augusta and Choteau on highway 287 and through Conrad, Shelby, and Cut Bank. This same percentage of people drove through Stanford, Lewistown, Grassrange, and Roundup and on highway 212 through Lame Deer and Broadus. Ten to 20 percent also drove through towns in southwestern Montana like Philipsburg, Jackson, and Wisdom.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Butte The top two states where these visitors reside are Washington and Utah (Table 19). The majority of respondents were in Montana on vacation with 56 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 44 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 20). The length of stay in Montana for this group was just under six nights (6.23). Eighty-three percent of this group was repeat visitors.
24 Table 19: Residences of Butte Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Washington 16% Utah 8% Alberta, Canada 6% Colorado 6% Idaho 6% Oregon 6% Minnesota 5% Wisconsin 5%
Table 20: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Butte Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 56% 44% Passing Through 32% 29% VFR 21% 15% Business 13% 11% Shopping 4% ... Other 1% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Butte (79%) entered the state via auto or truck while 10 percent entered on a motorcycle and six percent flew (Table 21). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Fourteen percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only six percent indicated flying into Montana. Eight percent flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 21: Mode of Entry by Butte Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 79% Motorcycle 10% Air 6% RV/Traller 5% Other 1%
Table 22 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the west through Superior (24%) and south through Gardiner (16%). Table 23 shows that most respondents (59%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Eighteen percent indicated they used Automobile Club while 18 percent used no sources.
25 Table 22: Top State Entry Points by Butte Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Superior 24% Gardiner 16% Monlda 9% Lodge Grass 8% West Yellowstone 5% Wlhaux/Beach 5%
Table 23: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Butte Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 59% Used no sources 18% Automobile club 18% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 14% Guide hook 11% Montana Travel planner 9%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Butte and Table 24 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular location for other nights was Missoula at 25 percent followed by Billings at 20 percent.
Table 24: Top 5 Locations where Butte Overnlghters spent other nights in Montana
Towns % of nights Missoula 25% Billings 20% Columbia Falls 16% Kalispell 12% Dillon 11% Bozeman 11%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (77%). Nature photography and recreational shopping were the next most popular at 38 and 34 percent respectively (Table 25). Yellowstone National Park was the most frequently visited site by this group with 57 percent having visited (Table 26). Glacier National Park was also visited by 37 percent of this group and Little Bighorn Battlefield was visited by 28 percent.
26 Table 25: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Butte Overnlghters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 77% Nature Photography 38% Recreational shopping 34% Wildlife watching 33% Visit other historical sites 30% Day hiking 24% Car/RV camping 20% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 20% Visit museums 18% Visit Indian reservations 13%
Table 26: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Butte Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 57% Glacier National Park 37% Little Bighorn Battlefield 28% Hot Springs 15% Flathead Lake 12% Big Hole Battlefield 11% Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park 11%
Table 27: Top 10 towns driven through by Butte Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Whitehall 74% Three Forks 74% Bozeman 73% Livingston 72% Missoula 67% Deer Lodge 65% Billings 64% Columbus 56% Big Timber 55% Laurel 52%
27 Great Falls Executive Summary People who spent a night in Great Falls traveled on 1-90 but not at the same magnitude as previous communities. In previous groups, the interstate was traveled by 41 or more percent of people and here it is mostly 21 to 30 percent. Those who entered via Sweetgrass mostly remained on 1-15. This group is primarily from Canada and considers their primary trip purpose both vacation and passing through. Those who entered via the Great Falls Airport were mostly from Colorado and Washington and 60 percent indicated business as their primary purpose. Most did not stray far from Great Falls with some venturing through Conrad and Shelby and less to Cut Bank and Browning. Those who entered the state via Superior were mostly from Washington and were mostly visiting friends and family. Their travel is concentrated on 1-90 through Superior and Missoula with that same amount of people taking highway 200 to Lincoln and 1-15 through Helena and Great Falls. Traffic continues from Great Falls north and east into Fort Benton and then up to Highway 2. Those who entered through Monida were mostly from Canada and were mostly passing through. This group traveled mostly on 1-15 with some venturing onto 1-90 both east and west.
28 Figure 12: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Great Falls drove in the State
Community where at Entry O 41-100% of respondents drove through O ^31-40% of respondents drove through least one night was Point into MT spent
t ^ ^21-30% * of respondents drove through '5 10-20% of respondents drove through
ipT N a t i a P l e n t y u u
G l a' s a o w
rA' -
J o r d a n
nrrg^ Mire^rClty P h i li p s
E halilia
Fort Sitfith
s f Y e 0 Figure 13: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Great Falls and entered from Canada on 1-15 drove in the State (n=21)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
t * ' ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Cut Ban Plentvuu Chest£ii Ea$t^ C c l u m b Glaaaow
Rona Augif'sta
Jardan
Lewistown
rings Harlouitorr Roundu Mites City amjiton , T^rsyjJi .. . .
Key Facts of this Subgroup
rji Ha - 83% of subgroup from Alberta, ^Livin^slen Colum bus Laurel ■ ^ a d u s Canada. Fort Sitfith - 38% listed "vacation” as their main purpose, followed by 35% low SI indicating "passing through” - 40% cited open space as their main attraction to MT followed by YNP at 30% - 34% visited YNP; 7% visited GNP - Average age is 60 Figure 14: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Great Falls and entered through Great Falls Airport drove In the State (n=17)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
( 1 f 1 ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Babb etgrass
Plentyw Chinooh
Culbe
R ona
J o r d a n
L e w i s t o w
S u l p b Key Facts of this Subgroup Mire^rClty
.. . . ^ ' -18% of subgroup from CO and /? ® E haliha 14% from WA h 0 rh S ^ ^ ^ Hat^i Colum bus La Ufe.t - 60% listed "business” as their © A ^ } main purpose, followed by 23% Fort Sitfith hy indicating VFR” - 33% cited family/friends as Y o l l o w o t s t Y e l l o their main attraction to MT followed by hunting and open space both at 17% -11% visited YNP; 38% visited GNP - Average age is 51 Figure 15: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Great Falls and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the State (n=17)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O, of respondents drove through
21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Sc Ob a
Plentyw
Kalispqij jColum p C onrad igforh
J o r d a
W ibaux m oo
rirrg^ MihLS.CIty
, ... . Key Facts of this Subgroup r o u l d e t t - 66% of subgroup from WA E k a M h a
- 42% listed "VFR” as their main C olum bus L a u rel purpose, followed by 25% Foil Sitf th indicating "passing through” a X l' ie r C o ^ e City - 26% cited family/friends as YallDuu stini^
sfYelloviFstdn their main attraction to MT Natio followed by open space at 17% and hunting at 13% -12% visited YNP; 18% visited GNP - Average age is 52 Figure 16: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Great Falls and entered from ID on 1-15 drove in the State (n=16)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacier , reha \ ^ iB a b b Swetgraee Scobe hJatioittl Plentyw Parh W o w n * W hitem h ler Parh KalbpflU JColumb Culbe ta G aeaow
o f Point
Choteau ompson raJle Rona Augirsta Saint Idnatius Jo rd an Superior Seeldy Lahe >^nford i b a u x L e w i s t o w n L i n c o ^— J W i n n e t t SI
G r a s e r a n g e (enam Key Facts of this Subgroup i White Sulph^,,i:-5^nrtg9 iSL. Harioutton K O U T idU - 44% of subgroup from Alberta, (lam/iton P'iiiips^rg‘\^'’''|i® J o w t i s e n d e a a t e Canada and 20% from UT - 46% listed "passing through” as .... Ehalillia h itehali B ig THm ber their main purpose, followed by Tuilh JaCRson 26% indicating "VFR” Ennis Fort Sitf th
- 30% cited Glacier National Park Virginia Ci as their main attraction to MT followed by family/friends at T eg Dim S t ^ WestYellonFst^ 26% and Lewis and Clark history at 21% - 34% visited YNP; 50% visited GNP - Average age is 60 Overnight Visitors to Great Falls
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in the city of Great Falls. From the dataset, 164 people fit this criterion.
Figure 12 shows that the travel patterns of this group as a whole are slightly different in that there is less concentration along 1-90 than previous groups (Figure 4). The towns most visited include Shelby, Helena, Conrad and Butte. Thirty-one to 40 percent drove through Missoula and also traveled through Browning, East Glacier, and Sweetgrass. Many drove 1-90 with the highest concentration being between Whitehall and Billings. Twenty-one to 30 percent also drove through Stanford. A smaller percentage ventured along highway 93 with the highest concentration driving through Columbia Falls. This group also had 10 to 21 percent of respondents driving along highway 12 through Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Harlowton, Ryegate and Roundup.
Figure 13 depicts those who spent a night in Great Falls and entered the state through Sweetgrass. The sample size of this subgroup is 21. Forty-one to 50 or more percent of this group drove on 1-15 through Shelby, Conrad, Great Falls, Helena, Boulder, and Butte on 1-90. Thirty-one to 40 percent of these visitors drove through Dillon on 1-15 while 10 to 21 percent drove through Missoula, Whitehall, Three Forks, Twin Bridges, Big Sky, Bozeman, and West Yellowstone.
People who spent a night in Great Falls who flew into the Great Falls Airport are the focus of Figure 14. This majority of this group of 17 people did not travel far from Great Falls. Thirty-one to forty percent drove through Conrad and Shelby with 21 to 30 percent driving through Cut Bank and Browning. Ten to 20 percent drove around the state more and went through Sweetgrass, Chester, Havre, Fort Benton, Choteau, Lincoln, Helena, Boulder, Butte, Seeley Lake, Missoula, Bigfork, and Columbia Falls.
Unlike other groups entering the state on 1-90 through Superior, this group who spent a night in Great Falls, drove through Superior and Missoula and then split routes. Figure 15 shows that 21 to 30 percent continued on 1-90 to Deer Lodge but 41 to 50 percent took Highway 200 and drove through Lincoln. This same percentage drove through Helena. Thirty-one to 40 percent drove through Fort Benton and Havre and 21 to 30 percent continued on Highway 2 through Chinook, Malta, and Glasgow. Less people (10- 20%) continued on Highway 2 all the way through Culbertson. Ten to 20 percent drove 1-90 through Butte, Whitehall, Three Forks, Bozeman, Livingston, Big Timber, and Billings. This same percentage drove through Roundup, Harlowton, Stanford, and Lewistown.
Figure 16 displays the routes of Great Falls overnlghters who entered the state through Monida. This subgroup is made up of 16 people and they concentrated their travel on 1-15 north with little diversion. Ten to 20 percent took 1-90 through Deer Lodge and Missoula, while that same percentage took 1-90 east through Whitehall, Three Forks, Bozeman, Livingston, and Billings. To the north, 10-20 percent also drove through Browning.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Great Falls The top three residences where these visitors live are Alberta, Canada, Washington and Idaho (Table 28). Over half of the respondents in this group were in Montana on vacation with 56 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 38 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 29). The length 34 of stay in Montana for this group was just over five nights (5.17). Ninety-two percent of this group was repeat visitors.
Table 28: Residences of Great Falls Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Alberta, Canada 25% Washington 12% Idaho 6% Colorado 5% Minnesota 5%
Table 29: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Great Falls Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 56% 38% Passing Through 29% 23% VFR 23% 16% Business 16% 16% Shopping 9% 5% Other 4% 3%
Most people who spent at least one night in the Great Falls entered the state via auto or truck (67%) while 16 percent flew (Table 30). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Nineteen percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while 16 percent indicated flying into Montana. Only three percent, in this case, flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 30: Mode of Entry by Great Falls Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 67% Air 16% RV/Traller 9% Motorcycle 8% Other -
Table 31 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the north at Sweetgrass (15%) and from Great Falls Airport (12%). Table 32 shows that most respondents (47%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty-five percent used no sources to plan their trip but 15 percent used Automobile Club and 14 percent indicated that they used a source not listed here.
35 Table 31: Top State Entry Points by Great Falls Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Sweetgrass 15% Great Falls Air 12% Superior 11% Monida 10% Lodge Grass 9% Wlhaux/Beach 6%
Table 32: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Great Falls Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 47% Used no sources 25% Automobile Club 15% Used no sources listed 14% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 12% Guide hook 12% Montana Travel planner 7%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Great Falls and Table 33 shows the top six other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular location for other nights was Billings at 17 percent followed by Missoula at 16 percent.
Table 33: Top Locations where Great Falls Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of nights Billings 17% Missoula 16% Kalispell 9% Glacier National Park 8% Helena 8% West Yellowstone 8% Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (66%). Nature photography and recreational shopping were the next most popular at 35 and 33 percent respectively (Table 34). Glacier National Park was the most frequently visited site by this group with 44 percent having visited (Table 35). Thirty-four percent of this group visited Yellowstone while 30 percent went to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
36 Table 34: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Great Falls Overnlghters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 66% Nature Photography 35% Recreational shopping 33% Visiting Lewis & Clark sites 28% Visit other historical sites 27% Wildlife watching 27% Car/RV camping 26% Day hiking 25% Visit museums 23%
Table 35: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Great Fails Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Glacier National Park 44% Yellowstone National Park 34% Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 30% Other Montana State Parks 20% CM Russell Museum 19% Little Bighorn Battlefield 14%
Table 36: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Great Falls Overnlghters
Towns % of sample Shelby 48% Helena 47% Conrad 45% Butte 41% Missoula 33% Sweetgrass 32% Browning 31% Livingston 30% Billings 28% Big Timber 27%
37 Highline Area Executive Summary ♦♦♦ People who spent at least one night in Cut Bank, Shelby, Havre, or Glasgow traveled on 1-90 but not at the level they traveled Highway 2 and through Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Great Falls. ♦♦♦ Of this group, those who entered through Culbertson traveled heavily on Highway 2 but some also traveled down through the Flathead Valley and west through Superior. Small numbers of people also drove on 1-15 and the central part of 1-90. ♦♦♦ Those who entered through Superior have a veiy clear route of taking 1-90 to Deer Lodge and then taking highway 12 to Helena and up 1-15 to Highway 2. Some also continued on 1-90 to Billings and 94 through Forsyth and Miles City.
38 Figure 17: Map of towns where those who spent a night in the Highline Area drove in the state
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Plen ty w
W h ie f
A u g i r st a a i 5a Jardan
Lintiol
e W hite Mints City
B u tte ^orK s r \ f> N .... cm # © \ /V
Fort S a fi^
CooJie City
»tre 0 Figure 18: Map of towns where those who spent a night in the Highline Area and entered from ND on Highway 2 drove in the state (n=8)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacier
Plentyvu H W e m Wh fef
Jordan WibauxSI
White Sulphur-Springs Miles,GIty
p o u lffe r I
Butte Eltalua rtehJlTtiWp,'Forts
Key Facts of this Subgroup Fort SnFith - 60% listed "passing through” as their main purpose, followed by 40% indicating "vacation” - 51% cited Glacier National Park as their main attraction to MT - 50% visited GNP - Average age is 47 Figure 19: Map of towns where those who spent a night in the Highline Area and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state (n=5)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
G acier Babb
Plentyvu
Whitef
Jordan
nng9
Bou der
f m
Key Facts of this Subgroup Fort Sn/ th - 49%of this subgroup from WA - 34% listed "passing through” as stYe D their main purpose, followed by 33% indicating "vacation” - 51% cited Glacier National Park as their main attraction to MT - 48% visited GNP - Average age is 63 Overnight Visitors to the Highline Area (Cut Bank, Shelby, Havre, Glasgow)
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in the highline area, including Cut Bank, Shelby, Havre, and Glasgow. From the dataset, 89 people fit this criterion.
Figure 17 shows the travel routes of all those who spent a night in the highline area (89 people). One can see that the concentration of travelers in this group is focused on Highway 2 with a large portion also traveling through Conrad and Great Falls. There remains some concentration of travel along 1-90 but not at the level seen in other groups. The Flathead Valley received some traffic from this group as well. Also towns in the middle of the state like Fort Benton, Stanford, and White Sulphur Springs, and Roundup received traffic from this group.
Figure 18 shows those who stayed at least a night along the highline and entered through Culbertson. Traffic is concentrated on Highway 2 with 21 to 30 percent of travelers in this group also driving through the Flathead Valley and Missoula. Sixty percent of this group was passing through and 40 percent were on vacation. Half of this group visited Glacier National park. Ten to 20 percent were scattered around the rest of the state. There is a route visible along 1-15 and also on 1-90.
Figure 19 shows highline overnighters who came into the state via 1-90 through Superior. There is a clear route following 1-90 to Deer Lodge and up Highway 12 to Helena, up 1-15 to highway 87 through Havre and along Highway 2 to the east. Some people (21-30%) continued on 1-90 to Miles City. That same percentage also traveled west of Havre on Highway 2 and into Glacier National Park and the Flathead.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to the Highline Area The top three residences where these visitors live are Washington, British Columbia, Canada, and Alberta, Canada (Table 37). The majority of respondents were in Montana on vacation with 53 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 39 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 38). The length of stay in Montana for this group was just over five nights (5.34). Eighty-five percent of this group was repeat visitors.
Table 37: Residences of Highline Area Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Washington 12% British Columbia, Canada 8% Alberta, Canada 6% Virginia 6% Minnesota 5% Illinois 4% Kentucky 4% Wisconsin 4%
42 Table 38: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Highline Area Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 53% 39% Passing Through 39% 34% VFR 17% 10% Business 16% 15% Other 3% 2%
Shopping 1% --
Most people who spent at least one night in the highline area entered the state via auto or truck (65%) while 20 percent entered in an RV or trailer and 10 percent flew (Table 39). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twelve percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while 10 percent indicated flying into Montana. Only two percent, in this case, flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 39: Mode of Entry hy Highline Area Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 65% RV/Traller 20% Air 10% Motorcycle 5% Other -
Table 40 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the east through the Culbertson/Bainville area (24%) and from the west through Superior (18%). Table 41 shows that most respondents (47%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty-seven percent used no sources to plan their trip but 20 percent used an Automobile Club. Table 40: Top State Entry Points hy Highline Area Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Culbertson/Balnevllle 24% Superior 18% Sweetgrass 13% Great Falls Air 8% Wlhaux/Beach 7% Lodgegrass 6% Monida 5%
43 Table 41: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Highline Area Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 47% Used no sources 27% Automobile Club 20% National Park 26% hrochure/hook/wehslte Guide book 12% Montana Travel planner 12%
Table 42: Top 5 Locations where Highline Area Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Missoula 25% Billings 20% Columbia Falls 16% Glacier National Park 15% Kalispell 12%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Butte and Table 42 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular location for other nights was Missoula at 25 percent followed by Billings at 20 percent
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (74%). Nature photography and day hiking were the next most popular at 43 and 41 percent respectively (Table 43). Glacier National Park was the most frequently visited site by this group with 71 percent having visited (Table 44).
Table 43: Top 10 Activities of Highline Area Overnlghters in Montana
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 74% Nature Photography 43% Day hiking 41% Car/RV camping 41% Wildlife watching 37% Recreational shopping 26% Visit other historical sites 26% Visit museums 20% Attend festivals/special events 15% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 14%
44 Table 44: Top Sites Visited by Hlghllne Area Overnlghters in Montana
Sites Visited % of sample Glacier National Park 71% Yellowstone National Park 41% Fort Peck Lake 23% Flathead Lake State Parks 16% Fort Peck Interpretive Center 13% Other Montana State Parks 10%
Table 45: Top 10 towns driven through by Hlghllne Area Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Browning 57% Great Falls 57% Chinook 54% Malta 54% Chester 53% Wolf Point 50% Columbia Falls 46% Culbertson 41% Poplar 41% Conrad 39%
45 Helena Executive Summary t People who spent at least one night in Helena traveled on 1-90 but the western end of the interstate received more traffic. There is a high density of traffic where 1-90,1-15, and highway 12 come together. Traffic patterns of this group are somewhat spread out except for the northeastern corner of the state. t Of this group, those who entered through Superior traveled heavily in the western side of the state. Sixty-six percent of people in this group are from Washington and are mostly visiting friends and relatives and vacationing. A small portion of this subgroup traveled to the Flathead Valley and the east side of Glacier National Park, t Those who entered through Monida concentrated their travel on 1-15 but the magnitude decreased on the northern stretch of 1-15. Small amounts of people (10-20%) traveled east on 1-90 and north on highway 89 into the Flathead Valley, t Those who entered via the Helena Airport were mostly from Colorado, Washington, and California. They did not travel far from Helena with 21 to 30 percent going through Townsend, Three Forks, Bozeman, and Livingston. Ten to twenty percent drove north to Great Fails and the same amount drove south through Boulder, Butte, and Dillon and west to Deer Lodge and Missoula.
46 Figure 20: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Helena drove in the state
41-100% of respondents drove through ^^3 1 -4 0 % of respondents drove through Community:A Entry O O Point into MT where at least one night was ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through spent
Sw^Btg Sc one N alia P l e n t y w o o
CulbdH$vn
P o i n t “■4'
J o r d a
nng9 P h ilip s
Ekalaha
s t Y e l l o Figure 21: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Helena and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state fn=121
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O, of respondents drove through
^ 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacier
Plentyvu H W » Chinook Whiieflih
^OlURVb ^ I,— fcohradK * f\ P o i n t /
Augusta J o r d a n
5u 1phpi>-S-arings Key Facts of this Subgroup MitftSrClty ou de - 66%of this subgroup from WA Butte - 33% listed "VFR” as their main
purpose, followed by 28% Twin ^ i d g I Fort Sitfith indicating "vacation” Dill «•*J Virginia Cl - 30% cited Yellowstone National e City >
Park as their main attraction to W e stY e 0 MT, followed by 29% citing family and friends - 36% visited YNP and 36% visited GNP - Average age is 49 Figure 22: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Helena and entered through ID on 1-15 drove in the state (n=13)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
( ^21-30% ' of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacie Babb I S v j e t q n
Plentyw
Chester
Jorda
Wibaux
Key Facts of this Subgroup ring? - 26% of this subgroup from Mihis.Clty Alberta, Canada followed by 18% from ID and 17% CA. - 38% listed "passing through” as their main purpose, followed by 25% indicating "VFR” - 30% cited Glacier National Park ^tYello as their main attraction to MT, followed by 2 8% citing family and friends - 36% visited GNP and 24% visited YNP - Average age is 62 Figure 23: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Helena and entered through Helena Airport drove in the state (n=ll)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O, of respondents drove through
(I { ') ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Babb Sweetgr^99 Sc Ob 9
Cut Banh 0 Plentyw pod Chest££ icr ParK KaliapiUJColumb C onrad
0 If Point
C h o t e a u
Augifsta
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 17% of this subgroup from CO followed by 14% from WA and rirrg9 12% CA Harloufton - 45% listed "VFR” as their main Ekalilta purpose, followed by 37% lute ha H am m Columbus*-®!^ indicating "business”
- 31% cited mountains/forests as Fort S n^th their main attraction to MT, followed by 2 6% citing family and r allow 91 9fYe 0 friends - 27% visited YNP and 22% visited GNP - Average age is 5 0 Overnight Visitors to Helena
Figure 20 represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in Helena. From the dataset, 104 people fit this criterion. Those spending at least one night in Helena concentrated their driving south and east of Helena. Ten to 21 percent of this group did travel in the Flathead Valley with a higher concentration in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Browning, St. Maiy, and East Glacier. This same percentage (10-21%) also drove through the eastern side of 1-90 and south near Yellowstone. There are also areas of higher concentration in Hardin and Crow Agency.
Figure 21 represents visitors who spent at least a night in Helena and entered the state through Superior. With this group, there is a concentration of traffic on 1-90 to Deer Lodge. Traffic splits here as some visitors took highway 12 to Helena while less continued on 1-90 to Butte. Twenty-one to 30 percent went through Boulder but 41 to 50 percent drove through Townsend suggesting that many took highway 12 back to 1-90. A small percentage of this group (10-20%) drove through Thompson Falls and through Bigfork, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls. This same percentage also drove through communities on the east side of Glacier National Park, and through Cut Bank, Shelby, and Conrad. Highway 200’s communities of Seeley Lake and Lincoln also saw a small percentage of traffic from this group. Some may have exited the state from the south driving through Dillon on 1-15.
Figure 22 shows Helena over-nighters who entered the state from the south through Monida. This group was mainly from Canada and many indicated "passing through” as a primary purpose of their Montana trip. This is evident in the traffic patterns of this group as there is a concentration through Dillon, Butte, Boulder, and Helena but this decreases to 31 to 40 percent of travelers going through Great Falls, Conrad, and Shelby. Twenty-one to thirty percent of the group drove through Sweetgrass. There is a clear pattern of people (10-20%) who continue east on 1-90 down through Hardin and Crow Agency. There is also a group who traveled west on 1-90 through Deer Lodge and Missoula (10-20%) and north on highway 89 to the west-side gateway communities of Glacier National Park. Browning saw this same concentration of people travel through.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Helena The top three residences where these visitors live are Washington, Alberta, Canada, and California (Table 46). More than half of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 56 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 38 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 47). The length of stay in Montana for this group was almost six nights (5.96). Eighty-four percent of this group was repeat visitors.
51 Table 46: Residence of Helena Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Washington 15% Alberta, Canada 12% California 7% Colorado 6% Idaho 5% Minnesota 5% Arizona 4% Mississippi 4% Pennsylvania 4% Wyoming 4%
Table 47: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Helena Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 56% 38% VFR 37% 27% Business 15% 16% Passing Through 17% 14% Other 4% 4% Shopping 5% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Helena entered the state via auto or truck (65%) while 20 percent flew (Table 48). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty-five percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while 20 percent indicated flying into Montana. Only five percent, in this case, flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 48: Mode of Entry by Helena Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 65% Air 20% Motorcycle 9% RV/Traller 4% Train 1% Other 1%
52 Table 49 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the south through Monida (13%) and from the west through Superior (13%). Eleven percent of this group flew into the Helena Airport. Table 49: Top State Entry Points of Helena Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Monida 13% Superior 13% Helena Air 11% West Yellowstone 9% Lodge Grass 7% Sweetgrass 6% Culhertson/Balnevllle 6% Plegan 5%
Table 50 shows that most respondents (47%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty- seven percent used no sources to plan their trip but 20 percent used an Automobile Club.
Table 50: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Helena Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 52% Used no sources 25% Automobile Club 17% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 17% Used no sources listed 13% Guide hook 12%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Helena and Table 51 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were Billings and West Yellowstone both at 21 percent followed by Great Fails at 18 percent.
Table 51: Top 5 Locations where Helena Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Billings 21% West Yellowstone 21% Great Falls 18% Bozeman 12% Whlteflsh 11%
53 Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (64%). Nature photography and wildlife watching were the next most popular at 47 and 42 percent respectively (Table 52). Yellowstone (49%) and Glacier (47%) National Parks were the most frequently visited sites by this group (Table 53).
Table 52: Top 10 Activities of Helena Overnlghters in Montana
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 64% Nature Photography 47% Wildlife watching 42% Day hiking 40% Recreational shopping 29% Visit other historical sites 28% Visit museums 22% Car/RV camping 21% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 16% Visit Indian Reservations 14%
Table 53: Top Sites Visited by Helena Overnlghters in Montana
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 49% Glacier National Park 47% Little Bighorn Battlefield 21% Montana Historical Museum 18% Other Montana State Parks 18% Ghost towns 10% Virginia/Nevada City 10% National Bison Range 10%
Table 54: Top 10 towns driven through by Helena Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Three Forks 49% Butte 48% Townsend 46% Missoula 43% Bozeman 43% Big Timber 39% Livingston 38% Laurel 38% Billings 37% Boulder 37%
54 Kalispell Executive Summary
People who spent at least one night in Kalispell traveled mostly on 1-90 and highway 89 with smaller groups spreading around the state with the exception of the northeast corner. Of those who entered the state through Superior, the travel patterns are similar. This group is mainly from Washington and was mostly on vacation but some indicated passing through. In this group there is some travel in the northeast corner of the state as a small portion took Highway 2 likely after exiting Glacier National Park. Of those entering from the south through Lodge Grass, they again traveled heavily on 1-90 and highway 89 and the majority of them visited Glacier National Park (83%). The difference between those entering from Superior and this group is the lack of travel in the Yellowstone gateways. Those entering through Gardiner are a veiy unique group. This entire group visited both national parks and for the most part stayed on 1-90 and highway 89 with little diversion. Quality signage could draw these visitors off of the Interstate if they have flexibility to do so.
55 Figure 24: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Kalispell drove in the state
41-100% of respondents drove through ^^3 1 -4 0 % of respondents drove through Communityi t Entry O o where at least Point into MT one night was ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through spent
G acie
Plentyw M /C h in
G las n ow fConnid
Point
Jordan
White Sulpli rings
V
Fort Sitfith
C o u e City
stY e 0 Figure 25: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Kalispell and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state fn = lll
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through r O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
S w e e t g ScoDe Plentyw pod
White
Kalisp
Jerd a 12% L m t o l m
Helena rirrg9
Bouider
Ehalalia Key Facts of this Subgroup - 53% of this subgroup from WA followed by 12% from ID - 59% listed "vacation” as their main purpose, followed by 24% stY e 0 indicating "passing through” - 72% said their main attraction was Glacier National Park. - 75% visited Glacier and 53% visited Yellowstone. - Average age is 57 Figure 26: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Kalispell and entered from WY on 1-90 drove in the state fn = lll
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O of respondents drove through
O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Naticf Plentyw
r P o nt
J a rd a
Mihis OIfy
Ehaltllta
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 10% of this subgroup were WI. - 49% listed "vacation” as their s t Y e l l o main purpose, followed by 28% indicating "VFR” - 48% said their main attraction was Glacier National Park. - 83% visited Glacier and 27% visited Yellowstone. - Average age is 5 8 Figure 2 7\ Map of towns where those who spent a night in Kalispell and entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 drove in the state fn=91
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through
C " j ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through I 10-20% - of respondents drove through
Sweetgra99 Sc Ob a
Cut Banh Plentyw pod Cheslfit ler ParK Culbe tt$on C onrad Gla^aow Popla
olf P oint
*^om pson
peiyor J o rd an ®J“S^nford Lewisiow n innett
w hite Su1phuJi-S- nring9 Kouiidu MiTas Philips Send Forsyth
Enm s Rev Facts of this Subgroup Foil 5 n / th - 27% of this subgroup was from Virginia Ci CO, MS, andVA. - 54% listed "vacation" as their W e stY e 0 main purpose, followed by 27% indicating "VFR” -100% of this group visited both Glacier and Yellowstone National parks. - Average age is 61 Overnight Visitors to Kalispell
Figure 24 represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in Kalispell. From the dataset, 95 people fit this criterion. The travel patterns of this group are concentrated along 1-90 and that concentration remains along Highway 93 and the Flathead Valley. On 1-90, traffic gets lighter in the eastern areas. Some of this group (21-30%) drove through Crow Agency and Hardin to the south, along with Helena and Great Falls in central Montana and Seeley Lake and Bigfork in the northwest.
Figure 25 shows those who spent a night in Kalispell and entered the state through Superior. Over half of this group were from Washington and listed vacation as their main purpose with a quarter considering passing through to be their purpose. The travel patterns of this sub-group are very similar to those of all overnight visitors to Kalispell with traffic concentrated on the western side of the state on 1-90 and highway 89. This pattern makes sense when considering that 75 percent of this group visited Glacier National Park. The moderate traffic in the Yellowstone area is also in-line with data showing that 53 percent visited Yellowstone National Park. In this subgroup, there is also a small portion of travelers who drove highway 2 from Cut Bank to Culbertson. Traffic can also be found on highway 212 through Broadus.
Figure 26 represents the visitors who stayed in Kalispell and entered the state from the south through Lodge Grass. This group again traveled heavily on 1-90 and highway 89 and the majority of them visited Glacier National Park (83%). The difference between those entering from Superior and this group is the lack of travel in the Yellowstone gateways. Like previous groups, small percentages of people dispersed their driving around the state with only the veiy far east corners and the south west corner not seeing traffic.
Figure 27 presents the patterns of a very unique group who entered the state through Gardiner. Twenty- seven percent of this group was from Colorado, Missouri, and Virginia. This entire group visited both national parks and for the most part stayed on 1-90 and highway 89 with little diversion. A large percentage drove through Boulder and Helena and somewhat less through Great Falls, Lincoln, and Choteau.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Kalispell The top three residences where these visitors live are Washington, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada (Table 46). Most of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 82 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 59 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 56). The length of stay in Montana for this group was over five nights (5.56). Ninety percent of this group was repeat visitors.
60 Table 55: Residences of Kalispell Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Washington 10% Minnesota 8% Alberta, Canada 7% British Columbia, Canada 6% Florida 6% Colorado 4% Kentucky 4% Missouri 4% Virginia 4%
Table 56: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Kalispell Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 82% 59% VFR 26% 20% Passing Through 14% 14% Business 4% 3% Shopping 6% 4% Other 1% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Kalispell entered the state via auto or truck (73%) while 13 percent flew (Table 48). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while 13 percent indicated flying into Montana. Seven percent of this group flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 57: Mode of Entry by Kalispell Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 73% Air 13% RV/Traller 9% Motorcycle 4% Other 1%
61 Table 58 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the west through Superior (14%) and from the south through Lodge Grass (12%). Ten percent of this group came in through Gardiner and eight percent flew into the Kalispell Airport. Table 59 shows that most respondents (55%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Forty-one percent of this group reported using a national park brochure or website and 23 percent used an automobile club. Table 58: Top State Entry Points by Kalispell Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Superior 12% Lodge Grass 12% Gardiner 11% Roosvllle 8% West Yellowstone 8% Kalispell Air 7% Wlhaux/Beach 6%
Table 59: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Kalispell Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 55% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 41% Automobile Club 23% Montana Travel Planner 18% Used no sources 16% Guide hook 16%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Kalispell and Table 60 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were Missoula (22%) Billings (21%) followed by Bozeman at 16 percent.
Table 60: Top 5 Locations where Kalispell Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Missoula 22% Billings 21% Bozeman 16% Great Falls 15% Gardiner 14%
62 Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (83%). Nature photography and day hiking were the next most popular at 54 and 42 percent respectively (Table 61). Nearly everyone in this group visited Glacier National Park (84%) while forty-seven percent went to Yellowstone (Table 62). Flathead Lake State Parks and Little Bighorn were the next most visited sites at 34 and 15 percent, respectively.
Table 61: Top 10 Activities by Kalispell Overnlghters in Montana
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 83% Nature Photography 54% Day hiking 42% Wildlife watching 38% Recreational shopping 36% Visit other historical sites 27% Car/RV camping 27% Visit museums 19% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 15% Visit farmers markets 14%
Table 62: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Kalispell Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Glacier National Park 84% Yellowstone National Park 47% Flathead Lake State Parks 34% Little Bighorn Battlefield 15% Other Montana State Parks 12%
Table 63: Top 10 towns driven through by Kalispell Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Columbia Falls 65% Missoula 60% Three Forks 57% Deer Lodge 53% Butte 53% Livingston 53% Poison 52% St. Ignatius 51% Bozeman 49% Ronan 49%
63 Miles City Executive Summary
• Those spending a night in Miles City drove mostly through communities along highway 94 and 1- 90. Smaller percentages did disperse to other communities in eastern and central Montana but there was a lack of travel in the northwest portion of the state. ♦♦♦ Looking at Miles City overnighters who entered the state at the eastern end through Wibaux, one can see that their travel patterns are very clear. This group was mostly on vacation and 62 percent visited Yellowstone National Park. A small portion of the group left the Interstate and went through Twin Bridges, Big Sky, Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, and Red Lodge likely to access Yellowstone. ♦♦♦ Over half of Miles City overnighters entering through Superior was passing through the state and that is evident by their veiy straight-forward travel pattern. They stayed on the 1-90 and 94 exiting the state through Wibaux.
64 Figure 28: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Miles City drove in the state
Entiy Community O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through A Point into MT o, where at least one night was spent O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Sweetgrass
0 Plentyw LilCut Banh Wh tef Chest££ E « $6 t fa«ier Park KalispiUJCoiumbm Conrad
C hateau F oriew flon
Rona
Jarda ti
Lmcoi
<.White Sulphp.4’-S-E|nrtgs
Phrlips TouHiiend
Fort Sn/ith
sfYeilo Figure 29: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Miles City and entered from ND on 1-94 through Wihaux/Beach area drove in the state fn=201
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%o, of respondents drove through
O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
G aeier Babb Sweetg ra99 Scobe Natianal Cut Banh 0 Plentyw bo Parh \?rownm Havre Chinooh W h ite ffth Ea$t t^«ier Path Kah^paUJColumbia Fa As Conrad
P o i n t C h b t e a u hompsonFaJIa
A u g rea U^alts Saint dnatiua S u v e n o r Jordan Seeloy Lahe
L e w i s t o w n u n c o in n e t t
Grasarftnge
-% -^ ^ t^ W h ite SulpKjJ,|i-S-Eirings P h i l i p s ^ Harlostton Roundu am i ton ouiftiseTid eaate r ^ i EhaMlta
anus Key Facts of this Subgroup JacR son > Fort Sitf th - 46% of this subgroup was from I Virginia Ci MN e c i ^ - 52% listed "vacation” as their main purpose, followed by 26% (g. WestYellomFsiifu indicating "passing through” - 35% were attracted by skiing/snowboarding, followed by Yellowstone -62% of this group visited Yellowstone National Park. - Average age is 5 7 Figure 30: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Miles City and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state (n=16)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40% of respondents drove through
( ^21-30% ' of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
B a b b Sweetgra99 S c o b e © Cut Banh H^re P l e n t y w Whife^ ler Park ColumbiB unis C u l b e C o n rad Malta Poplar igforh Dif Point Choteau o m p s o n F a Rona Augirsta reatralls Saint Idnatius J o r d a n
L ew isto w n i n n e t t
Heioia' ^White S u lp h u /^ rin g s R o if t id u P h i l i p s Key Facts of this Subgroup Touirtiiend B o u l d e r - 50% of this subgroup was from WA EKaldha - 53% listed "passing through” as their main Twin B/idg purpose, followed by 24% F o r t indicating "VFR” BwShy Virginia Ci - 32% were attracted by friends and family, followed by mountains and forests. |gl WestYello^t -42% of this group visited Yellowstone National Park. - Average age is 62 Overnight Visitors to Miles City
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in Miles City. From the dataset, 87 people fit this criterion.
The travel patterns of this group are very different from the other groups. The traffic is concentrated on 1-90 and only a few communities in the northeast were driven through by the smallest category of 10 to 20 percent of respondents. These communities include Sidney, Wolf Point, Circle, Glasgow, and Malta. This same volume of respondents drove through Roundup, Grass Range, Great Falls, Helena, Twin Bridges, Dillon and around Yellowstone in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cooke City and Red Lodge.
Looking at Figure 29, one can see that visitors who entered through Wibaux stayed on the primary roads. This group was mostly on vacation and 62 percent visited Yellowstone National Park. A small portion of the group left the Interstate and went through Twin Bridges, Big Sky, Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, and Red Lodge likely to access Yellowstone. Ten to 20 percent also traveled through Hardin and Crow Agency and north of 1-90 through Helena and Townsend.
Figure 30 shows those who entered through Superior and not surprisingly 50 percent are from Washington. Over half of this group was passing through the state and that is evident by their veiy straight-forward travel pattern. They stayed on the 1-90 and 94 exiting the state through Wibaux. A small group went through Gardiner and Hardin and Crow Agency on 1-90 south.
Characteristics of Overnight Visitors to Miles City The top three residences where these visitors live are Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon (Table 64). Many of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 57 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 43 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 65). The length of stay in Montana for this group was almost five nights (4.57). Ninety-three percent of this group was repeat visitors.
Table 64: Residence of Miles City Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Minnesota 22% Washington 10% Oregon 9% Wyoming 8% California 8% Indiana 5% Wisconsin 4% Missouri 4%
68 Table 65: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip by Miles City Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 57% 43% Passing Through 30% 27% VFR 27% 19% Business 17% 11%
Shopping 11% -- Other 1% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Miles City entered the state via auto or truck (87%) while six percent entered Montana on a motorcycle (Table 66). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only three percent indicated flying into Montana. Seventeen percent of this group flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 66: Mode of Entry by Miles City Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 87% Motorcycle 6% RV/Traller 5% Air 3% Other -
Table 67 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the east through Wibaux/Beach (24%) and from the west through Superior (17%). Seven percent of this group came in over Targhee Pass and seven percent entered at Lodge Grass. Table 68 shows that most respondents (54%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty-seven percent used no sources while 18 percent used Automobile Club information and 12 percent used the Montana Travel Planner. Table 67: Top State Entry Points by Miles City Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Wlhaux/Beach 24% Superior 17% Targhee Pass 7% Lodge Grass 7% Baker 5% Brldger 310 5% Falrvlew 5% Sidney 5% West Yellowstone 5%
69 Table 68: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Miles City Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 54% Used no sources 27% Automobile Club 18% Montana Travel Planner 12% Online ad/brochure 12%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Miles City and Table 69 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were Billings (27%) Bozeman (26%) followed by Missoula at 24 percent.
Table 69: Top 5 Locations where Miles City Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Billings 27% Bozeman 26% Missoula 24% West Yellowstone 19% Circle 12%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (67%). Visiting Lewis and Clark sites (44%) and other historical sites (31%) were the next most popular activities (Table 70). Half of this group visited Yellowstone National Park and 23 percent visited Pompey’s Pillar (Table 71).
Table 70: Top 10 Activities of Miles City Overnlghters in Montana
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 67% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 44% Visit other historical sites 31% Nature Photography 28% Recreational shopping 23% Visit museums 23% Car/RV camping 23% Wildlife watching 20% Day hiking 19%
70 Table 71: Top Sites Visited by Miles City Overnlghters in Montana
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 50% Pompey’s Pillar 23% Little Bighorn Battlefield 19% Fort Peck Lake 12% Glacier National Park 12% CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge 10% Other MT State Parks 10%
Table 72: Top 10 towns driven through by Miles City Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Billings 93% Forsyth 90% Laurel 84% Glendive 78% Livingston 69% Columbus 68% Big Timber 67% Bozeman 66% Wibaux 58% Three Forks 52%
71 Missoula Executive Summary
♦♦♦ Those spending a night in Missoula drove mostly through communities along 1-90 and highway 89. The highest volume of traffic was from Superior to Billings along 1-90. ♦♦♦ Looking at Missoula overnlghters who entered the state from the western end through Superior, it is evident that a good portion of this group was passing through (38%). This group stayed on 1-90 and 94. A small portion drove through Gardiner most accessing Yellowstone National Park. ♦♦♦ Looking at those who flew into the Missoula Airport, the driving routes of this group were concentrated on highway 89 north to Glacier with 61 percent indicating they had visited the park. Small percentages of people drove through the communities on the east side of Glacier and through Lolo, Seeley Lake, Philipsburg and Anaconda.
72 Figure 31: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Missoula drove in the state
Entiy O41-100% of respondents resDondents drove drove through throush ^^31-40% O of respondents drove through Cornmuhityi t Point into MT ^ ^ where at least 1 ^ one night was ^ *^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through spent
^weotgrass
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Fort Sn/ith
» t Y e l k Figure 32: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Missoula and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state (n=78)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O, of respondents drove through
(I I < ^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
G l a c i e r Sweetgra99 Sc Ob 9
Cut Banh © PientywDod
W h if e f S I£ £ E a $ t G m i e r P a r k Kaii9p^|(JCDlumbni unis „ , Culbemon Conrad Poplar j _ 3k. V taigforh olf Point IV.X' C hbteau o m p s o n F a © ^ ' V,;
Saint dnatius Jo rd an
Linco
^White Sulph^,|-S-g^rlng9 ^end Bou der EhaMka Key Facts of this Subgroup - 48% of this subgroup was from WA - 38% listed "passing through” Foil 5 n /th as their main purpose, followed by 31% indicating at "VFR" atYe 0 - 29% were attracted by friends and family, followed by Yellowstone National Park at 22%. -54% of this group visited Yellowstone National Park. - Average age is 5 8. Figure 33: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Missoula and entered through the Missoula Airport drove in the state fn=35}
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%O, of respondents drove through
^ ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Sw eetgm ss Scone 0 Cut Banh Plentywpod Chinooh Chester fier Park Culbertson C o n r a d Ma ta Gla' saow
D f P e nt Chhteau
0 - f t A u g^ t a rea f/® ira
J o r d a n
L e w i s t o w n i-_j[vinnett W ib a uS! x rassr^ge >1 --.^ \W h ite Swlph .- ^BrLodJe ^ MiteaClty / Tourtisend B o u l d e r ' ■ ' -SUl ■ r Key Facts of this Subgroup
- 16% of this subgroup was iaff W h itehail Th o rks Biu Timber from WA with 12% from FL „ Haiklin ■ • Cotum bus'-*L a'"u r e l' ^ - 46% listed "VFR” as their main purpose, followed by Foil Sn/ th 31% indicating "vacation” - 40% were attracted by friends and family, followed by stY e D Glacier National Park at 23%. -61% of this group visited Glacier National Park. - Average age is 53. Overnight Visitors to Missoula
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in Missoula. From the dataset, 351 people fit this criterion.
The travel patterns of those who spent a night in Missoula are similar to other groups with some differences in volume. The highest volume of traffic was from Superior to Billings along 1-90. Twenty- one to 30 percent of traffic was concentrated along highway 93 north to Kalispell. A smaller concentration drove through Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Babb and Browning. Great Falls and Helena had 10 to 21 percent of respondents drive through along with Forsyth, Miles City, Glendive and Wibaux.
Looking at Figure 32 representing those who entered through Superior, it is evident that a good portion of this group was passing through (38%). This group stayed on 1-90 and 94. A small portion drove through Gardiner most accessing Yellowstone National Park.
Figure 33 shows the visitors who flew into the Missoula Airport. The driving routes of this group were concentrated on highway 89 north to Glacier with 61 percent indicating they had visited the park. Twenty-one percent drove through Deer Lodge and Butte. Small percentages of people drove through the communities on the east side of Glacier and through Lolo, Seeley Lake, Philipsburg and Anaconda.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Missoula The top three residences where these visitors live are Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming (Table 73). Just over half of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 54 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 33 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 74). The length of stay in Montana for this group was nearly five nights (5.46). Eighty-eight percent of this group was repeat visitors.
Table 73: Residences of Missoula Overnlghters
Residence % of sample Washington 21% Oregon 8% Wyoming 6% Idaho 6% California 5% Colorado 5% Utah 4% Texas 4%
76 Table 74: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip by Missoula Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 54% 33% VFR 33% 27% Passing Through 27% 25% Business 12% 11% Other 4% 4%
Shopping 3% --
Most people who spent at least one night in Missoula entered the state via auto or truck (72%) while 14 percent entered Montana via air (Table 75). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty-two percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while 15 percent indicated flying into Montana. Seven percent of this group flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 75: Mode of Entry by Missoula Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 72% Air 15% RV/Traller 8% Motorcycle 4% Other 2%
Table 76 shows that most of these respondents entered the state from the west through Superior (26%) and from the west through Superior (24%). Twelve percent of this group flew into Missoula airport and six percent entered at Lodge Grass and Gardiner. Table 77 shows that most respondents (54%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Twenty-seven percent used no sources while 18 percent used Automobile Club information and 12 percent used the Montana Travel Planner. Table 76: Top State Entry Points by Missoula Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Superior 24% Missoula Air 12% Lodge Grass 6% Gardiner 6% Falrvlew 5% Monlda 5% West Yellowstone 5% Wibaux/Beach 5%
77 Table 77: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Missoula Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 54% Used no sources 24% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 24% Automobile Club 14% Montana Travel Planner 10%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Missoula and Table 78 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were Billings (25%), West Yellowstone (18%) and Bozeman (16%).
Table 78: Top 5 Locations where Missoula Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Billings 25% West Yellowstone 18% Bozeman 16% Whitefish 10% Kalispell 9%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (78%). Wildlife watching (41%) and day hiking (40%) were the next most popular activities (Table 79). Table 80 shows that the percentage of this group who visited Yellowstone (45%) is veiy similar to the percentage who visited Glacier (42%). Twenty percent of respondents visited Flathead Lake State Parks.
Table 79: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Missoula Overnlghters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 77% Wildlife watching 41% Day hiking 40% Nature Photography 38% Recreational shopping 36% Car/RV camping 34% Visit other historical sites 22% Visit museums 20% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 18%
78 Table 80: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Missoula Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 45% Glacier National Park 42% Flathead Lake State Parks 20% Hot Springs 16% Lolo Pass Interpretive Center 13% Little Bighorn Battlefield 13% Other Montana State Parks 12% National Bison Range 12%
Table 81: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by Missoula Overnlghters
Towns % of sample Butte 73% Deer Lodge 72% Three Forks 57% Whitehall 57% Livingston 52% Bozeman 52% Billings 47% Superior 46% Columbus 45% Laurel 45%
79 West Yellowstone Executive Summary
♦♦♦ The travelers who spent at least one night in West Yellowstone were spread throughout the western portion of the state. There are areas of heavier concentration along 1-90. ♦♦♦ Those who entered through Targhee Pass were mainly on vacation and the majority of them concentrated their travel near Yellowstone. ♦♦♦ Visitors who entered through West Yellowstone all visited Yellowstone National Park and twenty percent traveled north to Glacier. Most travel in this group was spread out with the only high concentration being in West Yellowstone itself. ♦♦♦ Visitors who spent a night in West Yellowstone and entered through Gardiner. These visitors did a lot of driving as one sees large concentrations going through many communities especially on 1-90 and up highway 89. A smaller concentration can be seen on the east side of Glacier and down 1-15 to Great Fails and Helena.
80 Figure 34: Map of towns where those who spent a night in West Yellowstone drove in the state
Entry O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%o of respondents drove through Point into MT Community where at least ^21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through one night was spent
Plentyw
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olf Point
Jorda
nng9 Harlo
EKnliha
1 t
W e s t Figure 35: Map of towns where those who spent a night in West Yellowstone and entered from ID on Highway 20 drove in the state (n=40)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
\ ) O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacie Babb
Cut Banh Plentyuu L?! ChesiM Ea«t SJa
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ami ton / Boultler
EkaMha Key Facts of this Subgroup - 24% of this subgroup was from CA with 17% from UT Fort Sitf th and 15% from ID. - 72% listed "vacation” as their main purpose, followed by 21% indicating "VFR” stYe 0 - 39% were attracted by Yellowstone National Park with 21% saying both fishing and family and friends. -93% of this group visited Yellowstone while 17% visited Glacier National Park. - Average age is 5 7. Figure 36: Map of towns where those who spent a night in West Yellowstone and entered through West Yellowstone drove in the state (n=31)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
\ ) O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Plen ty w
Wh let
t e a u l
n a ti u s
nrtg9
Key Facts of this Subgroup -14% of this subgroup was from PA with 12% from WA. - 82% listed "vacation” as their T w in B main purpose, followed by I ^ F 0 rt 5 n # ith
12% indicating "VFR” virgin - 93% were attracted by Yellowstone National Park W e s t Y e l l o - 100% visited Yellowstone with 20% visiting Glacier. - Average age was 61. Figure 37: Map of towns where those who spent a night in West Yellowstone and entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 drove in the state (n=29)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
r '1 O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Scobe Natio Plentyw
Conraq
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ring? v -f Mire^SiiClty ami to
Key Facts of this Subgroup EK alua -10% of this subgroup was from each of the following: AZ, CO, GA, MN, MS, PA, and SD. - 64% listed "vacation” as their main purpose, followed by 20% indicating "VFR” StYe 0 - 29% were attracted by Yellowstone National Park with 21% indicating Glacier as their main attraction. - 100% visited Yellowstone with 36% visiting Glacier. - Average age was 58. Overnight Visitors to West Yellowstone
This section represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in West Yellowstone. From the dataset, 182 people fit this criterion.
The travelers who spent at least one night in West Yellowstone were spread throughout the western portion of the state. There are areas of heavier concentration along 1-90. Ten to 20 percent of these travelers got off the interstate and traveled through less crowded areas of Montana including Helena, Great Falls, Augusta, Choteau, the east and west sides of Glacier and the Flathead Valley.
Figure 35 shows those who entered through Targhee Pass were mainly on vacation and the majority of them concentrated their travel near Yellowstone. Some communities seeing 31 to 40 percent of this group include Butte, Bozeman, and Livingston. Missoula, Big Timber, Billings, and Hardin saw slightly less traffic and 10 to 20 percent spread their travel out around the western portion of the state.
Figure 36 shows visitors who entered through West Yellowstone and 100% of this group visited Yellowstone National Park and twenty percent raveled north to Glacier. Most travel in this group was spread out with the only high concentration being in Wrest Yellowstone itself.
Figure 37 presents visitors who spent a night in West Yellowstone and entered through Gardiner. These visitors did a lot of driving as one sees large concentrations going through many communities especially on 1-90 and up highway 89. A smaller concentration can be seen on the east side of Glacier and down 1-15 to Great Falls and Helena.
Characteristics of Overnight Visitors to West Yellowstone The top three residences where these visitors live are California, Washington, and Minnesota (Table 82). Almost all of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 93 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 74 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 83). The length of stay in Montana for this group was over five nights (5.73). Eighty-five percent of this group was repeat visitors.
Table 82: Residences of West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Residence % of sample California 12% Washington 9% Minnesota 7% Idaho 6% Pennsylvania 6% Utah 5%
85 Table 83: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 93% 74% VFR 18% 13% Passing Through 14% 9% Business 6% 4%
Shopping 9% --
Other 1% --
Most people who spent at least one night in Missoula entered the state via auto or truck (62%) while 16 percent entered Montana via RV or with a trailer (Table 84). Respondents are also asked on the follow- up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Sixteen percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only eight percent indicated flying into Montana. Eight percent of this group flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 84: Mode of Entry by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 62% RV/Traller 16% Air 8% Motorcycle 7% Other 7%
Table 85 shows that most of these respondents entered the state over Targhee Pass (23%) and through West Yellowstone (17%). Sixteen percent of this group entered through Gardiner and seven percent entered at Superior. Table 86 shows that most respondents (69%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Forty-five percent used National Park Service materials while 26 percent used an Automobile Club and 15 percent used the Montana Travel Planner. Table 85: Top State Entry Points by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Targhee Pass 23% West Yellowstone 17% Gardiner 16% Superior 7% Wibaux/Beach 5%
8 6 Table 86: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 69% National Park hrochure/hook/wehslte 45% Automobile club 26% Montana Travel Planner 15% Magazine/newspaper articles 11%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in West Yellowstone and Table 87 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were Bozeman (21%), Missoula (17%), Kalispell and St. Maiy (13%).
Table 87: Top 5 Locations where West Yellowstone Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample Bozeman 21% Missoula 17% Kalispell 13% St. Mary 13% Gardiner 12% Billings 12%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (82%). Wildlife watching (62%) and nature photography (62%) were the next most popular activities (Table 79). Ninety-six percent of respondents visited Yellowstone (Table 89). About a quarter of this group also visited Glacier and 18 percent went to Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Table 88: Top 10 Activities in Montana by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 82% Wildlife watching 62% Nature Photography 62% Day hiking 40% Visit other historical sites 40% Car/RV camping 39% Recreational shopping 37% Visit museums 30% Flshlng/fly fishing 16%
87 Table 89: Top Sites Visited in Montana by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Yellowstone National Park 96% Glacier National Park 26% Little Bighorn Battlefield 18% Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center 15% Hot Springs 13% Other Montana State Parks 9% Virginia City/ Nevada City 9%
Table 90: Top 10 towns driven through while in Montana by West Yellowstone Overnlghters
Towns % of sample Bozeman 43% Three Forks 42% Butte 37% Billings 36% Ennis 36% Livingston 36% Missoula 34% Laurel 33% Deer Lodge 29% Big Timber 28% Big Sky 28%
8 8 Whitefish Executive Summary ♦♦♦ Those who spent a night in Whitefish concentrated their travel in the western portion of the state. A smaller portion of visitors drove through the central portion of the state visiting Great Falls and the communities along 1-90. The communities of Libby and Eureka saw 21 to 30 percent of this group travel through. ♦♦♦ Those entering from the northwest through Roosville. This entire group listed vacation as their main purpose. Seeley Lake and Lincoln on Highway 200 saw more traffic heading south from Glacier than did Poison, Ronan, Saint Ignatius and Missoula along highway 89. ♦♦♦ The majority of visitors who entered through Superior were interested in the Flathead Valley as their travel is veiy concentrated along highway 89. ♦♦♦ Of the groups of Whitefish overnlghters, the group represented in Figure 41, who entered through Gardiner, did the most driving.
89 Figure 38: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Whitefish drove in the state
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through i t Entry Point into MT 13% Community '1 21-30% of respondents drove through r 10-20% of respondents drove through where at least o one night was spent
P l e n t y w
c h e s t £ £
J ard a
W ibaux
Mite^rVlty
EKaliha
»tYe 0 Figure 39: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Whitefish and entered through Roosville drove in the state fn=71
O 41-100% of respondents drove through 31-40% of respondents drove through
21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
S w eetgrass
Cut Banh Plentyw lIj
ler Park
Conrad
If Point
Jorda
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hite S|ijpmj,F-«-^ings flSL- Harlo
r Boulder Key Facts of this Subgroup putte Ekalillta - 48% of this subgroup was i Hattdin from Alberta, Canada followed Twin Btidg ad u s by 21% from CA. Fort Sitf th -100% listed "vacation” as Virginia Ci their main purpose. - 32% were attracted by Yellowstone National Park W e s t Y e l l o - 39% visited Yellowstone with 41% visiting Glacier. - Average age was 64. Figure 40: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Whitefish and entered from ID on 1-90 drove in the state (n=7)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through O 31-40% of respondents drove through
O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Plentyw
Conrad
Point
Jorda
Lineol
Soulder
B titte Key Facts of this Subgroup - 55% of this subgroup was from fcelumbuV-aif'* \ WA followed by Oregon at 18% ll Fort Snfitli - 55% listed "vacation” as their main purpose while 36% indicated "VFR”. - 39% were attracted by Glacier National Park, 25% for family and friends, and 23% for open space. - 72% visited Glacier with 42% visiting Yellowstone. - Average age was 56. Figure 41: Map of towns where those who spent a night in Whitefish and entered through Gardiner on Highway 89 drove in the state (n=7)
O 41-100% of respondents drove through ^^^31-40%o of respondents drove through
O 21-30% of respondents drove through 10-20% of respondents drove through
Glacier Swee1gr?99 Sc o b e Plentyvu t
C onrad
Point
Jorda
hite Su)phui-S-hring9 Mire.s,Glty
Bou der V'- TT^iMrsyJlh '
Key Facts of this Subgroup - 32% of this subgroup was Fort Sitfith from each KS and TX, as well as the Netherlands. -100% listed "vacation” as their main purpose. - 73% were attracted by Yellowstone National Park. -100% visited Glacier with 73% visiting Yellowstone. - Average age was 52. Overnight Visitors to Whitefish
Figure 38 represents all visitors who spent at least one of their nights in Montana in Whitefish. From the dataset, 81 people fit this criterion. Those who spent a night in Whitefish concentrated their travel in the western portion of the state. A smaller portion of visitors drove through the central portion of the state visiting Great Falls and the communities along 1-90. The communities of Libby and Eureka saw 21 to 30 percent of this group travel through.
Figure 39 represents visitors who entered the state from the northwest through Roosville. This entire group listed vacation as their main purpose. Seeley Lake and Lincoln on Highway 200 saw more traffic heading south from Glacier than did Poison, Ronan, Saint Ignatius and Missoula along highway 89. It appears that many visitors went southeast from Lincoln to Helena and on through Townsend back to the 1-90. A high concentration of visitors also traveled through West Yellowstone likely to access Yellowstone National Park.
Figure 40 shows those that entered the sate through Superior. The majority of these visitors were interested in the Flathead Valley as their travel is very concentrated along highway 89. Ten to 20 percent spread themselves out to areas in the center of the state, along 1-90 and the gateways to Yellowstone.
Of the groups of Whitefish overnlghters, the group represented in Figure 41, who entered through Gardiner, did the most driving. The magnitude of travelers in the communities is high throughout the western and central part of the state. One hundred percent of this group was on vacation and they all visited Glacier and 73 percent visited Yellowstone.
Characteristics of all Overnight Visitors to Whitefish The top three residences where these visitors live are California, Washington, and Kansas (Table 91). Almost all of these respondents were in Montana on vacation with 86 percent listing this as one of the purposes of their trip and 67 percent indicating this as their main purpose (Table 92). The length of stay in Montana for this group was just under eight nights (7.91). This is significantly higher than any other group in this report. Seventy-two percent of this group was a repeat visitor which is significantly lower than other groups indicating that Whitefish is getting more first time visitors.
Table 91: Residences of Whitefish Overnlghters
Residence % of sample California 9% Kansas 8% Washington 8% Alberta, Canada 7% Colorado 6% Minnesota 6% New Jersey 6% New York 5%
94 Table 92: All Purposes and Main Purpose of Montana Trip of Whlteflsh Overnlghters
Purposes % of sample who indicated % of sample who indicated this as one of their purposes this as their main purpose Vacation 86% 69% VFR 36% 26% Business 6% 5%
Passing Through 4% --
Shopping 3% -- Other 1% 1%
Most people who spent at least one night in Missoula entered the state via auto or truck (61%) while 20 percent entered Montana via air (Table 93). Respondents are also asked on the follow-up survey if they flew on any portion of their trip in order to gauge how many visitors are flying into other states and driving into Montana. Twenty-eight percent of this group indicated that they flew on a portion of their trip while only 20 percent indicated flying into Montana. Eight percent of this group flew elsewhere and drove into the state.
Table 93: Mode of Entry by Whlteflsh Overnlghters
Mode of Entry % of sample Auto/truck 61% Air 20% RV/Traller 8% Motorcycle 7% Other 4%
Table 94 shows that most of these respondents entered the state through Rooseville (12%), Superior (9%), and Gardiner (9%). Table 95 shows that about half of respondents (45%) used the internet to plan their trip to Montana. Thirty-five percent used National Park Service materials while 21 percent used an Automobile Club and 19 percent used no sources for planning. Table 94: Top State Entry Points by Whlteflsh Overnlghters
State Entry Point % of sample Rooseville 13% Gardiner 9% Superior 9% Kallspell Air 8% Missoula Air 8% West Yellowstone 7%
95 Table 95: Top Information Sources Used for Planning by Whlteflsh Overnlghters
Top 5 Information Sources % of sample Internet search engine 55% National Park brochure/book/webslte 35% Automobile Club 21% Used no sources 19% Guide Book 14% Consumer reviews online 11%
Respondents were asked where they spent each night of their trip up to eight nights. This group spent at least one in Whlteflsh and Table 96 shows the top five other communities where people in this group spent nights in the state. The most popular locations for other nights were somewhat different than other groups. West Glacier was the town where most of the other nights were spent (37%), followed by Missoula (30%), Cameron (18%), Glacier National park (21%), Bozeman (18%), and West Yellowstone (16%).
Table 96: Top 5 Locations where Whlteflsh Overnlghters spent other Nights in Montana
Towns % of sample West Glacier 37% Missoula 30% Cameron 21% Glacier National Park 21% Bozeman 18% West Yellowstone 16%
Scenic driving was the top activity in which these visitors participated (75%). Wildlife watching (58%) and nature photography (57%) were the next most popular activities (Table 97). Eighty-six percent of respondents visited Glacier National Park and 41 percent also visited Yellowstone National Park (Table 98).
Table 97: Top 10 Activities in Montana by Whlteflsh Overnlghters
Activity % of sample Scenic driving 75% Wildlife watching 58% Nature Photography 57% Day hiking 50% Recreational shopping 28% Visit other historical sites 25% River rafting/floating 23% Visit museums 22% Visit Lewis and Clark sites 22% Visit farmers markets 20%
96 Table 98: Top Sites Visited in Montana by Whlteflsh Overnlghters
Sites Visited % of sample Glacier National Park 86% Yellowstone National Park 41% Flathead Lake State Parks 21% Other Montana State Parks 14% Little Bighorn Battlefield 13% Hot Springs 11%
The concentration of travel in this group was on the western side of the state. On 1-90, Deer Lodge through Three Forks saw 41 to 50 percent of these respondents travel through and the Flathead Valley also received a lot of traffic. Twenty-one to 30 percent of travel went through Great Falls, Big Timber to Billings and south to Hardin and Crow Agency. Ten to 21 percent drove through other towns like Cut Bank, Havre, Conrad, Choteau, Lincoln, Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, and Lewlstown.
Table 99: Top 10 towns driven through by Whlteflsh Overnlghters while in Montana
Towns % of sample Kallspell 82% Columbia Falls 82% Missoula 63% St. Ignatius 54% Poison 52% Three Forks 52% Ronan 50% Butte 47% Deer Lodge 42% Whitehall 40% Bozeman 39% East Glacier Park 39%
Summary Regardless of where nights are spent, the majority of driving in Montana occurs along 1-90. In each group though, one can see that there are a percentage of people who drive off those primary highways and into other towns in Montana. This is ideal as It spreads nonresident dollars around the state. In many ways, the travel patterns of visitors are determined by the purpose for which they are In Montana. Quality signage and information pushed through mobile technology could sway those who have flexibility to change their travel patterns.
A companion to this report will be available In the coming weeks. This report will detail the flexibility of Montana’s nonresident travelers In regard to their route choice. Factors that Influence route choice In Montana will also be explored.
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