ROCKHOUNDING & GEOLOGY IN THE TREASURE STATE
Dillon, MT
A Rockhound's Dream! Learn about the fascinating geology of Southwest Montana, in the geological heart of the Treasure State. Stay in boomtown-era ghost towns, hunt for sapphire, garnet, petrified wood, agate, smoky and amethyst quartz crystals, pan for gold, visit a mine & mining museum. 






TRAINS OF THE OLD WEST: A SERVICE PROJECT IN NEVADA CITY, MT 
Visit Virginia & Nevada Cities
Work with Montana Heritage Commission specialists to assist in the restoration of an historic Milwaukee Road bunk car used in track construction and later donated to an historic collection in Nevada City, MT: tasks include roof replacement, reconditioning of outside and inside surfaces (cleaning and brushing off old flaking paint and applying new paint), reconditioning of outside and inside hardware and fixtures, patching of small holes on side walls created by birds, replacing window/screen/molding, reconditioning bunk beds, and some archive tasks. Consider the history of life on the railroad in the second half of the 19th century; gold discovery in Alder Gulch; life in the gold camps including Vigilantes and frontier justice as well as for ordinary citizens – tour actual newspaper office, dry goods and livery stable. Lodgings in historic miners cabins – restored with an eye for comfort – in downtown Nevada City.

 

HISTORIC RESTORATION AT THE SACAJAWEA INTERPRETIVE, CULTURAL AND EDUCATION CENTER IN SALMON, IDAHO

Visit the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center in Salmon
The Sacajawea Interpretive Cultural and Education Center is a commemoration of Sacajawea and her people, the Agai-Dika/Lemhi Shoshone. Located along the Lewis and Clark trail in Lemhi County, Idaho, the Center offers unique vistas of the Bitterroot Mountains, riparian and wetland environments. The Sacajawea Center and work project is a recently acquired 71-acre working ranch with a homestead consisting of six buildings dating back to 1870. Work projects include expanding the current trail system; stabilization of two homestead buildings; rebuilding the small orchard; construction of facilities.

 

Learn of the Agaidika Shoshone who live here, of Sacajawea and her people, their lifestyle and history. Develop a further understanding of Native American culture. Consider Sacajawea’s contributions to and role during the Lewis and Clark journey. Review time spent by the Corps in the Salmon area in 1805; field trip to Lemhi Pass and probably Corps trail and campsites. Discuss natural history of the Lemhi Valley including the Salmon River’s pristine riparian habitat and area wildlife; enjoy a morning float on the Salmon “River of no Return.”

As Elderhostel celebrates presidents in 2009, watch for our programs highlighting Past Presidents in Yellowstone National Park.