30 Day Roadtrip

This blog post is part of my 30-day road trip to explore the stunning scenery and breathtaking national parks across the United States. Each stop on this journey showcases the incredible diversity of our natural landscapes, from the vibrant colors of Badlands National Park to the majestic peaks of the Rockies in Grand Teton National Parks. Join me as I uncover the beauty and wonder of these amazing destinations, one adventure at a time! Click here to see other blog posts on this trip.

A Journey Through Montana's Countryside: History, Roads, and Windmills

When I set out on my 30-day road trip across the American West, one of the most memorable stops along the way was Montana. Known for its vast, untamed landscapes and iconic "Big Sky" views, the state holds a kind of quiet majesty that feels both timeless and raw. My drive through Montana's countryside was filled with moments of reflection, awe, and wonder, as I navigated long, deserted roads, passed by old grain bins, and caught sight of solitary windmills dotting the plains.

The Legacy of Grain Bins: A Connection to the Railroads

One of the most striking sights in Montana’s rural landscape is the old grain bins—rusting silos and weather-beaten structures that stand like sentinels in the midst of expansive fields. At first glance, they might seem like just relics of a bygone era, but these grain bins have a deeper story tied to the history of Montana’s agricultural economy—and to the railroads that helped shape the state’s development.

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Montana’s agricultural industry relied heavily on the railroad system to transport crops, particularly wheat, to markets across the country. The grain bins were built close to railroad tracks, often positioned near small, once-bustling towns. These silos were essential for storing grain until it could be shipped out via rail, and many of them still sit along old tracks that no longer see the same traffic they once did.

Driving past these bins, it’s hard not to imagine what life must have been like in these once-thriving communities—fields of golden wheat swaying in the wind, farmers working long hours to harvest the land, trains rolling through the night, carrying the fruits of their labor to the rest of the world. Today, many of these towns are quiet or abandoned, but the grain bins remain, reminders of a time when the pulse of the region was inextricably linked to the rise and fall of the railroad.

Some of the grain bins are still used, but most are empty and weathered, their metal sides pockmarked by years of exposure to the elements. It’s a strange, almost haunting feeling to drive past these old structures, which once served as hubs of activity, now sitting in isolation against the backdrop of endless plains.

Long, Deserted Roads with Spectacular Scenery

One of the things that struck me most about the Montana countryside was the sheer isolation of the place. As we drove along long, dusty highways and dirt roads, the world seemed to stretch out endlessly before me. The roads were often completely deserted, with no sign of civilization for miles. But in that emptiness, there was a sense of peace—a kind of quiet beauty that can only be found in wide open spaces.

The scenery was nothing short of spectacular. Vast prairies, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges formed a constantly changing backdrop as I made my way through the state. In the mornings, the air was crisp and the landscape bathed in soft golden light. By afternoon, the sun burned high in the sky, casting deep shadows across the land. And at sunset, the horizon seemed to catch fire with hues of red, orange, and purple, the colors reflecting in the calm waters of small rivers and ponds I passed along the way.

One of the most memorable stretches of road was a long, winding highway that passed through a stretch of untouched wilderness. We stopped along the side of the road to take in the view—nothing but rolling hills, distant mountains, and the occasional ranch house nestled in the distance. There were no cars in sight, no noise except for the wind rustling through the grass. The silence was profound, almost meditative.

Windmills: The Silent Guardians of the Plains

Another constant presence along Montana's countryside were the windmills. These iconic structures, often seen dotting the plains in the distance, have become a symbol of resilience and endurance in the region. Some windmills were still in use, slowly turning in the breeze, while others stood still—weathered by time and years of wind, yet still holding strong against the elements.

Windmills in Montana were historically used for pumping water, especially in rural areas where access to fresh water was sparse. Their simple design belied the complex role they played in sustaining life on the plains. In a state where summers can be scorching and winters harsh, windmills were crucial for providing water to livestock, irrigation for crops, and even for homes. Today, many of these windmills are no longer functional, but they remain a nostalgic and essential part of the landscape’s charm.

As we drove past these solitary windmills, often standing alone in the middle of a field with nothing but grass or sagebrush surrounding them, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the quiet perseverance of these structures—and the people who relied on them for survival.

Montana’s Countryside: A Place for Reflection

Driving through the Montana countryside was more than just a scenic road trip; it was a journey back in time. The grain bins, the windmills, and the long stretches of road each told a story—stories of hard work, resilience, and quiet beauty. The sense of history and the enduring presence of the land are woven into the very fabric of Montana. It’s a place that reminds you of the passage of time, of how things come and go, but the land remains constant, ever-changing yet eternal.

There’s a peace that comes from driving through such vast, untouched beauty. The roads may be deserted, but in that silence, there’s a deep connection to something larger—something timeless. In Montana, the land itself speaks, if you’re quiet enough to listen.

Final Thoughts: A Land of Contrasts

Montana’s countryside is a land of contrasts—endless horizons and solitary windmills, bustling railroads of the past and long-forgotten grain bins, peaceful isolation and stunning, ever-changing beauty. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, to reflect, and to take in the wild, raw beauty of the American West. As I continued my road trip, I carried with me the quiet majesty of Montana—a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful places are those where the world slows down, and the past lingers just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

If you ever find yourself on the road through Montana, take the time to stop and appreciate its unique blend of history and nature. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Thanks for following along on my 30-day road trip adventure! Stay tuned for more stories from the American West, where history, nature, and wide-open roads come together in the most unexpected ways.

My Camera

I’m often asked what camera I shoot with. I’m a firm believer that any modern camera today can produce a good picture. I use a Canon R5 as my main camera. It is a mirrorless camera, and more importantly it is a great tool. I am able to get it to translate the vision that I see into a photograph. My key reasons for this camera are: 

• It is 45 mp. For some photographers, that may be too much as it produces large files. As a landscape photographer it is my sweet spot. 
• It’s a Canon. I have used a lot of Canon cameras and have always found them dependable, reliable and intuitive to use. 
• The RF lenses are truly amazing. I have always had EF-L series lenses, but the RF lenses produce stunning images. 
• The image stabilization is outstanding.
• It is not too large, and not too small and works well as a travel camera for landscape photography. 

But this isn’t a blog about cameras. If you want to know more, please contact me. 

Debbi Marquette Photography is located in Upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Debbi is an award winning and published travel, landscape and bald eagle photographer specializing in artistic, authentic, and memorable landscape and wildlife photography. She travels frequently, lives near the mountains and constantly has a camera in her hand to capture photographs so others can see the beauty of our world.

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