 Colstrip is known as the ‘energy capital of Montana.’ Colstripwas born in 1924 when the Northern Pacific Railroad started mining coal nearby to fuel its steam locomotives. The Montana Power Company purchased the coal leases in 1959 from the Northern Pacific and also acquired the mining machinery and Colstrip townsite. A subsidiary of Montana Power Co., Western Energy Co., started mining the coal in 1968. At this time Colstrip had 63 houses, a school, two churches, a grain elevator, and a few buildings left from the early days. The once booming construction town has now settled into a quiet family community.The Colstrip Visitor Center has video presentations which explain the history of Colstrip, the workings of the power plants and the operations of a modern-day surface mine. Tours are available from April to October. The visitor center furnishes both guide and transportation at no charge. Reservations are suggested.  On the northwest edge of Colstrip is Castle Rock Lake, where visitors are invited to enjoy swimming, fishing and limited boating. The lake is surrounded by bike paths and picnic areas for summer fun and exercise.
The town’s community center features a swimming pool and waterslide. It provides fitness programs and other recreational activities.
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