When the Milwaukee went into bankruptcy in 1980, the company deeded its Harlowton Yards over to the City of Harlowton.  The area included about 230 acres and the city immediately adopted rules to utilize it as an industrial development site with plots available for long-term lease, but none would be sold.

The site included the depot, roundhouse, and assorted other structures.  The depot was turned over to a “City/County Preservation Committee” with the goal of creating and maintaining a railroad museum.

This “Rails to Trail” committee was organized with a goal of creating a hiking/biking trail on the former right-of-way.  The rail yard borders the Harlowton city limits on the south side which will allow the new trail to begin/end in Chief Joseph Park, a well-developed rest area with rest room facilities, recreation facilities and parking.

The trail would go through the park, past the depot and will then follow the former right-of-way in an east-to-west direction.  The railroad also had a branch line running north and some of that route may also be included on the trail.  The yard layout was about one mile in length from east to west, which will be the basic structure for the trail.  Landowners on both sides of the yards have absorbed the former right-of-way into their ranching operations, so there will be legal issues to resolve if the path is to be lengthened.

The trail will be enhanced with signs that detail the history of the railroad and its operations.

The volunteer committee has done considerable work in getting the site established and preliminary preparations done.  Fund raising is a major concern and efforts are aimed at utilizing various grant resources to assist in the project.

The trail will be named the “Smoking Boomer Rail Trail” to perpetuate memories of a dog that was a major attraction in Harlowton for many years.

Jerry Miller
Harlowton, MT

The Dog Smoking Boomer was a dog who entertained troop and passenger train riders during the 1940’s. He worked the platform carrying his curved stem pipe, wearing eye glasses and doing tricks.

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