A Community Vision for the Future

Building a Better Broadus is a multi-year community development initiative focused on strengthening Broadus through tourism development, downtown revitalization, community branding, recreation enhancements, quality of life improvements, and supporting long-term economic growth.

Through the Montana Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, Broadus is investing in projects that create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors while preserving the character and heritage that make our community unique. The initiative includes planning, infrastructure improvements, recreation opportunities, cultural investments, and downtown revitalization efforts.  All work is guided by community input, strategic planning, and a never ending commitment to preserving the character and heritage that make Broadus special.

Since being awarded the Montana Pilot Community Tourism Grant, local volunteers, business owners, organization, and public partners have worked together to identify opportunities that enhance both resident life and visitor experience.

Our Vision

To create a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving community that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, celebrates our history, and enhances opportunities for future generations.

Guiding Principles:

• Preserve our rural character

• Support local businesses

• Celebrate our history and culture

• Create family-friendly recreation opportunities

• Improve community gathering spaces

• Encourage sustainable tourism growth

• Invest in projects that benefit both residents and visitors

Year 1 Project Accomplishments (2024-2025)

September 2024

Destination Development Association Assessment

• Nationally recognized destination development expert Roger Brooks visited Broadus to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the community’s tourism assets, visitor experience, and economic development opportunities.  He shared his findings at a community meeting and provided a detailed findings report.  His recommendations continue to guide local planning efforts.

December 2024

Revitalize or Die - View the document here.

• Community development specialist Jeff Siegler visited Broadus as part of his Revitalize or Die initiative.  His visit focused on community engagement, downtown vitality, entrepreneurship, and strategies for strengthening rural communities by getting out and making it happen.

Spring-Fall 2025

• Working with Windfall, Inc, Broadus completed the development of its official community brand. 

• View the Broadus Brand Orientation and Guide here.

April 2025

• Community Open House to share and receive feedback on Downtown Master Plan and the Broadus Brand.

Museum Welcome Building Planning

• The Powder River Historical Museum completed a Professional Architectural Report (PAR) for a future Welcome Building.  The project establishes a long-term vision for enhancing visitor services, community interpretation, and tourism opportunities.

Welcome to Broadus Gateway Signs

• Planning, permitting, design, and ordering were completed for two new Welcome to Broadus gateway signs.  These signs will create stronger community identity and provide an enhanced first impression for visitors entering Broadus.

Downtown Wayfinding Planning

• Initial planning began for a downtown wayfinding system, including blade signs at downtown and extended gateway corridor locations, directional signate at the 4-way stop, and visitor navigation improvements designed to help residents and visitors better connect with local businesses, attractions, and community assets.

In the Fall of 2025 a Mural, titled “Páeo'hé'e, The Good Hunting Grounds," was created and painted by Northern Cheyenne artist Miah Chalfant Real Bird.  The artwork is located on the exterior of the Broadus Cornerstore at 106 Holt Street.  The mural is inspired by traditional ledger art, and depicts the rich history of Powder River County, honoring the area as ancestral Northern Cheyenne hunting grounds alongside early area settlers.  The mural introduces visitors to the Kingsley History Project, which celebrates the local heritage and cultural history of the region as well as directions to the Powder River Historical Museum.

Year 2 Projects Underway (2025-2026)

Museum Welcome Building Construction

• Project moved from PAR to, Contractor selection, and design finalization.  The project is expected to move into construction with groundbreaking anticipated in the next month.

Downtown Wayfinding Implementation

• Wayfinding planning and installation continues as the community advances designs, location, and installation strategies for downtown blade signs, directional signs, and a mural that will direct people to a directory of what to discover in Broadus.

Rolling Hills Golf Course Wayfinding & Entrance Enhancements

• A new entrance arch feature at Rolling Hills Golf Course is in progress. to Once complete the entrance arch and gate with include lighting and landscaping to improve visibility, visitor experience, and community pride.  More wayfinding and visitor information will be added to the building to include hours of operation and other things that can be found at this valued location.

Looking Ahead

Building a Better Broadus continues to evaluate future opportunities for recreation, cultural amenities, downtown improvements, tourism infrastructure, and community gathering spaces.  Future project priorities will be guided by previous community input, funding availability, and long-term strategic planning.

Together, these efforts help ensure Broadus remains a welcoming, vibrant, and thriving community for residents and visitors alike.