True Montanans Know These Eight Sounds Instantly

Have you ever toyed with the hypothetical question, "Which of your five senses would you miss the most, and why?" It's an easy conversation starter and an interesting subject. I'd say eyesight, but the sense of sound is at the top of my list.

What does Montana sound like?

Montana is well-loved for its breathtaking views, but what about our state's soundtrack?  Here's a short compilation of signature Montana sounds, instantly recognizable by any local. Some of them are nature-based, while others are manmade.

Western Meadowlark

Our state bird has the most beautiful song, and we're not just saying that because we live here.

Trains

If you live in a smaller town in Montana, there is a 100% chance a train track runs directly through the middle of town. Commercial train traffic still crisscrosses much of the state and you'll frequently hear them rumbling in the distance or blasting a horn from miles away.

Fish splash

Over 450,000 Montana fishing licenses were sold in 2023. From the murky depths of the Missouri River to Montana's pristine mountain lakes, we instantly recognize the slap of a fish on the water, our heads snapping in the direction of the splash. Usually followed by, "I wonder why they're not biting?"

Diesel pickup

The Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in America. They're everywhere on the roads in Big Sky Country. But if you want to prove your Montana-ness, you'll need a diesel truck. Real farmers and ranchers often choose them for their towing capacity and durability. The clatter and whirl of a turbocharged diesel pickup is a sound everybody in Montana recognizes.

Coyotes

If you've ever camped anywhere in Montana or live in a rural area, you're certainly familiar with their chilling howls and yips.

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Out-of-Staters and Tourists

If you are a newcomer to Montana or are planning a visit, please take no offense. But locals can hear you a mile away. Not so much the noises you make, but the little things you say that instantly flag you as a Montana newb or vacationer.

Prairie dogs

Newcomers might mistake prairie dog sounds for birds. Prairie dogs are everywhere in Montana and they're chirpy little critters. Recently I watched an entire family of prairie dogs doing their thing - chattering away - in a small patch of grass by the parking lot of a plumbing supply company in Billings.

"Go Griz! Go Cats!"

These seasonal exclamations are frequently overheard at checkout lines, restaurants, workplaces, homes, and schools throughout Montana, particularly in the fall.