Lolo, MT
Established- 18??
Population- 4,378
Elevation- 3,576′
Lolo, Montana, boasts a rich history intertwined with westward expansion and Native American heritage, famously serving as the archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Travelers’ Rest State Park in both 1805 and 1806. The name “Lolo” itself is debated, possibly deriving from a French-Canadian trapper named Lawrence (pronounced “Lou-Lou”) or even a reference to Meriwether Lewis. Beyond its expedition connections, Lolo also played a role in the Nez Perce War of 1877, as the non-treaty bands passed through the area on the Lolo Trail, famously encountering Captain Rawn at “Fort Fizzle.” Today, living in Lolo offers a suburban-rural mix, providing residents with a quieter lifestyle and direct access to the scenic Bitterroot Valley while still being part of the greater Missoula metropolitan area. The community enjoys immediate access to outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing in Lolo Creek, and exploring the vast Lolo National Forest, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate nature and a strong sense of community, with the convenience of nearby urban amenities.