Visitors’ Stop Council Member Has Vision For Nellie’s Park

Wolf Point City Council Dean Mahlum hopes that the park sees the addition of more picnic tables and historical markers.

A quiet park resides on the east end of Wolf Point on Highway 2. It’s a location that many visitors probably pass by, without a whole lot of notice, on their way through the city.

City council member Dean Mahlum hopes to change the perception and increase the amount of activity at Nellie’s Park. He got the idea while attending a Reimagining Rural program meeting earlier this year held in Wolf Point.

“I just thought it might be a project we could do in Wolf Point with the use of volunteers,” Mahlum said. “It’s a great location. Right on the highway.”

Mahlum noted the park’s great landscape that includes beautiful pine trees. The park already features three picnic tables, and Mahlum pictures adding other covered tables including some situated between the pine trees. Other ideas include a walking trail around the outside edge of the park.

Four or five historical markers could provide information about such topics as the history of the Fort Peck Reservation, homesteading and how Wolf Point got its name. “Those are just three ideas. I’m open to other ideas,” Mahlum said.

In addition, a map with directions

Nellie’s Park

to different spots in Wolf Point could be placed near the front of the park.

He has held conversations with local contractors about the project. Interest as been expressed by others regarding making donations.

“This is my vision to make Wolf Point stand out,” Mahlum said. “Hopefully, people will stop and say it’s a pretty cool town.”

The park was named after Nellie

(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)

Montgomery, wife of Gordon Montgomery, who owned and operated the Public Drug in Wolf Point until 1964.

After the Wolf Point City Council planted some trees in the park area, Nellie, who lived across the street from the park, took on the job of watering and caring for the trees. To show their appreciation, Wolf Point city council members named the park in Nellie’s honor.