Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled Montana’s new highway welcome sign design on Apr. 8, alongside Montana Department of Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio and Montana Department of Transportation Director Chris Dorrington.
The announcement marks the first update to the state’s border signs in over a decade. The new design is intended to make a strong first impression for visitors entering Montana and reflect the state’s identity.
“It has been over a decade since Montana had a new welcome sign at our states borders,” Governor Gianforte said. “The Treasure State is already the most welcoming, business friendly state in the country and now our brand will be one of the first impressions they get when they enter the state.”
In November, residents were invited to vote on three final designs for the sign, with more than 11,000 Montanans participating in the selection process. Director Bertoglio said, “This new sign incorporates the new Montana Brand, which we proudly unveiled last year at the World Famous Mile City Bucking Horse Sale. Montanans made a great choice. From the badlands and prairies of eastern Montana to the vast mountain ranges of western Montana, this design represents the Treasure State well.”
Installation of the signs will begin later this month as weather conditions allow. The previous signs were installed in 2014.
Director Dorrington said he is looking forward to seeing them displayed across entry points: “I’m excited to have the new ‘Welcome to Montana’ sign displayed at entry points across our great state. The design represents all of Montana and will be a refreshing sight for Montanans returning home. Chosen by citizens, it reflects the character of our entire state, and I look forward to seeing the team begin installation.”
