Montana Unveils New Welcome Signs After 10 Years

Some residents celebrate the update, while others question bigger issues facing the state.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:21am

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An abstract, out-of-focus landscape scene in warm, earthy tones, conveying the mood and atmosphere of Montana's natural scenery.The iconic Montana welcome sign, reimagined through a hazy, impressionistic lens that captures the state's natural beauty and sense of place.Big Sky Today

After over a decade, Montana has unveiled new welcome signs at state borders. The new design was selected by over 11,000 Montanans in a public vote last year. While some residents are excited about the updated look, others have voiced concerns about more pressing issues facing the state, such as the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing.

Why it matters

Montana's welcome signs are an iconic symbol that greet visitors to the state. Updating this visual representation is an opportunity to showcase Montana's identity and values. However, the sign refresh has also sparked a broader discussion about the state's priorities and the need to address significant socioeconomic challenges.

The details

Governor Greg Gianforte revealed the winning design for the new Montana welcome signs, which will be installed across the state's borders. The previous design had been in use for over a decade. While some residents expressed enthusiasm for the updated look, others took to social media to question why resources were being allocated to the sign project rather than more pressing issues like affordable housing and the rising cost of living.

  • Montana residents voted on the new welcome sign design last year.
  • The new signs were unveiled by Governor Greg Gianforte on April 10, 2026.

The players

Greg Gianforte

The Governor of Montana who revealed the winning design for the new welcome signs.

Montanans

Over 11,000 residents of Montana who voted on the design of the new welcome signs last year.

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What they’re saying

“That's nice, but what about affordable housing? What about the rising cost of living?”

— Montanans, Residents

What’s next

The new welcome signs will begin being installed at Montana's state borders in the coming months.

The takeaway

While the updated Montana welcome signs represent a symbolic change, the broader discussion highlights the need for the state government to prioritize addressing significant socioeconomic challenges facing residents, such as the lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living.