State Berry Huckelberry

Updated: August 7, 2023

Montana has a wide variety of berries: huckleberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, but only one official state berry. The huckleberry as of 2023 is Montana's state fruit thanks to the dedicated efforts of the students at Vaughn Elementary School. The designation was made official by House Bill 880 and signed into law by Governor Gianforte.

"Whether you like them in jam, pancakes, or picked fresh off the bush, huckleberries are a Montana staple," he said in a news release. The signing ceremony took place in the Vaughn Elementary School gym, with students, parents and teachers in attendance.

Earlier this year, students at Vaughn Elementary School in Cascade County worked with Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls, to bring House Bill 880 before the legislature. The fourth-grade class testified on the bill before the Montana House of Representatives, and the fifth-grade class before the Montana Senate. "You might like Flathead cherries but they aren't native to Montana. I think you definitely should sign the bill," said a fourth-grade student. Another student told the governor about her time at the State Capitol, saying, "We got to present the bill and it passed and we got to watch them do Executive Action." Rep. Sheldon-Galloway, who grew up in Vaughn, celebrated the students' hard work.

"It is an honor to have the school represented today, my alma mater, and it's been great to see all their hard work," Rep. Sheldon-Galloway said. The presentation and signing ceremony took place in the Vaughn Elementary School gym, with students, parents, and teachers in attendance.

Learn More.

Updated: August 7, 2023