Trout Creek destination adds castle, gallery

Nestled at the base of the Cabinet mountains and quietly tucked away in the remote hills of Trout Creek sits The Shire of Montana, home to the Hobbit House. For lovers of J.R.R Tolkien, the 1,000 square foot house built into the hillside allows fans of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" to completely immerse themselves into Tolkien's world.

Proprietor Steve Michaels has now expanded his love for fairy tales and fantasy by diving into the world of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter."

A tour on the Hobbit Mobile will bring you to the pond located across the road from the Hobbit House. "We brought in around 500 to 600 cutthroat trout," Michaels said as he tossed some pellets out to the fish who were waiting for him. "The pond opens the whole valley up to a variety of aquatic animals. This is a little piece of Montana that a lot people don't know about."

In the middle of the pond on its own island sits The Enchanted Castle. "The castle is based on a replica and patterned after Hogwarts School," Michaels said. Finding inspiration from "Harry Potter," Michaels believes The Enchanted Castle offers a little bit of magic to the children who come and visit.

For those who want a closer look inside the castle, a short trip on a row boat will allow visitors to witness the uncanny details Michaels is known for when he creates all his projects. You will see dorm rooms, a dragon perched on top of the castle and a little fishing house situated at the edge of the small island.

The castle is decorated with lights and a sound system mimicking thunder and creaking doors, transporting every guest into the world of "Harry Potter." Michaels says he has been working on the castle for the last year. "It really comes to life at night," he expressed.

Another new addition Michaels has incorporated into the acreage is called Art at the Barn. Michaels renovated half an old red barn that sits next to his home and turned it into an art gallery that opened last year. "I'm really creative, and I needed an outlet for my work," he said.

While he shares the space with the many fairies, goblins and trolls who also call the area home, inside the barn viewers will get a peek into the world of Michaels as an artist and photographer. Before entering the gallery, photos of Michaels' travels with his wife are hung in the hallway. Images of Norway, Germany, Paris, Greece and his flying machine (that he has flown up to Cougar Peak) all donned the walls, giving a glimpse into his world before settling in and creating his version of The Shire.

An abstract and landscape photographer, all his images are embossed onto metal, creating a unique combination of mediums. "I've been doing photography all my life, but have only been serious about it for the last five years," Michaels said.

Alongside shots of his Hobbit House and various wildlife who have visited over the years, visitors will see pieces such as, "All Fired Up" and "Belmont" which Michaels says could be interpreted by the viewer to be seen as what they want.

Back on the Hobbit Mobile, a ride through The Shire will allow you to see a series of troll houses and hobbit houses with their distinguished round doors. Along the trails people will also see a number of fairy houses that reside in tree stumps, so small you have to lay on the ground in order to truly appreciate the attention that has gone into constructing them.

Michaels has created a world in which only a few can dream of, allowing adults to escape and find their inner child, from Smaug's egg, the ring of power hanging from the rafters, Gandalf's staff and his wizard hat, which is a customary tradition to try on when entering the Hobbit House. Michaels has brought many aspects of the books and movies to real life, allowing people to truly experience J.R.R Tolkien's vision when he said, "it was a hobbit-hole and that means comfort."

Tours of the area, located at 9 Hobbit Lane off Whitepine Creek Road, are open daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the operating season.