The Midwest LTVers gathered for our 2026 Spring/Summer Rally (June 15 – 19, 2026) in northeastern Montana near Fort Peck, Montana, at the Army Corps of Engineers Campground – Downstream, Montana.
This area is a distinct region unto itself; the Great Plains harbors unique landforms. There are grand scenes composed of geologic wonders, and much of this space is undisturbed. The greatest thing about this area is the unending sky and a feeling of open space to stretch and breathe. This area is Montana’s Missouri River Country and the beginning of the Missouri River.
Fort Peck was planned and developed by government engineers as the headquarters for the construction and operation of the huge Fort Peck Dam in 1933. This small town (population 219) offers a wide range of recreational and entertainment opportunities. A scenic overlook just east of the dam on Montana Highway 24 offers views of Fort Peck Lake and an interpretation of Lewis and Clark’s journey through northeast Montana. Fort Peck Lake is a Montana treasure for its size and outdoor opportunities. Lewis and Clark navigated the Missouri River in 1804. More than two centuries later, there is still a lot to discover along the river’s wild and scenic portion, where canoeists can paddle past 200-foot-high chalky white cliffs, sprawling cottonwoods, bald eagles, and beavers. Aside from the river, this region is about subtle beauty, from rolling grasslands to charming towns straight out of the Old West.
We had 29 LTVs, for a total of 57 people who attended the rally. There were many familiar faces, and for some of the group, it was their first Midwest LTVers rally. The spring/summer weather was varied with rain, wind, and cool weather. The group picnic shelter for the rally was very helpful, especially on the times that it rained.
We started each rally day with breakfast treats, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and tea and coffee. At the Tuesday morning meeting, the special guest speaker was Brian Hiebert from LTV’s Customer Service and Warranty Department. He answered many questions for the LTV owners and even spent the whole day with us, helping them with their questions and needs.
Also on Tuesday morning, Kelly Westphal and Dave Dokkestul presented a demonstration on the On-The-Go Water Softener.
Other morning talks included LTV modifications, upgrades, solutions, and additional information; show-and-tell; rally updates; the daily schedule; and announcements.
A special activity on Wednesday morning was visiting the Interpretive Center and touring the Powerhouse. Thursday morning, Lee Cohen spoke about his hobby of 3D printing and explained and showed many of the items that he has designed and printed for their LTV. He even provided 3D-printed items to many of the LTV owners.
In addition, the afternoons and evenings were filled with activities around the campground (frisbee golf, beanbags, water balloons, and more), bike riding in the local area, playing a variety of games, and chatting about our travels and other plans.
The evening meals ranged from grilled brats, grilled hamburgers, Mexican Fiesta, a chili/soup contest, and more. The chili cooking contestants received a Prepared Hero Fire Blanket for participating. After the various chilis were reviewed and scored, the LTVers were able to taste the different types of chili as well. There was plenty of food at the rally!
On Wednesday evening, after the meal, we had a Midwest LTVers club meeting to provide the LTV owners with information and updates about the club. Also, we had a drawing so the LTV owners could receive gifts donated by LTV, other vendors, and Midwest LTVers Club members.
We were so fortunate to have a great group of volunteers who helped with grilling/cooking, organizing the food tables, serving, cleaning up, and anything else we needed help with. Also, we are thankful for our corporate sponsors that donated products for the rally: LTV drawstring bags, Dude Wipes, Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets, Liquified, Walex, Unique Camping and Marine tank treatments and products, Mercedes, On the Go Water Softener, and more.
Our “LTV family” is always growing at each rally. It was a great time with these LTV owners. We hope that others will consider joining us at a future Midwest LTV rally!
Written by: Kelly Westphal
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://leisurevans.com/blog/midwest-ltvers-2026-spring-summer-rally/