Benton
Lake Wildlife Refuge
This area near Great Falls offers wildlife watching and
photographic opportunities.
Big
Sandy Historical Museum
Located in the old Great Northern Railroad Depot 40 miles
north on Hwy. 87. See the largest collection of early pioneer
photographs in Chouteau County. No fee. 406 378 2492. Visit the old
jailhouse and tourist center as well. Lonesome Lake west of town
offers great wildlife viewing.
www.russell.visitmt.com/categories/city.asp?SiteID=10&CityID=24
Biking
Long winding prairie roads will reward you with some of the most
beautiful scenery and wildlife possible in Montana. If you want a back
road mountain biking adventure this can also be arranged.
Blaine
County Museum & Bear Paw Battlefield
The Bear Paw Battlefield is where Chief Joseph finally
surrendered his fleeing Nez Perce tribe to Col. Nelson A. Miles
saying; "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more
forever." The museum in Chinook serves as the interim NPS Visitor
Center for the National Battlefield 16 miles south of Chinook on Route
240. Both open year round. No fee. For hours and tours call the Museum
at 406 357 2590 and the Battlefield at 406 357 3160.
www.chinookmontana.com/battlefield.html
BLM
Upper Missouri River Visitor Center
Open mid-May through mid-September. No fee. 406 622 5185 / 406
538 7461
Canoe
and Floating
There are 3 rivers in the Fort Benton area from the Teton, to the
Marias and the Wild & Scenic Missouri River. Each provides a flat
water canoe or float experience. Bring your own canoe or rent one. Go
by yourself or arrange a river guide. Along the way you're sure to see
bald eagles, deer, beaver, geese, cranes and hear the yelp of a
lonesome coyote. The Wild & Scenic Missouri River is considered
the best place in the nation to experience the Lewis & Clark
Trail. See the legendary White Cliffs of the Missouri, the area
described by Captain Lewis as "…scenes of visionary
enchantment." Deep within the Missouri River Breaks bighorn sheep
and elk frequent the riverbank. www.montanarivertrip.com,
www.mroutfitters.com,
www.canoemontana.com
C.M.
Russell Museum & Gallery
Experience the life, times and art of famed western artist
Charlie Russell in the newly expanded museum. Enjoy the many
illustrated letters he sent to friends, as well as his unparalleled
artworks depicting the Old West. Russell's log cabin studio and home
are also part of the Museum complex. Located in Great Falls. Open year
round. Fee charged. 406 727 8787
www.cmrussell.org
C.M.
Russell National Wildlife Refuge
The CMR National Wildlife Refuge is the second largest
wildlife refuge in the continental United States. These grasslands
preserve the now-dwindling prairie habitat that once covered a quarter
of the nation. It is a prime location for wildlife viewing.
Pronghorn antelope, deer, and prairie dogs share the landscape with
one of the largest remaining prairie herds of elk. Raptors and other
birds are readily seen, including eagles, hawks, grouse and quail.
The refuge is also
home to one of the world's last free-roaming black-footed ferret
populations. Diseases and massive hunts to eliminate prairie dogs from
the prairies and plains reduced the black-footed ferret's main food
supply. The ferrets dwindled in number and when the last of nine
captive animals died in 1978, they were thought to be extinct. In 1981
biologists found and rounded up 18 in Wyoming. Now, in isolated areas
in several western states, both captive and free-roaming colonies are
being transplanted and nurtured. Despite such attempts at population
increase, the ferret remains the rarest mammal in North America.
In places like the
refuge and Greycliff Prairie Dog Town near Big Timber, the prairie dog
has made a comeback. The rodent's form communal burrows called
"towns" and have the remarkable ability to go without water
for years. Wildlife biologists credit this ability and their system of
"barking" communication for their survival. Lewis and Clark
spent nearly an entire day trying to extract a breeding pair of these
same animals to be sent back to Thomas Jefferson.
www.lewisandclark.state.mt.us/today.idc?IDNumber=4
Downhill
Skiing
Located in the Little Belt Mountains 90 miles away southeast
of Great Falls Showdown Ski Area offers a wide range of sking
opportunities boasting 34 runs with longest being 2 miles. Downhill
and telemark skis, snowbikes and snowshoes are all available for
rental. There is a day use lodge, cafeteria, lounge and coffee bar as
well. www.showdownmontana.com
House
of a Thousand Dolls & Earth Science Museum
The Earth Science Museum gives visitors a look at gems,
minerals, fossils and Indian artifacts. Admission charged. 406 739
4488. The House of a Thousand Dolls displays dolls and toys from 1830
to present. By appointment. Admission charged. 406 739 4338. Both
located in Loma 11 miles north on Hwy. 87.
www.russell.visitmt.com/categories/city.asp?SiteID=10&CityID=206
Fishing
The Missouri River above Great Falls has some of the best trout
fishing in Montana. Below Great Falls from Fort Benton to Fort Peck
walleye, northern pike, trout, and even sturgeon can be found. The
Grand Union can arrange a guided fishing trip or direct you to the
river, lake or reservoir of your choosing.
Fort
Assiniboine Historic Site
Located southwest of Havre on the grounds of the largest
military fort west of the Mississippi when it was built in 1879.
Guided tours only. Tours start at Heritage Center in Havre. Fee
charged. 406 265 4000.
Fort
Belknap
Located adjacent to US Hwy. 2 Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. Guided tours to
Snake Butte, Mission Canyon, Bear Gulch and St. Paul's Mission are
available. Wildlife viewing includes the tribe's buffalo herd, deer,
antelope, waterfowl and upland birds.
Geraldine
& Square Butte
In Geraldine see the restored Milwaukee Depot which is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. No fee. 406 737 4368.
Nearby the Square Butte Natural Area offers wildlife and raptor
viewing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and hunting. Located 26 miles
south on Hwy. 80.
Giant
Springs Heritage State Park
Boasts one of the world's largest natural fresh water springs
and world's shortest river. 5 miles east of downtown Great Falls on
River Drive. Fee charged. On your way, view Black Eagle Dam and Falls,
Giant Springs, Roe River, state fish hatchery and Montana Department
of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Visitor Center (open year round, no fee).
Picnic and recreation facilities available.
Golf
Fort Benton's Signal Point Golf Course has 9 holes overlooking the
Wild & Scenic Missouri River considered to be one of the finest,
most challenging 9 hole courses in the State. The golf course has a
pro and well-equipped pro shop with rentals available if you don't
have your own equipment with you.
H.
Earl Clack Museum
The
museum located at the Holiday Village Mall
has exhibits, dioramas and collections of Havre's history and
development. Open year round. Admission free.
www.theheritagecenter.com/clackmuseum/lifestory.htm
Havre
Beneath the Streets
See the historical recreation of early Havre noting in
particular the Great Northern Railroad and activities during the
Prohibition period. Tours available. Fee charged. 406 265 8888
Historic
Old Fort Benton
Originally built in 1846 as a trading fort by the American Fur
Company for trade with the Blackfoot. The remaining blockhouse is the
oldest man made structure in the state. Now being restored.
www.fortbenton.com/fbrestore/
Horseback
Riding
Whether you are a greenhorn or an experienced cowpoke, you will
want to consider a trail ride. Local outfitters and wranglers will
make your ride enjoyable and informative. Ride through a wooded river
bottom and up a draw to a roaring sunset along the way learning more
about the history of the area and some of Montana's famous characters
and outlaws.
Hunting
The area around Fort Benton is rich with game from trophy class white
tail and mule deer, to antelope, elk, pheasants and grouse. We can
help you plan your hunting trip with a professional outfitter or
direct you to a local hunting guide.
Hutterite
Colonies
Montana's Hutterites are a people who value tradition and
religion. Easily defined by their life style and colorful modes of
dress, Hutterites are the modern-day representatives of an Anabaptist
religious movement that has its roots in the European religious
turmoil and reformations of the 1500's.
Persecution chased
the sect members across central Europe, finally driving them into
Russia. But that persecution continued. Eventually, they fled to the
United States in 1874. They first settled in South Dakota and then
established the first Montana colony near Lewistown in 1911. The
advent of World War I ignited new prejudice against the
German-speaking farmers, many of whom sought refuge in Canada.
Today, approximately
4,000 Hutterites live in Montana colonies. Another 28,000 live in
North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, and in the Canadian
provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The Hutterites are
comprised of three distinct groups (Schmiedeleut, Darisusleut and
Lehrerleut). Although speaking German in everyday colony life, all
colony members are raised to be bilingual, speaking English in their
dealings with the outside world.
Their religion is
founded on the belief in the absolute authority of God. In confirming
that only in belief in the word of God, by repentance, and by
receiving the grace of Christ through continual submission of self to
the will of God in communal living can they achieve eternal life. Men
are in charge of the governing of the colony, while women work at
traditional jobs such as cooking, sewing, and cleaning. They
disapprove of personal possessions and do not use televisions or
cameras. Most colonies only have one telephone.
Hutterites produce
about 60% of the state's pork, 50% of the eggs, and about 17% of the
milk in Montana. Additional revenues for the colonies come from
selling fresh eggs, and seasonal produce, so if you see a sign along a
highway advertising fresh produce, feel free to drive in.
Lewis
& Clark Decision Point
Located at the confluence of the Marias and Missouri Rivers
where the Expedition deliberated about which river to take as the true
Missouri. Located one mile south of Loma, 11 miles north from Fort
Benton on Hwy. 87 on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The
Woods Watchable Wildlife Area also located nearby.
www.lewisandclarktrail.com/section3/montanacities/russellmissouri/dpoint.htm
Lewis
& Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
Located along the Missouri River at Giant Springs Heritage
State Park in Great Falls. Exhibits detail the 1804 - 1806 Lewis &
Clark Expedition and their encounters with the Plains Indians.
Interpretive trails, demonstrations and outdoor living history area.
Fee charged. Open year round. 406 727 8733.
www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic.htm
Lewis
& Clark State Memorial
This memorial stands watch over the historic waterfront levee
in downtown Fort Benton where Lewis and Clark's party once traveled.
Fort ruins, museums and historic buildings align a path and self
guided walking tour.
Missouri
Breaks National Back Country Byway
The Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway traverses one
of the most geologically unique and historically significant areas in
Montana. Nature worked overtime here to fashion a ruggedly spectacular
landscape that was first described by Lewis & Clark as the
"Deserts of America." Fur Traders would later refer to this
section of the Missouri River as Mauvaises Terres, the "Bad
Lands."
The Byway leads the
visitor to scenes overlooking the Upper Missouri National Wild &
Scenic River. It was designated in 1976 to preserve to preserve the
very values that are so abundant along the Byway. The Wild &
Scenic River from Fort Benton down river to the James Kipp Recreation
area is the foremost component of the Lewis & Clark National
Historic Trail. The Byway northeast from Winifred to Deweese Ridge
closely follows the Nez Perce National Historic Trail.
Museum
of the Northern Great Plains
The Museum of the Northern Great Plains is the official museum
of agriculture for the state of Montana. It tells the story of three
generations of farmers from 1908 until 1980. It is about their lives,
their culture, and their work. The museum has 30,000 square feet of
exhibition space with a village of businesses from the homestead era
of the 1920's. The facility contains a research library and archives
with meeting rooms and facilities for programs, seminars, and
workshops. On the four-acre site is an outside exhibit of unique
antique farm machinery. The museum is open mid-May to mid-September
and is across the street from the high school football field.
www.fortbenton.com/museums/agmuseum.htm
Museum
of the Upper Missouri
The history of Fort Benton and the Upper Missouri River region
from 1800 to 1900 is yours to explore at this Museum. It highlights
the important role Fort Benton played in the settlement of the
American West as a trading post, military fort and the head of
steamboat navigation on the Missouri River.
www.fortbenton.com/museums/museumof.htm
Picnicking
The Fort Benton area is a beautiful place to gather up some lunch
items, friends and family and head for the rivers, hills or prairies.
The Grand Union can put together a boxed lunch for you or you can
arrange one at one of the other restaurants in town or gather some
items on your own from the local grocery store. Ask the front desk to
recommend a spot for you to go enjoy Big Sky Country.
Photography
Photography buffs and professionals alike will find the scenery,
wildlife and subjects inexhaustible.
Rivers
Edge Trail
10 mile paved non-motorized-use trail which follows the
Missouri River from Oddfellows Park, through Gibson Park in downtown
Great Falls, through Giant Springs past Black Eagle Falls to Rainbow
Falls overlook.
Shep
Memorial
Located on the historic waterfront levee in downtown Fort
Benton in memory of a legendary faithful dog.
Signal
Point Golf Course
9 hole public golf course. One mile southeast on Hwy. 87.
Ulm
Pishkun Buffalo Jump State Park & Visitor Center
Believed to be one of the largest Buffalo Jumps in the US
dating back centuries in use by Plains Indians. Take Hwy. 87 south
then I-15 west from Great Falls 12 miles, turn off at Ulm and follow
signs 4 miles to monument, picnic area and Visitor Center.
Upper
Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Established by Presidential Proclamation in Jan, 2001, the
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument encompasses all of the
Wild & Scenic Missouri River and approximately 377,000 acres. View
the legendary White Cliffs section of the Missouri River described by
Captain Lewis as "…scenes of visionary enchantment."
www.mt.blm.gov/ldo/um
Virgelle
Located 27 miles north on Hwy. 87 eight miles off the highway
northeast of Fort Benton. Virgelle is a restored homestead-era
settlement and boasts one of three remaining ferry crossings on the
Upper Missouri River. Nearby is Coal Banks Landing, a primary launch
along the Wild & Scenic Missouri River. Virgelle offers
outfitting, canoe rental and shuttle services.
www.canoemontana.com/canoe.htm
Wahkpa
Chu'gn Archeological Site
One of the largest and best preserved bison kill and campsites
used by Plains Indians centuries ago. Take a 1 hour walking tour which
provides an unequalled view of the area's pre-history. Located in
Havre behind the Holiday Village Mall. Open year round. Tours
available Sunday-Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and evenings at 7 pm.
Admission charged. 406 265 6417
Walking
Stroll along the historic levee on a self guided tour viewing the
interpretive signs and viewing historic buildings and the ruins of the
old Fort.
Wild
& Scenic Missouri River
Beginning in Fort Benton and continuing for 149 miles
downstream the area of the Missouri River has been protected in its
natural free-flowing state.
www.nps.gov/rivers/missouri.html
