River Recreation

Epic Country Drive in Central Montana – Over the Bear Paw Mountains, Into the Upper Missouri Breaks

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History, mountains, rugged river breaks, a national monument and a ferry ride – this drive covers all of these and it is beyond epic! It was a sunny Saturday morning and we had a yearning for some quiet county back roads and amazingly diverse scenery – that’s all it took to stir up excitement for this drive. My first advice – this is a seasonal drive and definitely a no-go when roads are muddy or … Read more

Favorite Things to do in Meagher County

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On my last visit to Meagher County I starting counting the reasons why people came to vacation in the area. I saw hikers, hunters, campers, retired couples out for a getaway, and people who came to soak in the thermal springs. All in all, that covered quite a variety of people. Here’s a bit of history of the area. The largest town in the county is really a small quaint town of about 1,000 people. … Read more

Sleep in a Real Homestead Cabin in Central Montana

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A family connection to homesteading led me to do some research about it. Both my maternal grandfather and grandmother filed and proved up on homestead claims in Montana. I found homestead cabins that you can rent by the night at the little town of Virgelle, Montana and knew I had to book a visit. But first, here’s some history of how homesteading came to be in the United States. There were two homestead acts that … Read more

Family Camping Weekend in Central Montana

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When talk of gathering the family for a camping weekend started I was so excited. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my kids, their spouses and my grandkids, all of us together, relaxing and having fun. As the weekend drew closer though, all of my “things to do” kept swimming around in my mind. Weekends are when I can attack my list of chores and it seems like that list never … Read more

Walk in the Corps of Discovery’s Footsteps at Tower Rock State Park

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The time – 215 years ago – when the Lewis & Clark Expedition was at the location we now call Tower Rock State Park. This easily accessible and incredibly scenic location was where Meriwether Lewis climbed to the top of this volcanic rock, looked back and noted in his journal that he saw a “most pleasing view of the country they were about to leave”. If he had any idea of what arduous terrain they … Read more

Waterfalls, Hot Springs and a Mountain Stream – Your Perfect Central Montana Weekend

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Choose your weekend and begin exploring the diverse landscapes of Central Montana. This weekend suggestion will have you visiting a state park, doing your choice of activities – from hiking, fishing, floating, seeking out a waterfall, adding to your bird life-list and soaking in hot springs. Let’s start! We’ll begin by leaving Great Falls and driving east on a highway of many numbers – US Hwys 87 and 89 and MT Hwys 3 & 200 … Read more

Quirky Exhibits at Three Central Montana Museums

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Many museums have unique and historic items on exhibit but let’s take a look at some rather quirky things at three of Central Montana’s small town museums. In Stanford, Montana you’ll find the Judith Basin County Museum next to the local courthouse. A well-manicured lawn and beautiful flowers surround the entrance during the summer. As you enter the main floor level of the museum you can’t help but see their massive collection of salt & … Read more

Central Montana’s Missouri River Playground

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Last week I enjoyed two vastly different sections of the Missouri River, one in a canoe, the other in a raft. I first strapped on my river shoes to slide a canoe into the water on the southwestern edge of Fort Benton. Mid September usually means low water and this year was no exception. The Bureau of Land Management has a convenient launch site but I’ll just say, we did not resemble eels gently slithering … Read more

Three Days, Three Outdoor Experiences in Central Montana

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Central Montana offers an amazing variety of outdoor activities as the fall season approaches. Top of my list of favorites is an evening canoe or kayak trip on the Missouri River. In Fort Benton you can launch at the edge of town at a campground managed by the Bureau of Land Management. To access it you drive through the Chouteau County fairgrounds. It’s an easy launch. Water levels and flow on the Missouri River in … Read more