Approx. Distance: 275 miles round trip
Approx. Ride Time: 5 hours
Ride from Great Falls northeast on US 87 past Fort Benton, Big Sandy, Box Elder, then to the junction of US 87 and 2. Turn east and ride through Havre, then to Chinook. In Chinook, the Blaine County Museum interprets the last major Indian battle in the United States through the video “Forty Miles from Freedom”. After a stop at the museum, ride south on Route 240 for 16 paved miles to the Bear Paw Battlefield, site of Nez Perce Chief Joseph’s surrender. There are hiking trails with interpretive signage about the battle. As you take the same route to return to Great Falls, tour options include a visit to Havre Beneath the Streets in downtown Havre, a tour of a bison kill site at Wahkpa Chu’gn on the west edge of Havre, and a guided tour at Fort Assinniboine just south of Havre. Wolfer’s Diner in downtown Havre is a great café with a 50s theme. Havre boasts three breweries, Triple Dog, Old Station and Vizsla Brewing. Crawford’s Distillery is located downtown and distills Great Northern Rum and Milk River Moonshine. Don’t be surprised if the lure of some great home cooking, perhaps a Walleye dinner, persuades you to also stop in the tiny town of Loma at Ma’s Cafe.
