Lewis and Clark Trail in Central Montana

This trail follows the route taken by the expedition as they explored westward along the Missouri River.

• Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway - Interpretive signs direct visitors traveling on U.S. 191 to the breathtaking landscapes, geology and wildlife of the “Wild and Scenic” Missouri River.
• Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and National Monument - Those who venture down this 149-mile segment of the expedition route will bear witness to the true natural beauty of Central Montana.
• Decision Point - At the confluence of the Marias and Missouri rivers, the Corps had to choose the correct route west. One mile off US 87 near Loma.
• Fort Benton - The State of Montana Lewis and Clark Memorial stands watch on the levee beside this historic stretch of river. Fort, museums and buildings line the path of a self-guided tour.
• Great Falls - One month after setting sight on the “sublimely grand specticle” of the great falls, Lewis and Clark finished their portage, bypassing a series of waterfalls on the Missouri. Today, scenic overlooks, “Giant Springs” and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center offer the same experience in a day.
• Camp Disappointment - 22 miles west of Cut Bank, you will reach the northernmost point of the Lewis and Clark journey.
• Two Medicine Fight Site - As Lewis traveled back to the Missouri, he and his party encountered eight Blackfeet warriors. On June 27, 1806, the warriors were caught in an attempt to steal horses and guns. A fight ensued and two Blackfeet Indians were killed. The Two Medicine site marks the spot where the only Indian casualties occurred during the Expedition.
• Tower Rock State Park - Eight miles south of Cascade at I-15 exit 247 sits this prominent rock that marked the beginning of unknown landscapes for the Lewis and Clark expedition.