Lewis and Clark navigated the Missouri River in 1804. More than two centuries later, there’s still a lot to discover along the river’s Wild and Scenic portion, where even novice canoeists can paddle past 200-foot-high chalky white cliffs, sprawling cottonwoods, bald eagles, and beavers. Off the river, is about subtle beauty, from the rolling grasslands to charming towns right out of the Old West.
Fort Benton
Road Trip #6
Total distance: 611 miles; total days: 8-9is now a magnet for entrepreneurs who serve travelers here to launch river trips. can rent you gear or guide you on everything from a half-day paddle to a three-day trip, camping along the way. If you choose the latter, they’ll shuttle your car to the takeout at . If you don’t have time to actually float the river, the has a 3-D scale model of the river corridor and a short film on the White Cliffs.
MADE IN MONTANA
Lewistown Art CenterGive yourself extra time in Lewistown to of 150 Montana-based artists who sell their ceramics, wood art, glass art, jewelry, paintings, and photography through this collective.
EAT & STAY: serves buttery pastries and hearty pizzas. Recently renovated, the is a short walk from the Upper Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center.
Lewistown
In the midst of five mountain ranges, this in the geographic center of the state is also home to the and Western Music Rendezvous every August. The town also offers excellent brook trout fishing on the nearby .
EAT & STAY: The 123-room sits adjacent to the biking and walking paths of the . The specialty at , the linen-tableclothed restaurant at the Yogo Inn, is Montana-cut prime rib.
Malta
Home to the 84,000-acre (where more than 260 bird species have been observed), offers plenty in the way of wildlife and the kid-friendly .
EAT & STAY: Book a room at the historic and then order ribs at the .
Fort Peck
Sitting at the head of 134-mile-long , is a mecca for anglers in search of walleye and northern pike. Surrounding the lake is the , a brilliant spot to hike, camp, and bird-watch. Save time to see a show—from a musical comedy to a dramatic play—at the historic .
EAT & STAY: Stop in at the for a plate of Dam Big Nachos, then relax at the , where wooden rocking chairs and no TVs in the rooms make it easy to unplug.
Havre
On the edge of this agricultural college town is Wahkpa Chu’gn, a 2,000-year-old bison-hunting ground. An hour southeast is , where Chief Joseph famously surrendered to the U.S. Army.
EAT & STAY: prides itself on its “ugly” burgers, a locals’ favorite. overlooks the rolling plains and .