The boundary of the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River begins at Fort Benton. From there, it runs 149 miles downstream to the James Kipp Recreation Area. Fort Benton is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark: its role as the head of navigation on the Missouri and its contribution to the opening up of the Northwest and western Canada shape the town’s historical significance. In Chouteau County, river history and varied landscapes come together.

The Upper Missouri as a Place to Explore

The Upper Missouri is considered an easy river to navigate, with rapids rated Class I. At Coal Banks Landing Campground and Judith Landing Campground, you can launch watercraft, camp, picnic, and fish. Fishing on the Upper Missouri is permitted for Montana residents and nonresidents with a fishing license. Both sites offer the same listed activities on the river.

Distinctive natural areas also shape the region beyond the water. Part of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Highwood Mountains lies in Chouteau County. The Highwood Mountains offer hiking and mountain biking trails at varying levels of difficulty. Square Butte near Geraldine is designated an Outstanding Natural Area.

Fort Benton: Trade and Remembrance

Fort Benton was established in 1846 as an American Fur Company trading post. Historic Old Fort Benton brings the fur and buffalo-hide trade of the 1850s to life. It includes period-furnished rooms, a trading store, a fur-trading warehouse, and blacksmith and carpentry workshops. The different areas offer insight into various aspects of this trade.

The Museum of the Upper Missouri explores the history and legends of the Upper Missouri River and Fort Benton. Extensive exhibits cover the Whoop-Up Trail and the Mullan Road. The Museum of the Northern Great Plains focuses on a different period: it documents the past hundred years of life across Montana’s vast plains. Its exhibits explore the hardships and successes experienced by three generations of families in the Northern Great Plains.

In Fort Benton, the Levee Walk follows the Missouri River and is ideal for an easy stroll. It passes through the National Historic Landmark District, with more than 40 interpretive signs along the way. The bronze Shep Memorial stands along the Levee Walk near the town center. The Lewis and Clark Memorial in Fort Benton is the official monument to the expedition designated by the State of Montana.

More Historical Perspectives

Homestead Village gives visitors the opportunity to explore a typical rural community from the 1900s. The buildings include a small country church, a bank, a drugstore, a town hall, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and homes of prairie settler families.

The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery arrived at Decision Point on June 2, 1805. The group spent several days deciding which river to follow west. A ¼-mile trail leads from the parking area to a ridge overlooking the confluence.

The Geraldine Milwaukee Depot was built in 1913 and stands at its original location beside the Central Montana Railroad’s regional line. It is an example of a small-town wooden railroad depot from around the turn of the century. Exhibits document the railroad’s role in the development of this agricultural region. The Big Sandy Historical Museum presents local history, the early pioneer and ranching era, genealogical materials, and military exhibits.

Getting Oriented in the Upper Missouri

The Upper Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center features a museum, a theater, and interactive exhibits about the history and wildlife of the Upper Missouri River Breaks. To help visitors get oriented, the center provides maps, information on trail and river conditions, and assistance from staff. The indoor exhibit areas, grounds, and walking path are wheelchair accessible.

Discover more destinations: Fort Benton, Loma, Silver Bow, Lincoln County, Garfield County, Pondera County, Deer Lodge and Ravalli County.

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