Miles City was built at the confluence of the two historic rivers, the Yellowstone River and the Tongue River. In Custer County, you’ll find a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences: river islands and prairie, hiking and boating, and museums connected to the region’s history.
River Landscapes and Open Prairie
Pirogue Island State Park is a secluded island in the Yellowstone River, shaded by cottonwood trees. Wildlife found there includes waterfowl, bald eagles, fox squirrels, and white-tailed and mule deer. Strawberry Hill Recreation Area covers 4,200 acres and is located on Baker Road off Montana Highway 12. It offers hiking opportunities and is suitable for primitive camping. Check current restrictions before planning a camping trip.
The Big Sky Back Country Byway offers a different perspective on the landscape. It begins in Terry, is 105 miles long, and passes through badlands and rolling prairies. From a road that is open year-round, the route offers year-round views of the scenic badlands of eastern Montana. Seasonal conditions may affect the drive; check road conditions beforehand.
Trails and Activities on the Water
The Natural Bridges Trail runs for just over a mile to the natural bridges. To reach the trailhead, you must first drive the Calypso Trail in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Access requirements and road conditions may change; check before you go.
At Matthews Recreation Area, the Yellowstone River can be accessed by canoe or kayak; there is no developed boat launch facility. Overnight camping is permitted at Matthews Recreation Area. Check with the BLM for current site conditions and restrictions before your visit. Non-motorized boating is also possible at Spotted Eagle Recreation Area. Moorhead Recreation Site on the Powder River has a partially developed but basic campground.
The paths at Fairgrounds/Riverside Park have smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces. The red route is 1.8 miles long; with the blue extension, the total distance is 2 miles. The two options therefore differ by 0.2 miles. Check current trail conditions when planning your visit.
History and Annual Events
WaterWorks Art Museum is located on the Yellowstone River and is housed in the concrete basins of the 1910 WaterWorks facility. For over 60 years, it produced Miles City’s drinking water. Range Riders Museum, near Miles City, was built on the site of the 1876 Fort Keogh cantonment and opened in August 1942. The historical connections are different: one focuses on the technical water supply, the other on the site of the Fort Keogh cantonment.
The Eastern Montana Fair takes place every August at the Custer County Fairgrounds in Miles City. If you’d like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year.
Travel Information
Custer County Transit provides local out-of-town transportation within the county for trips outside the two-mile area around downtown Miles City. These trips must be coordinated at least 72 hours in advance. Confirm availability before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Miles City, Beaverhead County, Silver Bow, Mineral County, Beaverhead, Glacier, Valley County, Roosevelt County.
For the main travel overview: Montana.
