A life-size Triceratops is on display at the Garfield County Museum. Fossils and dinosaurs can also be found in geological formations and along a regional themed route. Garfield County therefore presents Earth’s history from different perspectives: in the museum, across the landscape, and in connection with other places.
Dinosaurs, Museum and History
The Garfield County Museum is on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. In addition to the Triceratops, the museum exhibits include a settler’s cabin and a replica of an old blacksmith shop. The grounds also feature a jailhouse and a schoolhouse from an earlier era. The different buildings and objects offer several ways to connect a museum visit with the history of the town and region.
The Montana Dinosaur Trail connects Fort Peck, Malta, Jordan and Glendive through fossil-rich formations, parks, museums and information centers. Jordan was founded around 1896 by Arthur Jordan on the banks of Big Dry Creek. The town retains the character of the Old West. Together, the museum and themed route show how the area’s dinosaur history is connected with other regional stories and places.
Geology and Landscape
Garfield County lies in the Hell Creek Formation south of Fort Peck Reservoir. Fossil-bearing layers of the Hell Creek and Tullock Formations are also exposed in the Seven Blackfoot Wilderness Study Area. These geological names refer to different formations; visitors interested in Earth’s history may therefore want to look at the specific locations and their individual landscape features.
The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge encompasses prairie with native vegetation, wooded coulees, river bottoms and the badlands of the Missouri Breaks. Hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, photography, camping, hiking and horseback riding are permitted or available there. This range of options runs from quiet wildlife observation to activities on the water or on foot. Which part of the refuge interests you may therefore depend on whether you want to explore landscapes, observe wildlife or get active outdoors.
The Billy Creek Wilderness Study Area encompasses three deep coulees in rugged terrain. The only public access is on the north side, via a longer, trail-less hike through the adjoining Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Access conditions depend on the weather; check them before you travel and plan this hike.
The only available public access to the Seven Blackfoot Wilderness Study Area is at Chalk Butte. From there, you can head west into Chalk Butte Coulee. Since route conditions can change, check ahead here as well. Along with its fossil-bearing layers, the access point makes the area a distinct opportunity to explore its geology and landscape.
Water, Fishing and Practical Information
Fort Peck Reservoir is Montana’s largest body of water, home to more than 50 different fish species. Ice fishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout is possible there in winter. Hell Creek State Park has facilities for a wide range of water sports. This means there are different ways to enjoy the water: a broad range of water sports at the state park and a clearly seasonal fishing opportunity at the reservoir.
Hell Creek Marina offers fishing bait and tackle, access to local fishing guides, boat slips, slip rentals and fuel on the water. As these services may change, check in advance whether the services you plan to use are available.
Getting there is also worth considering when choosing your destinations: Brusett is accessible only via unpaved roads. You can factor this specific condition into your travel plans early. This lets you match your interests in Earth’s history, landscapes or water activities with the relevant access information, without assuming that getting to or visiting every place will be the same.
Discover more destinations: Jordan, Phillips County, Carter County, Prairie County, Deer Lodge, Missoula County, Flathead, Sheridan County.
For the broader travel overview: Montana.
