Jordan, Montana, combines a small-town history with a distinctive fossil record. The town was settled on the banks of Big Dry Creek in 1896 and was officially designated a town by postal designation on July 11, 1899. Jordan continues to preserve its Wild West character. Tyrannosaurus rex was first identified in 1902 at Hell Creek, just outside Jordan. The settlement at Big Dry Creek and the first identification of T. rex at Hell Creek are two separate historical reference points.
Fossils and Local History in Jordan
The Garfield County Museum is a designated stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Its collections consist primarily of dinosaur fossils from Garfield County and eastern Montana. The museum opened in August 1984. The regional focus is also important in understanding the fossils: the collection is not limited to Jordan, but includes finds from the county and eastern Montana.
The museum includes a homestead cabin and a replica of an old blacksmith shop. There is also a jailhouse on the museum grounds. These details complement its paleontological focus with other aspects of local and regional history. A sculpture in Jordan honors the many T. rex fossils found north of town in Montana’s Hell Creek Fossil Area.
The story of the first identification and the region later commemorated are distinct points of reference. The first identification of T. rex in 1902 at Hell Creek, just outside Jordan, is distinct from the many T. rex fossils in the Hell Creek Fossil Area north of town that the sculpture commemorates.
Water and Nature Around Jordan
For a different focus, head to Hell Creek Recreation Area, which lies outside Jordan. The area provides access to Fort Peck Lake and opportunities for water sports. Outdoor recreation and wildlife watching are also among the activities available near Jordan and Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. This offers a contrast between the area’s cultural history and its nearby nature and water experiences.
A southern route to Fort Peck Reservoir is described via Montana Highway 200 at Jordan, followed by the county road north. If you plan to take this route, keep in mind that road conditions can change. The Seven Blackfoot Wilderness Study Area is another clearly located option: it lies about 30 miles northwest of Jordan. The only public access is at Chalk Butte. This approximate distance and named access point help distinguish the area from the waterside options.
A Special Paleontology Option for Teachers
Every summer, the DIG Field School takes place at Hell Creek Recreation Area near Jordan. The five-day program offers K–12 teachers a hands-on introduction to paleontology and geology. It is intended for a clearly defined audience and is not a general recreation offering for all visitors. Since registration details can change from year to year, teachers should check the information for the relevant program year.
To decide whether Jordan is the right destination, consider its different highlights: the Garfield County Museum, the T. rex commemoration, and the history of Hell Creek shape its cultural and paleontological appeal. Fort Peck Lake and wildlife-watching opportunities offer a different focus; the Seven Blackfoot Wilderness Study Area, in turn, lies northwest of town and has its own public access point at Chalk Butte.
For the broader travel overview: Garfield County.
