The Powder River crosses Powder River County from southwest to northeast. It drains the central part of the county and flows into the Yellowstone River in Custer County. Around Powder River Valley, hills, creeks, and coulees shape the landscape; farther west, the terrain becomes steeper and more wooded, while grassland hills and draws define the eastern landscape. This shift between wooded highlands and open grassland is one of the region’s striking contrasts.
Landscape and Getting Around
East of Broadus, the Hay Draw Travel Management Area covers more than 30,000 acres. The area around Rolling Hills Golf Course is also shaped by hills, terrain features, and elevation changes. The nine-hole course is west of Broadus. Together, these details show two different scales of landscape: an expansive area east of town and a golf course whose hilly terrain defines its character.
Broadus is located on the section of Highway 212 known as Warrior Trail. For road navigation, this name refers to the highway section near Broadus. The Powder River Chamber of Commerce’s seasonal visitor information center is east of town at the rest area on 2 Scale Road, near Highways 212 and 59. It is open from May through September; check the specific opening dates before your trip.
Museums and History
Exhibits at the Powder River Taxidermy and Tannery Museum include taxidermy, antique and commemorative firearms, and local art. The Powder River Historical Museum & Mac's Museum offers a different perspective on history: its collection includes artifacts from Indigenous cultures, historic clothing, old firearms and ammunition, and pre-1900 wagons. It also features historic cars, tractors, farm equipment, and material on the history of the American West.
The Historical Museum & Mac's Museum grounds also include a one-room rural log schoolhouse, a Bucyrus-Erie steam shovel, and the county jail. This jail was built in 1919, when Powder River County was established. Founded in 1920, Powder River Congregational UCC is the oldest church in Broadus. Together, these historic sites offer a range of perspectives, from everyday and agricultural history to the county’s early years.
Another historic landmark is the Reynolds Battlefield Monument on the Powder River, about 28 miles southwest of Broadus. The Battle of Reynolds took place on March 17, 1876, and was a precursor to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Access is via County Road 391 toward Moorhead Road. Check road conditions before setting out.
Seasonal Events and Activities
The Powder River County Fair takes place every year during the last week of July at the fairgrounds. Since dates vary from year to year, check the current event calendar before planning your trip around it. The Chamber’s visitor information center also provides seasonal guidance: since it is open from May through September, the specific dates matter for your planned travel period.
There are also a variety of recreational options around Broadus. Rolling Hills Golf Course is a nine-hole course; its hills, terrain features, and elevation changes give the course its distinctive profile. Broadus Bridge Fishing Access Site is a basic fishing spot with no boat access or latrine. Moorhead Recreation Area is a basic campground on the Powder River. The descriptions clearly distinguish between a golf course, a fishing spot, and a campground; these places do not offer the same amenities.
Cottonwood Park has a climbing structure for children. Powder River Wagon Trains and Cattle Drives offers the chance to join cattle drives on horseback or in a covered wagon through scenic, historic areas with ranches dating to the 1920s. Confirm dates in advance. Powder River Outfitters offers guided hunts for mule deer, white-tailed deer, antelope, elk, birds, and turkeys. Check current hunting seasons, tags, and availability.
Powder River Lanes and The Grille is a full-service restaurant. Its other offerings include video games, a game area, a bowling center, and pizza. Check its current operating status before your trip. The activities described range from golf and fishing to seasonal events and guided experiences; choose the focus that interests you most when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Broadus, Daniels County, Pondera County, Richland County, Sanders, Lewis And Clark, Treasure County, Garfield County.
View the main travel overview: Montana.
