Chouteau County on the Upper Missouri

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. This gives Chouteau County a distinctive connection to the river; Fort Benton’s history and the Highwood Mountains offer additional highlights to consider when planning your trip.

River Landscapes and Mountain Trails

Chouteau County includes part of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Highwood Mountains. There, hiking and mountain biking trails offer a range of difficulty levels. You can consider this area for either a hike or a mountain bike ride, keeping in mind the different demands of the trails.

The Upper Missouri is considered an easy river to navigate; its rapids are rated Class I. Fishing is permitted for Montana residents and for nonresidents with a fishing license. Along the river, Coal Banks Landing Campground and Judith Landing Campground provide access for launching watercraft, camping, picnicking, and fishing. Both sites therefore offer the same basic options for a stay by the water.

Fort Benton and the History of the Missouri

Fort Benton was established in 1846 as an American Fur Company trading post. Its role as the head of navigation on the Missouri River and in the development of the Northwest and western Canada led to its recognition as a National Historic Landmark. This history is present in several places and forms: the Lewis and Clark Memorial in Fort Benton is Montana’s official monument to the expedition. The bronze Shep Memorial stands along the Levee Walk near the center of town.

Historic Old Fort Benton brings the fur and buffalo robe trade of the 1850s to life. The site includes period-furnished rooms, a trading store, a fur warehouse, and blacksmith and carpentry shops. The Museum of the Upper Missouri explores the history and legends of the Upper Missouri River and Fort Benton; extensive exhibits also cover the Whoop-Up Trail and the Mullan Road.

The Museum of the Northern Great Plains focuses on life on Montana’s vast plains over the past hundred years. Its exhibits tell the story of the hardships and achievements of three generations of families in the Northern Great Plains. Alongside the river and trading history, the lives and experiences of families on the plains are also at the heart of its displays.

Walks and Finding Your Way Along the River

The Levee Walk follows the Missouri River through Fort Benton and is suitable for an easy stroll. It passes through the National Historic Landmark District, with more than 40 interpretive panels along the way. A walk by the river can thus be combined with historical information along the route.

At Decision Point, a ¼-mile trail leads from the parking lot to a ridge above a confluence. The site is also connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition: the Corps of Discovery arrived there on June 2, 1805, and spent several days deciding which river to follow west.

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. The indoor exhibit areas, grounds, and walking path are wheelchair accessible. Maps, information about trail and river conditions, and assistance from staff provide additional guidance when planning outings on the water or in the surrounding area.

More Places and Regional Stories

Other museums offer their own perspectives on life in the region. The Geraldine Milwaukee Depot was built in 1913 and is an example of a wooden small-town railroad depot from around the turn of the century. Its exhibits document the railroad’s role in the development of this agricultural area. The depot stands at its original location beside the regional Central Montana Railroad line.

The Big Sandy Historical Museum presents local history, the early pioneer and ranching era, genealogical materials, and military exhibits. It is on the west side of Montana Highway 87, along Big Sandy’s main street. Homestead Village offers a different glimpse of life in the early 20th century: visitors can 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 homesteading families.

Discover more destinations: Fort Benton, Loma, Custer County, Lincoln County, Yellowstone, Silver Bow, Lake County, Judith Basin County

For the main travel overview: Montana.