Discover Custer County: River Landscapes and Open Roads

Custer County offers travel experiences spanning the Yellowstone River, nature trails, cultural history, and open roads. One day might revolve around river access and hiking trails, another around museums or a longer drive through badlands and rolling prairies. Which of these themes you prioritize gives your trip planning a clear direction.

River Landscapes and Natural Areas

Strawberry Hill Recreation Area covers 4,200 acres and is located on Baker Road off Montana Highway 12. You can hike there, and the area is also suitable for primitive camping. Check current restrictions before your trip.

Pirogue Island State Park is a secluded island in the Yellowstone River, shaded by cottonwood trees. Its wildlife includes waterfowl, bald eagles, fox squirrels, and white-tailed and mule deer. The river is also a destination for water activities at Matthews Recreation Area, where it is accessible by canoe or kayak. However, there are no developed boat launches there.

Trails, Water, and Camping

Overnight camping is allowed at Matthews Recreation Area. Check current conditions and restrictions with the BLM before your trip. Moorhead Recreation Site is located along the Powder River. It has a partially developed but simple campground.

The Natural Bridges Trail leads just over a mile to the natural bridges. To reach the trailhead, you first take the Calypso Trail, which requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Access requirements and road conditions can change; check them before driving.

At Fairgrounds/Riverside Park, the paths are made of smooth asphalt or concrete. The red route is 1.8 miles long; with the blue extension, the total length is 2 miles. This lets you choose between the two stated distances while keeping the different surfaces in mind. Non-motorized boating is also possible at Spotted Eagle Recreation Area near Miles City.

History and Events in Miles City

Miles City was built at the confluence of the historic Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. The WaterWorks Art Museum is also located on the Yellowstone River. It is housed in the concrete basins of the 1910 WaterWorks facility. For more than 60 years, the facility produced drinking water for Miles City. Here, the waterworks’ former function meets its present-day use as a museum.

The Range Riders Museum near Miles City was built on the site of the 1876 Fort Keogh cantonment and opened in August 1942. The Eastern Montana Fair is held every August at the Custer County Fairgrounds in Miles City. If you plan to attend, check the dates for the year of your visit.

Open Roads and Getting Around

The Big Sky Back Country Byway begins in Terry and is 105 miles long. It passes through badlands and rolling prairies. The route offers year-round views of the scenic badlands of eastern Montana from a road that is open year-round. Seasonal conditions can still affect the drive. The byway adds a longer road trip as a separate option to your plans.

For travel within Custer County, Custer County Transit offers local out-of-town service beyond the 2-mile area around the center of Miles City. These trips must be coordinated at least 72 hours in advance; confirm availability before your trip. You can choose natural areas, water activities, museum visits, and events based on your interests, while keeping their respective travel and visiting conditions in your plans.

Explore more destinations: Miles City, Judith Basin County, Deer Lodge, Sanders, Park, Hill County, Lewis And Clark, Broadwater.

See the main travel overview: Montana.