Jordan: Wild West character and fossil history

Jordan, Montana, brings together a history along Big Dry Creek, connections to paleontology, and the region’s landscapes. The town was settled on the banks of Big Dry Creek in 1896 and still has a Wild West character. So, as you plan your trip, consider this question: Are you most interested in learning about regional history and fossil finds, or are you more drawn to water sports and nature watching?

Jordan and the Region’s History

The Garfield County Museum is a designated stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Its collections consist mainly of dinosaur fossils from Garfield County and eastern Montana. The museum offers a thematic introduction to finds from the region, which are also connected to the history of Hell Creek.

The museum opened in August 1984. Its exhibits include a homestead cabin and a replica of an old blacksmith shop; there is also a jailhouse on the grounds. The cabin, workshop, and jailhouse offer different insights into the area’s historical heritage. If you plan to visit the museum, check the visiting hours in advance, as opening hours may vary by season.

Fossils Around Hell Creek

Tyrannosaurus rex was first identified in 1902 at Hell Creek, just outside Jordan. A sculpture in Jordan honors the many T. rex fossils found north of town in the Hell Creek Fossil Area. The area between Jordan and Circle is also known for its fossil deposits. These places connect Jordan’s dinosaur history to a broader paleontological context in Montana.

The DIG Field School is also available to K–12 teachers. It takes place every summer at the Hell Creek Recreation Area near Jordan and offers a five-day, hands-on introduction to paleontology and geology. The event is for teachers; registration details may change from year to year. If this program is a deciding factor in your trip, check the information for the relevant year.

Nature and Activities Outside Town

The Hell Creek Recreation Area is outside Jordan and provides access to Fort Peck Lake, as well as opportunities for water sports. To reach Fort Peck Reservoir from the south, take Montana Highway 200 near Jordan and then County Road north. This makes it easy to distinguish the focus on water sports from the town’s paleontological history, even though both may be part of planning a trip to the region.

Jordan also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including wildlife watching, near the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. Another area for exploring the landscape is the Seven Blackfoot Wilderness Study Area, about 30 miles northwest of Jordan. Its only public access is at Chalk Butte; this access point is important to keep in mind if you plan to visit the area.

Jordan as a Destination for Your Hotel Search

Which of these interests shapes your trip can help you choose a destination: the museum collections and fossil history, water sports at the Hell Creek Recreation Area, or nature watching near the refuge. If you’re looking for a hotel in Jordan, first decide which of these interests matters for your travel dates. This will help you consider Jordan as a destination and then compare suitable hotel options for your planned stay.

For the broader travel overview: Garfield County.