Valley County: Fort Peck, Nature and History

Fort Peck Lake, Bitter Creek, and the museums and parks in Glasgow give Valley County a range of travel themes: water and nature experiences, history, and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Valley County, it helps to first organize the outings you want to shape your stay.

Fort Peck Lake and the Fort Peck area

At Fort Peck Lake, options include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing drives, and wildlife viewing. The lake has 1,500 miles of shoreline. The Fort Peck Project includes 19 recreation areas and nine campgrounds. Sites range from developed facilities with full amenities to basic backcountry sites.

At Perch Point, three miles of paved nature trails run along the Missouri River and through the surrounding forest. Perch Point offers panoramic views to the east of Fort Peck Dam and Fort Peck Lake. This makes it easy to plan the nature trail and overlook as a separate focus alongside activities on and by the water.

From Glasgow, take Highway 24 south; Fort Peck is 17 miles away. Fort Peck is also part of a self-guided driving tour of sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Nature and outdoor activities

Bitter Creek WSA is in Valley County in northeastern Montana and is a designated stop on Montana’s Northeastern Plains Birding Trail. For travelers interested in birdwatching, this trail provides a specific connection to the region. Paulo Reservoir is about 12 miles southwest of Glasgow. It offers opportunities for largemouth bass fishing and family outings.

Glasgow OHV is a 40-acre recreation area one mile north of Glasgow, open to off-highway vehicle riding with ATVs and motorcycles. Experienced riders will find challenging climbs and natural jumps, while beginners can use flat areas and gentle slopes. The varied terrain makes the area a distinct option for riding motorized off-highway vehicles.

History, museums, and parks in Glasgow

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center presents the history of the Fort Peck region, from dinosaurs to the construction of the dam. It is one of 14 stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. The Valley County Pioneer Museum was founded in 1972 to preserve the county’s history. Its collection includes an Assiniboine collection; the museum also features exhibits on railroads and agriculture.

Fort Peck Theatre also has a historic connection: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Glasgow itself was founded as a railroad town in the late 19th century. The city’s “Parks & Trails” map shows parks, trails, and points of interest in Glasgow, providing a guide for exploring the city.

Sullivan Park is the largest park operated by the city of Glasgow and offers areas and activities for all ages. Centennial Park features hills, disc golf, an outdoor shelter, and a playground. Glasgow’s destinations thus range from local history to parks and recreational activities.

Discover more destinations: Frazer, Custer County, Beaverhead, Mineral County, Silver Bow, Missoula County, Musselshell County, Wheatland County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.