Circle MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Circle, Montana.
1. Mccone County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY ON DISPLAY
The McCone County Museum in Circle houses an impressive collection of 7,000 items of historical interest from the area. Its wildlife collection features over 200 birds and animals mounted and displayed in their natural settings, along with eight cement dinosaurs. Visitors can explore an old school house, church, homestead house, Northern Pacific Depot, and an old caboose that have been relocated to the museum grounds.
2. Montana Moments By Mahlstedt Ranch
AUTHENTIC MONTANA EXPERIENCE
Montana Moments By Mahlstedt Ranch offers visitors a genuine taste of Montana ranch life. Guests can experience the natural beauty and rural lifestyle that characterizes this part of Montana. The ranch provides a peaceful retreat away from city life where visitors can connect with nature and local culture.
3. Mahlstedt Ranch
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES AND FARMING
Mahlstedt Ranch features equestrian trails and farming experiences for visitors seeking an authentic rural adventure. The ranch offers a glimpse into Montana's agricultural heritage and outdoor lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and learn about sustainable farming practices in the beautiful Montana landscape.
4. Big Sky Back Country Byway
SCENIC HISTORIC ROUTE
The Big Sky Back Country Byway passes through Circle, connecting the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers along a historic trail. This scenic route follows a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone Trail, which Canadian tourists used to reach Yellowstone National Park. The byway showcases dry land farming, rolling prairie grassland, scenic scoria buttes, and badlands terrain.
5. The Bin & Studio U
ART AND CRAFTS HUB
The Bin & Studio U serves as Circle's creative center for arts and crafts. Visitors can explore local artwork and perhaps participate in workshops or creative sessions. The studio represents the artistic spirit of this small Montana community.
6. Horse Creek RV & Trailer Park
COMFORTABLE OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Horse Creek RV & Trailer Park offers comfortable accommodations for travelers exploring the Circle area. The park serves as a convenient base for visitors wanting to experience the natural beauty and attractions of eastern Montana. Guests can enjoy the peaceful rural setting while having access to necessary amenities.
7. Going-to-the-Sun Road
ICONIC MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular 50-mile mountain highway that crosses Glacier National Park. This engineering marvel provides access to the park's interior, passing alongside stunning mountain landscapes, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. The road reaches its highest point at Logan Pass (6,646 feet), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
8. Lake McDonald Lodge
HISTORIC RUSTIC RESORT
Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic Swiss chalet-style hotel situated on the shores of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Built in 1913, this rustic lodge features a grand lobby with massive stone fireplace and historic furnishings that capture the park's early tourist era. The lodge serves as an ideal base for exploring the western side of Glacier National Park.
9. First Peoples Buffalo Jump
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
First Peoples Buffalo Jump is one of the largest and best preserved buffalo jump sites in North America, where Native Americans drove bison over cliffs for thousands of years. The site includes a mile-long sandstone cliff and multiple tipi rings that showcase the sophisticated hunting techniques of Plains Indians. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and a visitor center that explains the cultural and historical significance of buffalo jumps.
10. C.M. Russell Museum
WESTERN ART COLLECTION
The C.M. Russell Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of Charles M. Russell artwork and personal items in the world. The complex includes Russell's original home and studio, preserved as they were during his lifetime. Visitors can view over 2,000 Russell artworks, artifacts, and memorabilia that capture the spirit of the American West.
11. Alberta Bair Theater
PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Alberta Bair Theater is Billings' premier performing arts venue, hosting a diverse range of performances from Broadway shows to concerts and dance productions. Recently renovated, the theater combines historical charm with modern amenities for an enhanced audience experience. The venue serves as a cultural cornerstone for the entire region, bringing world-class entertainment to Montana.
12. Dehler Park
MODERN BASEBALL STADIUM
Dehler Park is a modern baseball stadium in Billings that serves as the home field for the Billings Mustangs minor league team. The stadium features excellent sightlines, comfortable seating, and contemporary amenities that enhance the baseball experience for fans of all ages. Beyond professional games, the park hosts community events and amateur baseball tournaments throughout the season.
13. Babcock Theater
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CINEMA
The Babcock Theater is a beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Billings that first opened in 1907. After extensive renovations, this architectural gem now shows films and hosts special events while preserving its vintage charm and ornate details. The theater represents an important piece of Montana's cultural heritage and continues to serve as a gathering place for the community.
14. Gallatin River
PREMIER FLY FISHING DESTINATION
The Gallatin River is a world-renowned fly fishing destination flowing near Bozeman, featured prominently in the film "A River Runs Through It." The river offers exceptional trout fishing opportunities in a stunning mountain setting with crystal-clear waters. Beyond fishing, the Gallatin provides thrilling whitewater rafting experiences and scenic hiking trails along its banks.
15. Bozeman Spirits Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS AND TASTINGS
Bozeman Spirits Distillery crafts premium spirits using locally sourced Montana ingredients in the heart of downtown Bozeman. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of their handcrafted whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum in the comfortable tasting room. The distillery offers tours that demonstrate the complete spirit-making process from grain to bottle.