Dutton MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dutton, Montana.
1. Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area
BIRD WATCHING PARADISE
Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area is a premier bird watching destination known for its spectacular spring and fall migrations. Thousands of snow geese and other waterfowl gather here during migration periods, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Visitors can drive the auto tour route or hike short trails to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. A Lazy H Outfitters
AUTHENTIC MONTANA ADVENTURES
A Lazy H Outfitters offers guided wilderness horseback adventures near Dutton in the spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness. Their all-inclusive pack trips provide guests with opportunities to experience Montana's pristine backcountry while enjoying comfortable camps and hearty meals. The outfitters are known for their exceptional hospitality and knowledge of local terrain and wildlife.
3. Old Trail Museum
DINOSAUR DISCOVERY CENTER
The Old Trail Museum showcases the rich paleontological history of the region with impressive dinosaur exhibits and fossils. Visitors can explore displays about the area's geological formations, Native American artifacts, and pioneer history that shaped central Montana. The museum's centerpiece is the Maiasaura exhibit, featuring fossils discovered in the nearby Egg Mountain site.
4. Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
PRAIRIE WETLAND SANCTUARY
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 12,000 acres of wetlands and native prairie just north of Great Falls and accessible from Dutton. The refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife species throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography, and interpretive trails that highlight the ecological importance of this prairie pothole region.
5. Chief Joseph Ranch
YELLOWSTONE SHOW LOCATION
Chief Joseph Ranch serves as the iconic filming location for the Yellowstone Ranch in the popular TV series "Yellowstone." While the property is not open for tours, visitors can view the recognizable white barns and ranch entrance from US Highway 93 south of Darby. This historic working guest ranch dates back to 1914 and features stunning mountain views that have made it a perfect backdrop for the dramatic Montana setting in the show.
6. Dutton Grain Elevators
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE ICONS
The Dutton Grain Elevators stand as prominent landmarks in the center of town, representing the agricultural heritage that has sustained the community since its founding. These operational facilities serve as the economic backbone of the region, processing wheat from the surrounding farms that stretch across the Montana plains. Photographers and history enthusiasts appreciate these iconic structures that symbolize rural America and Montana's farming tradition.
7. Sula Country Store and Resort
RUSTIC MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Sula Country Store and Resort offers visitors a quintessential Montana experience with its rustic charm and convenient location off US-93. The store provides essential supplies, local products, and hearty meals for travelers exploring the Bitterroot Valley region. Nearby, fans of the TV show "Yellowstone" can view the infamous "Train Station" filming location where the fictional Dutton family disposes of their enemies.
8. Going-to-the-Sun Road
GLACIER'S SCENIC MARVEL
Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel that traverses Glacier National Park, offering one of America's most spectacular mountain drives within day-trip distance from Dutton. The 50-mile route crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, providing access to stunning alpine scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and numerous trailheads. Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of glacial lakes, cedar forests, and rugged mountain peaks that showcase Montana's natural grandeur.
9. Glen's Café
YELLOWSTONE FILMING LOCATION
Glen's Café gained fame as a filming location for the hit TV show "Yellowstone," attracting fans who want to experience a piece of television history. The casual eatery serves up hearty Montana fare in an authentic small-town atmosphere that captured the show's producers' attention. Visitors can enjoy classic American comfort food while spotting the recognizable interior where scenes from the popular series were filmed.
10. Missoula Farmers Market
LOCAL HARVEST SHOWCASE
The Missoula Farmers Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community gathering that's worth the drive from Dutton. Visitors can browse stalls filled with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and Montana-made specialties while enjoying the lively atmosphere. The market, which also served as a filming location for "Yellowstone," operates seasonally and showcases the agricultural bounty of western Montana.
11. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN CONFLICT
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument preserves the site of the 1876 clash between Lt. Col. George Custer's 7th Cavalry and several Native American tribes. Visitors can explore the museum, view interpretive displays, and walk the grounds where markers indicate where soldiers fell during the famous battle. The monument offers a thought-provoking look at this pivotal moment in American history and provides perspectives from both sides of the conflict.
12. Beartooth Highway
AMERICA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL DRIVE
The Beartooth Highway is a National Scenic Byway that climbs to breathtaking heights, offering one of the most spectacular drives in the United States and a worthy destination from Dutton. The 68-mile route reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet, providing panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, alpine plateaus, and pristine mountain lakes. Travelers are rewarded with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
13. Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark
LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL
Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark commemorates one of the most challenging obstacles faced by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Visitors can learn about the explorers' arduous 18-mile portage around five waterfalls on the Missouri River, which took nearly a month to complete. The interpretive center and trails provide insights into this pivotal moment in the Corps of Discovery's journey through the Louisiana Territory.
14. Sollid's General Store
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Sollid's General Store serves as a community hub in downtown Dutton, continuing the legacy of the town's founding family who established the Dutton Townsite Company in 1910. The store offers everyday essentials, local products, and friendly service that reflects the town's enduring small-town character and agricultural heritage. Visitors can step inside to experience a piece of living history while gathering supplies or chatting with locals about the area's attractions.
15. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
EXPEDITION HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers an immersive experience chronicling the Corps of Discovery's epic journey through Montana's wilderness. Interactive exhibits, life-sized dioramas, and educational programs bring to life the challenges and triumphs faced by the expedition as they traversed the region over two centuries ago. Visitors can enjoy scenic river views, hiking trails, and an extensive collection of artifacts that illuminate this pivotal chapter in American exploration history.