Fort Peck MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Peck, Montana.
1. Fort Peck Reservoir
MONTANA'S LARGEST LAKE
Fort Peck Reservoir measures 140 miles long and is considered the largest body of water in Montana. This superb fishing destination offers abundant recreational opportunities for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing along its expansive shoreline.
2. Fort Peck Summer Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Fort Peck Summer Theatre presents quality performances in a charming historic venue during the summer months. The theater showcases a variety of productions ranging from musicals to dramas with professional and local talent. Visitors can experience live entertainment in one of Montana's most unique cultural destinations.
3. Fort Peck Interpretive Center And Museum
HISTORY AND NATURE EXHIBITS
The Fort Peck Interpretive Center And Museum showcases the rich history of the Fort Peck Dam and the surrounding ecosystem. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring dinosaur fossils, fish species, and engineering marvels through interactive displays. The center serves as an educational hub for both historical significance and natural beauty of the area.
4. Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge encompasses over one million acres of pristine habitat surrounding Fort Peck Lake. The refuge provides a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species including elk, bighorn sheep, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, photography spots, and witness the natural beauty of this protected wilderness.
5. Fort Peck Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Fort Peck Dam spans over 21,000 feet in length, making it one of the largest hydraulically filled dams in the world. Constructed in 1933, this massive structure played a pivotal role in the development of the Missouri River Basin. Visitors can view this impressive engineering feat from the scenic overlook on Montana Highway 24.
6. The Gateway Club
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Gateway Club offers a unique dining experience in a building with historical significance to Fort Peck. Patrons can enjoy hearty Montana cuisine while surrounded by memorabilia from the dam construction era. The establishment serves as both a restaurant and a glimpse into the past of this important engineering community.
7. Fort Peck State Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
Fort Peck State Fish Hatchery plays a vital role in maintaining the diverse fish population of Fort Peck Lake and surrounding waters. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about fish cultivation, conservation efforts, and the importance of aquatic ecosystems. The hatchery offers educational opportunities for all ages about Montana's fisheries management.
8. Fort Peck Hotel
HISTORIC LODGING LANDMARK
Fort Peck Hotel stands as a historic landmark dating back to the dam construction era of the 1930s. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations with a nostalgic atmosphere that reflects the region's rich history. Guests can experience a slice of Montana's past while enjoying modern amenities in this unique lodging option.
9. Milk River Observation Point
SCENIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Milk River Observation Point provides breathtaking views of the winding Milk River as it flows through northeastern Montana. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, migratory birds, and the changing seasons from this elevated vantage point. The site includes informational panels about the river's ecosystem and historical significance to the region.
10. Valley County Pioneer Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Valley County Pioneer Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts telling the story of northeastern Montana's development. Exhibits showcase pioneer life, Native American culture, and the agricultural history of the region. Visitors can explore multiple galleries featuring everything from vintage farming equipment to historical photographs documenting the area's transformation.
11. Sam's Supper Club
LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITE
Sam's Supper Club offers classic Montana dining with hearty steaks and fresh regional specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has been serving locals and visitors alike for generations as a gathering place for good food and conversation. Diners can enjoy authentic Montana hospitality while sampling dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.
12. Lewis and Clark Overlook
HISTORICAL EXPEDITION VIEWPOINT
Lewis and Clark Overlook provides visitors with panoramic views of Fort Peck Lake and interpretive displays about the famous expedition's journey through northeastern Montana. The site features educational panels that detail the challenges and discoveries made by the Corps of Discovery as they navigated this territory. Visitors can stand where these historical explorers once traveled while taking in the breathtaking Missouri River landscape.
13. Glasgow Stockyards
AUTHENTIC WESTERN EXPERIENCE
Glasgow Stockyards offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic ranching culture that has shaped northeastern Montana for generations. The facility hosts regular livestock auctions where the agricultural traditions of the region come alive through the sights and sounds of rural commerce. Visitors can observe real cowboys, ranchers, and the livestock trade that continues to be an economic cornerstone of the area.
14. Missouri Breaks National Monument
RUGGED WILDERNESS AREA
Missouri Breaks National Monument encompasses a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and pristine river corridors south of Fort Peck. The monument preserves one of the most undisturbed portions of the Missouri River, appearing much as it did when Lewis and Clark explored it in the early 1800s. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore this wilderness area known for its distinctive badlands topography and abundant wildlife.
15. Cottonwood Inn & Suites
PREMIER REGIONAL LODGING
Cottonwood Inn & Suites serves as the premier lodging and event center in the Fort Peck Lake region. The facility features comfortable accommodations along with a restaurant that showcases Montana cuisine and local specialties. Visitors appreciate the convenient location for exploring Fort Peck attractions while enjoying modern amenities and authentic northeastern Montana hospitality.