5 Vibrant Stops in the Heart of Montana

In central Montana, you’ll discover a sprinkling of small towns that are chock full of fascinating history, but also filled with modern vibrancy in the form of boutique hotels, cool breweries and amazing outdoor recreation. Get ready to explore this uncrowded paradise.

1. Stroll Central Montana’s Historic Fort Benton

Explore the beautiful Missouri River in Fort Benton (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

Fort Benton is the birthplace of Montana and its historic downtown still holds onto its charm. Check out its shops and eateries, lining the Missouri River, or visit Old Fort Benton which was once a hub for fur trading. Make a reservation to dine at the gorgeous Grand Union Hotel. The Union Grille specializes in farm-to-table cuisine with mouthwatering and inventive local dishes like a dry rubbed fried chicken with chipotle blackberry sauce, or a Plains Paella with bison sausage. Be sure to reserve a table on the patio overlooking the river. Don’t miss stopping across the street at the statue of Shep, Fort Benton’s faithful friend. The loyal dog met his owner at the train station every day and continued to wait there for him each day even after his passing. The town adopted him and erected a statue in his honor.

Canoe past the White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

Get out on the Missouri River and experience the breathtaking White Cliffs of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Book a two to three day canoe trip with local outfitters like Missouri River Outfitters where you’ll camp, float and hike along the way.

2. Riverside Fun in Great Falls

Stroll along the Missouri River in the Central Montana town of Great Falls. (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

Central Montana’s largest community, Great Falls serves as a perfect basecamp to explore this part of Montana. Home to five waterfalls along the Missouri River, explore the local trail system before getting to know three important characters in western history. First, head to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to learn about the famous duo who helped chart the west for white settlers. Then, head to the C.M. Russell Museum where you’ll learn about the iconic cowboy artist. These are just two of 12 museums in town. For perhaps the most unique museum you’ll ever experience, order a whiskey at The Cowboys Museum & Bar on 311 3rd Street and peruse the Old West relics. The barbed wire collection is surprisingly extensive.

Grab a bite to eat at the iconic Sip n’ Dip Lounge (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

Afterwards, head to The Station, a newly opened food hall anchored by a bar that serves everything from local Wagyu burgers to Italian, Mexican and pan-Asian fare from different restaurant concepts. With great views of the river, there’s plenty of outdoor space as well as an indoor arcade. When it’s time to call it a night check into the O’Haire Inn, a “retro-vated” 1950s motel restored to its former glory and delightfully on theme. It’s attached to the absolutely iconic Sip n’ Dip Lounge.

3. Relax in White Sulphur Springs

Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Spa Hot Springs (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

Come to soak in the outdoor and indoor pools at the Spa Hot Springs, stay for the great local businesses that are turning this little town into something seriously hip. Visit the Jawbone, a women-owned, speakeasy-themed restaurant. The signature cocktails like the Huckleberry Lemon Drop Martini are the way to go. Also owned by the ladies behind Jawbone is the high-end second-hand store, The Parberry, in a beautiful historic space. Stop in to find a one-of-a-kind piece. White Sulphur Springs is a haven for women-owned businesses and Showdown Ski Resort just up the road is no exception. This little mountain is Montana’s first and only women-owned ski area and worth a visit in either winter for snow sports, or summer for great hiking and biking trails. Grab sandwiches from Smith River Landing ahead of time for a fun picnic lunch on the mountain.

Stay at the Edith, a former motel totally renovated with a fantastic eye for design that’s part of the ski resort. Check out their special rate packages that include lift tickets, hot springs soaks and more.

If it’s a small town music festival you’re looking for, White Sulphur Springs has that too. Woman-founded and woman-led work clothing company, Red Ants Pants created the perfect festival to enjoy the views. Red Ants Pants Music Festival takes place July 24-27, 2025.

4. Experience Cowboy Culture in Lewistown

In Lewistown, don’t miss the Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous every August, the second oldest cowboy gathering in the country. If you’re not visiting in August, you can still get a dose of pioneer entertainment on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a dinner train complete with local entertainment and staged hold-ups. Take a stroll through town, stopping in at Marigold Market for made-in-Montana products featuring tons of local artisans, C + V Home for modern houseware, or the Hub for antiques with a Western flair.

Enjoy dinner and drinks at Central Feed Grilling Company. Named after the grain elevator the restaurant resides in, this historic building also houses Big Springs Brewing. The upscale restaurant features Montana ingredients on a menu filled with steaks, burgers and sandwiches.

5. Explore Central Montana’s Dinosaur Trail

Explore Central Montana’s Dinosaur Trail with the whole family (Photo courtesy Central Montana Tourism)

2025 is the 20th anniversary of Montana’s Dinosaur Trail, a collection of stops across the state that celebrates the region’s prehistoric past. Central Montana is home to the most stops in the state, making it a perfect way to spend a few days for dinosaur lovers. The tiny town of Bynum may have more dinosaur residents than it does humans. Stop into the Montana Dinosaur Center to learn about the region’s ancient inhabitants and see the longest full size skeletal model of a seismosaurus. Visiting in the summer? Reserve your spot on a dig where you’ll get to go out in the field and work with paleontologists.

Other stops in Central Montana along the Dinosaur Trail include the H. Earl Clack Museum in Havre, Rudyard’s Depot Museum, the Upper Musselshell Museum in Harlowton, the Old Trail Museum in Choteau and the Blaine County Museum in Chinook. The Blaine County Museum also opened a fascinating exhibit on the life of Gilbert Horn Sr. in June 2024, the last Assiniboine chief of Fort Belknap and a World War II code talker.

Plan Your Visit

For More Information:
Central Montana Tourism Office
15 Overlook Dr.
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-761-5036
CentralMontana.com.

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