Posted in Montana Nature July 06, 2018 by

This Weekend Road Trip Shows Off The Underrated Beauty Of Southeast Montana

Montana is a vast state full of diverse beauty. But many of us tend to visit more of our well-known tourist destinations, like Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. And while Western Montana is absolutely incredible, the southeastern portion of the Treasure State is a hidden gem that’s often overlooked.

If you’re not familiar with Southwest Montana, take this weekend road trip and check out a few of its highlights. You just might find yourself planning a return trip to explore even more.

Google Maps
Miles City makes a great starting point.
Just having some fun / Flickr
Grab a coffee from City Brew, explore the charming downtown area, and have a burger at the historic Montana Bar if you have time. Miles City is one of Montana's remaining true Western towns.
Next, head down to Crow Agency and spend your afternoon exploring the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Steve Walser / Flickr
This somber place was the site of a blood battle between the U.S. Army and Lakota and Cheyenne warriors. It's now a place for reflection and learning about our local history, even the unpleasant parts.
Drive a little further south and you'll find Rosebud Battlefield State Park, where The Battle of the Rosebud took place on June 17, 1876.
gburgess99 / TripAdvisor
A harbinger to the Battle of Little Bighorn, this became known to the Northern Cheyenne as the spot Where the Girl Saved Her Brother. Despite its violent history, the area is quite beautiful and peaceful now.
Spend the night in Broadus, a tiny spot known affectionately as the Wavingest Town in the West.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
If you want to spend your evening with the locals (highly recommended), have dinner and a cold beverage at the Powder River Stockman's Club, where you'll often find good live music and friendly folks.
Powder River Stockman's Club Facebook
Rest for the night at the Sagebrush Inn & Suites, which offers travelers a free breakfast.
The next day, head to Ekalaka, where the Carter County Museum will show you its unique local history, from dinosaurs to Native American life.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Nestled in the Russell Creek Valley of Carter County, Ekalaka is an underrated gem.
Make sure to spend some time in the nearby Medicine Rocks State Park, which features soft sandstone rock formations you won't see anywhere else.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
You'll be impressed by the park's unique beauty.
End your weekend by exploring the sights at the Terry Badlands.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
Located just outside the town of Terry, the badlands offer wildlife viewing, rock collecting, photography, hiking, and camping.

 

There’s really no better way to explore our beautiful state than by road trip. Next, stock up on snacks, fill your car with gas, and check out our Natural Wonders Road Trip.