Scobey Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty, outdoor adventures, museums, local culture, and cuisine of Scobey, a charming town in Montana's Missouri River Country. Get tips on places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Discovering Scobey: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Scobey is a small town known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure, a trip back in time to explore the area’s cultural heritage, or simply a relaxing and scenic escape, Scobey has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the town’s key attractions and provide tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Scobey

To help you plan your trip to Scobey, here’s a quick rundown of some of our top picks for places to visit in the town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Scobey, which is home to a number of museums and historical landmarks:

  • Daniels County Museum: This museum offers a fascinating look back at the history of Daniels County and the surrounding area, with exhibits on local ranching, logging, and railroad industries.
  • Pioneer Auto Museum: Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss this collection of vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
  • The Scobey Area Centennial Village: This living history museum focuses on life in the northeastern Montana plains in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with structures like a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a chapel.

Natural Attractions of Scobey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, Scobey is a nature lover’s paradise:

  • Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge: This 15,000-acre refuge is home to a wide variety of local wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and dozens of bird species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing streams, and guided nature tours.
  • Scobey Dam and Reservoir: Enjoy a peaceful day of boating or fishing on the Scobey Reservoir, or take a hike along the nearby trails.
  • Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs: Relaxing and healing hot springs, with an outdoor pool suitable for the whole family.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Scobey

Scobey’s natural beauty is an open invitation to hiking and biking fanatics, and there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Pioneer Ridge Trail: This 13-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife, as well as an interesting historical site—the remains of a WWII Japanese balloon bomb which are part of the Ridge trail’s first half mile.
  • James Kipp Recreation Area Trail: A 3.6-mile trail is amidst the cottonwoods and great animal sightings.
  • Sleeping Buffalo Loop Trail: Hike alongside the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs and the nearby rivers that overlooks a golf course.

Best Things to Do in Scobey: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, Scobey has plenty of activities and tours to make your trip unforgettable:

  • Heritage Driving Tour: Head on the 90 mile of the Heritage driving tour which includes Scobey, Flaxville, and Wolf Point visiting rivers, grasslands, rolling hills, and farms.
  • Water-Based Adventure: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boat rides, swimming, and more at the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Winter Adventure: Go snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing at the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Scobey

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Scobey, consider the following itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Pioneer Auto Museum and Daniels County Museum
  • Day 2: Take a guided nature tour of the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
  • Day 3: Hike the Pioneer Ridge Trail and hermit your way into the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
  • Day 4: Explore the Scobey Area Centennial Village and the town’s historic landmarks
  • Day 5: Snag a Water-based adventure at the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
  • Day 6: Relax and rejuvenate at the park in Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
  • Day 7: Take a scenic drive on the Heritage Driving Tour and enjoy some shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Scobey

Scobey may be a small town, but it’s local cuisine and unique libations has a lot to offer:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buffalo burgers: Enjoy the original taste of Montana’s buffalo meat
  • Redtail Rattlesnake Chili: A tangy and heartwarming chili dish, with safflower and beans.
  • Shepard’s Folly Pie: Try a classic dessert with Montana’s own twist made with rhubarb and sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs provides a great drink and tap your own beer selection
  • Try the freshly brewed coffee at The Coffee Cup, which is the town’s breakfast spot.
  • Montana Wildflower Meadery houses different types of local honey-wine—fermented mead.

Where to Stay in Scobey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Despite being a small town, Scobey has various lodging options that can accommodate visitors with varying budgets:

  • Budget: Prairie Sky Guest and Game Guesthouse, Sunnyside Motel, and the Trails West Motel offer affordable stays.
  • Mid-range: The La Vie Rose Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy ambiance, while the Scobey Inn and the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch provide pleasant stays.
  • Luxury: The Circle P Ranch and Scobey Luxury Farmstead are excellent options for luxury vacations.

What to Buy in Scobey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

These are some of the local Montana products and Scobey souvenirs worth taking home:

  • Wild Huckleberry Syrup: Take a part of Montana’s untouched nature to your home in the form of the flavorful syrup.
  • Montana-made Knives: These handcrafted knives showcase Montana’s craftsmanship spirit, including everything from hunting knives to kitchen and tactical knives.
  • Montana Rustic Woodcrafts: Get handmade rustic crafts made from Montana wildwood by local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Scobey

Scobey is a friendly place where people value old traditions deeply. Here are some cultural tips to keep in mind while visiting:

  • Mind your “p”s and “q”s as your manners will go long way in Scobey. People greet each other in passing; be friendly and wave at people as you pass.
  • Respect people’s cattle and farming in Montana. It’s a crucial aspect to the economy and culture of Montana.
  • Quite a few residents here are hunters, so bear that in mind if you have an issue with hunting.

Best Time to Visit Scobey

Scobey attracts visitors all year round, with each season offering its unique charm. The summers in Scobey are warm, perfect for outdoor activities, while winter is cold but excellent for snow sports fun. The fall is an exceptional time to take a stop at the Scobey Area Centennial Village and take a glimpse of the rustling leaves, and the springtime is best to enjoy Scobey’s beautiful waterfalls and wildlife.

Do’s and Don’ts of Scobey

Do:

  • Respect Montana’s wildlife and natural surroundings
  • Be ready with casual clothes that can withstand the changing Montana weather.
  • Make sure to take adequate time to explore all of Scobey’s natural and cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Leave anything behind while camping or picnicking in Montana.
  • Hike or bike alone in the Montana backcountry.
  • Harm animals in any way as it is illegal.

Safety and Health

Safety in Scobey

Scobey is generally a safe and friendly place, but it is wise to take some basic safety precautions while traveling, like practicing safe driving practices.

Health in Scobey

There are no major health issues or health risks in Scobey. Make sure to stay hydrated during outdoor activities and to bring proper attire based on the weather forecast.

Getting to Scobey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Scobey is relatively remote, and the best way to get there is by car. For those who prefer other transportation modes, here are a few options:

Airports Near Scobey

  • Fingal Municipal Airport in Fingal, ND – 58 miles away
  • Glasgow International Airport in Glasgow, MT – 70 miles away

Bus Stations Near Scobey

  • North Central Montana Transit in Glasgow, MT – 70 miles away.

Other Options

  • Rent a car from a nearby airport or a car service.
  • The Amtrak station in Glasgow, MT – 70 miles away.

How to Get Around in Scobey

Car rentals are available for those who plan to explore the town at their speed, but guided tours of the town are also available. There are also taxi services available for those who want to explore Scobey without worrying about driving.

Where to Go Next from Scobey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Scobey is just one of the many fascinating towns and natural wonders in Montana, so feel free to explore neighboring areas like Billings, Bozeman, Deer Lodge, or Great Falls. Glacier National Park is located only four-and-a-half hours away, which could be an exciting day trip.

Conclusion

Scobey is a hidden gem in Montana, with its natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor adventures, cultural heritage, and cuisine. This travel guide will help you explore the best places to visit, stay, eat, and shop in Scobey. Get ready to witness the untouched beauty of Scobey, the best-kept secret of Montana!