Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Travel Guide
Explore Montana's Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: from outdoor adventure, to cultural attractions, foodie scene, and more. Plan your next trip with our comprehensive guide.
- Introduction to Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- List of Places to Visit in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Best Things to Do in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Food and Drink Scene of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Where to Stay in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Best Time to Visit Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Where to Go Next from Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is situated in Montana, spanning 375,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes that encompass sections of the Missouri River, White Cliffs, and Breaks. This unique terrain offers visitors both natural and cultural attractions, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the most important aspects of visiting the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, including top places to visit, outdoor activities, where to stay, and local cuisine.
List of Places to Visit in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
There are plenty of places to visit inside the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Here are the top recommendations:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- Fort Benton National Historic Landmark
- First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park
- Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center
Natural Attractions of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- White Cliffs
- Missouri River
- Judith River
- Black Butte
Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Cow Creek Trail
- Poplar River Trail
- Black Butte Trail
- Signal Point Trail
Best Things to Do in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Activities and Tours
- River Rafting
- Camping
- Bird Watching
- Hunting and Fishing
- Boat Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Day 1: Visit Fort Benton National Historic Landmark and take the Missouri River Boat Tour. Day 2: Hike the Cow Creek trail and watch the sunset from the White Cliffs. Day 3: Explore the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Museum. Day 4: Take a scenic drive through the region and visit Black Butte. Day 5: Experience river rafting on the Missouri River. Day 6: Visit First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park, followed by bird watching. Day 7: Go hunting and fishing in the region.
Food and Drink Scene of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument doesn’t disappoint in terms of food and drink options. Here are some of the top dishes and beverages to try:
Must-Try Dishes
- Huckleberry Jam
- Bison Burgers
- Montana Beef Steak
- Flathead Cherry Pie
Local Beverages
- Montana beer
- Huckleberry wine
- Chokecherry juice
- Whiskey
Where to Stay in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of options for accommodation in the region, ranging from hotels and motels to cabins and campgrounds. Some great options include the Grand Union Hotel, the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch, and the Virgelle Mercantile.
What to Buy in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Huckleberry Jam
- Handmade Jewelry
- Montana Wool Products
- Local Honey
Local Culture and Customs of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Montana is known for its cowboy culture, so it’s not unusual to spot people wearing cowboy boots and hats. Visitors should be aware of local customs, particularly when exploring heritage sites like First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park.
Best Time to Visit Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
The best time to visit the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is during the summer months, between June and August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, fall is also a pleasant time to visit, as visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and hiking without the crowds.
Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Do:
- Respect the environment
- Follow all trail regulations
- Carry enough water and snacks
- Prepare for all outdoor weather conditions
Don’t:
- Disturb local wildlife
- Litter
- Build fires outside of designated areas
- Ignore weather warnings
Safety and Health
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is generally safe for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of the following:
Safety in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife
- Take precautions against tick bites
- Carry a map of the trail or route
- Avoid hiking during peak sun hours
Health in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Carry enough water and snacks for your hiking tour
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and proper hiking shoes
- Take breaks frequently
Getting to Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Transportation Options and Logistics
The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument can be reached by car, bus, or flight.
Airports Near Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Great Falls International Airport
- Helena Regional Airport
Bus Stations Near Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Great Falls Greyhound Station
- Helena Bus Station
Other Options
- The monument is accessible by boat via the Missouri River
- Many tour companies offer guided tours to the monument
How to Get Around in Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
- Visitors can access the monument and trails via car, foot, or bike
- Boat tours are also available
Where to Go Next from Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Glacier National Park (210 miles)
- Yellowstone National Park (384 miles)
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park (366 miles)
- Flathead Lake (197 miles)
Conclusion
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is an awe-inspiring destination that boasts natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor adventure. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to the region with ease, ensuring they don’t miss out on any must-visit places, activities, and experiences.
