Family Vacations and Outdoor Recreation
In the Rocky Mountains
- The Trailhead for Yellowstone, Glacier and Mount Rushmore National Parks
- Huge recreational lakes and rivers ideal boating, fishing and camping
- Colorful rodeos and Native American powwows bring alive Old West traditions
- Historical re-enactments and the Native peoples who greeted the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- National and State Parks to get away to for that perfect vacation
- Fun community festivals throughout the summer
- Sweeping mountain vistas and beautiful alpine valleys
Catch the Spirit of Lewis and Clark for your Rocky Mountain adventure!
Scroll down the page to view a comprehensive listing of must-see attractions along the Rocky Mountain portion of the Lewis and Clark trail.
1. North Sioux City, SD
Clay County Park and Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
Exit 4 off of I-29 at North Sioux City on the Missouri River. Pioneer homestead buildings, interpretive exhibits and trails for hiking and biking.
2. Elk Point, SD
Elk Point Park, 7 Nations Memorial Park, Lewis and Clark Heritage Days.
3. Vermillion, SD
Spirit Mound Historic Prairie State Park, W.H. Over Museum, Clay County Park.
4. Yankton, SD
Features the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center, Gavins Point Dam and Spillway, Dakota
Territorial Museum, the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center.
Yankton is the headquarters for the Missouri National Recreational River, a unit of the National Park System. The park consists of two free flowing stretches of the Missouri River, including one in the Yankton area. This makes Yankton a great launching point for canoeing and kayaking on the river.
5. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, SD
Resort and Marina includes motel, cabins, swimming pool, restaurant, slip and boat rentals.
Activities in the recreation area include camping, hike/bike and horseback riding, fishing, power and sail boating.
6. Springfield Recreation Area, SD
Adjacent to Springfield on the Missouri River.
Includes camping, cabins, boating and fishing plus a nearby 9-hole golf course. The Springfield Historical Society Museum is also nearby.
7. Marty, SD
Yankton Sioux Tribe Reservation and start of the Native American Scenic Byway which continues up through North Dakota.
Annual powwow, and casino/hotel, fishing and hunting.
8. Pickstown, SD
Visit the Fort Randall Dam and Overlook at the northwest entrance to the Missouri River National Recreational Park.
Visitors can also see Lake Francis Case, the Fort Randall historic military post site, and the Yankton Sioux Reservation with annual powwow.
Randall Creek State Recreation Area
includes camping, fishing, boat ramps, picnic shelter, playground and the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge.
9. Burke, SD
Excellent fishing at the nearby Burke Lake Recreation Area. Camping and picnic sites available.
10. Geddes, SD
Historic District includes museum, 1895 log cabin, school house and Homestead cabin shack.
11. Platte, SD
Art gallery, restored historic theater. Platte and Snake Creek Recreation Areas include camping, cabins, concessions and boat dock.
12. Chamberlain / Oacoma, SD
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, Cedar Shore and Oasis Campground on the Missouri River.
Atka Lakota Museum and Cultural Center and the St. Joseph Indian School Campus features authentic Native American artifact displays, gift shop and a sweeping view of the scenic diorama from the Missouri River to the Black Hills.
13. Lower Brule, SD
Located on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation.
Features an authentic earth lodge, the big bend and the Narrows (historic Lewis and Clark sites), native tours, wildlife tours, powwow and casino/hotel.
14. Fort Thompson, SD
on the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Reservation. Located by Big Bend Dam, casino/hotel, fishing, and hunting.
15. Fort Pierre, SD
On US 83. Includes the Buffalo Interpretive Center, owned and operated by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe.
The Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center adjacent to Verendrye Monument celebrates rodeo, which is South Dakota’s official sport.
16. Pierre, SD
On US 83. Home of the State Capitol and the Cultural Heritage Center.
Five miles north of the city is the Oahe Dam, one of the largest rolled-earthdams in the world. The Oahe Visitor Center is open year-round.
17. Oahe Dam and State Recreation Areas
Near Pierre/Fort Pierre.
The Oahe Dam Visitor Center is five miles north of Pierre above the Oahe dam. The Visitor Center is open year round and features a Lewis and Clark display and has a great view of the Missouri River. Oahe Dam and State Recreation areas include:
Farm Island State Recreation Area
4 miles east on SD 34 includes Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, 90 campsites, cabins, playground, hiking trail, swimming beach and boat ramp.
Spring Creek Recreation Area
15 miles NW of Pierre off of SD1804 has concessions, boat ramp and dock.
BLACK HILLS GATEWAY
Visitors can journey off the Trail via I-90 from Chamberlain or US 14 from Pierre to see Badlands National Park, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park and return to the massive Oahe Dam Region and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail north.
TravelSouthDakota.com
18. Gettysburg, SD
West Whitlock State Recreation Area near Lake Oahe and Dakota Sunset Museum.
19. Eagle Butte, SD
features powwows, rodeo and the H.V. Johnson Cultural Center.
20. Selby, SD
Nearby Hiddenwood State Recreation Area includes fishing lake, ramp, campground, picnic shelter and fishing dock.
21. Mobridge, SD
bordered by Lake Oahe and features the famous Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo held each July. Mobridge is the home of the Klein Museum and the Leavenworth Monument.
Standing Rock Indian Reservation
located on the west side of Lake Oahe has land in both South and North Dakota. Tribal headquarters is in Fort Yates, ND. Casino/hotel, hunt/fish.
Indian Creek Recreation Area
on Lake Oahe includes 124 campsites, picnic shelters, hiking and historical sites.
22. Pollock, SD
West Pollock State Recreation Area is located on Lake Oahe and provides 29 campsites, boat ramp and playground and is home to the local museum and the Stone Idols of Lewis and Clark history.
23. Fort Yates, ND
On ND 1806. Fort Yates has a new visitor and interpretive center, the Sitting Bull burial site and the Standing Rock Monument.
Today’s travelers can follow the Standing Rock Native American National Scenic Byway up ND 1806 from Fort Yates past Cannon Ball to Mandan. See live buffalo pasturing near Fort Yates, the Marina and the Nature Trail near Cannon Ball on Lake Oahe are on the route.
24. Mandan, ND
West of Bismarck and the Missouri River on I-94.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park features General George Custer’s quarters, Calvary Square, the Fort McKeen blockhouses, and the On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village, and is located 7 miles south of Mandan on ND 1806. Additional Mandan attractions include the Raging Rivers Waterpark, and great dining, recreation, and entertainment.
25. Bismarck, ND
On I-94. North Dakota’s State Capitol rises above the city.
Bismarck features the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, the Sakakawea Statue, Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame and State Capitol tours. Bismarck also features the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, the Dakota Zoo, Keelboat Park and the United Tribes Cultural Arts and Interpretive Center. United Tribes Technical College hosts an international powwow every September.
26. Jamestown, ND
East of Bismarck on I-94. At Jamestown’s National Buffalo Museum you can see Dakota Miracle, a sacred white buffalo, as part of their herd.
Jamestown also features Frontier Village and its spectacular stagecoach rides, the Arts Park Center, the Territorial 1883 Courthouse, the Stutsman County Museum and the World’s Largest Buffalo sculpture.
27. Washburn, ND
On US 83. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and the re-created Fort Mandan, Cross Ranch StatePark featuring Missouri River canoe and Kayak rentals.
The Sakakawea Scenic Byway from Washburn to Stanton includes the Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site, a Mandan earth lodge, the Henry Lorentzen Art Gallery and the McLean County Museum.
28. Beulah, ND
On US 200. Energy and coal mine tours, Pfenning Wildlife Museum and the Mercer County Museum.
29. Lake Sakakawea, ND
On US 83 and ND Highways 1804 and 1806.
The massive 140-mile long lake to Williston includes Garrison Dam. The cities of Pick City and Riverdale straddle the dam and have visitor facilities. The Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is near Coleharbor.
30. Garrison, ND
On ND 37. Features the Heritage Park Museum and the North Dakota Firefighters Museum plus the world’s largest walleye sculpture.
31. Fort Stevenson State Park, ND
West of Garrison. Includes boat ramps, fishing boat rental, boat storage, 175 campsites, cabin rental, visitor center and picnic shelters.
32. Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND
offers 192 campsites, cabin rental, visitor center, marina, picnic shelters, boat ramps, fishing boat and canoe rentals.
33. Indian Hills State Recreation Area, ND
provides cabin rental, visitor center, picnic shelters, boat ramps, fishing boat and canoe rentals, hiking and biking trails and horseback riding.
34. New Town, ND
On ND 22. The Byway includes New Town’s attractions plus the Little Missouri State Park which features Badlands trail rides plus the Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site where 6,000 Sioux fought against General Sully’s 2,200-man command in 1864.
35. Killdeer Mountains Four Bears Scenic Byway
On ND 22. The Byway includes New Town’s attractions plus the Little Missouri State Park which features Badlands trail rides plus the Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site where 6,000 Sioux fought against General Sully’s 2,200-man command in 1864.
36. Lewis and Clark State Park
On ND 1804 on Lake Sakakawea features 192 campsites, rural cabins, a group complex, meeting facilities, marina, boat ramps, boat and canoe rentals.
37. Williston, ND
US 2/US 85, ND 1804. Area attractions include the Frontier Museum complex in Williston that includes rural church, restored depot, a depot taxi and a country school.
38. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Near Williston on ND 1804 at the North Dakota/ Montana border.
The Fort Union Trading Post was the principal trading post of the American Fur Company. The restored fort and the nearby Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center bring alive the days of the fur trade.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT GATEWAY
Visitors can journey off the Lewis and Clark Trail to see to see Theodore Roosevelt National Park west of Dickinson to Medora on I-94, or south from Williston on US 85.
Medora
Off of I-94. Medora is an Old West resort town at the South Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Medora features the nightly Pitchfork Fondue and the Medora Musical in the Burning Hills Amphitheater during summer months. Attractions include the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, the historic Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, Medora’s Children’s Park, Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Teddy Roosevelt Salute to Medora playing in the Old Town Hall Theater, the Harold Schafer Heritage Center, and the Billings County Museum.
Medora has a variety of lodging facilities including the historic Roughrider Hotel, the AmericInn Hotel and Suites and various B&B facilities. Medora also features historic walking tours, horseback riding, Cedar Canyon Spa, gift emporiums and many dining and snack opportunities. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is 7 miles east off of I-94 offers one of the most magnificent views of the Badlands.
Visit our Partner’s websites for more information on North Dakota.
39. Sidney
On MT 200. MonDak Heritage Center and Museum at Sidney.
At Fairview on MT 201 see the Fairview Walking Bridge over the historic Yellowstone River and the Cartwright Railroad Tunnel.
40. Culbertson
On US 2. Features the Culbertson Museum.
A Lewis and Clark Trail Interpretive Site is on MT 16.
41. Wolf Point
On US 2. Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Wolf Point Area Museum plus the Wild Horse Stampede, one of the West’s most colorful rodeos.
42. Scobey
North of Wolf Point on MT 13, features the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town which includes 35 buildings depicting turn-of-the-century businesses and homes.
43. Fort Peck
South of US 2 at Nashua on HWY 117.
Fort Peck includes the Fort Peck Dam and Lake, Fort Peck Interpretive Center (a Montana Dinosaur Trail Member), a Lewis and Clark Outlook and Milk River Observation Point. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the huge Missouri River Reservoir that is 135 miles in length, includes 1,520 miles of shoreline, and covers over one million acres.
missouririvermt.com
44. Glasgow
On US 2. Valley County Pioneer Museum with an Assiniboine display, plus the Children’s Museum of Northeast Montana.
45. Malta
On US 2. Includes the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and the Phillips County Museum.
46. Zortman
South of the Malta on US 191 is an old Gold Rush town where visitors can pan for gold.
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation west of Zortman off of US 2 features the Mission Canyon Natural Bridge.
Bear Paw Battlefield
On MT 240 south of Chinook.
This historic site commemorates the final conflict of the 1877 war and flight of the Nez Perce and is a key stop along the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail. A historical marker and trail system are located where approximately 800 Nez Perce ceased their fight after a five-day battle.
47. Havre
On US 2. 10,000-acre Beaver Creek Park, Fresno Reservoir, Havre Beneath the Streets, H. Earl Clack Museum, Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump and Fort Assinniboine. The Rocky Boy’s Reservation south of Havre off US 87 features an August powwow.
48. Lewistown
South of Malta on US 191 or east of Great Falls on US 87.
Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train plus the nearby ghost towns of Maiden, Giltedge and Kendall.
White Cliffs of the Missouri
Off of US 87. Unique geological formations of white sandstone overlooking the Missouri River Lewis described as a “visionary inchantment.”
Accessible only by water, the White Cliffs will provide a memorable multi-day camping trip.
49. Fort Benton
On US 87. A National Historic Landmark City and gateway to the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument.
The Monument and Interpretive Center is a key stop on the Lewis and Clark Trail and parallels the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River that runs 149 miles downriver. Fort Benton includes the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, the Starr Gallery of Western Art and a river levee trail with sculptures and interpretive panels with Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail history.
50. Great Falls
On I-15/US 87. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is a major stop on the entire length of the Trail.
The Center also includes the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation office and extensive historical library. The portage of five falls of the Missouri River was back-breaking work for the Corps that took a month to master. Four of the falls can be enjoyed today along walkways and overlooks through the heart of the city. The 18-mile portage route is a National Historic Landmark. Giant Springs State Park, next to the interpretive center, is the location for the annual Lewis and Clark Festival which brings the epic story alive.
EASTERN GATEWAY TO GLACIER
Visitors can journey off the Trail from Great Falls on US 89 or I-15 or US 2 through Shelby. Shelby features the Marias Museum of History and Art. Browning on US 2 is the main community of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and includes the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery and the Museum of the Plains Indian.
51. Gates of the Mountains
North of Helena on I-15. Today’s travelers can board a tour boat to relive the Corps’ voyage through the Missouri River Canyon with its 1,200-foot high cliffs.
52. Helena
On I-15. Montana’s capitol city traces its history to the 1864 discovery of gold at Last Chance Gulch.
The capitol dome is covered with copper and the Main Street is still known as Last Chance Gulch. The Montana Historical Society Museum has a superb collection of C.M. Russell art as well as Native American art and exhibits.
53. Three Forks
On I-90 and US 287. Lewis and Clark named the Jefferson, Gallatin and Madison Rivers at the headwaters of the Missouri River. The town of Three Forks features the Headwater Heritage Museum, and three state parks: the Headwaters of the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark Caverns, and the Madison Buffalo Jump.
54. Butte
On I-15/I-90. Known as the “Richest Hill on Earth” where copper, gold and silver were mined.
Featuring the World Museum of Mining, Old No. 1 Trolley Tours, the Copper King Mansion and Old Butte Adventure Historical Tours.
55. Dillon
On I-15. Lewis and Clark met with the Shoshone Indians at Camp Fortunate, now submerged under the Clark Canyon Reservoir 20 miles south of Dillon.
The Visitor Center, County Museum, Beaverhead Rock, Clark Lookout State Park and the Lemhi Pass National Historical Landmark each chronicle Corps of Discovery events that occurred in 1805. Nearby Bannack State Park is a well-preserved ghost town.
Big Hole National Battlefield
On MT 43 north of Bannack on the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail is a major stop within Nez Perce National Historic Park.
The site has an inspiring memorial to the Nez Perce who fought the U.S. Calvary during their epic flight to Canada leading to exile in Oklahoma.
56. Sula (Ross’ Hole)
Going north from Lemhi Pass, Lewis and Clark rode out of the rugged mountain ridges and deep valleys and dropped down into the Bitterroot Valley called Ross’ Hole at Sula.
Lolo
On US 12. The Corps proceeded north to Travelers’ Rest, near present-day Lolo, arriving on September 9, 1805.
Three days later they began their trek over Lolo Pass. The Travelers’ Rest State Park, Lolo Pass Visitor Center and Fort Fizzle, a Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail site, are west of Lolo on US 12. The Lolo Pass Visitor Center also features a display on the history of the 1877 war and flight of the Nez Perce.
lewisandclarkcountry.org/southwest-montana
57.Missoula
On I-90/U.S. 93 features nine historic districts, live theatre and music venues, shopping boutiques, the Smokejumper Visitor Center, the Historic Museum at Fort Missoula, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, the Missoula Art Museum and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Center.
WESTERN GATEWAY TO GLACIER
Visitors can journey off the Trail north of Missoula on US 93 and see the National Bison Range near Moiese. They can follow MT 35 and US 93 through the Flathead Indian Reservation. At the People’s Center Museum at Pablo they can experience the rich cultural heritage of the Salish, Pend d’ Oreille and Kootenai tribes. US 93 and MT 35 circle around to the state parks and resorts on Flathead Lake, the largest fresh-water lake in the West. At the KwaTaqNuk Resort visitors can learn about the culture of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.
58. Big Fork
Features world-class art galleries, fine dining and live theatre.
59. Kalispell
The historic downtown district has fine dining, local studios and galleries.
60. Whitefish
Home of the Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish Lake and a lively downtown.
GATEWAY ROUTES TO YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
Trail travelers can journey off the Trail and take US 287 from Three Forks or US 191 from Belgrade to connect with the West Yellowstone entrance to Yellowstone National Park. US 89 from Livingston leads to the north entrance at Gardiner. The spectacular US 212 Beartooth Highway All-American Road from Red Lodge leads to the Park’s northeast entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate.
61. Nevada City and Virginia City
On US 287. These are popular ghost towns that also feature gift shops, museums, and the Nevada City Music Hall which houses the largest public collection of automated music machines in North America.
There are also train rides and living history programs. Ennis, just 14 miles east, features majestic mountain vistas, the Madison River and world-class trout fishing.
62. Big Sky Resort Area
On US 191 is a year-round playground.
63. West Yellowstone
The area features the Yellowstone IMAX Theatre, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Yellowstone Historic Center Museum.
64. Bozeman
On I-90. A fun blend of the Old and New West.
It has great restaurants, shopping opportunities and art galleries, plus the Museum of the Rockies.
65. Livingston
On I-90. Main Street and Historic District, the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and the Livingston Depot are popular visitor sites.
66. Gardiner
On US 89. At the historic northern entrance to Yellowstone Park.
Features the Yellowstone National Park Heritage and Research Center and the Roosevelt Arch.
67. Big Timber
On I-90 offers blue-ribbon trout fishing, ranch vacations, the Crazy Mountain Museum and nearby Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park.
68. Red Lodge
On US 212. The scenic Alpine Town Tour includes Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, Carbon County Museum and Red Lodge Mountain Resort.
69. Billings
Visit Billings, Montana’s Trailhead. Billings is Montana’s City. Visit Billings and forge your own path to an amazing adventure. Join us and be guided by the greatness of Big Sky Country with big dreams under the big sky. Billings is a city that was born in the shadows of the Rimrocks, fed on the waters of the Yellowstone River and is home to descendants of the West’s greatest legends. From incredible food, brews, lodging, and attractions, plan your trip today at VisitBillings.com. Call or text at (406) 245-4111.
70. Miles City
On I-94. 1880’s-era Main Street, the Range Riders Museum, a 1900’s-era saloon, annual Bucking Horse Sale and Rodeo, art galleries and activities that focus on Montana’s Cowboy Heritage.
71. Terry
On I-94 has the Prairie County Museum and the famous Evelyn Cameron Gallery featuring Cameron’s photos of life on Montana’s High Plains in the early 1900s.
72. Glendive
On I-94. Features Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park.
Visitors can also enjoy the Makoshika Dinosaur Museum, a Montana Dinosaur Trail member, and the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum.
73. Circle
East of Jordan on MT 200 en route to Glendive or Sidney is home to the McCone County Museum.
74. Jordan
On MT 200. East to Sidney and south to Miles City on MT 59. Jordan features the Garfield County Museum.
Visit our Partner's websites for more information.