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Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and escape to nature for some much needed quiet with this three-day itinerary. The route takes you from the Rocky Mountain Front in Bynum to a migratory hub that experiences a unique natural phenomenon near Choteau, and ends by exploring Indigenous history at what’s thought to be North America’s largest buffalo jump near Great Falls. Get ready to hit the open road and soak in the silence and solitude of Central Montana.
Start your adventure by checking out the Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum, a stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Here, you’ll find remains of the world’s first discovered baby dinosaurs and a skeletal model of Diplodocus that is the world’s longest scientifically accurate dinosaur model. If you’re hoping for a hands-on experience with these prehistoric creatures, half- and full-day archaeological dig expeditions are available through the museum. Then, head north to Dupuyer to grab a bite at Buffalo Joe’s Eatery and Saloon and take in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front. This area is a haven for wildlife, so keep an eye out to spot pronghorn, deer, grizzlies and black bears (and carry bear spray if you do any hiking).
Head to Choteau and stop by the Log Cabin Cafe to grab some breakfast. Visit the Old Trail Museum — another Dinosaur Trail stop — where the star is the Maiasaura, which was discovered in this area. You’ll find a life-size Maiasaura model as well as skulls, skeletons and bones from the dinosaur. After checking out the museum, start heading toward Great Falls. On the way, stop by Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area. This lake is a pit stop for birds traveling from the Southwest on their migratory journeys north. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of birds land at Freezout, drawing bird enthusiasts from all over to see the phenomenon. It’s worth a stop to see if any birds are hanging out, or to enjoy a lakeside picnic. Once you arrive in Great Falls, make sure to walk around the historic downtown to check out the shops or grab a drink. For a bite, check out Station District. This dining concept features eats from four different vendors, with enough variety to please the pickiest of palates. If you’re looking for an activity, hit up The Newberry for some live music.
Spend the morning exploring Giant Springs State Park. This day-use park features one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, which was first recorded by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Take in the sights and sounds of this park just 10 minutes away from downtown Great Falls. Then, head to First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park in Ulm to see what is thought to be North America’s largest buffalo jump. Here, you can see the centuries-old drive lanes used to guide bison toward the edge and also learn about Native American history in the 6,000-square-foot visitor center. Getting hungry? Head to nearby Beef n Bone Steakhouse for dinner. This small-town gem is an elevated neighborhood eatery, serving up Montana’s best beef in every cut you can think of.
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