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Eastern Montana
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Eastern Montana combines badlands, prairie, dinosaur country, Indigenous history, river valleys and wide-open roads across the northern Great Plains.

Eastern Montana is a broad country of open prairie, rolling wheat fields, eroded badlands and long horizons, stretching from the Yellowstone River valley towards the North Dakota border and north to the Canadian line. It is less densely settled than western Montana, with communities separated by substantial distances and landscapes shaped by wind, drought, rivers and the immense scale of the northern Great Plains. The Yellowstone is the region's principal geographical thread, while the Missouri River and its associated breaks define parts of the north and centre.
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Glendive provides one of the clearest introductions to the region through Makoshika State Park, where weathered sedimentary rock forms pinnacles, coulees and dinosaur-bearing terrain. Miles City, on the Yellowstone, retains strong associations with cattle culture and the stock-growing economy that followed the arrival of the railway. Further north, Glasgow and Wolf Point serve as practical bases for exploring the Fort Peck area, while Sidney and Baker reflect the agricultural and energy economies of the eastern plains. These are working communities rather than resort towns, and their museums, rodeo traditions and local events offer useful insight into contemporary rural Montana.
The region's history reaches well beyond the era of ranches and railways. Indigenous peoples, including the Apsaalooke, Northern Cheyenne, Assiniboine and Sioux communities, have longstanding cultural and political connections to the landscape. Fort Union, near the junction of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, recalls the nineteenth-century fur trade, while the Little Bighorn battlefield in southeastern Montana preserves the setting of a decisive 1876 conflict. The same grasslands later drew homesteaders, whose settlements and abandoned farmsteads remain part of the physical record.
Outdoor travel here is defined by space and seasonal change. Visitors can hike among badland formations, seek fossils and dinosaur traces at recognised sites, fish or paddle on major reservoirs and rivers, watch prairie wildlife, and follow scenic roads between small towns. Fort Peck Lake supports boating and fishing, while the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge protects a vast Missouri Breaks landscape north of the river. Distances, limited services and rapidly changing weather mean that careful planning matters: Eastern Montana rewards travellers who allow time for the road itself, rather than treating it simply as a passage between larger destinations.

When is the best time to visit Eastern Montana?

Best: June, August–September · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-215
February115
March520
April1125
May1835
June (best)2345
July2835
August (best)2730
September (best)2225
October1520
November415
December-115

Getting to and around Eastern Montana

How to get there

Most visitors reach Eastern Montana by road. Interstate 90 crosses the southern part of the region through or near Billings, which lies on the region's western edge and is a major gateway with the area's broadest air connections. Interstate 94 continues east from the Glendive area towards North Dakota, while US 2 crosses the northern plains. Regional airports serve communities including Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point, although commercial schedules and connections are limited and change over time. Amtrak's Empire Builder serves stations including Wolf Point and Glasgow, providing a practical rail approach from the west or east; check current service arrangements before travelling.

Transportation

A car is generally the most flexible way to explore Eastern Montana because attractions, trailheads and communities are widely dispersed, and public transport between smaller places is limited. Interstate and US highways connect the principal towns, but many scenic areas use gravel or lightly trafficked roads that require slower driving and weather awareness. Local taxi and community transport options may exist in larger towns but should not be assumed in rural areas. Cycling is possible on quieter roads with careful route planning, while hiking is concentrated around state parks, reservoirs, wildlife refuges and designated historic sites. Keep fuel, water and offline navigation available on long journeys.

Top city travel guides in Eastern Montana

The cities of Eastern Montana, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Eastern Montana

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Eastern Montana

Eastern Montana's attractions are spread across a large, lightly settled landscape rather than concentrated in one urban centre. Makoshika State Park outside Glendive is the region's signature badlands destination, with eroded formations, hiking routes and strong links to dinosaur research. Around Fort Peck, the dam, expansive reservoir, interpretive facilities and surrounding recreation provide opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife watching and scenic drives. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the Missouri Breaks offer a more remote experience of river country, although access and services require careful planning. Historic places include Fort Union near the Montana–North Dakota border, the reconstructed trading post of Fort Peck, and sites associated with military and railway expansion. Museums in towns such as Miles City, Glendive, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point explore local geology, Indigenous history, agriculture and community life. Little Bighorn Battlefield lies in southeastern Montana and is especially significant for its military and Indigenous interpretations, while Pompeys Pillar, near the western approach to Eastern Montana, preserves a famous Yellowstone River landmark and an expedition-era inscription.

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Best landmarks in Eastern Montana

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Explore Eastern Montana on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eastern Montana

Dining in Eastern Montana reflects the practical food culture of ranching, farming and long-distance travel. In the larger towns, restaurants and cafés commonly offer steaks, burgers, sandwiches, soups, baked goods and broadly American regional cooking, while local bars and family-run establishments often serve as important social spaces. Beef and wheat are central products of the surrounding economy, and seasonal produce, freshwater fish and game may appear in local cooking without being available everywhere. Farmers' markets and community events can provide a better opportunity to find regional produce than a formal culinary scene. Around Glendive, Miles City, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point, visitors will find the widest choice of cafés, diners and casual restaurants; rural communities generally have fewer options and earlier closing patterns. Stock up for remote journeys, and treat Montana-made beer, spirits and other agricultural products as part of the wider regional food economy rather than assuming every small town has a specialist tasting scene.

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Best bars in Eastern Montana

Evening life in Eastern Montana is centred on traditional bars, restaurants, community events and occasional live music rather than a large nightclub circuit. Miles City, Glendive, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point have the region's broadest choice of places to eat and drink, with local bars often combining food, conversation, televised sport and informal entertainment. Rodeos, county fairs, concerts and seasonal gatherings can create busier nights, but their timing varies and should be checked locally. Breweries, cocktail-focused venues and late-night options are more limited than in Montana's larger western cities. In smaller settlements, evening activity may be quiet once restaurants close, making an early start for the next day's drive or trail the normal pattern. Drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and never drive long rural roads after drinking.

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Best nightclubs in Eastern Montana

Evening life in Eastern Montana is centred on traditional bars, restaurants, community events and occasional live music rather than a large nightclub circuit. Miles City, Glendive, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point have the region's broadest choice of places to eat and drink, with local bars often combining food, conversation, televised sport and informal entertainment. Rodeos, county fairs, concerts and seasonal gatherings can create busier nights, but their timing varies and should be checked locally. Breweries, cocktail-focused venues and late-night options are more limited than in Montana's larger western cities. In smaller settlements, evening activity may be quiet once restaurants close, making an early start for the next day's drive or trail the normal pattern. Drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and never drive long rural roads after drinking.

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Best shops in Eastern Montana

Shopping in Eastern Montana is concentrated in the main towns' historic centres, high streets and small retail areas rather than major metropolitan shopping districts. Glendive, Miles City, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point offer practical supplies, clothing, books, gifts and locally oriented businesses, while some smaller communities depend on a limited number of general stores and service premises. Western wear, leather goods, handmade craftwork, regional artwork and books on Indigenous, military, railway and natural history themes can make thoughtful purchases when sourced respectfully. Farmers' markets and community events may offer Montana-grown produce, baked goods and preserves during the appropriate season, though schedules vary. Visitors should distinguish authentic local work from generic frontier-themed merchandise and should buy Indigenous art directly from recognised artists or reputable sellers. In remote areas, fill gaps in food, fuel and outdoor equipment before leaving the larger towns.

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Eastern Montana essentials

Currency and Payment
Eastern Montana uses the United States dollar (USD), as does the rest of Montana and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established shops, hotels, restaurants and fuel stations, particularly in the larger towns. Cash remains useful for small businesses, rural events, some self-service facilities and areas with weak mobile coverage. Notify your bank before travelling if necessary and remember that card transactions may require a PIN or signature depending on the card and terminal.
Safety
The principal practical risks are distance, weather and outdoor conditions rather than the atmosphere of the towns. Carry water, keep fuel above empty and check forecasts before crossing open country, where winter storms, summer heat, strong winds, smoke and sudden thunderstorms can affect travel. Drive cautiously on two-lane highways, watch for wildlife and farm vehicles, and reduce speed on gravel roads. Badland trails can be exposed and unstable after rain. Follow all notices in wildlife refuges and on reservoirs, and take care near steep banks, fast water, ice and unmarked private land.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies throughout Eastern Montana. Give the dispatcher a precise location, road number, mile marker, nearby town or landmark, as mobile coverage can be inconsistent and addresses may be widely spaced. For non-immediate emotional support in the United States, 988 connects callers with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In remote outdoor areas, do not rely solely on a phone: tell someone your route, download maps and follow local instructions for water, fire and severe weather emergencies.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private property, reservation boundaries, posted access rules and working ranch operations; many roads cross land that is not open to the public even where fences are absent. Do close gates as you find them, keep dogs controlled and leave fossils, artefacts and historic material where they are. Do ask before photographing people, ceremonies or culturally sensitive places, and follow the rules of Indigenous nations and protected sites. Do not drive off marked routes in fragile badlands or wildlife areas, and do not underestimate distances, heat or winter conditions.
Local Tips
Use Glendive, Miles City, Sidney, Glasgow or Wolf Point as practical supply and information bases rather than expecting a continuous chain of services between them. Local museums often provide better context for ranching, Indigenous history, river trade and homesteading than roadside interpretation alone. The most rewarding routes may involve early starts and long stretches without facilities, especially around the Missouri Breaks and remote parts of the Fort Peck area. Ask locally about road surfaces and access conditions, since a route that is passable in dry weather may become difficult after rain.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[How-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[See ya]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomePlease / No problem[Please / No prob-lum]
Thank youThanks a bunch[Thanks a bunch]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me / My bad[Pardon me / My bad]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How ya doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[Good. An' you?]
Do you speak English?Can ya talk English?[Can ya talk English?]
I don't understandI ain't followin'[I ain't followin']
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the menu, please?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I don't do meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check, please?[Can I get the check, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![Get a doc!]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned around]
I'm illI'm feelin' rough[I'm feelin' rough]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust lookin'[Just lookin']
How much is it?How much's this?[How much's this?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too high[That's way too high]
Can you lower the price?Can ya drop the price?[Can ya drop the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the ...?[Where's the ...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[Can ya point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[A ticket to ...]

History of Eastern Montana

Indigenous Nations and the Great Plains

Eastern Montana has long been home to Indigenous peoples whose histories predate written records and the United States by many centuries. Apsaalooke, Northern Cheyenne, Assiniboine and Sioux communities, among others, have maintained political, cultural and family connections across the plains, river valleys and badlands. Hunting, seasonal movement, trade and later resistance to federal expansion shaped the nineteenth-century history of the region. Today, reservations, cultural institutions, historic places and living communities remain important parts of Eastern Montana's identity, and visitors should understand that these are contemporary nations rather than simply subjects of the past.

Fort Union and the Fur Trade, 1828–1867

Fort Union, built near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, became one of the most important trading posts on the northern Plains. The American Fur Company used it as a commercial centre where bison robes and other goods were exchanged with Indigenous traders, while supplies and information moved along the river network. The fort's influence extended across a large region and brought together Indigenous, Métis, European and American participants. Its reconstructed remains near the Montana–North Dakota border convey the commercial importance of the rivers before railways transformed transport.

Expeditions, Forts and the Opening of the Territory

Exploration and military activity increased during the nineteenth century as the United States sought routes, information and control across the northern Plains. The Lewis and Clark Expedition travelled along the Missouri and Yellowstone corridors, followed later by military expeditions, surveyors and traders. Forts such as Fort Keogh, established near present-day Miles City after the 1876 conflict, supported federal campaigns and settlement. These developments altered Indigenous economies and mobility while creating the governmental and transport framework that later supported ranching and town building.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1876

The Battle of the Little Bighorn took place in present-day southeastern Montana during the U.S. Army's campaign against Northern Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho forces. Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer and the Seventh Cavalry suffered a major defeat on 25–26 June 1876. The site, now preserved as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, is interpreted through both military and Indigenous perspectives. Its significance lies not only in the battle itself but also in the broader struggle over treaty rights, land, sovereignty and the future of the northern Plains.

Railways, Homesteads and Cattle Country

Railway construction in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries connected Eastern Montana to national markets and encouraged the growth of towns including Miles City, Glendive, Sidney, Glasgow and Wolf Point. Cattle ranching expanded alongside the railway, while homesteaders arrived under federal land policies that promised farms on the dry plains. The results were mixed: some settlements endured, but drought, harsh winters, limited rainfall and economic downturns forced many families to leave. Grain elevators, stockyards, historic main streets and isolated farm buildings preserve elements of this transformation.

Fort Peck Dam and the New Deal Era

Construction of Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River began in the 1930s as one of the major public-works projects of the New Deal. The enormous earth-filled dam created Fort Peck Lake and provided flood control, employment and a long-term foundation for recreation and water management. The project also displaced communities and altered the river landscape. Today, Fort Peck's dam, powerhouse, visitor facilities and surrounding recreational areas illustrate how federal engineering reshaped northern Montana during the Great Depression and continued to influence regional life.

Energy, Agriculture and Contemporary Change

Eastern Montana's modern economy has continued to depend heavily on agriculture, cattle, rail transport and energy production. Oil development around the Williston Basin brought periods of rapid growth to communities such as Sidney, while coal and power generation have also influenced parts of the region. These industries operate alongside tourism, healthcare, education, wildlife management and small-town commerce. Contemporary Eastern Montana therefore combines long-established ranching and farming traditions with changing debates about land use, water, energy, conservation and the future of remote communities.

Eastern Montana in Photos

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The closest regions to Eastern Montana, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Montana

Discover Eastern Montana with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app, offering insights into attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more – all in one place.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, and local hotspots
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich imagery and descriptions for immersive planning
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the majestic landscapes and vibrant culture of Eastern Montana with Evendo, the all-in-one travel guide app that simplifies your trip, offering curated local tips, easy bookings, and in-depth information on every corner of this stunning region.

  • Interactive maps and contact details for hassle-free navigation
  • Curated local tips to enhance your travel experience
  • History and travel essentials specific to Eastern Montana
  • ‘Near Me’ feature for instant location-based recommendations
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Eastern Montana, where the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage invite travelers to explore and discover. With Evendo, your journey through this captivating region is made effortless and enriching. Whether you're marveling at the Makoshika State Park's stunning badlands, stepping back in time at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, or wandering through the quaint streets of Miles City, Evendo provides detailed insights and local tips at every stop.

Savor the local cuisine at renowned spots like the Montana Bar in Miles City or indulge in a hearty meal at the Crossroads Steakhouse in Sidney. With Evendo, you have access to comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, and more, all at your fingertips.

Our app not only guides you to the must-see sites but also allows you to book hotels, tours, and experiences seamlessly. Dive into the history of Eastern Montana, uncover hidden gems with our curated local tips, and navigate effortlessly with our 'Near Me' feature. Experience the region like a local, with practical travel essentials and advice tailored to enhance your visit.

Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Eastern Montana—your gateway to an unforgettable travel experience.

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