Odds are, if you’re in Fort Benton, you’re here to canoe the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Missouri River, following in the oar-strokes of Lewis and Clark. But first, hit Montana’s oldest town: it’s pretty much the last civilization you’ll see once you start paddling. Get the historic beta and a tour of old Fort Benton at the museums, splurge on a fancy dinner at the Union Grille, and turn in at Montana’s oldest operating hotel, the Grand Union, opened in 1882.
Then, grab your paddles. Outfitters in Fort Benton offer everything from canoe rentals to guide services to every-last-detail-planned trips. If you’ve got a week, float the entire 150-mile Wild and Scenic segment, exploring rock formations, checking out wildlife, poking around historic sites, and casting a line along the way. For a quicker, quirkier trip, put in near Virgelle (population 2) after bed-and-breakfasting (or sleeping in a sheep wagon) at the antique-laden Virgelle Mercantile.
Additional resources and information at http://russell.visitmt.com/.
Fort BentonSo the Mustang girls hop in the convertible on a sunny, warm, beautiful Montana day to journey to Fort Benton, MT. Our mission was to use our charms to collect charms. Yes, that's right, Fort Benton businesses sell charm ...
Fred Robinson BridgeGreat camping, huge fish!!! Theres the James Kipp Recreation Area located there as well. Long drive to the middle of nowhere, but for great fishing, isnt that always a requirement?
Grand Union HotelGreat place to see even if you don't stay, has wonderful history and awesome architecture. Its a beautiful town with the Missouri River right there by main street.
Upper Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center Home to Chief Joseph's rifle, surrendered at the Bears Paw Battlefield, and excellent replicas of a steamboat pilot house, river wagons, and more. We learned about fish that to this day swim in the Missouri River...and have done ...
Virgelle MercantileMy wife and I stayed in one of the cabins for our anniversary and loved the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding area. The Missouri River offered a quiet backdrop for exploration and the hospitality of the Mercantile staff just ...
