Plan Your Visit
Easy to get here, hard to leave
Planning a trip to Fort Benton is simple—and worth taking your time with. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, a little planning can help you make the most of your visit.
From where to stay to how to spend your time, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here.
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12th & Front Suites
A spacious riverfront stay close to museums, trails, and the canoe launch.
B Social Bar and Lanes
It’s part bowling alley, part gathering place—and a great option for families, groups, or a laid-back night in town.
Bear Paw Ski Bowl
A smaller, local ski area offering a relaxed and friendly winter experience. Approximate driving time from Fort Benton: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Benefis Missouri River Medical Center
Local medical center with 24/7 emergency care and comprehensive health services.
Benton Pharmacy
A hometown pharmacy with gifts, souvenirs, essentials, and unexpected finds.
Benton RV
A convenient home base for RV travelers exploring Fort Benton.
Blackfoot Outfitters
Guided hunting adventures across the rugged landscapes of north-central Montana.
Blacksmith’s Shop
Traditional Blacksmith’s and Carpenter’s Shop. Located inside Old Fort Benton.
Bomgardner Catering
Local catering for gatherings large and small, with fresh Montana flavor.
Broken Plains Outfitting
Guided hunts for mule deer, waterfowl, upland birds, and turkey.
Bureau of Land Management
information and resources
Casa Del Gringo
A local favorite for delicious Mexican food and big flavors. Catering options available.
Chase Hill Outfitters
Guided Montana hunts with local knowledge and wide-open country.
Chouteau Co. Campground
Affordable camping near the fairgrounds, canoe launch, and local trails.
Chouteau County Fairgrounds
Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for events, gatherings, and large groups.
City Parks/Outdoor Venues
Scenic public spaces for outdoor gatherings, celebrations, and community events. A city special event permit is required.
Clubhouse Bar and Grill
Relaxed local-sourced eatery and bar offering burgers, steaks, fries and cocktails.
Country Roads & Scenic Drives
Some of the best views are just outside town
Decision Point
One of the Most Important Decisions of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
Dedman Foundation
Local animal shelter and resource for pet care and animal services.
Emily’s Vacation Cottage
A comfortable private cottage perfect for a relaxing Fort Benton stay.
Fort Benton Hardware
Fishing Licenses, Camping and Outdoor gear
Fort Benton Montana Museums and Heritage Complex
Step back in time as you explore the history of the American West at Fort Benton!
Fort Benton Pool
On warm summer days, the Fort Benton Pool is a favorite place to cool off.
Grand Union & Banque Club
Historic meeting spaces with lodging, dining, and the newly renovated Banque Club.
Grand Union Hotel
Experience Montana’s oldest operating hotel—historic elegance, modern comfort, and unforgettable riverfront dining at the Grand Union Hotel.
Highwood Vet
Local veterinary care when your four-legged travel companion needs help.
Historic Old Fort Benton
A reconstructed river fort that tells the story of Fort Benton’s beginnings.
Homestead Village
Walk through a turn-of-the-century prairie town filled with restored homestead-era buildings. Located inside the Museum of the Northern Great Plains.
IND Hemp
Leading innovation in hemp processing and sustainable agriculture.
Joel F. Overholser Historical Research Center in the Schwinden Library & Archives
For in-depth historical research of Fort Benton and the Upper Missouri region.
Levee Park
Picnic Areas, Views of the River, Public Restrooms, and Visitor’s Center
Levee Trail & River Walk
Easy walking trail with historic sites and river views
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Following the Corps of Discovery through the Upper Missouri River corridor.
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Little Blue Cabin
A cozy downtown cabin just steps from the river, restaurants, and museums.
Ma’s Loma Cafe
Take a short drive downriver for hearty homestyle cooking in Loma.
Main Street Stay
Cozy accommodations, Montana character, and plenty to explore within walking distance.
Missouri River Breaks
Rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing
Missouri River Outfitters
rentals, shuttles, day trips, guided tours
Montana Agricultural Center
A flexible event venue with space for gatherings of up to 300.
Montana Flour & Grains
Shop organic flour, grains, and KAMUT® products made right here in Fort Benton.
Montana Outfitting Company
Experience Montana’s wide-open country on a professionally guided hunt.
Moon Eyes Coffee Roasters
Locally roasted coffee, tasty treats, and a cozy place to linger.
Mullan Road
A military wagon road connecting the Missouri River to the Pacific Northwest.
Murphy Neel / Chouteau Hall
Event space in the historic Murphy Neel, perfect for gatherings, workshops and private parties.
Museum of the Upper Missouri
The stories of river travel, trade, daily life along the Upper Missouri, and our shared heritage with Native American Tribes and the Prairie Provinces of Canada.
Native Artifact Displays
Fur-trade era collections. Located inside Old Fort Benton.
Nez Perce National Historic Trail
Tracing the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce people toward Canada.
Old Engine House
Fort Benton’s first firehouse, now the best place to start exploring town.
Old Fort Benton Bridge
The first bridge to span the Missouri River in Montana - and one of Fort Benton’s most iconic views.
Old Fort Park
Playground area, Tennis Courts, Picnic Pavillions, Swimming, and Public Restrooms
Old Forts Trail
Connecting frontier forts across early Montana.
Palace Bar
Step into a classic local bar with deep Fort Benton roots.
Pastime Bar
An old-school local bar with cold drinks and zero pretension.
Pioneer Lodge
Comfortable, convenient lodging across from the river and close to downtown.
River Break Basecamp/Gear Books
Part bookstore, part treasure hunt—packed with vintage finds and Western character.
River Market Grocery Store
Stock up on groceries, snacks, drinks, and essentials for your stay.
River’s Edge Greenhouses & Floral
A colorful stop for flowers, plants, gifts, and seasonal treasures.
Rustic Mug
A charming local shop filled with décor, gifts, clothing, and more.
Sadie’s Thrift Shop
You never know what you’ll find at this local thrift shop. Open Thursdays & Saturdays.
Shep’s Gravesite
Shep’s grave marker with views overlooking Fort Benton
Showdown Ski Area
A classic Montana ski hill known for its laid-back atmosphere and reliable snow. Approximate driving time from Fort Benton: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home
Room for the whole crew, just blocks from the river and downtown.
Starr Gallery
Art, exhibitions, and rotating displays connected to regional history and culture. Located inside Old Fort Benton.
TAP Outfitters
Guided hunting and outdoor experiences in the Upper Missouri region. Call 406-621-1342
The Captain’s House
Stay in a historic home once used by Fort Benton ferry captains.
The Cute Craftsman at 1502
A cozy historic home with room for the whole family.
The Freeze
Ice cream and burger spot with a patio dishing up American staples like hot dogs, milkshakes and sundaes. (Open Seasonally)
The Governor’s Keep
Spirits, clothing, gifts, and more—all under one roof.
The Museum of the Northern Great Plains, Montana’s Museum of Agriculture
How agriculture shaped the Northern Plains and the communities that grew from it.
The River House
A spacious riverfront stay close to museums, trails, and the canoe launch.
The Shep Memorial
Fort Benton’s most enduring story isn’t about steamboats or trails - it’s about loyalty.
The Smithsonian Hornaday Bison
Can a diorama change history? This one did! Discover the story behind one of the most significant collections of an American icon - Fort Benton’s Smithsonian Hornaday Bison.
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Trade Store
Buffalo robes, beads, trinkets, blankets and other period trade goods. Located inside Old Fort Benton.
Union Grille Restaurant
Elegant hotel restaurant featuring seasonal cooking, beer, wine and cocktails.
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center
Explore the landscapes, wildlife, and history of the Upper Missouri River Breaks.
Upper Missouri River Guides
guided tours
Whoop-Up Trail
A trade route linking Fort Benton to Canadian markets and settlements.
Willow’s RV
A peaceful RV stop within easy reach of everything Fort Benton offers
Zanto Medical Center
Local medical care with scheduled appointments and walk-ins welcome.
Suggested Itineraries
Not sure where to start? These sample itineraries are designed to help you experience the best of Fort Benton at your own pace.
Where To Stay
Whether you’re staying overnight or settling in for a few days, Fort Benton offers a range of comfortable places to stay—from historic hotels to cabins and RV sites.
Grand Union Hotel
Experience Montana’s oldest operating hotel—historic elegance, modern comfort, and unforgettable riverfront dining at the Grand Union Hotel.
Benton RV
A convenient home base for RV travelers exploring Fort Benton.
Chouteau Co. Campground
Affordable camping near the fairgrounds, canoe launch, and local trails.
12th & Front Suites
A spacious riverfront stay close to museums, trails, and the canoe launch.
Emily’s Vacation Cottage
A comfortable private cottage perfect for a relaxing Fort Benton stay.
Little Blue Cabin
A cozy downtown cabin just steps from the river, restaurants, and museums.
The Captain’s House
Stay in a historic home once used by Fort Benton ferry captains.
Pioneer Lodge
Comfortable, convenient lodging across from the river and close to downtown.
Willow’s RV
A peaceful RV stop within easy reach of everything Fort Benton offers
The River House
A spacious riverfront stay close to museums, trails, and the canoe launch.
The Cute Craftsman at 1502
A cozy historic home with room for the whole family.
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home
Room for the whole crew, just blocks from the river and downtown.
Main Street Stay
Cozy accommodations, Montana character, and plenty to explore within walking distance.
Visitor Services
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISITOR’S CENTER
Pets
Medical Services
Meeting Venues
Montana Agricultural Center
A flexible event venue with space for gatherings of up to 300.
Murphy Neel / Chouteau Hall
Event space in the historic Murphy Neel, perfect for gatherings, workshops and private parties.
Chouteau County Fairgrounds
Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for events, gatherings, and large groups.
Grand Union & Banque Club
Historic meeting spaces with lodging, dining, and the newly renovated Banque Club.
City Parks/Outdoor Venues
Scenic public spaces for outdoor gatherings, celebrations, and community events. A city special event permit is required.
Catering
Union Grille Restaurant
Elegant hotel restaurant featuring seasonal cooking, beer, wine and cocktails.
Casa Del Gringo
A local favorite for delicious Mexican food and big flavors. Catering options available.
Bomgardner Catering
Local catering for gatherings large and small, with fresh Montana flavor.
Guided tours and special event arrangements can be made upon request.
Please contact our Hospitality Hub at [email protected]
Please contact our Hospitality Hub at [email protected]
Travel Information
- The closest airport is Great Falls International Airport, an easy 50 minute drive from Fort Benton. Rental cars are available at the airport.
- If you are looking for history in between visits to Montana’s national parks, you will fill find us about 5 hours from the Yellowstone Park west entrance, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Glacier Park’s east entrance.
- Map of Fort Benton (PDF link)
- Montana Road Report Links
FORT BENTON IN
Books
Bring history to life and explore Fort Benton through books before you visit
