One Afternoon in Fort Benton
Only have a few hours? You can still experience many of the places that make Fort Benton special. This itinerary focuses on the town’s most iconic sights, all within easy walking distance of downtown.
Start Here
Begin at the Visitor Center in the historic Old Engine House. Pick up a map, get your bearings, and learn what makes Fort Benton the Birthplace of Montana.
From there, head out onto the Levee Walk, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the town. Follow the riverfront trail past historic buildings, public art, and interpretive signs that tell the story of the people, places, and events that shaped Montana.
Levee Trail & River Walk
Old Engine House
Don’t Miss
Make time to visit the Old Walking Bridge, the oldest bridge in Montana, and stop by the Grand Union Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in the state.
Continue along the levee to see the Shep Memorial, honoring Fort Benton’s most famous and faithful resident.
If museums are open during your visit, consider stopping at the Museum of the Upper Missouri or the Historic Old Fort for a deeper look at the area’s history.
Grand Union Hotel
Old Fort Benton Bridge
The Shep Memorial
Take a Break
Grab a coffee, cold drink, or bite to eat downtown. Most restaurants, shops, museums, and attractions are within a few blocks of one another, making Fort Benton easy to explore on foot.
Moon Eyes Coffee Roasters
The Freeze
Union Grille Restaurant
If You Have a Little More Time
Drive up the hill to Shep’s Gravesite for panoramic views overlooking town, the Missouri River, and the surrounding prairie. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the area and a fitting way to end your visit.
