Lewis & Clark Loop

J.C. Adam’s Stone Barn – Nestled behind private residences, you’ll spot the J.C. Adam’s stone barn—if you are paying attention. The barn measures 104 ‘ x 40’ and was built in 1885 with Romanesque revival stone construction with single-piece stone arches arriving in Fort Benton by steamboat. The barn was once part of a ranching operation that supplied cattle, horses, and sheep to the U.S. Army at Fort Shaw. The top of the barn houses a replica of the life-sized horse weathervane that once adorned it. The actual weathervane is on display in Fort Benton. The barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sun River – pay attention to the buttes dotting the landscape: Crown, Shaw, and Square. These are laccoliths fed by the dikes from the Adel Mountain volcanics to the south. The age of these structures is late cretaceous, last best determination is about 75 million years old. The volcanic rock is a shonkonite, a rare type of intrusive alkali basalt found in only a few places in the world. Be a decent human and don’t go trapsing about collecting your own samples.

Fort Shaw – Check out the actual fort, a National Historic Site, that was established in 1867 in a self-guided tour. Once the Queen of Montana’s Forts, many buildings remain. It housed an Indian Boarding School, after the military left, where the girls basketball team became the World Champions in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. The monument honoring the team is one of the first things you’ll notice on the fort’s grounds.

Bowman’s Corner – on a long road trip, this may just be your saving grace. Flat Willow Mercantile is a great NEW stop to stretch your legs, secure more rations, and maybe even get some fuel, if you’re running low.

Wolf Creek – There is some great movie lore in Wolf Creek – first playing the home of Jessie Burns in A River Runs Through It. It was also featured in the movie Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. When heading north, on the frontage road instead of the Interstate, you’ll have a chance to take a detour to see Holter Lake!

Gates of the Mountains – this is honestly the only reason for this scenic drive. See what Lewis and Clark saw as they traversed the beautiful Missouri River! You’ll be surprised how the gates open as you get towards them. You’ll also learn about the Mann Gulch fire and how it forever changed the way forest fires around the world are fought. This experience isn’t available year-round, because of winter and stuff, but catch it when it’s open, it’s amazing!

Craig – in town, you’ll be able to dip your toes into the Missouri River or if you’ve packed your pole, try and catch a fish. Dining and a tap house is available here, along with a crucial decision – interstate or old highway 91 to Cascade. If you are running low on time, get back on the interstate. If you want a more leisurely drive back, old highway 91. The roads run alongside themselves for a good bit, but old highway 91, which is our recommendation, gets you to Hardy Bridge, which was featured in the 1987 film, The Untouchables, as the US Canada border crossing. Old Highway 91 also takes you to (or past, if you don’t stop) the Missouri River Bar & Grill.

Tower Rock State Park – great spot to hike and see the expansive views atop of 424’ high rock formation, once journaled about by those intrepid adventures (like yourself), Lewis & Clark.

Cascade – Famed Cowboy artist Charlie Russell, and his wife, Nancy’s honeymoon cabin can be found here, along with food, fuel, groceries, and a little shopping at Kitson’s Clothing & Gift.