Looking for the perfect weekend road trip in Missouri River Country?
Northeast Montana delivers everything you didn’t know you needed—some of the best stargazing in North America, real dinosaur fossils, healing hot springs, charming small towns, and world-class fishing. This is the land of wide-open skies, remote beauty, and places where the modern world fades into the rearview mirror. Follow the
Trail to the Stars as you explore the wonders Northeast Montana has to offer on this epic and unforgettable road trip.
Day 1: Fossils, Fort Peck & Your First Night Under the Stars
Photo by Jamie Blotske
Route: Glasgow → Fort Peck → Duck Creek or Flat Lake
Start your journey in
Glasgow, the friendly prairie town known as the official "Middle of Nowhere." Grab a cup of coffee and explore local history at the
Valley County Pioneer Museum and the
Children’s Museum of Northeast Montana. After a slow morning, hit the road toward Fort Peck, home to one of Montana’s most famous residents, Peck’s Rex, a massive Tyrannosaurus rex fossil discovered in the area in 1997. The
Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum features both the skeleton and a life-size replica, and offers a fascinating look at the region’s prehistoric past.
Afterward, enjoy lunch or grab supplies at the Fort Peck Marina and spend some time hiking or boating around Fort Peck Lake, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the U.S., with more shoreline than the entire California coast.
As the sun begins to set, head to your campsite for a night under the stars. For more amenities and lakefront views, the
Duck Creek Recreation Area offers 15 spacious RV and tent sites with easy access to the water. For those seeking even more solitude and darker skies,
Flat Lake Campground, just seven miles east, offers primitive sites and some of the best stargazing in the state. Bring a blanket, download a star map app, and look up—you’re in for a celestial show.
Day 2: Prairie Towns, Pottery & Hot Springs
Route: Fort Peck → Glasgow → Hinsdale → Saco → Sleeping Buffalo
The next morning, make your way northwest through the sweeping prairie landscapes that define Missouri River Country. Enjoy the peaceful drive through Vandalia and
Hinsdale as you make your way toward
Saco, a quiet, welcoming town. Be sure to swing by Klind Pottery, in Hinsdale, a local treasure where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind handmade piece to remember your trip. Just down the road, step into Montana’s rural past at the Saco Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Museum, located in the restored Huntley School, named after famed broadcaster Chet Huntley, who once studied there.
From Saco, continue on to
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak in the natural mineral pools, a perfect reward after a day of exploring the prairie.
Just a few minutes away, set up camp at
Nelson Reservoir, a peaceful, remote lake known for its excellent fishing and ideal stargazing conditions. With 30 miles of shoreline, minimal development, and a location far from any city lights, Nelson offers one of the darkest skies you’ll ever experience. Pitch your tent, start a campfire, and settle in for another unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 3: Sunrise Fishing & Scenic Return
Route: Nelson Reservoir → Milk River → Glasgow
Wake early on your final day and cast a line into Nelson Reservoir, one of the top-ranked walleye fisheries in Montana. Anglers also enjoy catching yellow perch and northern pike, and the nearby
Milk River offers even more fishing opportunities.
After a peaceful morning on the water, pack up and begin your journey back toward Glasgow, soaking up the last views of the sweeping horizon. Stop for lunch, refuel, and maybe pick up a souvenir before heading home. Find yourself refreshed, grounded, and inspired by a weekend of sky-gazing, history, and off-the-beaten-path beauty in Montana’s Missouri River Country.
A Trip To Remember
As your weekend in
Missouri River Country comes to a close, you’ll leave with more than just scenic photos and starry memories—you’ll carry a sense of what makes Montana so special. This corner of the state invites you to slow down, unplug, and connect with the land, the sky, and the stories that shape this place. From standing beneath ancient dinosaur fossils to soaking in hot springs, fishing quiet waters, and watching constellations drift across vast skies, this road trip captures the essence of the Montana way of life. Whether you came to chase stars or simply to reset, you'll head home feeling a little more present—and a lot more inspired.
