Explore the Region’s Activities
Explore the Attractions Surrounding Our Montana Dude Ranch near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
There is plenty to see and do at Blacktail Ranch, but if you have extra time there is much to explore in the area surrounding our Montana guest ranch. If you’re on a national park road trip or exploring Montana, break up your trip with a stay at the ranch where you can enjoy on-ranch and off-ranch activities and experiences. While we offer round-trip transportation to and from the ranch, if you do want to explore the area, we recommend bringing or renting a car.
Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks – Natural Attractions
We are conveniently located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Many visitors to Montana visit both parks, as they offer diverse landscapes, attractions and activities.
Towns Near Our Montana Dude Ranch
Blacktail Ranch is located between two large (by Montana standards) cities, Great Falls and Helena.
An hour north of us, heading toward Glacier National Park, is the town of Augusta. Although this thoroughly western cow town is small, it’s known for its welcoming hospitality. Augusta has good restaurants, a few watering holes, a full-service grocery store, gas station and our favorite gift shop, Latigo & Lace.
Continuing north, between the highway and the immense Bob Marshall Wilderness to the west, prairie grasses and cattle ranches spread out beneath the Big Sky. At Choteau, take in the Old Trail Museum. 12 miles west is the far-famed Egg Mountain, the most important Cretaceous period discovery site in the world. An interpretive sign between mileposts 57 and 58 on U.S. Highway 287 provides travelers information about Egg Mountain.
The next town is Bynum where you can discover hands-on paleontological adventures at the Montana Dinosaur Center or go further on to the town of Browning on the Blackfeet Reservation and visit the Museum of the Plains Indian. This comprehensive collection of art and artifacts traces the history of the Blackfeet Tribe and other tribes of the Northern Plains. The museum gift shop features Native American arts and crafts. From Browning it is a short distance into Glacier National Park.
South of us, on Interstate Highway 15, Gates of the Mountains has guided boat trips on Holter Lake where they share history of the area and cruise the beautiful canyon. Another option: head to Craig and rent a boat to cruise the Missouri River. Further along I-15 is our state capital, Helena. Any visit to Helena required a stop at the Archie Bray Foundation (and its premier ceramic arts), the Montana Historical Society or the Montana State Capitol, home to one of the largest Charlie Russell paintings. Want to hike off the ranch? Drive up to the Continental Divide at Roger’s Pass and hike the trail.
An hour east of the Blacktail Ranch is First Peoples Buffalo Jump, one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the country. Continuing on I-15 is the city of Great Falls with two special museums, the Charlie Russell Museum and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
For further information and more details about the area surrounding our Montana dude ranch near Yellowstone and Glacier, see VisitMT.com.
