Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
The Byway closely follows the Nez Perce National Historic Trail northeast from Winifred to Deweese Ridge. The Upper Missouri National Wild & Scenic River was designated in 1976 to preserve the same scenic values that are abundant along the byway. The Wild & Scenic River from Fort Benton down river to the Jame Kipp Recreation area is the foremost component of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. The Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway traverses one of the most geologically unique and historically significant areas in Monday. The landscape was first described by Lewis and Clark as ‘the Deserts of America.’ Fur traders would later describe the area as ‘Badlands.’
Quick Facts
- Designation
- BLM
- Location
- MT
- Total Length
- 70 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
406-444-9193 -
Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center
The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton, Montana—your gateway to understanding the rich cultural and natural history of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Here, you can explore the powerful story of the Missouri River, a lifeline that has shaped the landscape and the people who have lived along its banks for thousands of years. Through engaging exhibits, visitors learn about the river’s role in westward expansion, from the awe-inspiring journey of Lewis and Clark to the bustling steamboat era that made Fort Benton the “world’s innermost port.”