TRiPS ON A TANKFUL

TRiPS on a TANKFUL THE LANDSCAPES OF SOUTHEAST MONTANA E x p l o r i n g

BY MEGAN HOFFMAN, MARKETING SPECIALIST

Out here in Southeast Montana you never know what you’re going to see next. From badlands to canyons, to rolling prairies and rivers, lakes and trails, the views constantly change as you move from one mile to the next. As the weather turns warmer and we begin to venture out of our homes a little more, the landscapes of Southeast Montana are just waiting to be explored.

Venture into the history of the Big Sky State that began millions of years ago. Learn about the battles that shaped entire cultures. Get in touch with the buttes and prairies that make Southeast Montana so distinct.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD PHOTO BY NATHAN SATRAN

Just a couple of hours away from Billings, these places offer the perfect excuse to get out for a day or two and explore what’s in your own backyard.

MAKOSHIKA HIKE, PHOTO BY CHUCK HANEY

HARDIN

Discover Hardin, less than an hour south of Billings. The Big Horn County Historical Museum is much like a turn-of-the 20th century small town spread across 35 acres. Connected by boardwalks, the museum boasts original farm buildings from generations ago. Learn about the settlers who developed practices for living off the land. Inside the main building, follow the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and Fort Custer, established near present-day Hardin after the pivotal battle. Afterward, visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument just 15 miles south of Hardin. Walk the Reno-Benteen Entrenchment Trail and envision what it must have felt like to hold the line for more than a day in the sweltering sun or to be a warrior on the counter-attack, knowing the battle had long-term implications. Don’t forget about the great local eats. Places like the 3 Brothers Bistro will have you wondering why you hadn’t stopped in before. Or head into the Custer Battlefield Trading Post and Café for their world-famous Indian tacos.

DINOSAUR AND FOSSIL MUSEUM-GLENDIVE, PHOTO BY LYNN DONALDSON.

GLENDIVE

If you’re looking for a trip for the whole family, Glendive is your spot. Just three hours east of Billings, start at Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest, with more than 11,000 acres of land perfect for hiking, biking and camping. Sign up for a Paleo Experience in the park, or for one of Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs, where you could be the next to uncover fossils from a T-rex or Triceratops. Then, head to one of the museums in town to learn more about the area’s history. Choose from the Frontier Gateway Museum or Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum. Be sure to bring your RV or tent and prepare for a night of gazing up at the sky—with limited light pollution, you don’t have to worry about missing out on seeing stars.

MILES CITY

If you haven’t had a chance to explore the public recreation lands in Southeast Montana, now is the time to start. Head two hours east of Billings to the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area near Miles City. The site earned its name for the reddish rock formations rising above the valley. Hike the trails or watch for wildlife. Try the Matthews Recreation Area for a picnic or bring the canoes and kayaks to put in the Yellowstone River (check river conditions before heading out). Pirogue Island State Park is a sanctuary for bird-watchers. Passerines, waterfowl, bald eagles, belted king fishers, shore birds and more call the area home.

Miles City also features the Tongue River Winery and vineyard south of town. The business is family-owned, with all the winemaking, bottling, labeling and corking done by hand. Chances are, you may even score a personal tour and taste some grapes. Winning over 50 awards, you are sure to find your next favorite bottle of Montana made wine. Or mosey into downtown Miles City and talk to the locals about the Western spirit of the town, and learn why being a cowboy is a way of life out here.

Meet a STAFF MEMBER: MEGAN HOFFMAN

Visit Southeast Montana recently welcomed Megan Hoffman to the staff as a Marketing Specialist. Hoffman is a Montana native, growing up in Billings. After graduating from high school, she attended college at the University of Hawaii for a year before transferring to the University of North Dakota. Upon graduation, Hoffman started her career as a reporter for a local television station in Mason City, Iowa. During her first few months, she covered the lead up to the 2016 caucus in Iowa, meeting almost every presidential candidate in the race. She also worked with the sports department to cover high school, college and NFL athletics. Hoffman was also producing and anchoring shows, and spent several months as both the morning and noon anchor, and later anchored the weekend shows. Hoffman’s next job took her to Bismarck, N.D. Once again, she spent time reporting, anchoring and producing, including covering presidential visits, legislative sessions, elections and more. She also spent time working in the sports department, and traveled to Texas in 2019 to cover North Dakota State University in the FCS National Championship football game. Hoffman will be taking over Visit Southeast Montana’s social media channels, as well as monitoring coverage of the region from publications around the world. She will also assist in administrative duties.

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The mission of Visit Southeast Montana is to increase tourism to Southeast Montana by increasing awareness of our region, showcasing our cultural heritage, developing memorable experiences and educating our residents about the economic benefits of tourism. Visit Southeast Montana is managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce.