​Journey through one of the most breathtaking and historically rich landscapes in the American West. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River—from Fort Benton, Montana to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge—offering visitors an unforgettable immersion into the natural beauty and historical legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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Unforgettable Views & Historic Landmarks

• Protected monument featuring dramatic river canyons, wide open plains, and rugged terrain along Arrow Creek, Antelope Creek, and the Judith River

• Home to six wilderness study areas

• Includes the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern

• Contains segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail

• Site of the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark

• Features the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway

• Offers designated wildlife viewing areas​
   

Preserving the Upper Missouri River Breaks 

Remarkably, the landscape remains much as it was when Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery passed through in 1805.

From May 24 to June 13, 1805, Lewis and Clark explored this very stretch of river—now considered a crown jewel of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Their journals describe the area as a place of “visionary enchantment,” and visitors today continue to be awed by the White Cliffs of the Missouri, sculpted by time and nature into towering walls and formations.

📖 May 31, 1805 – “As we passed on, it seemed as if those scenes of visionary enchantment would never have an end… so perfect indeed are those walls that I should have thought that nature had attempted here to rival the human art of masonry…” – Meriwether Lewis

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Expedition Timeline: Into the Missouri Breaks

Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Montana
 

📍 May 26, 1805 – Near Windsor Creek, Fergus County, Montana
As the Corps of Discovery labored up the Missouri using tow lines, Captain Lewis climbed a ridge and caught his first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains—snowcapped and gleaming in the distance. The sight brought a mix of joy and apprehension. 📖"While I viewed these mountains I felt a secret pleasure... but when I reflected on the difficulties which this snowy barrier would most probably throw in my way... it in some measure counterbalanced the joy." Lewis resolved not to “anticipate evils,” and to believe the way west would be passable—until proven otherwise.

📍 May 31, 1805 – Above Eagle Creek, Chouteau County
The expedition entered one of the most visually spectacular stretches of the Missouri River. Hauling boats upstream through icy waters left the men with cut feet and frozen limbs. A tow rope snapped, and Lewis offered the men a dram of rum for relief. That day, he encountered the White Cliffs of the Missouri Breaks, describing Citadel Rock and sculpted stone formations that resembled ancient temples and ruins.

📖 “As we passed on, it seemed as if those scenes of visionary enchantment would never have an end…” —Meriwether Lewis

📍 June 3, 1805 – Confluence of the Missouri and Marias Rivers (Loma, Montana)
The expedition reached a critical decision point: Which river was truly the Missouri? Two great rivers met, and the answer was unclear. To solve the mystery, Lewis and Clark sent scouting parties: Sgt. Pryor and men up the north fork (Marias), and Sgt. Gass with a party up the south fork (Missouri). Both returned by nightfall with reports, but the decision was far from simple.

📍 June 8, 1805 – Loma, Montana
Despite the crew’s belief that the Marias was the correct branch, the captains chose the south fork as the true Missouri River. Their decision—based on geography, current, and instinct—proved correct. Though many men doubted them, they continued their journey upstream, deeper into the remote and rugged Missouri Breaks.

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Explore. Discover. Step Into History.

Whether you’re paddling along the historic river route, hiking through backcountry solitude, fishing, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the panoramic vistas—this monument offers a rare chance to step back in time and experience the Missouri River as the explorers did over 200 years ago.The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey through America’s past, where every bend in the river tells a story.

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