Williston, North Dakota to Billings, Montana
(332 miles)

Follow the 1806 return route of Lewis and Clark through Montana’s wide-open landscapes.

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As the Corps of Discovery made their way home in 1806, Captain William Clark split from Meriwether Lewis to explore a southern return path. This section of the trail follows Clark’s journey through the prairies, badlands, and river corridors of eastern Montana—a route rich with both natural wonder and deep cultural history. From dinosaur fossils to historic battle sites, this segment of the trail invites travelers to discover where stories of the West truly come alive.​

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POINTS OF INTEREST

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📍Glendive, Montana – Makoshika State Park

• • Explore Montana’s largest state park, a striking badlands landscape of eroded sandstone formations.

  • Visit the Makoshika Visitor Center to view a triceratops skull and a 65-million-year-old paddlefish fossil.

  • Perfect for hiking, photography, and fossil discovery.
     

📍Miles City, Montana – Range Riders Museum

• • Miles City is known as the Cow Capital of Montana and is home to one of the state’s premier western heritage museums.

  • Located on the original Fort Keogh cantonment, the museum features:

    • The Bert Clark Gun Collection

    • Memorial Hall

    • Recreated Fort Keogh Officers’ Quarters

    • An original log cabin

    • The Heritage Center

📍 Rosebud, Montana 

• • Clark and his exploration party passed through this area and rejoiced in the abundance of buffalo on the “Fat Plains.” (July 28, 1806)

  • The 1860s–70s brought commercial buffalo hunting, with over 40,000 buffalo hides shipped out by riverboat.

  • The ecological and cultural disruption led to years of conflict, including:

    • The Battle of Rosebud (June 17, 1876, near Busby)

    • Followed eight days later by the Battle of the Little Bighorn

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📍Billings, Montana​

• Pompeys Pillar National Monument

• Located 28 miles east of Billings, this sandstone outcrop holds a rare physical connection to the expedition.

• On July 25, 1806, Captain Clark carved his name into the rock—still visible today.

• Clark named the formation “Pompy’s Tower” in honor of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the young son of Sacagawea, affectionately nicknamed “Pompy,” meaning “Little Chief” in Shoshone.

• The site offers walking trails, interpretive exhibits, and a visitor center overlooking the Yellowstone River.
   

When you’re ready to hit the road (or sky) ✈️Find the perfect hotel, flight, or VRBO with Expedia—book today!
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