Need a peaceful lakeside escape with history and natural beauty? Head to Fort Peck! Nestled on the Missouri River in northeastern Montana, Fort Peck offers scenic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the U.S. Whether you're boating, fishing, or exploring the historic dam, Fort Peck is a quiet gem for outdoor lovers and history buffs alike.
Fort Peck, MT Highlights:
- For Families: Explore the Fort Peck Interpretive Center – Learn about dinosaurs, the Missouri River ecosystem, and the story of the dam.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Fish or boat on Fort Peck Lake – Cast for walleye and northern pike or cruise along miles of scenic shoreline.
- For Kids: Visit the playground and picnic areas near the Fort Peck Theatre – Enjoy open green space, nearby trails, and seasonal ice cream stops.
- For an Adventure: Hike and wildlife-watch at the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge – Spot elk, deer, birds, and explore Montana’s wild prairie landscape.
- For History Buffs: Tour the historic Fort Peck Dam and Powerhouses – Discover this Depression-era engineering marvel that changed the region forever.
Best Time to Visit Fort Peck, MT
The best time to visit Fort Peck is from late spring to early fall (May–September). Summer offers warm weather for fishing, boating, and hiking, while fall brings cooler temps and colorful prairie views. Winters are cold and quiet, ideal for solitude and wildlife watching.
How to Get to Fort Peck, MT
- If you are traveling by car: Fort Peck is located just off MT-24, about 20 minutes southeast of Glasgow, MT, and 4.5 hours northeast of Billings.
- By Air: The closest airport is Glasgow International Airport (GGW), with connections via Cape Air. Larger airports are in Billings or Williston, ND.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops in Glasgow, MT. A short drive from there will take you to Fort Peck.
Where to Stay in Fort Peck, MT
- Fort Peck Hotel – A historic inn offering simple comfort, small-town charm, and proximity to the lake and theatre.
- Duck Creek Campground – Popular lakeside campground with RV hookups, tent sites, and boating access.
- Glasgow Hotels – Additional accommodations including chain hotels are available in nearby Glasgow (20 minutes away).
Best Things to Do in Fort Peck, MT
1. Fish, Boat, and Explore at Fort Peck Reservoir
The Fort Peck Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state of Montana, is home to over fifty different types of fish. Featuring more than 1,520 miles of scenic coastline, the lake boasts a maximum depth totaling 220 feet and a length of around 134 miles. The Fort Peck Reservoir is a popular place for fishing among both local Montana residents and traveling anglers, with some of the species sought after the most being walleye, chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, sauger, paddlefish, and northern pike. There is a paved road with direct access to Fort Peck Marina.
Fort Peck, MT 59223, Phone: 406-526-3411
2. If You’re Curious About Local Wonders, Visit the Fort Peck Interpretive Center
The Fort Peck Interpretive Center was created as a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to showcase northeast Montana. The facility is also home to two of the state’s largest aquariums with fish from the Missouri River and Fort Peck Lake. A life-sized model of Peck’s Rex, discovered in 1997, greets visitors upon entering the Fort Peck Interpretive Center’s lobby. Other exhibits feature scenery, habitats, and wildlife of the lake and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the history of Fort Peck construction.
157 Yellowstone Rd, Fort Peck, MT 59223, Phone: 406-526-3493
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Catch a Live Performance at Fort Peck Summer Theatre
The Fort Peck Summer Theatre is operated by the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, whose mission is to preserve the historic Fort Peck Theatre, offer a forum for regional and local artists, encourage and educate youth in the arts, and entertain people through the arts. The theater originally opened in 1934 as a movie theater, but is now used for putting on live performances. The Summer Theatre’s season starts around the beginning of June and runs through the beginning of September, with shows typically taking place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and on Sundays at 4:00pm.
201 Missouri Ave, Fort Peck, MT 59223, Phone: 406-526-9943
4. Experience Untamed Beauty at Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge
The Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge is a place for people looking for wild game in their natural habitat and is the continental United States’ second largest wildlife refuge, totaling approximately 1,100,000 acres. The refuge is home to coyotes, red fox, mule deer, bugling elk, and many other species of wildlife. Among the self-guided opportunities visitors can take part in the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge is wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, primitive camping, and looking at the scenic views of the Missouri River Breaks. Fishing and hunting in season are also very popular activities in the wildlife refuge.
333 Airport Rd, Lewistown, MT 59457, Phone: 406-538-8706
5. Dive Into Discovery at Fort Peck Field Station
The Fort Peck Field Station is located within the boundaries of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the more than one million-acre Missouri River Breaks habitat that extends from just above the Fred Robinson Bridge to the Fort Peck Dam. Visitors can stop by the Wildlife Station Office on Dearborn Road to get information about road conditions, maps, and other wildlife refuge information. The Missouri River Breaks country where the Fort Peck Field Station is situated looks much as it did back during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800’s, still very much a natural setting.
Fort Peck, MT 59223, Phone: 406-526-3464
Where to Eat in Fort Peck, MT
- Gateway Club – Rustic supper club-style dining with steaks, burgers, and Montana hospitality.
- The Spillway Bar & Grill – Relaxed bar and grill near the lake with hearty fare and views of the dam.
- Durum Restaurant (Glasgow) – Head into Glasgow for additional dining options, including local diners and pizza joints.
If you are interested in local events:
- Fort Peck Summer Theatre Season (June–August) – Enjoy rotating live productions in the historic WPA-era theatre.
- Fishing Tournaments on Fort Peck Lake – Seasonal events that bring anglers from across the region to test their skill.
- Fourth of July Celebrations – Fireworks, family activities, and lakefront fun in true Montana style.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Fort Peck, Montana:
- Glasgow (20 min) – Visit the Valley County Pioneer Museum, shop local, or dine in a small-town atmosphere.
- Nelson Reservoir (25–30 min) – A quieter spot for fishing and picnicking northeast of Fort Peck.
- Missouri River Breaks Scenic Overlooks (20–30 min) – Take in rugged canyon views, wildflowers, and big skies.
- Duck Creek and Rock Creek Recreation Areas (15–20 min) – Camp, boat, swim, or birdwatch along Fort Peck Lake.
- Dry Arm of Fort Peck Lake (30 min) – Remote and scenic boating or fishing area for those seeking solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Fort Peck, Montana, known for?
- Fort Peck, Montana is a town originally planned and developed in 1933 as a headquarters by government engineers for the construction and operation of the expansive Fort Peck Dam.
- What recreational opportunities are available in Fort Peck?
- While the town itself may be small, there are several opportunities for entertainment and recreation for local Montana residents, tourists, or visitors traveling through.
- What scenic views can visitors enjoy in Fort Peck?
- Scenic views of the surrounding northeast Montana region can be seen from an overlook on Highway 24.
- What is a highlight of the Fort Peck area?
- One of the highlights of the area is the massive Fort Peck Lake and its outdoor recreation opportunities.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and the start of wildlife activity. | Fort Peck Inn – Comfortable accommodations with easy access to the local attractions. | Explore the Fort Peck Dam – Take a tour of the dam and enjoy the beautiful views of Fort Peck Lake. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. | Fort Peck Campground – Enjoy camping near the scenic Fort Peck Lake. | Fish at Fort Peck Lake – Known for excellent fishing, try your luck at catching walleye, northern pike, or salmon. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds. | The Lodge at Fort Peck – Cozy accommodations offering great views of the surrounding area. | Visit the Fort Peck Interpretive Center – Learn about the history of the area and the building of the Fort Peck Dam. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold, snowy conditions perfect for winter sports and quiet retreats. | Fort Peck Hotel – A historic hotel offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the winter months. | Enjoy winter sports at Fort Peck Lake – Try ice fishing or snowmobiling on the frozen lake. |
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