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Central Montana's Russell Country Motorcycle Rides and Routes

C.M. Russell Ride

Take US 87 north of Great Falls (F) to historic Fort Benton. Drive into Fort Benton (B), once the world’s most inland port as steamships carried supplies up the Missouri River. There is fine dining at the Union Grille in the Grand Union Hotel and great home cooking at Bob’s Riverfront Café and the Banque Club. For trivia’s sake, the former bank vault is the cooler at the Banque Club. Cross the mighty Missouri River on MT 80, drive past Geraldine (C) and Square Butte (D). The little town of Square Butte is home to the eclectic Square Butte “Country Club” where you can find great food, very unique art and there is one lone parking meter in this tiny rural town. You can see the iconic butte for which the town was named and the Square Butte jail (quarried from local stone) as you drive this route. Take MT 81 at the junction and ride to Lewistown (E). Lewistown is a community of about 7,000 people nestled between several island mountain ranges in the geographic center of Montana. Ride US 87 from Lewistown to Great Falls (about 100 miles). This route is designated the C. M. Russell Trail. You’ll pass many scenes from Russell paintings still visible today. There’s a great side loop, about 25 miles and all paved from Hobson to Windham. In the middle of this loop is Utica and the Oxen Yoke Bar. The “Ox” serves a half pound burger and more fries in a basket than anyone should eat! Request a free copy of the C. M. Russell Auto Tour booklet (800-527-5348) that gives history of the area and great information about the western artist’s paintings.