Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 46 EXPLORE SOUTHEAST MONTANA 1 MILES CITY SADDLERY Miles City—the end of the line for longhorn cattle drives from Texas in the 1890s— wouldn't be the legendary cow town it is today without the local saddlery making fancy saddles for famous cowboys. Visit the original makers of the Coggshall saddle, explore the extensive display of historic saddles and take home some authentic Western wear. 2 WATERWORKS ART MUSEUM Experience the juxtaposition of a historical setting with a contemporary urban feel. The 1910 cement bunkers that once held Miles City's drinking water have been repurposed into an atypical art gallery, displaying work from some of the country's most prominent artists. 3 RANGE RIDERS MUSEUM For an unconventional glimpse into the history of the Old West, head to the area's largest museum of its kind. Jam-packed with rarities, exhibits span from fossils to modern times, including an eclectic assortment of farm tools, a barbed wire display and a premier arrowhead collection. One building houses the unrivaled Bert Clark Gun Collection of over 400 firearms. 4 TERRY BADLANDS Just north of Terry, venture off the beaten path into 44,000 acres of undeveloped landscape in the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area. Take your high-clearance, all- terrain vehicle along the Calypso Trail and hike into the heart of the badlands where gnarled spires tower above the prairie grasslands. 5 PRAIRIE COUNTY MUSEUM AND EVELYN CAMERON GALLERY Get an intimate glimpse of ranch life on the Montana prairie through the glass- plate photography of Evelyn Cameron. Her photos tell a personal story against the backdrop of a dramatic landscape. Centered around a 1915 bank building, the museum offers a look at historic artifacts like a homesteader's house, a restored Northern Pacific depot, a caboose and a steam-heated outhouse. 6 MAKOSHIKA STATE PARK At Montana's largest—and one of its most unique—state parks, badlands, dinosaur bones, an 18-hole disc golf course and camping come together for a well-rounded adventure. Hike over a natural stone bridge to the famous Cap Rock or reserve the teepee site for a unique overnight. On Saturdays, join the paleo adventure to learn how fossils are excavated, logged and stored. But don't miss a sunrise or sunset, when the light chases across the badlands. 7 GLENDIVE DINOSAUR & FOSSIL MUSEUM Discover the grandeur of 20,000 square feet of dinosaur fossil exhibits. "The Man and Dinosaurs" display follows the biblical approach to paleontology, which suggests it is possible that dinosaurs and humans coexisted. The museum's incredible collection and unique perspective make it worth a stop for any dinosaur enthusiast. 8 FRONTIER GATEWAY MUSEUM Take a walk way back in time with a full-size Stegoceras replica, named Margie, after the local rancher who found the dinosaur. In addition, the museum tells the story of Glendive's pioneering days with impressive collections spanning vintage photographs and books, turn-of-the-century gowns and an array of historic structures. Outside tour a fire hall, restored country school and more. 9 YELLOWSTONE RIVER PADDLEFISHING Starting mid-May, a special breed of anglers travels to a rocky stretch of the river near Glendive at the Intake Diversion Dam. Here, they rig up their saltwater fishing gear and churn the coffee-colored water to catch the prehistoric creature of the Yellowstone – the paddlefish. You can also take home some Yellowstone Caviar for a unique taste of Southeast Montana, found at the Glendive Chamber of Commerce.

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