Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center
Welcome to the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton, Montana—your gateway to understanding the rich cultural and natural history of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Here, you can explore the powerful story of the Missouri River, a lifeline that has shaped the landscape and the people who have lived along its banks for thousands of years. Through engaging exhibits, visitors learn about the river’s role in westward expansion, from the awe-inspiring journey of Lewis and Clark to the bustling steamboat era that made Fort Benton the “world’s innermost port.”
The center also sheds light on the region’s deeper stories—from the Nez Perce fleeing from the U.S. Army in 1977 to ancient paddlefish and sturgeon that still swim in its waters. Exhibits highlight the lives of Native peoples, early settlers, and the diverse wildlife that call the monument home. Hands-on displays, educational programs, and a riverside walking trail offer visitors of all ages a chance to connect with the land, history, and ongoing conservation of this remarkable stretch of the Missouri River.
- Hours and Admission
Facility Hours:
- Summer: (June 1- September 30, 2025): 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday
- Winter (September 30, 2024 – May 31, 2025): 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
Admission is free. America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (senior, annual, military, access, volunteer and 4th grade) are sold onsite.
Holiday Closures: All federal holidays
Commercial Tour Groups: Tour groups visiting the monument are required to obtain a special recreation permit. Please call 970-882-5612 to schedule your visit one month in advance.
- Address
701 7th Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442
RV and bus parking is available.
- Features and Services
The Upper Missouri River Breaks Interpretive Center offers a museum, theater, and interactive exhibits that bring the region’s history and wildlife to life. Visitors can explore Native American artifacts, a scale model of the landscape, and displays highlighting native species like Bighorn Sheep, birds, and fish. The center also provides practical resources, including maps, trail and river conditions, and staff assistance. History comes alive through a replica freight wagon and steamboat pilot house, with exhibits covering the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce, the mining economy, and the impact of westward expansion on Indigenous peoples. Through immersive displays and expert interpretation, the center offers a rich understanding of the forces that shaped this land and its people.
The interior exhibit area and the Interpretive Center grounds and walking trail are all wheelchair accessible.
Special Events
See the Activities and Events page for special events including Junior Ranger opportunities, interpretation programs and more!
The Visitor Center is not available for private rental.
School Groups
The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center offers a range of educational programs designed for K-12 school groups, aligning with the center's educational objectives and the state of Montana’s curriculum standards. These programs allow students to explore Native American culture, learn about the region's geology, wildlife, and aquatic ecology, and study a variety of other topics. Each school visit includes a guided tour with on-site naturalists.
Educators are encouraged to contact us in advance to discuss specific needs and ensure a tailored experience for their group.
- Get Involved
Partners: The Missouri River Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society.
Volunteers: The Interpretive Center offers great volunteer opportunities! Contact us for additional information.
- Contact Us
Visitor Center: 406-622-4000
Email: [email protected]
