Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Drive South To Helena
Instead of taking I-15 from Wolf Creek to Helena, I followed back roads through the Missouri River valley and into Montana ranch country. The day brought fishermen, mountain valleys, creeks, old bridges, abandoned farms, red barns, a long conversation with fellow van travelers, a stop for new tires in Helena and an evening photographing the Montana State Capitol.
Fort Benton to Great Falls
A detour to Montana’s remote Virgelle Ferry became much more than a river crossing after I met Bev, its longtime ferry operator. The day continued through Loma and Great Falls, where the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark history, old smelter remains, and an unexpected riverside campsite turned a travel day into one of discovery.
Fort Benton - Birthplace of Montana
I arrived in Fort Benton expecting a quiet historic town and found far more history than I anticipated. A walk along Front Street revealed stories of steamboats, traders, Lewis and Clark, Shep the dog and the rougher side of the Old West, before dinner at the Grand Union Hotel turned into an evening of conversation and new Montana travel recommendations.
Katy Trail – Rocheport, Missouri
My overnight at the Rocheport trailhead led to a 60-mile ride on the iconic Katy Trail—through tunnels, past river bluffs, and alongside friendly strangers. From early-morning owls to the kindness of fellow riders, the day reminded me why this 240-mile Missouri treasure is more than just a bike path—it’s a journey through time, nature, and community.
Knife River Indian Villages
Two reset days in Dickinson gave me time to regroup before heading north to Knife River Indian Villages. Walking among the mounds where Hidatsa earthlodges once stood, I could almost picture the families who lived here, farming, trading, and gathering along the rivers. The history was rich, the reconstructed lodge gave it shape, and the trails made it real. My day wrapped up with a not-so-smooth attempt to book a campsite at Lake Sakakawea.