Go Big in Southeast Montana
This article originally appeared on My Yellowstone Park
When you drive through the towns of Southeast Montana, like Billings, Glendive and Miles City you'll notice that the skies are big. Like, really, really big. Big Sky Country isn't just a moniker for endless possibilities. It also means that when the sun goes down, the stars are big, too.
If you look at a light pollution map of the United States, eastern Montana has some of the darkest skies in the country. Head to Medicine Rocks State Park near Ekalaka, the only International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the state, to marvel at the Milky Way.
To experience Big Sky Country during the day, bring your boat or kayak to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Fort Smith to explore this impressive canyon. Grab picnic supplies in Hardin or bring your own picnic since the Ok-A-Beh Marina has limited services. If you're feeling adventurous, stay in one of the boat-in campsites to really get away from it all. The sites are first-come, first served. (southeastmontana.com/listing/bighorn-canyon-national-recreation-area)
"The canyon, with multi-hued walls reaching 1,000 feet in height, is one of our hidden gems that puts the wow in Montana," says Visit Southeast Montana's marketing director Brenda Maas.
Southeast Montana is also home to a sobering, yet important piece of Western history, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, on Interstate 90 southeast of Billings. You'll learn about the battle between the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes and Lt. Col. Custer's 7th Cavalry - one of the last armed American Indian efforts to protect their way of life. In the summer, rangers lead educational tours. Afterward, fuel up at the Custer Battlefield Trading Post with can't-miss fry bread and Indian tacos. (southeastmontana.com/historical-sites)
At the end of the day, make sure to grab dinner at one of this area's many amazing local eateries. In Hardin, you won't want to miss 3 Brothers Bistro for house-smoked meats. For a taste of Montana's local agriculture, head to the Fieldhouse in Billings for farm-to-table fare.
And when you're ready to head out for another day of exploring, coffee is a must. In Glendive, Bloom Coffeehouse & Eatery is known for their excellent breakfast sandwiches and in Ekalaka, Stompin’ Grounds is the place to fuel up before hitting Medicine Rocks State Park. For more information, visit southeastmontana.com.
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