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Great Falls Montana for Visitors

By , About.com Guide

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Fort Benton Day Trip

Grand Union Hotel & Restaurant

Grand Union Hotel & Restaurant

© Angela M. Brown (2006)
Known as the "birthplace of Montana," the small town of Fort Benton makes for a fun day's excursion. During your visit, you can walk along the riverside trail, canoe the scenic Missouri River, tour a few historic attractions, and then relax over an awesome dinner in an elegant hotel dining room.

Old Fort Benton
The original Fort Benton began as a trading post for the American Fur Company in the 1840s before it became a military fort in the 1860s. This accurate replica, built on the original site, is a wonderful place to learn about early trade and settlement in the region. Tours, offered during the summer season, begin at the Museum of the Upper Missouri, located next door to Old Fort Benton.

Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center
The new Interpretive Center for the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument houses interesting exhibits covering the natural and human history of the region. Highlight exhibits cover the Upper Missouri's short but prosperous steamboat era. Other exhibits touch on local geology, wildlife, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the Nez Perce Trail. The center also serves as a contact and registration location for boaters.

Decision Point
Take a short hike up a hillside to enjoy a spectacular view of the confluence of the Missouri and Marias Rivers. It was here that the Lewis & Clark Expedition faced the critical decision regarding which river route to follow. Decision Point is located a short drive outside of Fort Benton.

Grand Union Hotel & Restaurant
The elegant Grand Union Hotel was built during Fort Benton's heyday in 1882. The Grand Union dining room opens to the public in the evenings, providing excellent food and service.

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