Southeast Montana's Ultimate Motorcycle Adventure

There's something truly liberating about hitting the open road on two wheels, feeling the rush of wind and experiencing the landscape in its raw form. And when it comes to epic motorcycle journeys, Southeast Montana delivers some of the most rewarding stretches of asphalt you'll find anywhere. With vast horizons, minimal traffic, and authentic Western charm, these roads were simply made for bikes.

The MonDak Motorcycle Loop

This legendary route takes riders through the untamed beauty of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—hence the name "MonDak." Whether you're planning around the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (held every August) or crafting a standalone adventure, this loop offers the perfect combination of scenic riding and genuine small-town America.

Alzada: The Gateway

Starting Point: Begin your journey in Alzada, near Montana's southeastern border with South Dakota.

Crossing into Montana on Highway 212, you'll immediately sense the vastness that earned this place its "Big Sky" nickname. Just three miles past the state line sits tiny Alzada, your first taste of authentic Montana.

Don't Miss: The iconic Stoneville Saloon remains a must-visit watering hole for riders. This quintessential Western establishment—complete with wooden porch and sawdust-covered floors—has been welcoming bikers for generations. Don't let the cheeky sign warning of "cheap drinks and lousy food" fool you; it's all part of the charm.

Broadus: Open Road Paradise

The Ride: Highway 212 stretches 60 uninterrupted miles from Alzada to Broadus, offering one of the most peaceful and remote rides in America.

This straight shot through rolling prairies gives you time to settle into the rhythm of your bike and absorb the untouched landscape surrounding you. Broadus provides a perfect opportunity to refuel both your motorcycle and yourself.

Don't Miss: While in Broadus, grab the legendary A1 burger at the Stockman's Club it’s a featured burger on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, and if time permits, visit the Powder River Historical Museum to explore the frontier cabin and original county jail—tangible connections to the area's pioneering past.

Miles City: Where Cowboys Meet Bikers

The Ride: Turn north on Highway 59 from Broadus for an 80-mile stretch of pristine riding through wildlife-dotted prairies.

Miles City embodies Montana's rich cowboy heritage. This historic cattle town hosts the famous Bucking Horse Sale each May drawing visitors from across the country. The downtown area preserves its frontier spirit with well-maintained historic buildings and Western charm.

Don't Miss: The Montana Bar, marked by its distinctive Montana-shaped neon sign, remains a beloved landmark. Step inside to see the wooden bar (arrived by steamboat in 1912) and the impressive taxidermy collection. Be sure to try their famous Stuffed Burger—another standout stop on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail. For history buffs, the Range Riders Museum and WaterWorks Art Museum offer fascinating exhibits on regional heritage.

Baker: Prairie to Badlands

The Ride: Head east on Highway 12 from Miles City for another spectacular 80-mile ride as the landscape gradually transitions from rolling prairie to dramatic badlands.

Baker welcomes riders with small-town hospitality that feels increasingly rare in today's world. Lake Baker, situated right in the center of town, offers a refreshing break if you're traveling during the summer months.

Don't Miss: The O'Fallon Historical Museum houses the remarkable Steer Montana, a world-record bovine standing 5'11" tall and 10'4" long. This preserved testament to Montana's ranching heritage continues to amaze visitors.

Ekalaka Detour: Prehistoric Wonders

The Ride: From Baker, consider taking a 35-mile southward detour on Highway 7 to Ekalaka through beautiful rolling prairies.

Don't Miss: Along this route lies Medicine Rocks State Park, recently designated as Montana's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The fascinating sandstone formations—rising like natural sculptures from the prairie—have been sacred to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Stop by the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, Montana's first county museum and home to some of the state's most significant dinosaur discoveries. Fuel up at the Wagon Wheel Cafe with their famous "Cowboy Burger" paired ice-cold beverages.

Wibaux: Gateway to Montana

The Ride: Continue north on Highway 7 from Baker (or return from your Ekalaka detour) for 50 miles to Wibaux, a charming town that serves as eastern Montana's welcome mat along Interstate 94.

Don't Miss: Beaver Creek Brewery, the original "Beer Oasis" of Eastern Montana, continues to pour exceptional craft brews in this frontier town. Their expanded taproom now features seasonal specialties alongside their beloved staples.

Glendive & Makoshika Detour: Badlands Beauty

The Ride: From Wibaux, consider a 25-mile westward detour on Interstate 94 to Glendive and Makoshika State Park.

Montana's largest state park (over 11,000 acres) offers motorcyclists an unforgettable ride through dramatic badlands landscapes. The newly resurfaced park road winds through geological formations dating back millions of years, with convenient pullouts at scenic vistas.

Don't Miss: Time your visit for the golden hour just before sunset when the sandstone formations glow with otherworldly colors. After your ride, visit Cross Country Brewing in Glendive to sample their rotating selection of craft beers, now featuring several award-winning brews.

Plan Your Ride

The MonDak Motorcycle Loop can be completed in a few days or stretched into a week, depending on your pace and detours. Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most reliable riding weather, though Montana's climate can be unpredictable any time of year.

For those planning around the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 1-10, 2025), this loop makes for the perfect pre- or post-rally adventure, offering a quieter counterpoint to Sturgis' energetic atmosphere.

Visit SoutheastMontana.com to download the complete MonDak Motorcycle Loop map and detailed itinerary information, including accommodations, fuel stops, and seasonal events along the route.