Tired of the fast pace of the Interstate System? In eastern Montana you can try the new Big Sky Byway travel route, which links the two major rivers in the state, the Yellowstone and the Missouri. This route follows a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone (R-Y) Trail, which tourists from Canada used to reach Yellowstone National Park. The north-south orientation of the trail will give you a glimpse of dry land farming, rolling prairie grassland, scenic scoria buttes, and badlands terrain. The Byway has information kiosks located in Terry, Circle, and Wolf Point to inform you of local opportunities and history of the area.
The entire route is well marked with directional signs and is approximately 105 miles long. The route is on state highways 253, 200 and 13 are on all-weather surface.
In the Terry area, you will be close to the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area, fishing, and hunting opportunities along the Yellowstone River and rock collecting for moss agate. The Circle area is noted for excellent big game hunting, and the area in the west-northwest portion of the county is famous for paleontological research. The northern segment of the route offers excellent fishing along the Missouri River and a view of the historic Lewis and Clark Bridge over the river.
Along this route there are recreational opportunities such as sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, rock hounding, bird watching, hunting, and fishing.
Directions
From the south, you can access the Byway off Interstate 94. Take the Terry exit (#176) and look for the portal signs and the local kiosk at the service station on the west side of the road. From the north, turn south on secondary Highway 13 just east of Wolf Point. Look for the portal sign and kiosk just before you cross the Missouri River. Another kiosk is located at the county museum in Circle.From the south, you can access the Byway off Interstate 94. Take the Terry exit (#176) and look for the portal signs and the local kiosk at the service station on the west side of the road. From the north, turn south on secondary Highway 13 just east of Wolf Point. Look for the portal sign and kiosk just before you cross the Missouri River. Another kiosk is located at the county museum in Circle.
