Great Falls, Montana: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Great Falls, Montana (All Outside Cascade County)

If you’re based in Great Falls, Montana and feel that itch to hit the road, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can find big views, small towns, hot springs, and real-deal Old West history—without ever leaving central Montana. The best part? These are all short out-of-county road trips. That means you’ll leave Cascade County behind and explore nearby counties like Chouteau, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, Meagher, and Teton. Perfect for weekend adventures, day trips, or a spontaneous “let’s just drive” kind of morning. Below are 10 of the best things to do near Great Falls, all easy drives that show off the quieter, wilder side of Montana.

1. Drift Through Time in Fort Benton (Chouteau County)

Fort Benton, about an hour northeast of Great Falls, feels like you’ve stepped back into the 1800s. This small town on the Missouri River was once called the “Birthplace of Montana.” Stroll along the riverfront levee and you’ll see signs and statues that tell the story of steamboats, fur traders, and frontier life. The historic downtown is compact and walkable, so you can park once and just wander. Things to do in Fort Benton:
  • Walk the Missouri River levee trail and read the interpretive signs
  • Check out the old Fort Benton Bridge for classic river views
  • Browse local shops and small cafes in the historic district
If you enjoy American history, this is the kind of place where you catch yourself saying, “Wow, they really lived out here like this?”

2. Follow the Missouri Breaks Scenic Drive (Chouteau County)

While you’re near Fort Benton, keep going a bit farther into the wild country of the Upper Missouri River Breaks. This is big-sky driving at its best—rolling prairie, badlands-style bluffs, and hardly any traffic. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker or boater to enjoy this area. Just driving the gravel and backroads around the Breaks gives you that wide-open Montana feeling. Ideas for a scenic loop:
  • Start in Fort Benton
  • Follow backroads toward spots overlooking the Missouri River
  • Pull over at safe areas to take photos and simply listen to the wind
Bring water, a paper map if you have one, and a full gas tank. Cell service can fade fast out here, which honestly makes the whole drive feel more like an adventure.

3. Explore White Sulphur Springs & Hot Springs Soak (Meagher County)

Looking for a relaxing road trip from Great Falls? Head about 2 hours southeast to White Sulphur Springs in Meagher County. It’s a small ranching town surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. The big draw here is the natural hot springs. Imagine soaking in warm mineral water while you look up at Montana’s sky—especially magical if you come in the colder months. What to do in White Sulphur Springs:
  • Soak in the local hot springs pools
  • Walk around town and grab a bite at a café or bar
  • Take a short drive in any direction for mountain views
If you’re coming from Great Falls, you’ll pass through classic prairie and farmland before the mountains start to close in. It’s one of those drives where the scenery slowly builds and then suddenly, you’re surrounded by peaks.

4. Cruise King’s Hill Scenic Byway in the Little Belt Mountains (Judith Basin & Meagher Counties)

The King’s Hill Scenic Byway along US Highway 89 is one of the best under-the-radar drives near Great Falls. It runs through the Little Belt Mountains, passing through both Judith Basin and Meagher Counties. On this route, you’ll find:
  • Dense forests and high mountain passes
  • Pullouts with big views and picnic spots
  • Trailheads leading to lakes, streams, and meadows
In summer, it’s a cool, green escape from hot days in town. In fall, the aspens and larches show off golden colors. Even just driving the highway and stopping at a couple overlooks makes for a full, satisfying day trip. If you’re into hiking or fishing, toss your boots and a rod in the car. If not, this is still a perfect “windows down, music up” kind of drive.

5. Visit the Quiet Streets of Stanford (Judith Basin County)

Stanford, in Judith Basin County, is one of those tiny Montana towns that could be straight out of a Western movie. The drive from Great Falls is about an hour and a half, depending on your route. This is a low-key road trip, great if you just want a change of scenery without a packed schedule. Simple things to enjoy in Stanford:
  • Walk the small downtown and check out old storefronts
  • Grab lunch at a local café or bar
  • Head a bit outside town to gaze at the Judith Basin and surrounding ranges
The wide, open valley around Stanford is what many people picture when they think “Montana ranch country.” It’s worth the drive just for that big horizon alone.

6. Stand Where Lewis and Clark Stood in Helena Area (Lewis and Clark County)

Helena, the state capital in Lewis and Clark County, offers a mix of history, architecture, and nearby outdoor spots. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours southwest of Great Falls. Once you get there, you can:
  • Walk around historic downtown Helena and admire old brick buildings
  • Drive just outside town to look for Lewis and Clark Expedition sites and viewpoints
  • Enjoy short hikes in the hills above Helena for city and mountain views
The route from Great Falls to Helena takes you through farmland and big valleys, with mountain ranges appearing and disappearing on the horizon. It’s a good mix of “city outing” and “Montana backroads.”

7. Wander Through Augusta – Gateway to the Rocky Mountain Front (Lewis and Clark County)

Augusta is a small town west of Great Falls, still in Lewis and Clark County, and it feels like a real-deal cowboy town. Many people pass through Augusta on their way to the Rocky Mountain Front. Why go to Augusta?
  • Experience a low-key, genuine Montana ranch town
  • Grab a burger or steak and people-watch from a barstool or picnic table
  • Use it as a jumping-off point for drives toward the mountains
From Augusta, head toward the wall of peaks that forms the east side of the Rockies. You’ll see why people call it the “Front”—the mountains rise up suddenly out of the plains. On a clear day, it’s hard not to pull over every few miles for photos.

8. Hike and Sightsee Near Choteau (Teton County)

Choteau, in Teton County, is another classic Montana town along the Rocky Mountain Front. It’s around an hour and a half northwest of Great Falls and makes a perfect day trip. Why Choteau deserves a spot on your list:
  • Charming small-town main street with local shops and diners
  • Quick access to trails and scenic drives toward the Front
  • Nearby areas popular with hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers
If you like mixing a bit of outdoor time with a warm meal in town, Choteau offers that easy balance. You can spend the morning exploring mountain foothills and the afternoon sipping coffee or a cold drink back in town.

9. Drive the Backroads of Teton County’s Farm and Ranch Country

Beyond Choteau, Teton County has miles of small roads rolling through wheat fields, hay meadows, and cattle ranches. If you enjoy slow scenic drives more than specific “attractions,” this is your spot. What you can do on a Teton County backroads trip:
  • Follow paved and gravel roads with almost no traffic
  • Watch for deer, antelope, hawks, and eagles
  • Look back toward the Rockies for postcard views of peaks and clouds
This is the kind of drive where you pack snacks, a thermos of coffee, and maybe a camera, then just wander. Take your time. If you see an interesting side road (that’s public), follow it and see where it goes.

10. Seek Out Hidden Hot Springs & Trailheads Near the Little Belts (Judith Basin & Meagher Counties)

Beyond the obvious stops along King’s Hill, the areas around the Little Belt Mountains in Judith Basin and Meagher Counties are full of small surprises—quiet campgrounds, trailheads, creeks, and, in some areas, lesser-known hot springs or warm pools. You don’t need a rigid plan here:
  • Pick a side road leading toward the Little Belts from highways like 89
  • Look for forest roads, picnic spots, and short walks along creeks
  • Enjoy cooler air, pine trees, and the sound of running water
It’s a reminder that around Great Falls, “nearby” doesn’t just mean one or two destinations. It means dozens of little corners you can slowly discover weekend by weekend.

Tips for Road Trips From Great Falls, Montana

To make these Great Falls day trips and weekend escapes even better, keep a few Montana basics in mind:
  • Fill up on gas in Great Falls or the larger towns you pass through
  • Carry water and snacks, especially if you’ll be on gravel roads
  • Check the weather—storms, snow, or wind can change conditions fast
  • Download offline maps or bring a paper map—service can drop in rural areas
  • Respect private land and watch for “No Trespassing” signs
Once you’ve done a few of these, you’ll start to realize just how central Great Falls is for exploring a big chunk of Montana.

Where Will You Drive First?

Living in or visiting Great Falls, Montana puts you in the middle of some of the most underrated parts of the state. From historic Fort Benton and quiet streets in Stanford to hot springs in White Sulphur Springs and the rugged Rocky Mountain Front, there’s a new direction to explore every weekend. Which of these out-of-county road trips would you try first? Have you already done any of them and found a favorite café, trail, or viewpoint along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know your best finds near Great Falls. And if you know someone who’s always saying, “We should get out of town more,” send them this guide and start planning your next Montana road trip together.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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