10 Easy Road Trips From Miles City, Montana: Big Skies, Quiet Roads, And Classic Small-Town Stops
If you’re based in
Miles City, Montana and itching for a change of scenery, you don’t have to go far. Within a couple of hours, you can find lonely backroads, historic main streets, badlands, and wide-open prairie that feels like your own private national park.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county day trips from Miles City, heading into the neighboring counties of
Carter, Fallon, Garfield, Powder River, Prairie, and Rosebud. So if you’ve already hit all the local favorites in Custer County, this list is for you.
Most of these
road trips from Miles City are perfect for a relaxed day drive, with enough time to explore, grab a meal, and be home before dark (depending on the season, of course).
1. Terry Badlands Scenic Drive (Prairie County)
Looking for that classic Montana “wow” moment without the crowds? Head about an hour northeast to
Terry in Prairie County and explore the
Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
You’ll find:
- Colorful rock formations
- Rugged buttes and hoodoos
- Quiet gravel roads with almost no traffic
The badlands are just across the Yellowstone River from Terry. A high-clearance vehicle is helpful, especially if it’s been raining. Bring water, snacks, and a full gas tank, because services are limited once you leave town.
Local tip: Try to time your visit for late afternoon. The low sun makes the clay and rock formations glow with reds and golds that are stunning in photos.
2. Small-Town Stroll & History in Terry (Prairie County)
Since you’re already in Terry, make it a full outing instead of just a quick photo stop.
In town you can:
- Walk the quiet main street and check out old storefronts
- Stop into local cafés or diners for pie and coffee
- Visit small museums or historical markers, when open
Terry feels like stepping back a few decades in the best way. It’s a slow-paced, friendly place where people still wave from their pickups.
If you enjoy
historic towns near Miles City, this is an easy, no-stress trip—about 70 miles one way on I‑94.
3. Fallon & Glendive River Views (Fallon County & Beyond)
Head northeast from Miles City toward
Fallon, a tiny community along the Yellowstone River in Fallon County. This isn’t a “big attraction” stop, and that’s exactly the charm.
What you can do:
- Pull off at safe river access spots and enjoy peaceful views
- Watch for deer, antelope, and eagles along the river bottom
- Continue on toward Glendive if you want a longer drive
If you like
scenic drives near Miles City, this route gives you a mix of river, bluffs, and open fields. It’s a good choice when you just need a mental reset and a road, not a crowded attraction.
4. Baker – Prairie Town With a Lake (Fallon County)
About 80–90 miles east of Miles City,
Baker in Fallon County makes a solid day trip. It’s a working oil and ranch town with a surprising feature:
Baker Lake right on the edge of town.
Things to do in Baker:
- Walk along Baker Lake when the weather’s nice
- Grab a burger or steak at a local café or bar
- Check out small-town shops and hardware stores (a slice of rural life)
If you’re traveling with kids, the lake area can be a good place to stretch your legs and let them run around. For adults, it’s a simple getaway with a classic Montana feel—pickup trucks, grain elevators, and big skies in every direction.
5. Ekalaka & Carter County Museum (Carter County)
If you’re into
dinosaur fossils, geology, or local history, put
Ekalaka on your list. It’s about a 2 to 2.5‑hour drive southeast of Miles City, tucked into Carter County.
The standout is the
Carter County Museum, known for:
- Excellent dinosaur fossil displays from the region
- Local ranching and pioneer history
- A surprisingly professional and detailed collection for such a small town
The drive to Ekalaka is part of the experience—rolling prairie, scattered ranches, and very little traffic.
Road trip idea: Pack a cooler, hit the museum, wander around town, and then take the long way home on different backroads for new scenery.
6. Medicine Rocks State Park (Carter County)
Just north of Ekalaka,
Medicine Rocks State Park is one of the most unique landscapes in eastern Montana—and it’s an easy add-on if you’re already heading to Carter County.
Here you’ll find:
- Soft sandstone pillars and rock formations you can walk among
- Quiet hiking trails and picnic spots
- Historic inscriptions carved into the stone (some over a century old)
The park has a calm, almost otherworldly feel. Teddy Roosevelt once described the area as “beautiful and weird,” and that still fits.
This is a perfect
day trip from Miles City if you love:
- Photography
- Short hikes
- Places that feel off-the-beaten-path
7. Broadus – Gateway To Powder River Country (Powder River County)
Drive about 80 miles south of Miles City and you’ll reach
Broadus, the seat of Powder River County. It’s a compact town, but it makes a nice base to explore the surrounding ranch country.
In and around Broadus you can:
- Walk through town and visit local shops or cafés
- Check for small museums, memorials, or veteran displays
- Drive country roads to see rolling hills, cottonwood-lined creeks, and big herds of cattle
This is pure
rural Montana road trip—simple, quiet, and very real. If you grew up in a city, the pace of life here feels almost like time has slowed down.
8. Powder River Backroads & Battle History (Powder River County)
For those who like history and lonely backroads, use Broadus as a jumping-off point to explore deeper into
Powder River County.
Ideas for your day:
- Follow secondary highways and gravel roads through ranch land
- Look for historic markers related to frontier battles and trails
- Stop at safe pullouts to take photos of classic “Big Sky Country” views
Always check road conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow. Cell service can be spotty here, so download maps and let someone know where you’re going.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you have an entire county to yourself, this is your chance.
9. Forsyth & The Yellowstone River Scene (Rosebud County)
To the west of Miles City lies
Forsyth, the county seat of Rosebud County, roughly 45–50 miles away. It’s an easy trip, close enough that you can be flexible and go on a whim.
Why go to Forsyth?
- Walk or drive along the Yellowstone River for views and fresh air
- Check out historic buildings and old homes around town
- Grab a meal at a local café or bar and chat with the regulars
If you’re into photography, the combination of river, bridges, and trains can make for some classic Montana shots. This is one of the best
quick road trips from Miles City when you only have part of a day to spare.
10. Colstrip – Coal, Lakes, And Recreation (Rosebud County)
Continue farther west into Rosebud County and you’ll reach
Colstrip, about 90 miles from Miles City. Known for its coal industry, it also has a strong recreation side.
Things to do in and around Colstrip:
- Walk or bike local paths and park areas
- Check out nearby lakes and reservoirs for boating or fishing (in season)
- Explore town and learn how energy and ranching connect in this part of Montana
It’s an interesting look at a working town that blends industry and outdoor spaces, and it gives you a different angle on eastern Montana life beyond cattle and crops.
Tips For Road Trips From Miles City
Because these routes cross some very rural country, a bit of planning goes a long way.
- Fuel up in town: Don’t count on frequent gas stations once you’re off the main highways.
- Carry water and snacks: Even a simple drive can turn into a longer adventure.
- Check weather and roads: Spring mud and winter ice can make gravel roads tricky.
- Download offline maps: Cell service can be patchy in Garfield, Carter, Powder River, and Prairie Counties.
- Respect private land: If there’s a gate or “No Trespassing” sign, stay on the public road or designated areas.
These
short road trips near Miles City are less about big attractions and more about the journey—quiet highways, old elevators, tiny towns, and endless skies.
Share Your Eastern Montana Road Trip Stories
Have you driven any of these routes from Miles City—or do you have your own favorite backroad loop in Carter, Fallon, Garfield, Powder River, Prairie, or Rosebud County?
- Which small town surprised you the most?
- Where did you find the best pie or burger?
- Do you have a secret photo spot you’re willing to share?
Drop your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too.
And if you know someone in Montana who’s always saying they’re “bored” on the weekends,
share this post with them. Sometimes all you need is a full tank of gas, a thermos of coffee, and a long, quiet road out of Miles City.
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