McCone County: Water, History, and Regional Discoveries

McCone County Between Rivers, Reservoir, and History

McCone County combines distinctive landscapes with regional history. At the confluence of the Redwater River and the Missouri River lies the Redwater Fishing Access Site. This confluence was an important cultural site for Indigenous peoples. Access is exclusively for day use, making it a clearly defined excursion destination. At Fort Peck Reservoir, Flat Lake Recreation Area showcases another side of the county, combining water, shoreline, and recreation.

Water-Based Experiences at Fort Peck Reservoir

Those who want to focus their trip on activities by the water will find camping facilities, a boat ramp, and a boat dock at Flat Lake Access Site. The access site is also next to a stocked fishing pond. Nelson Creek Campground and McGuire Creek Campground are located on the Big Dry Arm of Fort Peck Reservoir. Both are open year-round. Nelson Creek has 25 designated campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; boating and fishing are also possible there.

McGuire Creek offers 12 designated campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Small boats can be launched from the shore there, but there is no boat ramp at McGuire Creek Campground. Fishing and wildlife viewing are also available at this campground. Rock Creek Fishing Access Site is a state recreation area on Fort Peck Reservoir. It has approximately 10 designated campsites on a rise above the reservoir shoreline.

Scenic Roads and Insights into County History

For a drive through the region, the 105-mile Big Sky Back Country Byway is a good option. It runs from Terry to Wolf Point and includes a visitor kiosk in Circle. This makes it possible to combine a longer road trip with a specific stop without reducing the route to a single destination.

The McCone County Museum complements the landscape experiences with an insight into the region's history. It was established in 1980 in a new steel building with a footprint of 80 by 80 feet and contains 7,000 historically significant objects from the region. The museum grounds also include the old Northern Pacific Depot and an old caboose. In Circle, Town & Country Appreciation Day is held as an annual community festival with food and activities.

Choose the Right Base

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in McCone County, you can first determine the focus of your trip. Those who want to spend time at Fort Peck Reservoir can orient themselves around the water access points, fishing opportunities, and boating facilities described above. For cultural and historical discoveries, the museum grounds, the confluence of the Redwater River and Missouri River, and the byway with its visitor kiosk are the main highlights. Families can combine these different day-trip ideas according to their interests without having to plan every excursion in advance.

Additional destinations for orientation: Big Horn County, Chouteau County, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Lincoln County, Daniels County, Stillwater County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.