Discover Dawson County

When looking for a hotel in Dawson County, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: nature and geological history, museums and cultural history, or activities on the Yellowstone River. The options described range from geological formations to historical exhibits and outdoor activities. Glendive is also home to two stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.

Badlands, Geology, and Outdoor Activities

At Makoshika State Park, badlands formations, pines, and junipers shape the landscape. The Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation is also exposed throughout the park. These two features offer different perspectives on the park: its visible landforms and its geological history.

The Glendive Short Pine OHV Area, also called the Glendive Short Pines Open OHV Area, covers 2,800 acres. It has off-highway vehicle trails, as well as opportunities for rockhounding, wildlife viewing, and camping. Check current site conditions and applicable restrictions before your visit.

Hollecker Lake is a day-use area managed by Dawson County Public Works, with opportunities for fishing and swimming. Check conditions before visiting. Along the banks of the Yellowstone River, you can walk and look for agates in the Black Bridge area. The Historic Bell Street Bridge offers another way to access the river: the 1,300-foot steel truss structure serves as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Yellowstone River. These are different ways to spend time by the water: a day-use area with fishing and swimming, a riverbank area for walking and searching, and a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Museums, Exhibits, and Local History

The exhibits at the Frontier Gateway Museum span from prehistory through the 20th century. The museum includes, among other things, two country stores, a blacksmith shop, a log cabin, and a restored country school. A talking trail experience complements the exhibits: information is available through signs, a mobile app, or phone access. As digital access options may change, check which format is currently available before your visit.

The Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum features more than 23 life-size dinosaur and fossil exhibits; the number may change as additional exhibits are added. The museum also offers full-day and half-day fossil digs in the badlands near Glendive. Individuals, families, and small groups can learn about, identify, collect, and interpret fossils from a biblical creationist perspective. Confirm reservations and participation requirements before your trip.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Kiosk provides information about Clark on the Yellowstone River in 1806. Other topics include historical information about cattle drives and Indigenous encampments, as well as the influence of the railroad on the development of eastern Montana. This places personal and economic aspects of regional history alongside geological and natural history topics.

Art and Practical Information

DCAU/The Gallery features rotating monthly exhibits, each highlighting a different artist or work. The Gallery also provides space for art and craft classes. If you want to plan your stay around a particular exhibit, check the current exhibition dates.

Dawson County Airport offers fuel, parking, hangars, a passenger terminal with a lounge, a shuttle service, public telephones, restrooms, and camping facilities. As airport services may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before traveling. With the range of options for nature, museums, and art, you can choose the focus of your hotel stay based on your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Glendive, Richey, Glacier, Powder River County, Judith Basin County, Carter County, Sheridan County, Mineral County.

For the main travel overview: Montana.