Miles City, Montana, is a great place to visit. With its area of just over 2,000 square miles and a population of around 10,000 people, Miles City is the perfect size for visitors who want to get a feel for small-town America.
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The climate in this area is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. Miles City is also famous for the agricultural industry that thrives because of its fertile soils and access to irrigation channels.
People flock from all over to attend Rodeo Days and the Custer County Fair, also known as the Eastern Montana Fair (followed by nearly 85 percent of people in the area).
Other equally exciting things to do include visiting the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, exploring the nature trails at Rosebud Battlefield State city Park, and fishing on the Yellowstone River. You’ll never run out of things to do in Miles City!
A Brief History of Miles City, Eastern Montana
Miles City, Montana, was founded in 1882 by Alexander C. Anderson. The city is named after General Nelson A. Miles, who led troops against the Lakota Sioux at the Battle of Little Bighorn River on June 25, 1876.
Today, Miles City is home to many attractions, including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Saloon, Fort Keogh Historic Site, and several museums highlighting local history!
How’s the Weather Like?
The weather in Miles City is semi-arid with little precipitation. But don’t let that fool you, the place is beautiful and a great tourist destination!
The Miles City weather is perfect for a summer vacation. The area has few natural disasters, and it’s scenic enough that you’ll be distracted from your worries!
10 Things Miles City, Montana Famous For?
- The Museum of the Northern Great Plains is one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. This museum tells the story of the people and cultures who have lived in this area over the centuries.
- Rosebud Battlefield State Park is a great place to go hiking or fishing. The city park features nature trails and a riverfront area to catch trout, bass, and catfish.
- The Yellowstone River is one of Montana’s most popular fishing destinations. The river offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, and catfish.
- Miles City is home to the Rodeo Capital of the World. Every summer, cowboys, and cowgirls from all over the country compete in area rodeos.
- The area around Miles City is home to various wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope. You can see these animals at Yellowstone National Park or the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
- Concerts in the city Park is a free concert series every Friday night from May through August. These concerts feature various styles of music, including country and rock.
- The area around Miles City is home to many national monuments and state parks, including Pompey’s Pillar National Monument, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and Cedar Creek Battlefield State Park.
- Miles City is home to the Mainstreet Round-Up Club, an association of area businessmen who promote the area’s rich history by dressing up like cowboys and driving around in horse-drawn carriages.
- The area around Miles City was a hotspot for cattle drives during the late 19th century. Cowboys from all over the area would bring their cattle to area railheads, where they would load them into trains and ship them all over the country.
- In 1877, a war between the Bannock Indians and local settlers broke out in southeastern Montana after a man named Paris II accused a group of Bannock women of stealing his horses.
- This war continued until 1878 when Paris II and his brother Camille were both captured by area settlers. They were hanged after a brief trial in Miles City, eastern Montana.
Top 10 Things to Do in Miles City, Montana
The following list features the top 10 things to do in Miles City, including visiting local attractions and exploring the city’s scenic nature areas.
1. Visit the Miles City National Wildlife Refuge
Miles City lies in eastern Montana, home to more than 1 million acres of grasslands and rivers.
Miles City National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier places to visit Miles City, with thousands of migratory birds stopping over on their journey north or south along the Central Flyway.
The Refuge was established in 1936 as a refuge and breeding ground for wildlife species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, white-tailed deer, and mule deer.
Miles City National Wildlife Refuge is now home to abundant wildlife, including pheasant, prairie dogs, badgers, and a wide variety of songbirds. Miles City National Wildlife Refuge has six different hiking trails for visitors to explore.
2. Scenic Tour of the Petroglyphs at Pryor Mountain
See the petroglyphs at Pryor Mountain: Miles City is home to the Pryor Mountains, a range of mountains that run east-west and are covered in sagebrush and grasslands.
Visitors can view petroglyphs at Pryor Mountain, which was previously called Big Horn Butte until renamed for Captain Nathaniel Hale Pryor, who led an expedition to explore the Yellowstone River Valley.
The Pryor Mountains are an ancient landmark, and today visitors can enjoy scenic drives and hikes to view the petroglyphs at Pryor Mountain.
3. Nature Drive Down the Tongue River Canyon
Take a scenic drive down the Tongue River Canyon: Miles City’s natural beauty is throughout Miles City, especially in the Tongue River Canyon southeast of town.
The canyon walls reach up 500 feet and stretch for 15 miles. Miles City is also home to Miles City Lake and Glendale Lake, created by mining operations in the 1930s.
Miles City Lake offers a marina, a boat dock with fishing access, picnic tables, and grills for public use.
4. Visit the Custer Battlefield National Monument
Miles City is home to Miles City Battlefield National Monument, where you can explore the site of a battle between General George Armstrong Custer and Native Americans.
The monument preserves the 1876 battlefield at War Bonnet Creek in Montana during a clash between Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho warriors, and United States Army soldiers.
Miles City Battlefield National Monument includes a visitor center, hiking trails, and interpretive talks. Miles City Battlefield National Monument also hosts special events such as buffalo hunts and dances throughout Miles City.
5. Ride horseback through the badlands
Miles City is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and grassy badlands that stretch to the horizon, where buffalo roam free. It offers a scenic view of Miles City from atop a horse as you ride through Miles City’s badlands.
Miles City Badlands offers both guided and unguided horseback riding. It hosts Miles City’s longest-running play, Buffalo High, every summer in July and August. Miles City Badlands provides visitors with a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the year.
6. Shopping in Miles City’s Main Street
The city’s historic downtown area is full of art galleries, boutiques, and local eateries. It features the Miles City Farmers Market every Saturday from May to September, with fresh produce and goods for sale.
The Main Street also offers community events throughout town, including Miles City’s Pumpkin Walk in October and the Holiday Parade during Miles City’s Winter Wonderland in December.
7. Drive or bike along the Yellowstone River Parkway
Miles City is home to the Yellowstone River Parkway, a scenic drive that follows the Yellowstone River from Miles City to Livingston.
The Yellowstone Parkway is a beautiful drive that offers views of the river, rolling hills, and badlands. The parkway is also home to several parks, picnic areas, and fishing access points.
The Yellowstone River Parkway is a great way to spend a day exploring the Miles City area. Visitors can also bike along the parkway for a more active experience.
8. Go camping on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
The town is also home to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful and secluded area that offers camping and fishing opportunities.
The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to camp and fish for trout, bass, and catfish. The refuge also offers several hiking trails and birding opportunities.
The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature.
9. View Miles City’s wildlife, fossils, and more at Miles Community College Museum
Miles Community College Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Miles City area. The museum offers exhibits on local wildlife, fossils, and more. The museum is also home to a research library with over 12,000 items.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Miles City, the Community College Museum is a great place to start.
Other interesting places and events
Bucking Horse Sale
The annual Bucking Horse Sale in Miles City, Montana is a three-day event that takes place every September. The sale attracts buyers and sellers from all over the country, and there’s always a lot of excitement in the air.
Bucking Horse Sale takes place in September, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in buying a new horse or just watching the action, the Bucking Horse Sale is the place to be.
Range Riders Museum
The Range Riders Museum is a fascinating place that preserves the history of the cowboy and ranching culture in the American West.
The museum features exhibits on the history of the cowboy, rodeo, and ranching traditions.
The Range Riders Museum also houses a research library and archives that are open to the public. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the American West.
Tongue River Winery
If you’re ever in the Miles City area, be sure to check out Tongue River Winery. This charming winery is located in the heart of downtown and offers up some of the best wines in the state.
Whether you’re a wine lover or not, you’ll enjoy browsing through the racks of wine bottles, sampling some of the delicious wines, and learning about the winemaking process.
The friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any of your questions, and you’re sure to leave with a few new favorites. So, next time you’re in Montana, be sure to stop by Tongue River Winery for an unforgettable experience.
North Flowing Tongue River
The river is a beautiful and serene place to see. It is the perfect spot to unwind and relax, and the views are simply stunning. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, be sure to check out this river!
This is a great place to spend a day or two. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
And, of course, simply taking in the stunning scenery. If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, this is it!
Fort Keogh
Fort Keogh was a military outpost that was used to protect the settlers in the area and guard the frontier against Native American attacks
The first fort was abandoned after just a few years, but it left a lasting legacy on the town. This moderate sized western fort is certainly a tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss.
If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out the remains of the permanent Fort Keogh. This military outpost was used to protect settlers in the area and guard against Native American attacks.
Miles City Public library and Waterworks Art Museum
The Miles City Public Library is a great place to go for all of your reading needs. They have a wide selection of books, magazines, and newspapers to choose from. If you’re looking for something to read, the library is definitely the place to go.
The Waterworks Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers. The museum is home to a wide variety of artwork, from paintings and sculptures to drawings and prints. The pieces on display come from all over the world, with a particular focus on American and European art.
What’s really impressive about the Waterworks Art Museum is the way it’s been designed. The building itself is a work of art, and the galleries are arranged in a way that makes them easy to navigate. The museum also has a cafe and a gift shop, so you can make a day of it.
Best Places to Stay in Miles City, Montana
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that offers plenty of activities and things to do, Miles City, Montana, should be at the top of your list. This charming town is located in the heart of the beautiful Big Sky Country and offers visitors a variety of accommodations, including hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Here are three of the best places to stay in town:
The Hotel Miles City
This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Miles City and features beautiful architecture and historical charm. The hotel offers guests a variety of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center.
The Inn at Rosebud
This inn is located in the historic town of Forsyth, ten miles south of Miles City. The inn is situated on over four acres of land and features guest rooms overlooking the Yellowstone River.
Two Rivers Ranch B & B
This ranch is located just outside Miles City and offers guests a variety of amenities, including an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as access to the ranch’s horses and trails.
Conclusion
Miles City, Montana, has so much to offer. Whether you are looking for a perfect fishing spot, a fantastic hike, want some fresh berries, or want to take part in the Eastern Montana Fair, there is something in Miles City that will suit your needs.
There’s never a dull moment when visiting this beautiful little city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains!
In summary, if you’re looking for fun outdoor activities and can’t find them where – they don’t exist.