Big Sky to Valentine: A Montana-Nebraska Road Trip Guide

This 800-mile route traverses the Gallatin Range, crosses the Missouri River at Fort Benton, and descends into Nebraska's Sandhills. It mirrors the path of the Lewis and Clark expedition, though modern US-191 and US-83 offer a straight shot. One odd fact: the road between Jordan, MT and Valentine passes through the CMR National Wildlife Refuge, where pronghorn outnumber people.

The drive takes roughly 12 hours without stops, but plan for two days to appreciate the landscapes. Discover how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities with Wayro's tips.

Gas stations become sparse east of Malta, MT—fill up there. The longest stretch without services is from Glasgow, MT to Valentine, NE via US-2 and US-83: about 200 miles with only the tiny town of Wolf Point offering fuel. Plan your tank accordingly.

• Best fuel stops: Bozeman (many options), Fort Benton (one station), Malta (two stations), Glasgow (several), Wolf Point (one).
• Estimated fuel cost: $100–$120 for a standard sedan.
• Driving time: 11–13 hours of pure driving.

Is it worth driving this route? Absolutely, if you enjoy vast open spaces, wildlife, and historical markers. The solitude of the Montana Hi-Line and Nebraska Sandhills is unmatched.

From the towering peaks of the Gallatin Range to the rolling Nebraska Sandhills, the route spans multiple ecosystems. Key natural attractions include the Missouri River Breaks near Fort Benton and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

• Gallatin Canyon: Scenic drive along US-191 with limestone cliffs.
• Missouri River Breaks: Lewis and Clark's portage route; hike the White Cliffs.
• CMR Refuge: Pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
• Sandhills: Largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere; unique grass-stabilized dunes.

Commerce is sparse but authentic. In Malta, visit the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum. Valentine hosts cowboy poetry gatherings and local art galleries. The route passes through several small towns where you can buy local honey or bison jerky.

Roads are mostly two-lane highways with high speed limits (65–75 mph). Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk: deer, antelope, and cattle. Cell service is spotty east of Zortman, MT. Download offline maps.

• Rest stops: Fort Benton's historic district, Malta's city park, Glasgow's Valley View Park.
• Family-friendly: Fort Benton's Lewis and Clark Memorial, Glasgow's Pioneer Museum, Valentine's Niobrara River kayaking.
• Pet-friendly: Most motels in Bozeman and Malta accept pets; rest stops have grassy areas.

To combat fatigue, stop every two hours. The stretch between Malta and Glasgow is particularly monotonous—listen to audiobooks or podcasts. The CMR Refuge offers pull-offs for stretching legs.