Montana is full of scenic highways, but the Big Sky Back Country Byway holds a special place among those who know it. Connecting the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers across the wide open plains of eastern Montana, this route is as much a journey through American history as it is a drive through breathtaking landscape.
The Route The Big Sky Back Country Byway winds through some of the most open and untouched terrain in the lower 48. Stretching between the Yellowstone River to the south and the Missouri River to the north, the byway passes through small ranching communities — including Circle — where the pace of life is slow and the scenery is anything but ordinary.
What to Expect Wide open skies, rolling grasslands, and the occasional pronghorn crossing the road ahead of you. This is not a drive for people in a hurry. It’s a drive for people who want to feel something — the quiet, the space, and the rare sense that you’ve found a piece of America that hasn’t changed much in a hundred years.
Circle as Your Midpoint Travelers Inn sits right along this route, making Circle the perfect place to stop, rest up, and take it all in. Whether you’re driving the full byway or just passing through, spending a night in Circle gives you the chance to explore the area at your own pace before continuing on your way.
A Drive Worth Taking If you’ve never driven the Big Sky Back Country Byway, add it to your list. Pack snacks, fill the tank, and give yourself a full day to enjoy it. You won’t regret it.