If you’ve never heard of Fort Peck Lake, you’re in for a treat. Stretching across nearly 250,000 acres in northeastern Montana, Fort Peck is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States — and one of the most underrated destinations in the entire state.
Just 30 miles northeast of Circle, Fort Peck Lake is close enough for a day trip but big enough to keep you busy all week. Whether you’re pulling a boat, looking to cast a line, or simply chasing a Montana sunset over the water, this is the kind of place that reminds you why you left the city behind.
Fort Peck Dam The Fort Peck Dam is one of the largest hydraulic earth-filled dams in the world, and it’s worth a visit on its own. Built during the Great Depression as part of the New Deal, the dam stands as a remarkable piece of American history and engineering. Walk the grounds, take in the scale of it, and appreciate what it took to build something like this in the middle of the Montana plains.
The Marina Fort Peck’s marina is the perfect launch point for a day on the water. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are all popular here, and the wide open reservoir means you’ll rarely feel crowded. The views from the water are something else entirely — big sky, rolling hills, and miles of shoreline that seem to go on forever.
The Interpretive Center History buffs and families will love the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, which features dinosaur fossils discovered in the area, exhibits on the dam’s construction, and displays on the native wildlife and ecosystem of the Missouri River. It’s educational, well-done, and genuinely fascinating — and admission is free.
Plan Your Visit Fort Peck is the perfect add-on to any stay at Travelers Inn. Head up in the morning, spend the day on the lake, and be back in Circle for dinner at The Corner Bar. It doesn’t get much better than that.