Fort Peck, Montana: Gateway to Wild Waters and Prehistoric Wonders

Where Engineering Marvels Meet Montana's Untamed Wilderness

Nestled along the mighty Missouri River in northeastern Montana, Fort Peck beckons adventurers with its fascinating blend of engineering marvels and untamed wilderness. This small town of just 239 residents stands in the shadow of the colossal Fort Peck Dam, a Depression-era engineering feat that created one of Montana's most spectacular playgrounds. Fort Peck Lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline invite explorers to discover hidden coves, while the surrounding badlands conceal prehistoric treasures waiting to be unearthed. From dinosaur fossils to trophy walleye fishing, from summer theater performances to vast wilderness trails, Fort Peck offers an unexpected adventure at the crossroads of human ingenuity and wild Montana landscapes. Here, where the prairie meets the water, history and adventure flow together like the currents of the ancient Missouri.

Quick Facts

Population: 239 (2020 Census)
County: Valley County
Founded: Trading post established in 1867; current town built in 1934
Elevation: 2,178 ft
Known For: Fort Peck Dam (one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world), Fort Peck Lake, dinosaur fossils, summer theater
Nearby Landmarks: Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri River Breaks, Fort Peck Interpretive Center
Fun Fact: Fort Peck Dam and its construction were featured on the first cover of Life Magazine in November 1936, photographed by Margaret Bourke-White

Notable People & Pop Culture

Ron Hauge – Emmy award-winning writer for The Simpsons who grew up in Fort Peck
Wayne Hawkins – Professional football player born in Fort Peck who played as a guard for the Oakland Raiders
Life Magazine Cover (1936) – Fort Peck Dam construction was featured on the inaugural cover of this iconic American publication

Top Things to Do in Fort Peck

✧ Fort Peck Dam – Marvel at one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, spanning 3.5 miles across the Missouri River
✧ Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum – Encounter Peck's Rex, a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, and learn about the area's rich paleontological history
✧ Fort Peck Lake – Experience world-class fishing, boating, and water recreation on Montana's largest body of water with 1,500 miles of shoreline
✧ Fort Peck Summer Theatre – Enjoy professional theatrical productions in a historic 1934 theater that once entertained dam workers

Local Industry & Economy

Fort Peck's economy is intricately tied to its natural resources, engineering heritage, and recreational opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains the cornerstone employer, providing stable government jobs for many residents who oversee the dam operations, powerhouses, lake management, and dredge cuts. Tourism and recreation form the second pillar of the local economy, with Fort Peck Lake drawing visitors for world-class fishing, boating, and camping. The lake is renowned for its walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout fishing, attracting sport fishermen year-round. Cultural tourism has emerged as a growing sector, centered around the historic Fort Peck Theatre and the Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum. Small businesses catering to visitors—including lodging, dining, boat rentals, guide services, and retail—form an important part of the economic landscape. Agriculture remains relevant in the surrounding Valley County region, with ranching and farming operations contributing to the broader area's economic base. Looking toward the future, Fort Peck's economic development strategies focus on balancing environmental conservation with sustainable tourism growth.

History & Heritage

The story of Fort Peck is a fascinating journey through Montana's evolution, from indigenous homeland to trading post, from massive New Deal project to modern recreation destination. Long before European settlement, the lands surrounding present-day Fort Peck were home to indigenous peoples, particularly the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Fort Peck's recorded history begins in 1867, when Colonel Campbell K. Peck and his business partner Elias H. Durfee established a presence in the region. Their trading firm, Durfee and Peck, sent company employee Abe Farwell to construct a trading post along the Missouri River. This original Fort Peck trading post quickly established a virtual monopoly in trade with the Sioux and Assiniboine peoples.

After serving as an Indian agency from 1873 until 1878, Fort Peck's modern incarnation began during the Great Depression, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs sought to create jobs while developing national infrastructure. In 1933, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected the site for one of the nation's most ambitious public works projects: the construction of the massive Fort Peck Dam across the Missouri River. A new town was constructed in 1934 specifically to house the engineers and administrators overseeing the project. At its peak in 1936, the project employed over 10,450 workers, creating a bustling community in what had been sparsely populated prairie just years before.

The Fort Peck Dam project captured the nation's imagination, symbolizing American resilience during the Great Depression. When the first issue of Life Magazine launched in November 1936, its cover featured Margaret Bourke-White's dramatic photograph of the Fort Peck Dam. Completed in 1940, the dam stands as an engineering marvel—one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, spanning 3.5 miles across the Missouri River. Today, Fort Peck's heritage is preserved through several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Fort Peck Original Houses Historic District, the Fort Peck Theatre, and several government buildings from the dam construction era.

Seasonal Activities & Local Events

Spring/Summer: Water recreation dominates with boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on Fort Peck Lake. The Fort Peck Summer Theatre season runs from June through September, presenting a variety of productions. Powerhouse tours at the Fort Peck Dam operate during summer months, offering visitors a glimpse inside this engineering marvel.
Fall/Winter: The fall hunting season brings opportunities for deer, elk, and upland game birds in the surrounding wildlife refuge. Winter brings ice fishing on the frozen lake, with anglers setting up ice houses to catch northern pike, walleye, and perch. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available on ungroomed trails when snow conditions permit.
Annual Events: Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament (July), Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performances (Summer), Hell Creek Fishing Tournament (June), Fort Peck Interpretive Center Special Exhibits (year-round), and Fourth of July Celebration with parade and fireworks over the lake.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

Fort Peck is located in Valley County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Glasgow, Montana. The primary access route is via Montana Highway 24, which connects to US Highway 2 at Glasgow. From Billings, Montana's largest city, Fort Peck is approximately a 4.5-hour drive (270 miles) via US-87 N and US-2 E. For visitors coming from the east, Fort Peck is about 50 miles west of the North Dakota border.

Nearby destinations worth exploring include Glasgow (20 miles northwest) with additional dining, shopping, and lodging options; the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounding much of Fort Peck Lake; the Missouri River Breaks with its dramatic white cliffs described by Lewis and Clark; and Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge (85 miles north), home to one of the largest pelican colonies in the United States.

Where to Stay in Fort Peck

Visitors to Fort Peck will find a range of accommodation options that blend historical charm with access to Montana's spectacular outdoor playground. The historic Fort Peck Hotel stands as the centerpiece of local accommodations. Originally built in the 1930s to house officials overseeing the massive dam construction project, this charming property offers a genuine step back in time. Though maintaining its distinctive Depression-era architectural character, the rooms were thoughtfully remodeled in 1993 to provide modern comforts while preserving historical authenticity.

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more immersive connection with Fort Peck's natural beauty, the area offers exceptional camping opportunities. Fort Peck Lake features six developed recreation areas within a few miles of the dam, each providing access to the lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. The Downstream Campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides well-maintained sites with electrical hookups, modern restrooms, and shower facilities. For a more secluded experience, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounding much of Fort Peck Lake permits camping throughout its boundaries. The Pines Campground, approximately 20 miles southwest of the dam, comes highly recommended by locals for its scenic beauty and excellent photography opportunities.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Fort Peck? Add it to your Montana travel itinerary and discover the charm, history, and adventure waiting in Big Sky Country.