The museums and old Fort were clean large and well staffed. Very enjoyable and educational. Very complete displays of days gone by.
You are stepping back in time when you go there. The interpretive staff is great at talking to the kids in a way that makes it interesting for both kids and the adults tagging along.
This is a renovated fort with an interesting trade store and museum. There was an area where they had the original foundation from the old fort. Fort Benton is called the birthplace of Montana. It served as the jumping off point for the gold rush. Buy the ticket to see all five museums. They're small and close enough together that you can do them all in a couple of hours. This town is awash with history.
I titled this "Quick Trip" since I was already in MT. It was well worth the effort to make the trip from Havre, MT down to Ft. Benton. I'm not much on Ag. Museums but it had a very extensive museum. I really liked seeing the old equipment, but it's no wonder that farming "back in the day" was a dangerous occupation. The cost of admission also included the fort and the Missouri River Breaks Center. A stretch of the river the Lewis and Clark had to portage due to the falls.
Touring this fort is like having a history lesson come to life. They have accomplished so much. The displays are incredible our guide, Bob, so knowledgeable and so interesting. The art collection is out of this world and beautifully presented. The Fort alone makes it important to visit Fort Benton. Excellent, excellent, excellent.
We bought the package deal, admission to five museums for one price. For senior citizens this was only $8.00. In the heat of the summer ( over 90 degrees) we strongly suggest touring the pioneer town,agricultural machinery and the Fort in the morning. The two museums that are air conditioned deal with the Missouri River and are great for after lunch. The Fort had a guide attired in prairie leathers who was very informative. As far as children go I think the Fort and the pioneer town might be the most interesting.
This is a really interesting place - most of it has been rebuilt but there is still an original section dating back to the 1840s. The interpreter we talked to was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. The setting on the Missouri River is gorgeous.
A very well cared for street that is well maintained. Just loved going through the store and reading the plaques.
The town has done a very good job of interpreting their history, and the river walk is a beautiful way to revisit the story. Shep's monument isn't to be missed.
We made a half day trip to Fort Benton, and wished we had gone for the whole day! The Fort is worth the trip, if nothing else! We didn't have enough time to investigate everything, will be going back. There is Karl Bodner and Bob Scriver artwork that is amazing to see. Such a lot of information and very nice displays. Make sure you walk across the Missouri on the bridge and stop to see Shep. The nicest little town. Make sure you stop on your way through.If you're lucky enough to have time a wonderful dinner, eat at the Grand Union! Superb! (I am SOOO glad we made time to eat!)