Kevin League
The Yellowstone River carved a corridor through eastern Montana that has drawn people for thousands of years—and the small towns along its banks carry that history with pride. This itinerary pairs the rugged beauty of the Terry Badlands Overlook—a top-tier stargazing destination on Montana’s Trail to the Stars—with the river, the history and the unexpected delights of Prairie County.
Prairie Unique, Terry, Visit Southeast Montana
Terry is the kind of town you don’t forget. Small, genuine and full of character, it sits along the Yellowstone River with the badlands rising dramatically to the south. Check into the historic Kempton Hotel, a beautifully restored property that gives you an immediate sense of the town’s spirit and history.
Spend the afternoon exploring: Browse Prairie Unique and other local shops on Main Street, take a walk along the Yellowstone, and visit the Evelyn Cameron Gallery at the Prairie County Museum to learn about the remarkable British photographer who documented early ranch life in this region with extraordinary artistry. Cameron’s work is internationally celebrated—and it’s right here in Terry.
Overnight at the Kempton Hotel in Terry.
Terry Badlands, Visit Southeast Montana
In the morning, drive south of town to explore the Terry Badlands—a striking landscape of eroded buttes, coulees and open grassland that feels like the edge of the world. The Terry Badlands Overlook is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in eastern Montana, and it’s a designated stargazing site on Montana’s Trail to the Stars.
Spend a few hours hiking, photographing and soaking in the solitude before returning to Terry for a leisurely afternoon along the river. The Yellowstone here is wide, braided and beautiful—a great spot for fishing, birdwatching or simply sitting on the bank.
Return to the Terry Badlands Overlook after dark. With minimal light pollution and an expansive sky above the open badlands, this is one of the best places in Southeast Montana to watch for satellites, count shooting stars and trace the arc of the Milky Way. The overlook’s elevated position and unobstructed sightlines make it exceptional.
Overnight at the Kempton Hotel in Terry.
Yellowstone River, Nathan Satran Photography
Spend your final morning along the Yellowstone River before heading home. Drive out to one of the fishing access sites west of town and walk the riverbank—fish, birdwatch or hunt for Montana moss agates along the gravel bars. The Yellowstone is one of the longest undammed rivers in the contiguous U.S., and its cottonwood shores have a stillness that's increasingly rare. A perfect send-off.
