Escape to the Wild with a Trip to American Prairie

June 2025

article by Stephanie Toews | photos courtesy of American Prairie

Are you looking for an off-the- beaten-path summer adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, world-class wildlife watching, and an endless supply of uncrowded backcountry? Look no further than American Prairie. This vast, intact expanse of Montana grassland is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored!

Located in Central Montana, American Prairie is a nonprofit organization working to connect, conserve, and share more than 3 million acres of shortgrass prairie. By strategically purchasing small pockets of private land to connect large swaths of public lands, they create critical wildlife corridors, restore prairie habitat, and offer visitors access to Montana’s Northern Great Plains.

Since its inception in 2001, American Prairie has grown from an audacious idea to a vast prairie destination and refuge for hundreds of species. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the state visit the prairie to view wildlife and explore its half-million-acre land base.

EXPERIENCE ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST ICONIC LANDSCAPES

Get off the grid and away from crowds: American Prairie’s units are located on some of the most pristine and remote parts of Montana’s Northern Great Plains. Perfect for dispersed camping, wildlife watching, and hunting, these untouched landscapes offer an unparalleled off- the-grid experience.
View some of America’s most iconic wildlife: American Prairie is home to hundreds of species, including migratory birds, roaming herds of deer, pronghorn, and elk, numerous colonies of prairie dogs, and a growing herd of bison.
Sleep under some of the darkest skies in North America: As a rural and remote destination with little to no light pollution, American Prairie offers world-class night sky viewing to amateur constellation hunters as well as dedicated astrophotographers. American Prairie offers several overnight stay options with facilities ranging from campgrounds to huts and yurts big enough for the whole family.
Bike miles of scenic two-track trails: Pack up the bikes and head out to American Prairie to take advantage of the two-track trails on the PN and Sun Prairie units. Visitors with young children can enjoy the traffic-free riding, while experienced cyclists and bike tourers can design multi-day trips to include the adjacent Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Start your trip with a stop in Lewistown at American Prairie’s National Discovery Center, located at 302 W. Main Street. Their staff is on hand to help you plan your prairie adventure. Check out the interactive exhibits and Night Sky Theater, which explore the nuances and biodiversity of grasslands. Then, take in a few films in the Ken Burns American Heritage Theater, which introduces visitors to American Prairie and its mission. Admission is free and open to all.

It’s just a short drive north from Lewistown on Highway 191 to the prairie. American Prairie offers a range of affordable overnight accommodations to suit every style of adventure:

Tent and RV Sites: Camp under the stars at Antelope Creek Campground and Buffalo Camp, with sites ranging from $14 to $39 per night.
Myers Family Huts: For $178 per night, you can book a hut on the PN Unit, which sleeps up to nine guests. It’s the perfect basecamp for an unforgettable family getaway!

Whether camping under expansive skies, cycling along quiet trails, or experiencing wildlife up close, a trip to American Prairie promises a truly unforgettable, uncrowded, and completely wild adventure.

Originally printed in the June 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Stephanie Toews

Stephanie is finding joy in the journey of faith, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. Writing is her therapy and one of her favorite creative outlets.

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