Rangers with the Bureau of Land Management’s Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center invite the public to attend free, family-friendly fun activities during July at the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

July 5, 10-11 a.m., and July 12, 1-2 p.m. – Join staff at the MBIC for a ranger chat – “Meandering along the Missouri.” On July 5, meet at the Coal Banks Landing Campground, located on east of Loma, Montana, on Virgelle Ferry Road, along the Missouri River. On July 12, meet at the James Kipp Recreation Area, located along the banks of the Missouri River, near the Fred Robinson Bridge on U.S. Highway 191. Learn more about the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, and let us help you plan your next adventure.

July 11 and 25, 1-2 p.m. – Stop by the MBIC, 701 7th Street, for “Birding in Montana and along the Missouri River.” Wear your walking shoes, as this interpretive program includes a short, guided tour along scenic trails near the center. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. Learn about the local species and how to get started with this wonderful hobby.

July 24, 10 a.m. to noon – Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff from the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park invited us to join their Junior Ranger program for the day. BLM staff will teach participants ancient art and paint making techniques. Rock art has been present in Montana for hundreds of years, and now the newest Junior Rangers will get a chance to make their own. Interested in having your child participate? Reach out to the Montana-FWP staff at 406-866-2217 for more information and to register.

There’s about 377,000 acres of BLM-administered public land within the monument, with land and water features that can satisfy just about everyone’s favorite outdoor recreation activity.

From Fort Benton to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the monument spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River, the adjacent Breaks country, and portions of Arrow Creek, Antelope Creek, and the Judith River.

Call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center for help with planning your visit at 406-622-4000. Or, stop by and chat in person — the MBIC is open for visitors Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including holidays, all summer long. Admission is free for all ages. Review their trip planning information here.

Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River seasonal boating restrictions in effect

Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument staff remind motorized vessel operators of seasonal boating restrictions along river segments designated as wild and scenic.

From June 15 through Sept. 14, seasonally restricted segments within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River include:

• Pilot Rock to Deadman’s Rapids (River Mile 52 to 84.5):

o   Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speeds: every day.

• Holmes Council Island to Fred Robinson Bridge (River Mile 92.5 to 149):

o   Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speeds: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

o   No motorized watercraft travel: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

In these segments, upstream travel by motorized watercraft is limited to administrative, emergency or law enforcement watercraft. A no-wake speed is defined as a speed where no white water occurs in the path of the vessel or in waves created by the vessel.

Open segments allowing motorized travel upstream and downstream all year long are:

• Fort Benton to Pilot Rock (River mile 0 to 52)
• Deadman’s Rapids to Holmes Council Island (River mile 84.5 to 92.5)

Depending on water levels and the size of your boat, there are inherent dangers on the river with gravel bars, rocks, and other hazards.

Monument staff have a few additional reminders for recreationists along the river:

• A lifejacket is required for each passenger in any kind of boat.
• Campers are advised to haul or stage potable water along their routes.
• Personal toilets are required for overnight campers.
• Expect to see cattle grazing along the river.
• To support nesting birds, camping is not allowed on islands until August.
• Avoid camping beneath large cottonwood branches.
• Always file a float plan with friends or a loved one.
• Be bear (and raccoon!) aware and responsible with food.
• Fees paid here stay here; the cash you leave in fee slips pays for maintenance of those exact boat ramps and camp sites.

The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton continues to provide information, and maps and guides for purchase, plus videos about the monument. The center’s hours of operations are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000. To view our maps, guides and regulations online, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/montana-dakotas/upper-missouri-river-breaks/plan.