Big Sandy, Montana is all about embracing the simple, rural lifestyle and the great outdoors. While it lacks major attractions, restaurants, and arts/cultural centers found in big cities, there are still plenty of popular pastimes and recreation that locals and visitors enjoy, including:
Outdoor Activities:
- Hunting & fishing - The area is renowned for excellent fishing on the Milk River and pheasant and deer hunting opportunities in the fields and river forests nearby.
- Bear Paw Mountains - These scenic mountains south of town offer fantastic skiing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more through mountain meadows and pine forests. The Bear Paw Ski Bowl is just 50 minutes northeast of Big Sandy and 100% volunteer ran on the Native Indian reservation.
- Milk River - Known for its blue ribbon trout fishing as well as canoeing, kayaking, and rafting opportunities.
- Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area - Wetlands area perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing
Local Attractions & Events:
- Big Sandy Rodeo & Stampede - Annual July 4th tradition featuring rodeo competitions, games, music, and fireworks display. A can't-miss event.
- Montana Dinosaur Trail - Showcases fossil sites, museums, and excavations in the region where dinosaurs roamed 75 million years ago.
- Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and Pow Wows - Experience Native American heritage by attending traditional pow wows with music, dancing, arts & crafts.
Recreation
- Bowling alley, movie theater, and mini golf at local rec center.
- High school sports are also hugely popular with locals to watch and show community spirit.
So while Big Sandy is off the beaten path, neighbors share a simple life of food, faith, agriculture, rodeos, community gatherings, and the peace found in Montana's rivers, prairies, and mountains just outside their doorstep.
Here are some of the top attractions and destinations in Montana and their distance/drive times from Big Sandy:
• Yellowstone National Park - 281 miles – 4.5 hour drive
Iconic national park featuring dramatic geothermal activity, abundant wildlife, and grand landscapes. Highlights include Old Faithful, huge Grand Prismatic Spring, and incredible hiking.
• Glacier National Park - 185 miles – 3.5 hour drive
Over 1 million acres of rugged forest, alpine meadows, carved glacial peaks, and isolated mountain lakes. Excellent hiking, boating, camping. Famous Going-to-the-Sun Road offers breathtaking vistas.
• Great Falls - 78 miles - 1 hour 15-min. drive
This small city features the majestic Great Falls of the Missouri River with scenic walking trails, wildlife viewing. Also home to museums like Giant Springs State Park, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. This is also where the closest international airport is to Big Sandy & where you can find your closest Target.
• Fort Peck Lake - 212 miles – 3.5 hour drive
Montana’s largest body of water. Popular recreational destination for boating, watersports, fishing, and enjoying the views.
• Makoshika State Park “Badlands” - 344 miles - 5.5 hour drive
Striking badlands geology with otherworldly rock formations, fossils, and dramatic vistas. Great hiking, camping, wildlife viewing in a unique landscape.
With Big Sandy positioned in north central Montana, some of the state’s most treasured sites and national parks are within a comfortable days drive for weekend getaways and family vacations.