What to Do in Glasgow, MT: Fort Peck Lake, Dinosaurs, Restaurants + More!
Glasgow, Montana is a small, remote town located in the Missouri River Country region of the state of Montana. Glasgow is filled with scenic rolling plains, which can make for some beautiful views and tons of open farmland. Don’t let the small town confuse you though, there are a lot of tourist attractions and things to do in Glasgow that make it a great vacation spot, especially if you want to enjoy a quaint small-town getaway.
Today we are going to be diving into attractions, dining selections, and the very best in lodging in Glasgow, making this your ultimate Travel Guide!
Must-Do Activities in Glasgow, Montana
Let’s start with the best things to do and see in Glasgow, MT, including museums, dinosaurs, craft beer, and more!
Glasgow Valley County Pioneer Museum
The Valley County Pioneer Museum allows visitors to learn and experience the history of Glasgow. They have kept a wide range of records, antiques, and artifacts. In fact, this museum is home to the largest Assiniboine collection in the United States. (The Assiniboine are Native Americans originally from the area of the Northern Great Plains.)
Additionally, you will see displays of historic railroads, wildlife, aviation, and so much more.
Fort Peck Lake: Montana’s Largest Water Reservoir
Fort Peck Lake is the largest reservoir of water in Montana, stretching for 134 miles. The lake is roughly a 20-minute drive southeast of Glasgow.
Fort Peck Lake is a popular place for outdoor recreation, especially for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The reservoir serves more than an entertainment purpose. Fort Peck Reservoir is the result of the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River, which is one of the world’s largest earth filled dams and was a major project of the “New Deal” initiated during the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Fort Peck Dam was completed in 1940. It was built to control flooding along the Missouri River and create hydroelectricity. The dam and resulting reservoir also provide irrigation water for farms and ranches around the area.
Fort Peck Interpretive Center
While visiting Fort Peck Lake near Glasgow, don’t miss the Fort Peck Interpretive Center.
The Fort Peck Interpretive Center is great for exploration and discovery. The facility houses two of the largest aquariums in the state of Montana including species coming from Montana’s own Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River.
A cool fun fact about the Center is that it is home to Peck’s Rex, the Tyrannosaurus Rex that was discovered just 20 miles southeast of Fort Peck back in 1997.
This is a great stop for interaction and visitors of all ages will love it. During the summer, the Interpretive Center even hosts various workshops and activities for children to participate in.
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum
Want more dinosaurs? Then we have a bonus Glasgow stop for you. If you love dinosaurs, drive an hour west from Glasgow along Highway 2 to Malta, where you’ll find the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum.
As mentioned, this museum is not actually located in Glasgow, but if you are staying in Glasgow, it is worth the drive to visit to see some of the most pristine and well-kept dinosaur fossils in the country.
The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is home to Giffen, Montana’s first scientifically collected Stegosaurus, Leonardo, a Brachylophosaurus, which has been recognized as the most complete “mummy” dinosaur in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records and a few other history-making specimens!
Keep in mind if you plan to make the trip, the museum is only open from the months of May-September and is closed for the Winter.
Read More: Best Dinosaur Museums in Montana Along the Dinosaur Trail
Busted Knuckle Brewery
Busted Knuckle Brewery was established in 2014 by Ben Boreson after he was gifted a homebrew kit by his mother. Ben spent 30 years as a mechanic fixing cars when he shifted his focus and opened up Busted Knuckle.
Today, it is the only establishment of its kind in the Glasgow area and they serve 12 hand-crafted beers, a hard seltzer, wine, kombucha, as well as homemade root beer and cream soda! It is a must-stop when visiting Glasgow.
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
If you are looking for a spot of relaxation, the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is a place that you will not want to miss. The Spring is filled daily coming from a well that is 3,200 feet deep and gives 900 gallons of water per minute at 108 degrees.
There are pools, a sauna, as well as a hot tub to enjoy the sights and relax in. These pools are cleaned and refilled daily to help ensure that you are having a healthy and clean experience.
—> Read More: The Best Hot Springs in Montana
Where to Stay in Glasgow, Montana
Rundle Suites: The Rundle Suites is a historic hotel located in downtown Glasgow. The great thing about Rundle Suites is that it is very close to a lot of the hustle and bustle that Glasgow has to offer, and the team at Rundle is more than willing to provide recommendations and guidance to ensure that you have an excellent stay in Glasgow. The hotel has been recently renovated and the rooms and the structure itself are absolutely beautiful. The Rundle Suites embodies Glasgow and is always a highly recommended option for lodging when visiting the city.
Fort Peck Hotel: The Fort Peck Hotel is another lodging option that has a great history in the city of Glasgow. It was constructed in the 1930s with the intent to house officers, diplomats, and other important leaders from around the world during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam. It is known as the “Old Wooden Hotel” and if you are looking for a place that has history, great food, and affordable rates…the Fort Peck Hotel is the right choice for you.
Cottonwood Inn & Suites: The Cottonwood Inn & Suites is another great lodging option in Glasgow. Not only do they have beautiful rooms for your stay, but they are also fully equipped with “The Wood” full-service restaurant, a relaxing pool, and the Lounge & Casino. The Cottonwood Lounge & Casino is filled with 10 televisions, casino games, and a full bar making it the perfect place to hang out and enjoy your time without needing to leave the comfort of your hotel.
Campbell Lodge: This is a no-frills motel that is a bit dated, but a great option for budget travelers. It has air conditioning in the rooms and there is free Wi-Fi. Guests also receive a continental breakfast.
Places to Eat in Glasgow, MT
Eugene’s Pizza: If you’re looking for some delicious pizza in Glasgow, Eugene’s is the place to go! Eugene’s has around 14 specialty pizzas with unique names, including “The Heart Attack”, “Volcanic Chicken”, “Taco Wabo” and many more! If you are not interested in one of their specialties, you can also create your own. In addition to pizza, Eugene’s also offers fried chicken, a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and delicious appetizers.
Flip Burgers and Treats: FLIP reminds me of your old-school diner burgers, fries, and ice cream. They offer 100% Montana-raised beef burgers in a variety of options and specialties. Some of the most popular options include the house named, “FLIP burger”, “Blues Burger”, “Eugene’s Pizza Burger” (that’s right, a partnership with the above named, Eugene’s Pizza), and the “Big Kahuna”. In addition to burgers, FLIP offers a variety of sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a glacier, shake, or a float!
Durum Restaurant & Bar: If you’re looking for a more upscale meal, Durum Restaurant & Bar would make for a great option. Durum has a lot of decadent meals to choose from including pasta dishes, seafood, hearty steaks, and more. They are known for their steaks, which are all fresh Angus beef hand-cut in the restaurant. Pair yours with some of their delicious toppings including roasted garlic, bleu cheese butter, or haystack onions.
Oasis Lounge Eatery & Casino: Looking for some good eats and fun? The Oasis Lounge Eatery & Casino is a great way to do that. A bonus is that because they are attached to the casino, they are open 24 hours so they are always available when you need a meal. Their menu consists of your typical diner-type meals including breakfast platters, appetizers, sandwiches, as well as soups and salads. Their menu is quite extensive and has a lot of variety which makes it a great option for a lot of different tastes.
The Wood: The Wood is a great family-friendly restaurant and is conveniently located inside the Cottonwood Inn & Suites. They are open daily from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm offering a menu of great options for any time of the day. The Wood specializes in hearty meals that are made fresh for their guests. Here you can find anything from breakfast to soup and sandwiches, as well as seafood and steak platters. The Wood makes for a great option for quality food at an affordable cost for your family.
Enjoy your time in Glasgow, Montana!
Spending more time in Montana’s Missouri River Country? Check out our Sidney Travel Guide article, too! Heading west? Read about the hidden gem town of Havre and Shelby, too.
