The Grand Union Hotel provides 26 exquisitely restored rooms, many of which enjoy a view of the Missouri River and park. Guestrooms are accessed by either the original black walnut grand staircase or by elevator. The hotel has a riverside restaurant with seasonal outdoor dining, a lively brewpub and a unique gift shop. Due to its award winning restoration, the Grand Union Hotel has preserved the historical character of Montana's oldest operating hotel and one of its most famous landmarks.
Our outfitters have been lauded by famed Lewis and Clark scholar, Stephen Ambrose, who even mentioned them in his work "Undaunted Courage," saying "The White Cliffs can be seen only from small boat or canoe. Put in at Fort Benton and take out three or four days later at Judith Landing. Missouri River Outfitters...rents canoes or provides a guided tour...of all the historic and/or scenic sights we have visited in the world, this is number one. We have made the trip ten times."
Dinner: A delightful welcome dinner at the Grand Union HotelEvening: Our group leader and history professor from the University of Billings, Dr. Keith Edgerton, will orient us to our upcoming adventure with a regional and historical overview this evening.
Then relax, and get to know your fellow adventurers on the patio at the Grand Union.Lodging: Grand Union HotelMeals Included: Dinner
Even if you've never been in a canoe before, our expert guides will show you the ropes and you'll be comfortable by noon!
Our expert team of guides includes Professor Keith Edgerton, with a PhD in History from the University of Montana-Billings, Renee Macdonald, with an MA in teaching; and Nicole Warren, an educator.Lunch: Lunch at Coal Banks LandingAfternoon: After our delightful lunch, load canoes and depart on the river. We will be flowing with the current the entire journey. Along the way we will stop and view Native American habitation sites and we will have geology overview discussions at several key spots.Dinner: Gourmet dinner provided by Meredith, one of our outfitters and former gourmet chef.Evening: Camp at Eagle Creek in the precise spot that the expedition camped, May 31, 1805, facing the famed White Cliffs of the Missouri, and experience what Lewis called “scenes of visionary enchantment.” We’ll spend plenty of time talking, reading, journaling and reflecting around the campfire at night. It is one of the most beautiful and enchanting spots in America enhanced considerably by the care and attention provided by the Missouri River Outfitters. One has not truly lived until they’ve been served fresh brie and chilled chardonnay while lounging in a camp chair, ankle deep in the refreshing waters of the Upper Missouri River.Lodging: Camping along the Missouri RiverMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll do an incredible hike through a slot canyon behind our campsite of about 2.5 miles round trip....up and over several small rocks, that require us to "scramble" and help each other.
Although it's always optional, everyone wants to take this hike which runs through river bottom and into the river sandstone that abuts the river. (Even those with knee and hip replacements find no problem on this hike!)Lunch: Lunch at Eagle CreekAfternoon: After breaking camp, we’ll canoe downriver to Hole-in-the-Wall campground; this particular spot offers the best swimming and star-gazing on the upper Missouri. Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including numerous bald eagle nesting sights. Every day there will be water birds galore, including the majestic and ubiquitous Missouri River pelicans.Dinner: Another sumptuous dinner by our chef extraordinaire.Evening: Camp at Hole in the Wall. In the evening around the campfire we’ll talk more of the regional history, the geology, and the Native American perspective on the land that surrounds us.Lodging: Camping along the Missouri RiverMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner