Fort Benton: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Fort Benton, situated along the Missouri River in Montana, holds significant historical importance as one of the oldest settlements in the American West. Founded in 1846 as a fur trading post, the town served as a vital river port and transportation hub during the steamboat era of the mid-19th century. Known as the "Birthplace of Montana," Fort Benton played a crucial role in the territory's early development and the region's economic growth.

The town's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its well-preserved historic district, which includes original buildings from its steamboat days and the iconic Grand Union Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Montana. Fort Benton's museums and historic sites document its importance in Western expansion, Native American relations, and the development of river commerce in the American frontier.