Charlie Russell’s Backyard Day Drive

Trip Length: 98 miles

A great 2-hour ride makes a loop around the Judith Basin.

Head west down Highway 87 to Stanford and check out the cool little community and businesses there, then backtrack to Windham, where you’ll find the ever-unique Bar 87.

Head south from there to the historic old town of Utica, the early-days home of western artist Charles Russell. Better grab one of the Oxen Yoke’s famous huge hamburgers before heading east again to Hobson. If you don’t mind a mile or so of gravel road, take a detour just west of Hobson 15 miles to Ackley Lake State Park, then back to Hobson, one of the cleanest little towns in Montana.

Be sure to check out Tall Boys Tavern while you’re there…the food is outstanding, and you’ll find authentic Montana Beef being served there…even an order of Rocky Mountain Oysters if you’d like an appetizer! Pick up a couple of necessities at Nancy’s Country Market, then back the 25 miles or so to Lewistown and you’re back where you started. A nice 2-1/4 hour travel time ride.

Gas Locations En-Route: Moore, Eddies Corner, Stanford

Refreshments: Moore, Eddies Corner, Hobson, Windham, Stanford, Utica

Other Things You Might Like

Ackley Lake State Park

Ackley Lake State Park, near Hobson, offers numerous outdoor activities, including motor boating, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, ice fishing, swimming, photography, birding, hiking and j...

Bozeman Loop Day Drive

If you’re up for a day-long ride and the chance to experience some very great riding and scenery, the Bozeman Loop is for you.

Lewistown North and East Day Drive

This is one of the shorter loops. Starting from Lewistown, head north a dozen miles to Hilger, then east to Roy.

Let’s See Some Mountains Day Drive

Looking for a longer drive? A great ride that takes you between, around, and through the mountain ranges of Central Montana takes you past the wind farm at Judith Gap and into Harlowton where you can...

Judith Lookout Peak Day Drive

This beautiful drive up the Judith Mountains crests into a breathtaking view at Judith Peak. On your way up you might notice some old abandoned houses, and structures that have been very weathered. Ba...

Judith Basin Day Drive

Here's a fun drive that loops around the heart of Montana, taking you through some of the best farming and ranching areas around.

Lewistown to Winifred Day Drive

This 45-minute each way ride takes you between the Judith and Moccasin Mountain ranges and north towards the ranching community of Winifred.

Who’s Up For A Steak Day Drive

Want to make a cruise for one of the best-rated steaks in Montana, and top it off with stops at some of the most unique, hidden small bars in the state? Head for Ringling, a tiny out-of-the-way place...

Circle the Highwood Mountains Day Drive

A really fun afternoon ride takes you around the base of Square Butte, to the historic riverboat town of Fort Benton, and around the westerly rim of the Judith Basin, the Highwood Mountain Range.

The Stumble Inn [Hobson]

The Stumble Inn touts five tidy, quaint rooms inspired by art, spirits, and country simplicity! Nestled in between the Snowy and Little Belt mountains, our little motel is ideal for outdoorsmen and wa...

Waterhole Saloon [Stanford]

Since opening our doors, the Waterhole Saloon located in Stanford, Montana on Downtown Main Street has become a favored dining and bar venue. The secret, a desire to simply make you happy.

Oxen Yoke Inn [Utica]

Serves lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee.

Blue Nugget Bar [Utica]

We are a full-service restaurant and bar, with year-round fully furnished cabins, RV Hookups, country store, restaurant, shower house, and so much more!

Tall Boys Tavern and Catering [Hobson]

Tall Boys Tavern is a full service Steakhouse and Tavern in Hobson Montana. We offer catering services statewide. With our versatile food style we have prepared elaborate sit-down dinners for both lar...