‘High, wide and handsome’ A historical and scenic take on the Missouri Breaks

Looking downriver from the Fort Benton Bridge over the Missouri

Carter Ferry is another operating ferry on the Upper Missouri about 47 miles upriver from Virgelle Ferry.

Established in 1913, the Virgelle Ferry is one of three ferries still running seasonally on the Upper Missouri River and is operated by Chouteau County as a road service. There is no charge to have your car ferried across the river.

Wide open spaces and big sky define the Missouri River Breaks landscape.

Built in 1882, the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton sits right on the banks of the Missouri River and is the oldest operating hotel in Montana. In Fort Benton’s heyday during the steamboat era, the hotel was considered the finest accommodations between St. Louis and Seattle. The 138-year hotel has been restored to its original elegance and offers 26 modern guest rooms. — photo provided by Grand Union Hotel

Climbing back up on the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument bench after crossing the Missouri River on the Virgelle Ferry, one of three operating ferries on the river. The Bears Paw Mountain Range is visible off to the northeast and is where Nez Perce Chief Joseph surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1877. The rifle he used as a symbolic gesture is on display at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton.

An online search of the Virgelle Mercantile says the mercantile was built in 1912, the same year the town of Virgelle was founded by Virgil and Ella Blankenbaker, and was a shipping point for area homesteaders. Besides two antique shops, the mercantile has rooms on its second floor and fully restored, genuine guest cabins available for overnight guests.