Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is home to some of Montana’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The Missouri, a National Wild and Scenic River, carves its way through land that has remained mostly untouched since Lewis and Clark traveled through the area over two centuries ago. The monument includes six wilderness study areas, the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern, segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, the Fort Benton National Historic Landmark, a watchable wildlife area and the Missouri Breaks Back Country Byway. The area offers amazing hiking opportunities, and the national monument is a premiere floating and fishing destination. This incredibly stunning place is a must-see for anyone on a summer road trip through Montana. An interpretive center in Fort Benton, Mont., offers an in-depth history of the area, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade era to the expansion of the railroad. From hands-on exhibits and special educational programs to a relaxing riverside walking trail, the center tells about the area’s cultural and natural history. The Interpretive Center is a public-private partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Fort Benton, and the River and Plains Society. To learn more about the national monument and its interpretive center, visit on.doi.gov/1fwEvm2. BLMer and Montana native Alyse Backus invited her father, Perry Backus, to tag along on her journey to capture some of Montana’s greatest places for the “My Public Lands Road Trip.” Also a photographer, he recently photographed the Upper Missouri River Breaks. “My wife and I raised our kids on public lands, and we created some really great memories on Montana’s BLM lands,” said Perry. “I am very proud that my daughter now works for the BLM to continue to preserve these same amazing places. Alyse and I made some more memories traveling to photograph some of these locations for the My Public Lands Road Trip. I am really grateful that I got to tag along and share those experiences with my daughter.” As we wrap up Montana’s portion of the #mypubliclandsroadtrip, we thank you for joining BLM Montana/ Dakotas on this journey and invite you to explore Big Sky Country! Photos of interpretive center courtesy of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center; Photos of Upper Missouri River landscapes courtesy of Perry Backus.

Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument covers about 375,000 acres of BLM-administered public land in central Montana. These lands hold a spectacular array of plant life, wildlife, unique geological features, endless recreational opportunities and significant historical and cultural values. The rugged landscape has retained much of its unspoiled character over the centuries and, as a result, offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and dispersed recreation. The 149-mile Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River flows through the monument. The land and the rugged, surrounding uplands (commonly call the Missouri Breaks) are defined in part by their history. The entire region was the homeland and lifeblood of American Indians. The river served as the pathway for Lewis and Clark, then the waterway for steamboats and a drawing card for fur trappers and traders. Later, the river and the Missouri Breaks were sanctuaries for desperados trying to stay a step ahead of the law. The land was also a source of hope and inspiration for several generations of homesteaders. Today the public lands in the monument make a significant contribution to the local lifestyle and the regional economy. Within the monument you can float the river, fish, hike, hunt, drive for pleasure, find a little solitude, enjoy a sense of exploration or simply marvel at the variety of resources around you. If you cannot float the Upper Missouri or visit the backcountry, you'll still be able to experience the cultural and natural history of the monument at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 701 7th Street, Fort Benton, Montana. For more information, visit on.doi.gov/Mkrw5B Photo by Bob Wick

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Unspoiled and rugged, the lands of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument stretch across almost 375,000 acres in central Montana. Towering cliffs—their slopes fragrant with the sharp smell of sagebrush—flank the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, which flows for 149 miles through the monument. A spectacular array of animals and plants calls this area home, taking advantage of the life-sustaining coulees (natural runoff or drainage areas) that abound. No less notable for its history than for its wildlife, the Upper Missouri River Breaks region was first documented in 1805 by Lewis and Clark, who traveled the river during their expedition west. There, the explorers encountered Native Americans, who had lived in the area for many years. The land later became a source of hope and inspiration for early American settlers, not to mention a sanctuary for outlaws eager to hide in the labyrinth of the badlands. Fur trappers and traders, too, could be seen moving their goods downriver, waters that would later reflect the distinctive designs of modern steamboats powering along. The unique character of the Upper Missouri River Breaks continues to flavor the local lifestyle, boosting the regional economy through tourism and other industries. Since 2001, when a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, the Bureau of Land Management has managed these lands as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument covers about 375,000 acres of BLM-administered public land in central Montana. These lands hold a spectacular array of plant life, wildlife, unique geological features, endless recreational opportunities and significant historical and cultural values. The rugged landscape has retained much of its unspoiled character over the centuries and, as a result, offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and dispersed recreation. The 149-mile Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River flows through the monument. The land and the rugged, surrounding uplands (commonly call the Missouri Breaks) are defined in part by their history. The entire region was the homeland and lifeblood of American Indians. The river served as the pathway for Lewis and Clark, then the waterway for steamboats and a drawing card for fur trappers and traders. Later, the river and the Missouri Breaks were sanctuaries for desperados trying to stay a step ahead of the law. The land was also a source of hope and inspiration for several generations of homesteaders. Today the public lands in the monument make a significant contribution to the local lifestyle and the regional economy. Within the monument you can float the river, fish, hike, hunt, drive for pleasure, find a little solitude, enjoy a sense of exploration or simply marvel at the variety of resources around you. If you cannot float the Upper Missouri or visit the backcountry, you'll still be able to experience the cultural and natural history of the monument at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 701 7th Street, Fort Benton, Montana. For more information, visit on.doi.gov/Mkrw5B Photo by Bob Wick

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Unspoiled and rugged, the lands of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument stretch across almost 375,000 acres in central Montana. Towering cliffs—their slopes fragrant with the sharp smell of sagebrush—flank the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, which flows for 149 miles through the monument. A spectacular array of animals and plants calls this area home, taking advantage of the life-sustaining coulees (natural runoff or drainage areas) that abound. No less notable for its history than for its wildlife, the Upper Missouri River Breaks region was first documented in 1805 by Lewis and Clark, who traveled the river during their expedition west. There, the explorers encountered Native Americans, who had lived in the area for many years. The land later became a source of hope and inspiration for early American settlers, not to mention a sanctuary for outlaws eager to hide in the labyrinth of the badlands. Fur trappers and traders, too, could be seen moving their goods downriver, waters that would later reflect the distinctive designs of modern steamboats powering along. The unique character of the Upper Missouri River Breaks continues to flavor the local lifestyle, boosting the regional economy through tourism and other industries. Since 2001, when a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, the Bureau of Land Management has managed these lands as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia