C.M. Russell Auto Tour

C.M. Russell Auto Tour is an incredible day drive in Central Montana. The loop is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Great Falls to Lewistown and back.

The drive features the Charles M. Russell Trail, which the Montana Legislature designated the part of Highway 87 between Great Falls and Lewistown.

C.M. Russell's art is a window into the history of Montana's American Indians, wildlife, cowboys, landscape, miners, and industrial revolution. Much of the scenery on this drive is mountain ranges, farmland, and plains.

Take US 87 north of Great Falls into historic Fort Benton. Cross the mighty Missouri River on MT 80 and drive past Geraldine and Square Butte. Take MT Highway 81 at the junction and drive to Lewistown. On your way back, you'll take US 87 from Lewistown to Great Falls. This route is the CM Russell Trail.

You'll encounter many scenes along the drive that was the inspiration for and can be seen in Russell paintings today.

For directions and landmarks to see on your trip, see here.