Outdoor Recreation

About 40 miles from Sidney, this small fishing access site offers a boat ramp and space for shoreline angling. It’s ideal for a quiet afternoon of fishing in a rural setting.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 40 miles

Just 23 miles from Sidney, this scenic and historic site marks the meeting of two mighty rivers. Enjoy the interpretive trails, visit the small gift shop, and learn about the site’s significance to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

• Type: Historical Point, River Access
• Distance from Sidney: 23 miles

Local Fish Species

About 37 miles from Sidney, this small river access point near Culbertson offers basic fishing opportunities on the Missouri River. It’s a quiet location suited for those who enjoy no-frills angling in scenic surroundings.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 37 miles

Just five miles from Sidney, Diamond Willow provides a peaceful outdoor setting with easy access to the river. Shaded campsites, picnic tables, and fire rings make it ideal for families, while anglers appreciate the quiet fishing opportunities.

• Type: Park, Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 5 miles

About 20 miles from Sidney, Elk Island is a scenic fishing access site with a hand-launch area for small watercraft. Be advised not to follow Google Maps directly to the location—check locally for the best route in. It’s a quiet spot for fishing and enjoying the untouched beauty of the Yellowstone River.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 20 miles

Located 140 miles from Sidney, this 32-mile open-air art gallery in the rural countryside west of Regent, the Enchanted Highway delights travelers with some of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures. Created by local artist Gary Greff, a retired schoolteacher, this roadside spectacle transforms ordinary prairie highway 21 into a whimsical journey through giant geese, deer, grasshoppers, pheasants, and even a full “Tin Family.” Each sculpture site includes spacious pull-offs, interpretive kiosks, and picnic areas for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The journey begins at I‑94 Exit 72 near Gladstone with the “Geese in Flight” monument—the largest metal sculpture in the world—soaring over 100 feet into the sky. From there, the route leads past six more colossal works: “Deer Crossing,” “Grasshoppers in the Field,” “Fisherman’s Dream,” “Pheasants on the Prairie,” “Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again,” and the iconic “World’s Largest Tin Family,” culminating at the Enchanted Castle gift shop and motel in Regent.

This unique art tour is a testament to rural creativity and community spirit. Greff constructed the sculptures using recycled oil tanks and well pipe metal, placing them on land donated by local farmers. The State of North Dakota now helps maintain the route to ensure it remains a lasting tribute to small-town vision and artistry.

Plan your visit

• Start at I‑94 Exit 72 and follow the numbered sculptures along Highway 21.
• Each stop features parking, interpretive signage, and wheelchair access.
• Enjoy a picnic or stretch your legs at rest stops between installations.
• End your journey in Regent with a stay at the castle-themed motel.

Whether you’re making a quick photo stop or planning a scenic half-day adventure, the Enchanted Highway offers a delightful blend of art, humor, and big-sky charm—right off the interstate and off the beaten path.

Located just 27 miles from Sidney near Lambert, Fox Lake WMA is a quiet walk-in area ideal for wildlife observation and birdwatching. Its wetlands and grasslands support a diverse range of species, offering visitors a peaceful place to reconnect with nature.

• Type: Wildlife Management
• Distance from Sidney: 27 miles

Located just outside Crane, Gartside Reservoir is a top pick for anglers and picnickers alike. The site includes a fishing pier, picnic tables, fire rings, and open space to enjoy Montana’s wide skies and fresh air. It’s well-suited for casual day trips or an afternoon of family fun.

• Type: Reservoir
• Distance from Sidney: 12 miles

Local Fish Species

Roughly 35 miles from Sidney, Intake Dam is a well-known fishing access site with a wide range of amenities. It includes picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, drinking water, and a hand-launch site. The area is popular with anglers and wildlife watchers and is known for seasonal paddlefish activity.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 35 miles

Stretching across the rugged Badlands of North Dakota, this long-distance trail offers incredible opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. While access points vary, sections near the Little Missouri River are within reach of Sidney for day trips or longer treks.

• Type: Trail

Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika is a geological marvel located about 54 miles from Sidney. With striking badland formations, dinosaur fossil sites, hiking trails, and camping facilities, this park is a must-see for outdoor lovers and amateur paleontologists alike. It’s a full-day adventure just a short drive from town.

• Type: State Park
• Distance from Sidney: 54 miles

About 126 miles from Sidney, this hidden gem features sandstone rock formations that rise like giant stone sentinels from the prairie. Medicine Rocks has long been a place of cultural and spiritual significance, and today visitors can explore its hiking trails, camp beneath the stars, and marvel at its eerie beauty.

• Type: State Park
• Distance from Sidney: 126 miles

A Legendary Waterway Just Down the Road

Only about 30 minutes from Sidney, the Missouri River offers a deeper dive into Montana’s historic landscape. This is where explorers, traders, and native cultures once traveled—and where today’s visitors come for wide-open water, striking bluffs, and a sense of quiet solitude.

The Missouri is a favorite for anglers targeting walleye and northern pike, especially around the bridge crossings near Culbertson or Fort Union. Birdwatchers and photographers flock to the area in spring and fall, when migratory birds fill the sky.

Things to Do

• Fish the cool, deep waters for a variety of sportfish.
• Kayak or canoe the wide, slow-moving stretches.
• Explore nearby Lewis & Clark sites and the Fort Union Trading Post.
• Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from a bluff above the river.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Rising water levels, active birdlife, and great early-season fishing.
• Summer: Hot days make for perfect paddling and longer exploration.
• Fall: Crisp air, fewer crowds, and brilliant foliage along the banks.

Nearby Amenities

• Interpretive centers, museums, and historic sites around the confluence area.
• Lodging and outfitters can be found in Sidney, Culbertson, and Williston.

Local Fish Species

Just 21 miles from Sidney, Sather Dam offers peaceful fishing and primitive camping in a prairie reservoir setting. Amenities include toilets, campsites, and an accessible fishing pier managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

• Type: Reservoir
• Distance from Sidney: 21 miles

Twelve miles from Sidney, this fishing access site offers a rustic camping experience for those looking to disconnect. A hand-launch area is available for small boats, and the serene surroundings make it a local favorite for low-key weekend getaways.

• Type: Camping, Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 12 miles

Located right in the heart of Sidney, this Yellowstone River fishing access site offers a convenient spot for local anglers. Equipped with a boat ramp and bathroom, it’s perfect for a quick afternoon cast or a full day on the water.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 0 miles

Located in the beautiful Yellowstone Valley in NE Montana, The Sidney Country Club was founded in 1929 as a 9-hole sand-greens golf course. Grass on the greens was planted in 1962, and the back 9 was completed in 1999. Now, Sidney Country Club is the only 18 hole golf course in the eastern half of the state. The Par 72 course features 6,901 yards of golf, with a course rating of 71.9 and slope of 118 on Kentucky Bluegrass.

The restaurant and clubhouse were remodeled in 2005, and the club’s restaurant was renamed during the fall of 2009 to “The Fringe” at Sidney Country Club.

Sidney Country Club is currently a Semi-Private facility. The course is open to the public, but also offers memberships.

Leagues

Offering Golf Simulator, Mens, Womens, and Couples leagues.

Facility Rentals

Space available for meetings or parties with a capacity of 250.

This fishing access site is about 23 miles from Sidney and features basic amenities like camping space and a bathroom. It’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a simple, quiet riverside retreat.

• Type: Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 23 miles

Only 15 miles from Sidney, this park combines historical interest and outdoor recreation. Visit the historic Fairview Lift Bridge, walk a scenic trail, and enjoy fishing access along the Yellowstone River.

• Type: Historical Bridge, Fishing Access
• Distance from Sidney: 15 miles

Roughly 61 miles from Sidney, this national park showcases the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands. Scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails offer unforgettable views of bison, wild horses, and colorful canyons.

• Type: National Park
• Distance from Sidney: 61 miles

Located 33 miles away in Trenton, ND, this lake features basic campsites and a relaxing spot for fishing or picnicking. It’s a low-key retreat just outside of Williston.

• Type: Lake
• Distance from Sidney: 33 miles

Winding through the heart of Sidney, the Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states—and one of our region’s greatest natural assets. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its rugged beauty, quiet fishing holes, and abundant wildlife. Cast a line for catfish, sauger, and walleye, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon canoeing its winding course. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a fresh catch, the Yellowstone River offers an unspoiled slice of eastern Montana that’s as real as it gets.

Local Fish Species