Pirogue Island State Park - Montana

Central and eastern Montana is primarily a vast agricultural area with only a few well known points of interest. The busiest tourism attractions are located in the west end of this state near Yellowstone and the Montana Rocky Mountains, so tourists coming from the Dakotas will certainly be in for a lengthy monotonous trip through endless farmland. Marking the few available points of interest along this travel route will help to keep things interesting and one good spot to keep an eye out for is Pirogue Island State Park. This unique destination on the Yellowstone River is a lush green day use area with plenty of shade trees, which is ideal for taking a much needed break from  the road.

Pirogue Island has some old west expedition history, but this park is more famous for being a birding and wildlife viewing destination. There are a few miles of walking paths and there are several good spots for fishing along the Yellowstone River. Rafting and kayaking are popular pastimes, while the tall cottonwoods provide plenty of shade for a relaxing afternoon picnic. On the downside, the ticks and flying bugs can be numerous in these woods, so be sure to some bug repellant.   

Pirogue Island State Park certainly has a lot to offer as a day use area and it is a comfortable spot for taking a picnic break while driving the long highway. This is a good spot to be during the autumn bird migration and filling the creel with trout for dinner is possible year round. Pirogue Island definitely is a good place to stretch the legs and relax in the shade of the cottonwoods, so be sure to take note when passing through the vast agricultural areas of eastern Montana!
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