I-94 · Exit 176
Plan your trip to Terry
Terry sits right off I-94 between Miles City and Glendive. Here’s how to get here, when to come, and what you’ll find in town.
Photo: TerryAdvocate, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting here
By road, it’s easy. By air, it’s Billings.
- WestBillings182 mi, about 2 hr 45 min
- WestMiles City39 mi, about 40 min
- Exit 176TerryYou’re here
- East Fallon10 mi, about 12 min
- East Glendive40 mi, about 40 min
- East Medora, ND101 mi, about 1 hr 35 min
Driving
Take Exit 176 off I-94 for Terry; Highway 253 runs from the exit through town and on north across the river. Exit 169 (Powder River Road) is just west, and Exit 185 for Fallon is to the east.
Flying
The nearest major airport is Billings Logan International, about 2 hours 45 minutes west. Cape Air flies between Billings and Glendive’s Dawson Community Airport, 40 miles east. Miles City’s airport has no airline service.
Train and bus
There’s no Amtrak in southeastern Montana; the Empire Builder runs across the north of the state. Jefferson Lines buses stop in Miles City.
When to come
Late spring to early fall is the sweet spot
Spring
Paddlefish season on the Yellowstone, and the Bucking Horse Sale in Miles City in mid-May. Badlands roads can be muddy after rain.
Summer
Hot and dry, with July highs averaging 88°F. The Terry Yippee in late July, the county fair in early August, and the town pool in Murn Park.
Fall
Cottonwoods turn gold along the river. Agate season, birding into October, hunting season, and the Evelyn Cameron gala.
Winter
Cold and quiet: January averages a high of 28°F and a low of 6°F. The museum is closed for the season; the Christmas light parade is not.
In town
Where to eat, shop and fill up in Terry
It’s a small town, so hours are small-town hours. Call ahead if you’re counting on a meal.
Eat and drink
Dizzy Diner
A drive-in style diner, run by the same family since 2001.
Shops
Prairie Unique
Made in Montana gifts, sheepskins and local moss agates.
Sassy One Clothing
Women's clothing and gifts.
Hardware Hank
Hardware, and the odd thing you forgot to pack.
Fuel and services
4 Corners Convenience
Fuel and convenience store at the edge of town.
Prairie Community Hospital
The hospital in town.
Prairie County Chamber of Commerce
Local visitor information and the events calendar.
Day trips
Terry makes a good base for eastern Montana
Makoshika State Park
Glendive, about 45 miles east
Montana's largest state park, around 11,500 acres of badlands with Hell Creek fossils and a visitor center. Collecting isn't allowed.
Visit Makoshika State ParkPirogue Island State Park
Just north of Miles City, about 40 miles west
A cottonwood island in the Yellowstone with nearly three miles of trails, wildlife and moss agates on the gravel bars. Captain Clark camped nearby in 1806.
Visit Pirogue Island State ParkRange Riders Museum
Miles City, about 40 miles west
A big museum of frontier and ranching history on the edge of Miles City. Open mid-April to mid-October.
Visit Range Riders MuseumTheodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora, ND, about 100 miles east
The South Unit's scenic drive and badlands trails, at the other end of the planned Badlands to Badlands trail.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Stop for the night, not just for fuel
With a 1902 hotel and RV sites in town, Terry is an easy overnight on the long drive across eastern Montana.