Montana Animal Adventures
Zoo Montana
This 70 acre park and botanical garden is the only one
in Montana. It has animals from North America, South America,
Europe and Asia which live in exhibits designed to mimic
the animal’s natural environment. When you visit, you will
see river otters, bald eagles, pygmy marmosets, brown bears,
sika deer and other animals.
Also unique to the zoo, is its gardens. The Native Plant Garden has rimrock plants, sagebrush, aquatic plants and fruit bearing plants. In Dottie’s Garden you’ll see plants that require very little water. Especially for guests with physical limitations or impaired senses id the Sensory Garden. Here you will find a waterfall, benches in a meditation garden, written signs identifying the plants and tour guides eager to teach and encourage the guest to touch.
Other exhibits include the Living Wall and the Homestead Petting Zoo which has peacocks, goats, rabbits, and other farm animals.
2100 South Shiloh Rd, Billings
406-652-8100
www.zoomontana.org
Hours: Open daily
Summer-May 1-September 24 from 10-5
Winter-September 25-April from 10-4
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
For a wonderful opportunity to see over 200 species of shorebirds and waterfowl, spend a day at the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. As you drive its 17 mile gravel road, you will also see white tailed deer, pronghorn antelope and other native wild life. However, if you would prefer, there are several foot trails which can be followed.
Malta, MT
106-654-2863
www.fws.gov/Bowdoin
Open: Year round from dawn to dusk
National Bison Range and Red Sleep Mountain
 The
18,540 acre range is home to over 500 buffalo as well as
deer, elk, sheep and antelope. You can see the area by car
or embark on some of the self guided trails.
The Red Sleep Mountain is a 19 mile excursion and last approximately 2 hours
and includes some steep hills and tough downgrades. The
Buffalo Prairie Drive will take 30-45 minutes and during
the winter there is a 10 mile trail that can be followed.
Please note that during round-up in late September and early October all trails are closed.
Moise, MT
406-644-2211
www.gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nwr/mt_natio.htm
Open: Year round; however, the Red Sleep Mountain area is open only from mid-May to mid-October
Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
As one of North America’s most important trumpeter swans nesting and wintering spots, Red Rocks Lakes may have between 200-300 swans. While visiting the refuge, you will also see more than 150 other species of waterfowl, moose, elk, mule deer, pronghorns and white tailed deer.
Monida, MT
406-276-3347
www.fws.gov/redrock
Open: year round-Monday through Friday, except holidays
Hours: 7:30-4:00
Photo Credits: Brown Bear by MemeKode;
Bison by ktarbox
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