Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in Montana centered around Fort Peck Reservoir, containing river bottoms, uplands, riparian zones, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife. The mix of these different habitats creates spaces where animals and plants thrive throughout the refuge.

The refuge started as Fort Peck Game Range in 1936 and received its current name in 1963 to honor artist Charles M. Russell, who painted scenes of western Montana life. The name change reflected a shift toward recognizing the area's cultural and artistic importance.

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center displays exhibits about regional wildlife and local history, showing how communities have lived with and used this landscape. Visitors can see how the land shaped the way people in the area have lived over time.

The refuge is accessible through several entry points, and visitors can use marked trails for hiking and exploring by foot or water. It helps to check conditions before visiting, as weather and water levels can affect what you can access.

The refuge is one of the most important sites for Cretaceous fossils, particularly complete skeletons of large predators from that era. These paleontological discoveries have helped scientists understand the ancient past of this landscape.

Location: Montana

Inception: 1936

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/Charles_M_Russell

GPS coordinates: 47.68330,-107.18300

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44