In the Middle of it All

Montana's Tourism Board has put Winnett in Central Montana Country, but Petroleum County sits at the convergence of Central, Southeastern, and Missouri River Countries.

While we have plenty to keep us busy at home in Winnett, any given weekend, you'll find Winnett locals at a concert in Billings, antiquing in Miles City, skiing in Showdown, camping in the mountains, or catching a play at the Ft. Peck Theatre.
Amazing Resource for Nearby Events, Info & Things to Do
Statewide information & resources.

JUST A FEW IDEAS

A Few Quick Ideas of What to Do

In & Around Winnett

A Hunter's Paradise
Every fall in Winnett, the wheat is harvested, the kids go back to school, and hunter orange and camo fill the town. Starting with the opening of archery in August and ending with the upland bird season through January. Whether you are after pheasants, mule deer, or an elk to fill your freezer, we've got it.

Click for a List of Local Places to Hunt or Enjoy Wildlife

PLAN YOUR HUNT

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks has hunting season dates, license rules, and more to help you plan your hunt in Winnett, Montana. Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Pheasant and Grouse all roam the coulees here.

Montana FWP

GOLDEN TICKET - HUNT THE 410

Winnett is home to the famed 410 Elk Hunting District. A tag drawn for this area is known locally as the "golden ticket" due to the monster elk that call the Missouri River Breaks home.

BLOCK MANAGEMENT

Many local landowners participate in Montana's block management program. They open up their private land for hunting, utilizing a simple sign-in box. Petroleum County is in Region 4 and Region 5.

More about Hunting Block Management

Trail to the Stars
Winnett and Petroleum County are in the middle of the Central & Eastern Montana trail to the stars. Home to some of the darkest skies in the lower 48! The stargazing sites range from large RV parks to bare-bones recreation areas, but they all share a sense of remoteness.

Sites & Astronomical Calendar on their website.

Sleep. Eat. Explore.

Need a place to stay in Winnett, or wondering what's for dinner?
Check out the local listings here.

Gravel // Road // Mountain Biking

Lewis & Clark Adventure Trail

One of the best ways to follow the Lewis and Clark trail, without actually canoeing up the river, is by bike. Winnett is smack in the middle of the Lewis and Clark Trail, when traveled by bike or car.

View the Adventure Cycle L&C Trail

Montana Bike Map

Information for Cyclists about Montana's highways, and a current map. Does not include any gravel or county roads.

Download the PDF - MT Highway Bike Map

High Plains Bike Shop

Our "local" bike shop, located in Lewistown, Montana. Call at (406) 380-0047.
High Plains Bike Shop on Facebook

You'll find more options in Billings, Montana as well.

Coming soon - 55 Main Building

NEW: Public laundry, bathroom and shower facility coming soon in Winnett, Montana!
For hunters, campers, cyclists and more.

Dino Trail

Winnett is a great stopover in the middle of the Montana Dinosaur Trail!

Fish // Boat // Camp // Hike

Crooked Creek Marina,
Ft. Peck Lake

The western entrance to Ft. Peck Lake, situated 50 miles north of Winnett. Camping, Cabins, hunting, fishing, boating, ice fishing and more. 

Crooked Creek Marina FB Page for Current Info

Petrolia Lake

A place to camp, fish, boat, play and more. 10 miles east of Winnett.
Walleyes Unlimited hosts several competition events here.

War Horse, Wild Horse
& Yellow Water Lakes

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge consists of three separate land units: Wild Horse, War Horse and Yellow Water. The Refuge is open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. A boat launching site for small craft is available on the Yellow Water Unit but no other recreation facilities are available.

Annual Local Events:

Softball Tournament
Craft Bazaar
Dinner Theatre
Stockgrowers Banquet
Booster Bash
Winnett, Grass Range, Roy Play Day
Winnett Fun Day Rodeo
Easter Egg Hunt
4th of July Fireworks
Walleye Tournaments
Christmas Stroll
Pancake Dinner
Pasture Golf
Poker Run
All-School Reunions (every 5 years)

Local Rodeos:

Winnett Fun Day Rodeo
Grass Range Young Guns Rodeo
Annual Roy Rodeo - Father's Day Weekend
Jordan Extreme Broncs - Father's Day Weekend
Central Montana Fair Rodeo - Late July
Rodeo Roundup MT - 4th of July
Please, recreate responsibly.

  • Stay on public lands. Use a current map.
  • Stay on public roads. Use a current map. (not google or apple maps.)
  • Buy a printed map at our local store, The Breaks. Hunting maps work great for other recreation, too!
  • Don't rely on Apple or Google maps. (spotty cell phone service!)
  • Be Outside Kind.  See tips here.
  • Don't access private land without permission.
  • Check local fire restrictions.
  • Don't drive off-road.
  • Pick up your trash. (toilet paper and cigarette butts included!)
  • Watch the weather, some back roads become impassible with rain or snow.
    YES, even with 4-Wheel Drive.
  • Find Highway road condition information here.
Picture
Click for Montana Public Lands & Land Ownership Online Map
Picture
Click for Montana Route Finder - Good source of current county roads.