Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

There is no such thing as Benton lake. It is farmland with nothing to see. Gravel roads that take hours to go around. No wildlife. No directions. No open roads. Saw a prairie dog, deer and bird, less than I see in my backyard. Go watch a movie
8 years ago (10-07-2017)

Reviewed on 8/28/14. This place is not worth the CONSIDERABLE effort it takes to get there. Be warned: although it looks like a short drive from Great Falls, it was an all-afternoon undertaking to get there and back due to construction, single-lane traffic, poorly maintained gravel roads, waiting 10 minutes for a pilot car to lead you through construction zones, etc. The road conditions were challenging in a family vehicle, and nearly impossible for a motorcycle that was with us (10-15 miles per hour on mile upon mile of loose gravel roads). We saw a couple of deer and a sparrow, but the rest of the wildlife must have been taking refuge elsewhere in this vast prairie (no mountains, trees, or much of anything else that distinguishes is from the rest of Montana). We finally made it to the Visitors Center, but again were disappointed. A rack of old flyers (the one I picked up was published in 2001), some pelts with a "Please Touch" sign and a one stall restroom serving both sexes. Upon asking directions to the lake, I was informed that there is not actually a "lake" on the Benton Lake refuge; it's more of a wetland. By this point, we were almost out of gas, the cell phones had no reception, and I had very little patience left. Even if the construction is gone and roads in passable condition, I'm not sure what would be appealing about this place unless someone just wanted to find a peaceful spot to read, or perhaps go sparrow watching. It will be a memorable adventure for our family, but not in a good way.
11 years ago (29-08-2014)

It's amazing, though be warned the bugs are terrible in the summer. Many animals. Worth the drive!
10 years ago (01-01-2016)

I liked this place however I was expecting a little more "flora" reading it was supposed to be an "oasis" in the desert. I visited the lake late April, but was not able to see anything green at all. At least I spotted about 5 different bird species. I especially liked the long (wheelchair accessible) wooden path leading into the marshes.
12 years ago (21-04-2014)

I love this place...
12 years ago (24-02-2014)