Fort Peck Interpretive Center
In the shadow of the Fort Peck Dam lies the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Explore the rich history of the Fort Peck area from dinosaurs to dam building.
Paleontology
Visitors to the Interpretive Center are greeted by a life size model of Peck’s Rex, a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex discovered 20 miles southeast of Fort Peck. Other fossils on display include a Struthiomimus, an ostrich-like dinosaur that could run over 35 miles per hour, and marine reptile inhabitants of the ancient Cretaceous Sea. The Fort Peck Interpretive Center is one of fourteen stops on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.
Wildlife
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of wildlife species. The Interpretive Center’s wildlife exhibit features a small fraction of the present-day, and historic, wildlife of the Refuge. Two large freshwater aquariums showcase native and game fish of the Fort Peck Lake and Missouri River.
Fort Peck Dam Construction History and Archives
The history of the construction of the largest hydraulically filled dam in the United States comes to life at the Interpretive Center. Learn how the Fort Peck Dam was constructed, read firsthand accounts from workers, and explore life in the construction era boomtowns.
The Interpretive Center houses a collection of photographs, tools, personal effects, and worker records of the Fort Peck Dam construction project. For archival donations, historical research requests, and other related questions please call (406) 526-3493.
Visiting the Interpretive Center
During the fall and winter the Interpretive Center is open Monday - Friday by appointment. Please schedule at least 24 hours in advance by calling (406) 526-3493. Can't visit us in person? Take a 3D virtual tour.
From May 24 to September 2, the Interpretive Center will be open Thursday through Monday from 9 am to 4 pm.
