2017 Map of Discovery Butte

About this map

The Marias River carves a deep, winding path through the northwestern corner of this Chouteau County landscape, creating a stark contrast with the high, level plateaus that dominate the rest of the terrain. These uplands are defined by a geometric grid of rural roads and section lines, indicative of large-scale agricultural use. Prominent landmarks such as Discovery Butte and Black Butte rise above the surrounding plains, serving as natural navigational markers for generations of locals. The area is dissected by numerous deep drainage features, including Black Coulee, O'Halon Coulee, and the West Fork Sixmile Coulee. Transportation across these wide-open reaches is facilitated by a network of established routes like Rudyard Rd and Kenilworth Rd, reflecting the enduring settlement patterns of the Montana prairie in the twenty-first century.