Information
Landmark: Turner Community CenterCity: Kansas City KS
Country: USA Kansas
Continent: North America
Turner Community Center, Kansas City KS, USA Kansas, North America
The Milk River Observation Point is a geological formation located near Havre, Montana, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The site features exposed sedimentary rock layers exhibiting distinct horizontal striations. Colors range from pale tan to reddish-brown, indicative of iron oxide content. The terrain is characterized by eroded buttes and mesas with sparse native grasses and low-lying shrubs.
Location & Access Logistics
The observation point is situated approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Havre, Montana, accessible via US Highway 2. Turn north onto a gravel road marked by a small sign; this road extends for approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) to a designated parking area. No public transportation services this location.
Historical & Ecological Origin
This area is part of the Fort Union Formation, a geological deposit dating back to the Paleocene epoch (approximately 66 to 56 million years ago). The formations were shaped by fluvial and lacustrine deposition, followed by millions of years of erosion by wind and water.
Key Highlights & Activities
Observation of geological strata. Photography of the landscape. Short walks on established dirt paths around the base of the formations are possible.
Infrastructure & Amenities
A small, unpaved parking area is available. No restrooms, shade structures, or food vendors are present at the site. Cell phone reception is intermittent to non-existent.
Best Time to Visit
For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal contrast on the rock formations. The months of May through October offer the most stable weather conditions, avoiding winter snow and ice.
Facts & Legends
Local lore suggests that during periods of high winds, the erosion patterns create sounds that resemble whispers, leading some to believe the spirits of ancient peoples communicate through the rocks.
Nearby Landmarks
- Bear Paw Battlefield National Historic Site (12km West)
- Fresno Reservoir (25km Southwest)
- Hill County Museum (16km West)