Historic Land Deal Reopens Montana Monument Access

Quick Smiles:

• 22,000 acres of private land acquired to restore public access to a Montana National Monument.
• American Prairie Reserve now manages over 600,000 acres for conservation and recreation.
• New visitation records highlight growing interest in exploring the reopened area.

A transformative conservation effort has just unlocked a long-blocked access road, connecting people directly to the heart of Montana’s stunning Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. This milestone was reached when the American Prairie Reserve secured ownership of the 22,000-acre Anchor Ranch, ending decades of restricted entry.

For years, the Reserve has been weaving together private and public lands to build America’s largest wild prairie, aiming to protect 2.3 million acres for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure an important piece of ecologically and culturally significant land,” said American Prairie CEO Alison Fox.

She added, “But this acquisition is equally important as a way to return public access to the people so they can explore, hunt, and recreate on land that’s been off-limits for many years.”

The Anchor Ranch purchase, the second largest in the Reserve’s history, not only brings valuable grasslands into conservation but also officially opens Bullwhacker Road, once fiercely protected by previous owners.

Public input will help shape a long-term access plan, but already outdoor groups are cheering the purchase and the promise it brings for future recreation.

“We believe that public lands should be in public hands, and are proud to be able to provide more permanent access to this special area of the Breaks,” said Fox.

Thanks to collaborative leases and support from local ranchers, the Reserve can continue welcoming visitors, balancing working lands with crucial wildlife habitat. Most private acres now offer public hunting, fishing, and other recreation—with more than 80,000 acres helping hunters through Montana’s Block Management program.

Interest in these revitalized lands is soaring, as seen in new records for overnight stays and visits to the National Discovery Center. The organization’s ongoing dedication to conservation means more places and wildlife for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.

Nature lovers everywhere are invited to experience these newly opened landscapes—made possible by community partnerships and a vision of accessible, thriving prairie.

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