The Myers Family Huts offer comfortable and affordable accommodations on the spectacular and historic PN property.
The Founders Hut, John and Margaret Craighead Hut, and Lewis and Clark Hut comprise the Myers Family Huts. All three facilities are located on American Prairie's westernmost property – the PN. Huts are near Judith Landing, about 25 miles north of Winifred, Montana, and 40 miles south of Big Sandy, Montana. Check out the hut photo gallery for interior and exterior photos, and read more below about each hut, including accommodation details and dates of operation, and tips on preparing for your trip.
Rates and Reservation Information
- $150 per night
- Rates cover the cost of the entire hut (accommodating 8 or 9, depending on the hut)
- American Prairie supporters receive a 20% discount and a two-week early booking window on all American Prairie facilities.
- General cancellations are only refundable 14 days or more prior to the start of your reservation. A 2.9% processing fee will be subtracted from your refund amount. Cancellations due to weather and/or road conditions are refundable. A 2.9% processing fee will be subtracted from your refund amount. All refund requests must be made by emailing visit@americanprairie.org. Refund requests are processed within 30 days.
- Note: Reservations for Block Management hunting on deeded portions of the PN are not included with your hut reservation and must be booked separately through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Accommodation Details and Dates of Operation
Lewis and Clark Hut
Perched above the Missouri River at the edge of the Dog Creek Wilderness Study Area, the Lewis and Clark Hut offers easy river access, great hiking, and stunning views of the Missouri River Breaks.
The Lewis and Clark Hut includes a kitchen and dining area, three bunkrooms with beds for eight people, a covered deck with picnic tables overlooking the river, and a detached outhouse. Guests bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, groceries, and a supply of water for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes. Non-potable water is available at the ranch center (marked with an "i" on maps).
From April to December 4, it is possible to reach the hut with a 4WD vehicle in dry conditions. The hut is closed from December 4 to April.
Lewis and Clark Hut
John and Margaret Craighead Hut
Set in a cottonwood grove near the banks of the Judith River, the John and Margaret Craighead Hut is an ideal base for visitors looking to bike, fish, or paddle on the Missouri and Judith rivers (note: the lower Judith contains cottonwood snags/strainers/portages and should only be attempted by competent paddlers).
The Craighead Hut consists of two 30-foot yurts connected with a hallway and can accommodate nine people in four bunkrooms. Three rooms have two XL-twin beds, one room has a twin bunk and XL twin. The living yurt contains a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, a library, and interpretive displays. Solar panels power LED lighting, a refrigerator, and an outlet for charging cell phones/camera batteries. A propane stove and solar air-conditioning unit provide heating and cooling in the living yurt. A third yurt contains a composting toilet and a changing area.
From April to October 21, it is possible to reach the hut with a 4WD vehicle in dry conditions. From October 22 to December 4, the hut is accessed via a 1.25-mile walk, bike, or ski. The hut is closed from December to April. All water must be packed in, drawn and treated from the Judith, or melted down from snow/ice (if available).
Founders Hut
Located high above the Missouri River valley, the Founders Hut has views of numerous Central Montana mountain ranges. Nearby two-track roads are ideal for hiking, biking, and winter cross-country skiing.
Like the Craighead Hut, the Founders Hut consists of two 30-foot yurts connected with a hallway and can accommodate nine people in four bunkrooms. Three rooms have two XL-twin beds, one room has a twin bunk and XL twin. The living yurt contains a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, a library, and interpretive displays. Solar panels power LED lighting, a refrigerator, and an outlet for charging cell phones/camera batteries. A propane stove and solar air-conditioning unit provide heating and cooling in the living yurt. A third yurt contains a composting toilet and a changing area.
From April to October 21, it is possible to reach the hut with a 4WD vehicle in dry conditions. From October 22 to December 4, the hut is accessed by way of a 6.75-mile walk, bike, or ski. The hut is closed from December to April.
Founders Hut
Preparing for Your Trip
- Similar to U.S. Forest Service rental cabins around the western United States, American Prairie's huts are self-service facilities. We depend on users to take good care of these buildings and leave them clean for the next group.
- Please check forecasted temperatures prior to your visit and prepare accordingly. Montana weather is often hot and temperatures can approach 100 during the months of July and August. Temperatures inside the huts can exceed 80 degrees even with solar air conditioners (in the living space of Craighead and Founders yurts), and box fans (provided at all huts). Also note that sleeping yurts are not heated – winter sleeping bags and cold-weather gear may be necessary during autumn months when temperatures can drop below zero.
- For those who prefer a full-service option – including meals, sleeping bags, and guided tours – please contact our friends at Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures. Custom trips are available for groups of six or more.
The Myers Family
The Myers Family Huts were established with an inaugural gift from Gib and Susan Myers in 2016. Gib and Susan have served as Board Directors for American Prairie since our founding, with Gib serving as Board Chair during our founding decade. Together, Gib and Susan have made significant contributions that inspire others to fall in love with the prairie, including their leadership gift to establish American Prairie's network of visitor huts. To recognize Gib and Susan’s investment and commitment, we are thrilled to name the hut system in their honor.
