The cavalry set camp at the mouth of the Tongue River on the Yellowstone after the 1876 campaign of ‘rounding up hostile Indians.’ Their commanding officer was Colonel Nelson A. Miles and this camp was the beginning of Miles City. It soon became a stopping place on the long cattle drives from Texas. As the cattle industry became more important, it was fitting that the Montana Stockgrowers Association was formed here in 1884. The coming of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1881 predetermined that Miles City should become, and still is, a leading cattle market. Steeped in Western history, Miles City remains a true Western town. Vast stretches of plains and badlands branch out in all directions. The Yellowstone and Tongue rivers flow unblemished in long sections. Once the horse trading and livestock center of the country, Miles City still has weekly livestock auctions and, once a year, puts on the Bucking Horse Sale for rodeo stock buyers and breeders.

The Range Riders Museum features an extensive collection of western artifacts, including over 400 guns. Classic cars, wagons and restored old farm equipment are in good supply. The museum complex is set on the original site of the Fort Keogh cantonment.

The town features a complete 1950s era main street, 1930s era high school and an authentically refurbished early 1900s saloon.

The Eastern Montana Fair is a four-day event beginning in August. Attractions include rodeos, tractor pulls, demolition derby, plus commercial exhibits and a carnival. Many other special activities will be taking place; contact the Chamber of Commerce for a schedule of events during fair days.

Miles City’s heralded art center, located in a park overlooking the Yellowstone River, is a nonprofit institution providing quality visual arts exhibits and programming. The art center has two large, elegant galleries and an alcove gallery, with changing exhibitions throughout the year from its permanent collection and exhibitions from around the United States.

The pause that refreshes on a hot summer day is a dip in Miles City’s unique outdoor municipal pool, a ‘natural oasis.’ located next to the city park which is perfect for picnicking or just relaxing. Just a short distance from the pool is a recreation area with boating facilities. Plenty of fishing sites may be found along the Tongue and Yellowstone rivers, and a number of reservoirs in the Miles City area are also available for fishing. A variety of other recreational activities are available: tennis, golf, bowling, racquetball, movies, and river floating.