Brush Lake State Park

Tucked into the far northeastern corner of Montana in Sheridan County, Brush Lake State Park offers 450 acres of quiet prairie landscape centered around one of the state’s few natural lakes. Fed by underground springs rather than mountain runoff, Brush Lake holds remarkably clear water — a surprising find in the rolling grasslands of the Hi-Line region.

The lake draws visitors for warm-water fishing, with yellow perch and northern pike being the primary catches. A boat ramp provides easy access for small watercraft, and the calm, shallow waters make it a solid choice for kayaking and canoeing without fighting currents or heavy boat traffic. Swimming is popular during the short but intense Montana summer, when water temperatures climb to comfortable levels by mid-June.

Birding is a highlight here. The surrounding mixed-grass prairie and wetland margins attract migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Keep an eye out for American white pelicans, which occasionally visit the lake.

The park sits well off the beaten path — the nearest town, Westby, is a small community near the North Dakota border. That remoteness is part of the appeal. You won’t find crowds, and night skies here are genuinely dark.

Visit between June and September for the best weather. Expect daytime highs in the 70s and 80s, with cool nights. Come prepared with supplies, as services are limited in this corner of Montana. What you trade in convenience, you gain in solitude.

Explore Nearby

• Lolo National Forest — National Forest in Montana
• Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest — National Forest in Montana
• Beartooth Highway — Scenic Byway in Montana
• Sweet Grass Hills — Public Land in Montana
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument and Visitor Center — Public Land in Montana