For centuries, the Bighorn River flowed through Montana untamed, cutting through canyons as it weaved its way to the Yellowstone River. It was named in 1805 by a fur trader, who recorded tales of bighorn sheep roaming its banks as he explored the rugged country.

After running wild for generations, the river was controlled in 1967 with the construction of the Yellowtail Dam near the mouth of Bighorn Canyon, though the idea of damming the Bighorn had been circulating since the early 1900s. By the mid-20th century the Missouri River had become notorious for disastrous flooding. It had long been a dream of those who lived near the river to tame its flood prone waters. In 1944, the dream became a reality with the passage of the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act. This affected its tributaries as well, including the Yellowstone and the Bighorn River.

Construction on the Yellowtail Dam began in the fall of 1961 when a diversion tunnel was dug to reroute Bighorn River. It was approximately 2000 feet long, roughly the length of six football fields. In March of 1963, the first bucket of cement was poured. After several long years of grueling work, the dam was completed in 1967 and dedicated the following year. The thin-arch dam stands 525-feet tall and is 1,480 feet long. The crest of the dam lies a dizzying 3,660 feet above sea level. The hydroelectric plant is located at the base of the dam.

Upon completion, Bighorn Lake was formed behind the dam. As a result of Yellowtail Dam, it has been estimated that flood damage was reduced by $113 million between the years of 1965 and 2007. In terms of electrical generation, it is capable of producing up to 250,000 kilowatts of electricity. Since construction, there’s been a boom of recreational opportunities. Because the dam regulates the flow of water into the Bighorn, the river has become legendary as a world class trout fishery.

Situated at the top of the canyon overlooking the dam is the Visitors Center. Exhibits include construction of the dam, the unique geology of the area, details of the life of Robert Yellowtail, the Crow Indians, and the history of the Bighorn River. There are many sights to behold as you explore this area of Big Sky Country.