Upper Missouri River Guides was founded in 1994 by Glenn and Nancy Monahan. The inspiration for starting Upper Missouri River Guides occurred in 1992 when Glenn paddled the Upper Missouri in a solo canoe with a copy of Lewis and Clark’s journals on his lap. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and canoeist, the beauty and wildness of the river captivated him; the river’s rich history (Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, fur trade, steamboats, homesteaders) fed his long-term interest in western U.S. history; and as a geologist, he was awed by the diversity of the rock formations that form the cliffs and hills bordering the river, and the geologic story that they tell.
Throughout the years, the small guide service blossomed in the quaint town of Fort Benton, Montana. Glenn hired life-long family friend (and rebellious teenager at the time), Brett Burglund, and for many years, the dedicated duo were a guiding force to be revered both for their love of the outdoors, history and wildlife, and a passion for exceptional service. For 13 years, Brett explored the river corridor, trekking up coulees, along drainages and straight up the steep terrain to find hidden spots, artifacts and more in addition to absorbing Glenn’s vast knowledge of geology, history and all things Upper Missouri River.
Brett and partner, Haley Miller, enthusiastically purchased the company in 2016. The pair feel beyond lucky to have inherited such a strong and respected business from a friend and forever advisor.
Since 1994 our family operated business has guided hundreds of clients on the Upper Missouri River, including families, groups of friends, and business retreats. We have authored and published the only available guidebook for the Upper Missouri.