When you’re on the lookout for an extremely various journey vacation spot, look no additional than Montana! This stunning state has one thing to supply everybody, from gorgeous mountain ranges and pristine lakes to charming cities. On this article, I’ll evaluate one of the best locations to go to in Montana.
Montana is known for being part of the Wild Wild West, most guests come to benefit from the nice outside and get a really feel for what the unique pioneers will need to have felt.
Montana’s inhabitants is sort of small with solely 6 individuals per sq. mile. This implies there aren’t actually any bustling cities; it’s an ideal place that can assist you disconnect out of your busy life, reconnect to nature, and recharge. The state is one in all my favorite places in the US. Though, being from Montana, I could also be biased.
15 Greatest Locations to Go to in Montana, USA
As a local Montanan, my love for this state runs deep. I by no means actually understood why we thought-about ourselves the “Huge Sky” state till I traveled to different elements of the United States. That’s after I realized that inspiring star-filled nights and enormous blue fowl skies weren’t the norm throughout the nation.
The best time to visit Montana actually is determined by what you need to do, however whether or not you’re seeking to go snowboarding, or climbing within the mountains, you’ll discover it on this listing of locations to go in Montana.
1. Glacier Nationwide Park (One of many Most Common Locations to Go to in Montana)
There’s a purpose that Glacier Nationwide Park is among the high locations to see in Montana. The Rocky Mountains are actually majestic. There’s one thing in regards to the scale of them that’s laborious to wrap your head round till you see them in particular person. There are a lot of national parks in Montana, with Glacier being my favourite.
The Rocky Mountains, (in Montana and Alberta, Canada), are my favourite for positive. Glacier Nationwide Park is a top destination for solo travelers, {couples}, households, or teams of buddies. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Montana for all sorts of vacationers!
Glacier Nationwide Park presents over 700 miles of climbing trails, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and lakes. And don’t neglect in regards to the Going-To-The-Sun Road.
This scenic drive will take you thru a number of the most unbelievable mountain surroundings within the nation. Climbing the facet of a mountain on a slender highway with one of the best views Montana has to supply, is a sight to recollect.
There’s one thing right here for each sort of explorer: climbing, biking, boating, picnics, scenic drives, and past. For a day break, make certain to deliver a picnic and take it to one of many stunning lakefronts!
Please remember that Glacier is a well-liked summer season vacation spot. Attempt to plan forward and e-book what you may prematurely on the official NPS website.
Take a look at our information to the best things to do in Kalispell, which is a handy place to base your self when visiting Glacier Nationwide Park.
2. Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yellowstone is one other bucket listing, must-see nationwide park for a lot of vacationers. Whereas the vast majority of the park lies in Wyoming, there are three entrances to the park in Montana.
Cooke Metropolis. This entrance is simply open in the summertime when the Cooke Metropolis Freeway and Cross are cleared of snow for the season. Drive as much as 10,000 ft for breathtaking views of the Beartooth Mountains earlier than reaching this small city and the doorway to Yellowstone. A bonus is that this entrance tends to be a little bit quieter than the others.
Gardiner. Attending to Gardiner requires driving via the long-lasting Paradise Valley, an space that many celebrities flock to for its magnificence. Drive alongside the meandering river and benefit from the mountain views. For campers, there are just a few state park campgrounds you may keep at earlier than reaching the doorway.
West Yellowstone. This entrance is among the hottest ones due to all that the city itself has to supply. With loads of lodging choices, it’s simple to discover Yellowstone. Plus, you may also e-book journey excursions reminiscent of white water rafting, ATV actions, fishing, and extra.
When you’re within the park, don’t miss out on favorites like Outdated Trustworthy and Mammoth Scorching Springs! There’s a purpose why Yellowstone is among the finest locations to go to in Montana, so simply be prepared for site visitors jams and a great deal of individuals all summer season lengthy.
3. Virginia Metropolis
This well-preserved National Historic City is a must-see in Montana for any historical past buff. Virginia Metropolis was once a booming gold mining city with 1000’s of individuals. Now, you may discover the unique buildings and get a really feel for what life was like again then.
What’s most enjoyable about Virginia Metropolis, (and what makes it one of many distinctive locations to go to in Montana), is that it has the texture of a ghost city, however nonetheless has a inhabitants of round 600 individuals. These residents are pleased with their small city and fortunately welcome you to discover.
You may wander across the metropolis without spending a dime and choose up some goodies and souvenirs to take residence. For a extra immersive expertise, e-book a tour on a classic fireplace truck or the native prepare.
It’s also possible to verify the native bars for reveals or live shows while you’re there. An outdated pal of mine from graduate faculty nonetheless performs there most weekends and it’s all the time a good time. For extra particulars, see their official web site here.
4. Crimson Lodge
Crimson Lodge is a good base camp for exploring the Beartooth Freeway – one of the scenic drives within the state. This 68-mile highway takes you thru 10,000+ ft of elevation with loads of pull-outs to soak up the views.
Within the city of Crimson Lodge, you may discover the historic downtown and go to the Carbon County Museum to study extra in regards to the native historical past and geology. For a novel expertise, go to the Wildlife Sanctuary which supplies take care of animals that aren’t capable of be launched into the wild.
There are additionally loads of climbing and biking trails within the space simply south of city if you wish to discover the nice outside. Red Lodge Mountain Resort can be a preferred native spot for snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter. I grew up snowboarding right here and had a lot enjoyable!
There’s nearly all the time one thing occurring every weekend on this small city; from live shows to rodeos. See their full calendar of events for the time you intend to be there.
For campers, there’s tons of BLM (Bureau of Land Administration) land. It’s free, however on a primary come first serve foundation, and is alongside the attractive Rock Creek River on the best way to the Glacier Lake Trailhead. It’s a favourite weekend tenting spot for my household.
Lastly, for family-friendly outdoor fun (even with a baby!), head to Wild Invoice Lake for brief hikes and a well-stocked fishing gap. Learn extra in our information to the fun things to see and do in Red Lodge.
5. Missoula
This college town is the cultural hub of Montana and has a little bit little bit of every part. From nice meals to out of doors adventures, there are numerous things to do in Missoula — town has all of it.
Begin with a chunk to eat within the historic downtown space. When you occur to be there on a Saturday in the summertime, discover one thing yummy from a farmer’s market vendor.
For lunch or dinner, Finn & Porter is a splurge with nice river views. Or for a straightforward late lunch or early dinner, head to Bridge Pizza to seize a slice of pizza and free beer from 3 to five – a neighborhood favourite and my favourite as a college pupil.
Hop throughout the road to seize some domestically made ice cream on the Big Dipper. I extremely advocate the yellow cake ice cream dipped in chocolate sprinkles.
After you’ve had your fill, discover a number of the many artwork galleries on the town, or catch a present on the historic Wilma Theater.
If you wish to benefit from the outside, there are many climbing and biking trails in Missoula. Or you may head to the close by Rattlesnake Nationwide Recreation Space for a day of exploring.
For one thing extra lowkey, you may merely stroll alongside the paved river path on the town, or head over to the quick however steep “M” hike on the college grounds for nice metropolis views.
In the summertime, you may also cool off in one in all Missoula’s public swimming pools, or take a float down the Clark Fork River. It doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, remember to catch a recreation at Washington Grizzly Stadium – residence of the College of Montana Grizzlies.
There’s all the time one thing occurring in Missoula. Learn in regards to the best things to do in Missoula here.
6. Bozeman
This city is a good place to go to in Montana for its energetic downtown and out of doors adventures. With mountain views in virtually each route, you gained’t be dissatisfied!
There are a lot of things to see and do in Bozeman, however one of the best place to start out is downtown. Right here you’ll discover tons of nice outlets, eating places, and bars.
There are many climbing and biking trails within the space, and Bozeman has some excellent fly fishing as nicely. You may meander round this stunning city on pedestrian-friendly roads, (by foot or bike), or go to one of many many native parks. My daughter’s favorite is the Story Mill Neighborhood Park.
Only a quick distance from city, you may also discover the character of Hyalite Canyon or the Bridger Bowl space. Within the winter, you may go snowboarding or snowboarding at Bridger Bowl. And it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, remember to catch a recreation at Bobcat Stadium – residence of the Montana State College Bobcats.
See all Bozeman has to supply, together with occasions, here. Seek for a high place to remain in Bozeman, whether or not it’s mountain views you’re after, a rustic residence, or a downtown condo, you’ll discover it in our listing of the best Airbnbs in Bozeman.
Different surrounding must-see locations you could drive to from Bozeman embody Huge Sky ski resort, and Lewis and Clark Caverns.
While the caverns are good for a day journey, you might discover you need to keep just a few further days within the Huge Sky space, (for those who’re able to splurge!). Don’t miss our article on the top things to see and do in Big Sky.
Learn Extra Posts About Bozeman:
7. Billings
That is the largest metropolis in Montana, making it an ideal place to get all your buying completed. You’ll discover every part from large field shops to native boutiques and farmers’ markets right here.
Billings is a novel hub in the course of the state, with tons of mountains to discover to the south, (Beartooth close to Crimson Lodge), and west, (towards Huge Timer). Plus, it has its personal distinctive rock formations generally known as the “Rims” that run alongside your entire north finish of city.
Lastly, you may also head east to the plains of Montana the place you may discover historic areas just like the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
If you wish to be out in nature, there are many hiking and biking trails alongside the edges and near the Yellowstone River. My private favourite is strolling alongside the trails behind the Yellowstone Nation Membership the place I grew up.
Moreover, when you have children that want a break from climbing and museums, you may head to a neighborhood park with a free splash pad or wading pool. When you’re prepared for some extra enjoyable historical past, take a look at the Western Heritage Middle, or get a tour on the Moss Mansion.
Once you’re completed exploring, Billings has tons of native breweries you may check out. You could find a couple of by foot within the downtown space, or head out to a number of the newer west-end breweries like Diamond X and Meadowlark. With so many things to see in Billings, you’ll by no means be bored.
8. Helena
This state capital is a must-see for its gorgeous structure and wealthy historical past. One of the best place to start out is the Helena Customer Middle downtown the place you may choose up a map and get oriented.
Be sure you stroll alongside Final Probability Gulch, the primary road in Helena that’s lined with historic buildings. It’s also possible to go to the Montana State Capitol, one of many many museums, or the Helena Civic Middle which has nice views of town.
There are many choices for climbing, biking, and kayaking within the space. One of many best entry factors to nature is Mount Helena Metropolis Park, which additionally has nice views to supply.
Within the winter, you may go snowboarding or snowboarding at one of many close by resorts just like the Nice Divide Mountain. And it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, you may all the time go to one of many many native breweries or distilleries in Helena. Discover more things to do in Helena here.
9. Dillon
This small city is positioned in southwest Montana and is a good place to go to for its stunning surroundings and out of doors adventures. This location is off the crushed path and finest for people who need to get a greater really feel for extra rural areas of Montana.
The drive to Dillon is a variety of enjoyable by itself; with extensive open countryside and distant mountain views.
One of the best place to start out is downtown, the place you’ll discover a small handful of outlets, eating places, and bars. Be able to dine totally on burgers and steak.
Plus, Dillion is a hub for the out of doors model Patagonia as nicely, so you may cease into their outlet retailer for some killer offers on out of doors attire too. Typically our household goes to Dillon only for this!
For people who need to get outdoors, this space is ideal for fishing and looking within the Bitterroot Mountains. The native river is a fly fisherman’s paradise. When you’ve by no means fished earlier than however need to give it a attempt, rent a neighborhood information.
For some historical past, take a day journey over to Bannack State Park. You may head north alongside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Nationwide Forest for climbing, tenting, and hot springs fun.
The primary time we visited this space we had been stunned by how stunning this distant space is. Study extra about what to do in Dillon in our post here.
10. Whitefish
This city is a good place to go to for its entry to each Glacier Nationwide Park, and Whitefish Mountain Resort. The downtown space is quaint with outlets, eating places, and bars. It’s also possible to take the historic Whitefish Depot tour.
Probably the greatest instances to go to Whitefish is within the winter when you may go snowboarding or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort. This resort has a number of the finest views in Montana and is a good place for each newbie and skilled skiers/snowboarders.
In the summertime, you may nonetheless benefit from the mountain views by taking the gondola to the highest of Huge Mountain. When you’re up for it, you may hike or mountain bike again down.
When you’d slightly keep nearer to city, there are additionally loads of choices for climbing and biking shut by. The Whitefish Trail is a good place to start out with over 50 miles of trails.
Alternatively, you may also take a day to calm down and lounge by Whitefish Lake as nicely. One in all my favourite reminiscences of Whitefish is staying at a lodge proper on the lake, which I extremely advocate if you are able to do it. Take a look on the gorgeous Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Whitefish is among the finest locations to go to in Montana, each in the summertime and winter months. Learn more about the fun things to see and do in our post.
11. Hamilton, MT
This city is positioned within the Bitterroot Valley and is a good place to go to for its entry to nature and small-town allure. The downtown space is lined with outlets, eating places, and bars. Be sure you take a look at the Copper King Mansion for a style of the outdated west.
There are many choices for climbing and biking within the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains. It’s also possible to go fishing within the space.
Within the winter, you may go snowboarding or snowboarding at one of many close by resorts like Lost Trail Powder Mountain, (a lowkey resort with one of the best powder within the state). Lastly, it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, you may all the time go to one of many many native breweries or distilleries in Hamilton.
12. Scorching Springs
Notably for those who’re in Montana in the course of the winter months, (or cooler shoulder seasons), it’s all the time enjoyable to discover a rejuvenating scorching spring. Listed here are just a few of my private picks:
- Norris Scorching Springs. A really low-key developed scorching pool roughly 40 minutes outdoors of Bozeman. That is my private favourite developed scorching spring. You may get native and natural meals right here, and even take pleasure in music on Saturday nights.
- Chico Scorching Springs. This developed pool may be an all-inclusive go to as there’s a resort and restaurant on-site, or a stopover in your method to Yellowstone.
- White Sulphur Scorching Springs. This developed pool is a bit off the crushed path and, fairly truthfully, within the “center of nowhere.” Take a soak, then seize some goodies from the native Hutterites and discover the close by Belt Mountain Vary.
- Jerry Johnson Scorching Springs. This undeveloped pure scorching spring space is simply over an hour outdoors of Missoula. It requires a brief hike that’s nicely value it. Within the fall, you may even soak proper subsequent to the river.
For extra particulars and different choices for rest, take a look at our guide to the best hot springs in Montana.
13. Off the Overwhelmed Path Ski Resorts
Montana could also be finest identified for its snowboarding at Huge Sky. Nonetheless, it comes with steep costs and big crowds. Listed here are some local favorites which are simpler on the pockets, supply stunning views of Montana, and nonetheless supply some terrain for each stage of adventurer.
14. Georgetown Lake
This majestic lake is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is a good place to come back in the summertime for swimming, boating, and fishing. Within the winter, it’s an ideal place to come back cross-country snowboarding or snowshoeing.
There are a number of campgrounds across the lake, in addition to flats and cabins. Contemplate staying within the close by city of Anaconda.
To discover the encircling space, seize lunch and a neighborhood brew in Phillipsburg earlier than or after exploring the filth highway that goes to Skalkaho Falls.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Relaxing Hot Springs to Visit in Montana
15. Flathead Lake
This listing of the highest locations to go to in Montana wouldn’t be full with out mentioning one of many greatest lakes in Montana; Flathead Lake. This lake is 27 miles lengthy and 15 miles extensive.
There are many small cities positioned across the lake the place you’ll discover eating places, outlets, and bars. It’s also possible to discover cabins and hotels/resorts for those who’re on the lookout for a spot to remain.
In the summertime, you may take pleasure in swimming, boating, fishing, and climbing. It’s a native boater’s paradise. And within the winter, you may go cross-country snowboarding or snowmobiling.
When you occur to be in Flathead throughout its cherry season in the summertime, remember to seize these well-known native cherries that solely develop on this space. They’ll be on the market alongside the highway! See our full put up: 15 Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Montana
FAQs About Visiting Montana
Let’s evaluate some solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting all the attractive locations in Montana.
There are such a lot of stunning locations in Montana that it’s laborious to decide on only one. Nonetheless, the preferred locations are clustered on the Western facet of the state. Since many individuals come to go to the mountains, seeing the Rockies at Glacier Nationwide Park is arguably one of the stunning.
Many individuals love to come back to Montana to ski. You may entry ski websites virtually anyplace within the Western half of the state in locations like Big Sky, nevertheless, for those who’re not into snowboarding there are many different winter actions accessible reminiscent of scorching springs, snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding, and ice fishing.
Whitefish and Glacier Nationwide Park are nice locations to be in Montana in the summertime. You may take pleasure in climbing, tenting, fishing, swimming, boating – actually something outside. Many individuals come to Montana to flee the warmth of decrease elevations and benefit from the cooler temperatures of the mountains.
Whitefish, with its quaint city and exquisite lake, is a good place to go to in Montana in the summertime. As is Glacier Nationwide Park for the spectacular mountains. Different favorites embody Helena, Missoula, Bozeman, and Virginia Metropolis.
Glacier Nationwide Park is among the high sights in Montana, together with the Going To The Solar Street. Additionally, don’t miss Yellowstone Nationwide Park!
Montana is value visiting for its pristine pure magnificence, quaint mountain cities, and countless issues to see and do – each in summer season and winter. When you prefer to go climbing, fishing, snowboarding, swimming, tenting or just get away from all of it, Montana is a good place to go to.
At a minimal, spend every week in Montana. That approach, you’ll be capable of go to Glacier Nationwide Park, Yellowstone Nationwide Park, the cities of Whitefish, Bozeman and Missoula, and take a look at one of many scorching springs as nicely. Because the fourth largest state within the USA, there’s a variety of floor to cowl in Montana.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying about one of the best locations to go in Montana. My residence state has a lot to supply by way of pure magnificence, out of doors journey, and small-town allure.
There’s actually a little bit little bit of one thing for everybody with a mixture of historical past, views, and out of doors adventures. Give your self a while to take pleasure in all that Montana has to supply.
