Should you’re searching for an extremely numerous journey vacation spot, look no additional than Montana! This stunning state has one thing to supply everybody, from beautiful mountain ranges and pristine lakes to charming cities. On this article, I’ll evaluate the most effective 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 outdoor and get a really feel for what the unique pioneers will need to have felt.
Montana’s inhabitants is kind of small with solely 6 folks per sq. mile. This implies there aren’t actually any bustling cities; it’s an important place that can assist you disconnect out of your busy life, reconnect to nature, and recharge. The state is considered one of my favourite locations within the US. Though, being from Montana, I could also be biased.
15 Finest 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 of ourselves the “Massive Sky” state till I traveled to different components 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 most effective time to go to Montana actually will depend on what you wish to do, however whether or not you’re seeking to go snowboarding, or mountaineering within the mountains, you’ll discover it on this checklist of locations to go in Montana.
1. Glacier Nationwide Park (One of many Most In style Locations to Go to in Montana)
There’s a purpose that Glacier Nationwide Park is likely one of 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 numerous nationwide 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 high vacation spot for solo vacationers, {couples}, households, or teams of buddies. It’s among the finest locations to go to in Montana for every type of vacationers!
Glacier Nationwide Park provides over 700 miles of mountaineering trails, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and lakes. And don’t neglect in regards to the Going-To-The-Solar Street.
This scenic drive will take you thru a few of the most unbelievable mountain surroundings within the nation. Climbing the aspect of a mountain on a slender highway with the most effective views Montana has to supply, is a sight to recollect.
There’s one thing right here for each kind of explorer: mountaineering, biking, boating, picnics, scenic drives, and past. For a day break, be sure that to carry a picnic and take it to one of many stunning lakefronts!
Please understand that Glacier is a well-liked summer season vacation spot. Attempt to plan forward and ebook what you’ll be able to upfront on the official NPS web site.
Take a look at our information to the greatest issues 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 checklist, 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 Move are cleared of snow for the season. Drive as much as 10,000 toes 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 somewhat quieter than the others.
Gardiner. Attending to Gardiner requires driving via the enduring 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’ll be able to keep at earlier than reaching the doorway.
West Yellowstone. This entrance is likely one of 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 too can ebook 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 Previous Trustworthy and Mammoth Scorching Springs! There’s a purpose why Yellowstone is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Montana, so simply be prepared for visitors jams and a great deal of folks all summer season lengthy.
3. Virginia Metropolis
This well-preserved Nationwide Historic Metropolis is a must-see in Montana for any historical past buff. Virginia Metropolis was a booming gold mining city with 1000’s of individuals. Now, you’ll be able to 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 folks. These residents are pleased with their small city and fortunately welcome you to discover.
You possibly can wander across the metropolis without cost and decide up some goodies and souvenirs to take residence. For a extra immersive expertise, ebook a tour on a classic hearth truck or the native prepare.
You too can examine the native bars for reveals or concert events while you’re there. An previous pal of mine from graduate college nonetheless performs there most weekends and it’s at all times a good time. For extra particulars, see their official web site right here.
4. Purple Lodge
Purple Lodge is a superb base camp for exploring the Beartooth Freeway – probably the most scenic drives within the state. This 68-mile highway takes you thru 10,000+ toes of elevation with loads of pull-outs to absorb the views.
Within the city of Purple Lodge, you’ll be able to discover the historic downtown and go to the Carbon County Museum to be taught extra in regards to the native historical past and geology. For a singular expertise, go to the Wildlife Sanctuary which offers take care of animals that aren’t capable of be launched into the wild.
There are additionally loads of mountaineering and biking trails within the space simply south of city if you wish to discover the nice outdoor. Purple Lodge Mountain Resort can be a well-liked native spot for snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter. I grew up snowboarding right here and had a lot enjoyable!
There’s virtually at all times one thing occurring every weekend on this small city; from concert events to rodeos. See their full calendar of occasions for the time you propose 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 outside enjoyable (even with a child!), head to Wild Invoice Lake for brief hikes and a well-stocked fishing gap. Learn extra in our information to the enjoyable issues to see and do in Purple Lodge.
5. Missoula
This school city is the cultural hub of Montana and has somewhat little bit of every thing. From nice meals to outside adventures, there are quite a few issues to do in Missoula — the town has all of it.
Begin with a chunk to eat within the historic downtown space. Should 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 school scholar.
Hop throughout the road to seize some regionally made ice cream on the Massive Dipper. I extremely suggest the yellow cake ice cream dipped in chocolate sprinkles.
After you’ve had your fill, discover a few of the many artwork galleries on the town, or catch a present on the historic Wilma Theater.
If you wish to benefit from the outdoor, there are many mountaineering and biking trails in Missoula. Or you’ll be able to head to the close by Rattlesnake Nationwide Recreation Space for a day of exploring.
For one thing extra lowkey, you’ll be able to 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 excellent metropolis views.
In the summertime, you too can cool off in considered one of Missoula’s public swimming pools, or take a float down the Clark Fork River. It doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, you’ll want to catch a sport at Washington Grizzly Stadium – residence of the College of Montana Grizzlies.
There’s at all times one thing occurring in Missoula. Learn in regards to the greatest issues to do in Missoula right here.
6. Bozeman
This city is a superb place to go to in Montana for its vigorous downtown and outside adventures. With mountain views in virtually each route, you received’t be upset!
There are numerous issues to see and do in Bozeman, however the most effective place to begin is downtown. Right here you’ll discover tons of nice outlets, eating places, and bars.
There are many mountaineering and biking trails within the space, and Bozeman has some glorious fly fishing as effectively. You possibly can 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 too can discover the character of Hyalite Canyon or the Bridger Bowl space. Within the winter, you’ll be able to go snowboarding or snowboarding at Bridger Bowl. And it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, you’ll want to catch a sport at Bobcat Stadium – residence of the Montana State College Bobcats.
See all Bozeman has to supply, together with occasions, right 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 checklist of the greatest Airbnbs in Bozeman.
Different surrounding must-see locations that you could drive to from Bozeman embody Massive Sky ski resort, and Lewis and Clark Caverns.
While the caverns are excellent for a day journey, chances are you’ll discover you wish to keep just a few further days within the Massive Sky space, (in the event you’re able to splurge!). Don’t miss our article on the high issues to see and do in Massive Sky.
Learn Extra Posts About Bozeman:
7. Billings
That is the largest metropolis in Montana, making it an important place to get your whole purchasing performed. You’ll discover every thing from large field shops to native boutiques and farmers’ markets right here.
Billings is a singular hub in the midst of the state, with tons of mountains to discover to the south, (Beartooth close to Purple Lodge), and west, (towards Massive Timer). Plus, it has its personal distinctive rock formations often known as the “Rims” that run alongside your complete north finish of city.
Lastly, you too can head east to the plains of Montana the place you’ll be able to discover historic areas just like the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
If you wish to be out in nature, there are many mountaineering 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, in case you have youngsters that want a break from mountaineering and museums, you’ll be able to head to a neighborhood park with a free splash pad or wading pool. Should 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.
If you’re performed exploring, Billings has tons of native breweries you’ll be able to check out. You could find multiple by foot within the downtown space, or head out to a few of the newer west-end breweries like Diamond X and Meadowlark. With so many issues to see in Billings, you’ll by no means be bored.
8. Helena
This state capital is a must-see for its beautiful structure and wealthy historical past. The most effective place to begin is the Helena Customer Middle downtown the place you’ll be able to decide up a map and get oriented.
You’ll want to stroll alongside Final Likelihood Gulch, the primary avenue in Helena that’s lined with historic buildings. You too can go to the Montana State Capitol, one of many many museums, or the Helena Civic Middle which has nice views of the town.
There are many choices for mountaineering, 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’ll be able to 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’ll be able to at all times go to one of many many native breweries or distilleries in Helena. Uncover extra issues to do in Helena right here.
9. Dillon
This small city is positioned in southwest Montana and is a superb place to go to for its stunning surroundings and outside adventures. This location is off the crushed path and greatest for people who wish to get a greater really feel for extra rural areas of Montana.
The drive to Dillon is quite a lot of enjoyable by itself; with huge open countryside and distant mountain views.
The most effective place to begin is downtown, the place you’ll discover a small handful of retailers, eating places, and bars. Be able to dine totally on burgers and steak.
Plus, Dillion is a hub for the outside model Patagonia as effectively, so you’ll be able to cease into their outlet retailer for some killer offers on outside attire too. Typically our household goes to Dillon only for this!
For people who wish to get outdoors, this space is ideal for fishing and searching within the Bitterroot Mountains. The native river is a fly fisherman’s paradise. Should you’ve by no means fished earlier than however wish to give it a strive, rent a neighborhood information.
For some historical past, take a day journey over to Bannack State Park. You possibly can head north alongside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Nationwide Forest for mountaineering, tenting, and scorching springs enjoyable.
The primary time we visited this space we have been shocked by how stunning this distant space is. Study extra about what to do in Dillon in our put up right here.
10. Whitefish
This city is a superb 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. You too can take the historic Whitefish Depot tour.
Among the finest instances to go to Whitefish is within the winter when you’ll be able to go snowboarding or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort. This resort has a few of the greatest views in Montana and is a superb place for each newbie and skilled skiers/snowboarders.
In the summertime, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the mountain views by taking the gondola to the highest of Massive Mountain. Should you’re up for it, you’ll be able to hike or mountain bike again down.
Should you’d quite keep nearer to city, there are additionally loads of choices for mountaineering and biking shut by. The Whitefish Path is a superb place to begin with over 50 miles of trails.
Alternatively, you too can take a day to calm down and lounge by Whitefish Lake as effectively. Certainly one of my favourite recollections of Whitefish is staying at a lodge proper on the lake, which I extremely suggest if you are able to do it. Take a look on the beautiful Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Whitefish is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Montana, each in the summertime and winter months. Study extra in regards to the enjoyable issues to see and do in our put up.
11. Hamilton, MT
This city is positioned within the Bitterroot Valley and is a superb place to go to for its entry to nature and small-town attraction. The downtown space is lined with outlets, eating places, and bars. You’ll want to take a look at the Copper King Mansion for a style of the previous west.
There are many choices for mountaineering and biking within the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains. You too can go fishing within the space.
Within the winter, you’ll be able to go snowboarding or snowboarding at one of many close by resorts like Misplaced Path Powder Mountain, (a lowkey resort with the most effective powder within the state). Lastly, it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, you’ll be able to at all times go to one of many many native breweries or distilleries in Hamilton.
12. Scorching Springs
Notably in the event you’re in Montana throughout the winter months, (or cooler shoulder seasons), it’s at all times enjoyable to discover a rejuvenating scorching spring. Listed below 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 get pleasure from music on Saturday nights.
- Chico Scorching Springs. This developed pool might be an all-inclusive go to as there’s a lodge and restaurant on-site, or a stopover in your solution to Yellowstone.
- White Sulphur Scorching Springs. This developed pool is a bit off the crushed path and, fairly actually, 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 effectively price it. Within the fall, you’ll be able to even soak proper subsequent to the river.
For extra particulars and different choices for leisure, take a look at our information to the most effective scorching springs in Montana.
13. Off the Crushed Path Ski Resorts
Montana could also be greatest recognized for its snowboarding at Massive Sky. Nevertheless, it comes with steep costs and big crowds. Listed below are some native favorites which can be simpler on the pockets, supply stunning views of Montana, and nonetheless supply some terrain for each degree of adventurer.
14. Georgetown Lake
This majestic lake is surrounded by three mountain ranges and is a superb place to return in the summertime for swimming, boating, and fishing. Within the winter, it’s an important place to return cross-country snowboarding or snowshoeing.
There are a number of campgrounds across the lake, in addition to flats and cabins. Take into account staying within the close by city of Anaconda.
To discover the encompassing 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 Enjoyable Scorching Springs to Go to in Montana
15. Flathead Lake
This checklist 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 huge.
There are many small cities positioned across the lake the place you’ll discover eating places, outlets, and bars. You too can discover cabins and lodges/resorts in the event you’re searching for a spot to remain.
In the summertime, you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming, boating, fishing, and mountaineering. It’s a native boater’s paradise. And within the winter, you’ll be able to go cross-country snowboarding or snowmobiling.
Should you occur to be in Flathead throughout its cherry season in the summertime, you’ll want 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 Lovely Lakes to Go to 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. Nevertheless, the preferred locations are clustered on the Western aspect of the state. Since many individuals come to go to the mountains, seeing the Rockies at Glacier Nationwide Park is arguably probably the most stunning.
Many individuals love to return to Montana to ski. You possibly can entry ski websites virtually anyplace within the Western half of the state in locations like Massive Sky, nonetheless, in the event you’re not into snowboarding there are many different winter actions out there 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 possibly can get pleasure from mountaineering, tenting, fishing, swimming, boating – actually something outdoor. 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 delightful lake, is a superb 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 likely one of the high sights in Montana, together with the Going To The Solar Street. Additionally, don’t miss Yellowstone Nationwide Park!
Montana is price visiting for its pristine pure magnificence, quaint mountain cities, and limitless issues to see and do – each in summer season and winter. Should you prefer to go mountaineering, fishing, snowboarding, swimming, tenting or just get away from all of it, Montana is a superb place to go to.
At a minimal, spend every week in Montana. That means, you’ll be capable to 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 effectively. Because the fourth largest state within the USA, there’s quite a lot of floor to cowl in Montana.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying about the most effective locations to go in Montana. My residence state has a lot to supply when it comes to pure magnificence, outside journey, and small-town attraction.
There’s actually somewhat little bit of one thing for everybody with a mixture of historical past, views, and outside adventures. Give your self a while to get pleasure from all that Montana has to supply.
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