If you might be searching for a memorable US getaway, visiting the state of Montana is the proper plan. Montana is filled with attention-grabbing locations and has among the nation’s finest artwork galleries and nationwide parks. Montana uniquely balances cultural sights for historical past buffs and tradition lovers and outside actions for thrill-seekers. Immerse your self in previous conventional western aptitude or head out for a day of mountain climbing trails and mountaineering.
But what are the perfect locations to go to in Montana? Do you head to Eastern Montana or Western Montana? To Glacier National Park or to the city of Great Falls? This information will break down the easiest locations to go to in Montana. Let’s get straight into it.
Best cities and cities to go to in Montana
Some of the perfect locations to go to in Montana are its cities and cities. You’ll discover many vacationer sights, cultures, and communities in these locations – good for getting a actual really feel of Montana residing. These are our prime eleven finest cities and cities in Montana.
1. Helena
Helena is Montana’s capital metropolis. If you need motion, tradition, and a energetic however pleasant environment, Helena is the place to go to in Montana. The metropolis is full of artwork galleries, museums, and historic structure. You’ll spend a whole lot of time in your ft, be it strolling Reeder’s Alley or via the displays on the Montana Historical Society.
Helena was initially a gold camp in the Montana gold rush. Its glitzy historical past is recognizable thanks to the town’s wealth at this time, and guests can get pleasure from wandering the elegant historic buildings – particularly in the downtown district.
Of course, you possibly can’t go to a state capital with out visiting the State Capitol Building both. Montana State Capitol is effectively value visiting for its architectural and political historical past.
2. Big Sky
Have you heard of Big Sky Country? If not, Big Sky is a small ski city in the Rocky Mountain area of Southwest Montana. The city is most well-known for Big Sky Resort and is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Montana for a winter getaway.
According to Forbes, the city is surrounded by ‘5,850 skiable acres. Whether you want to learn to ski or are already a pro, you’ll love the fierce winter sports activities tradition. Visiting Big Sky in winter means a whole lot of snow, snowboarding, and après ski. For a winter wonderland expertise, you actually can’t do higher. Plus, Big Sky is simply an hour’s drive from the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
If you might be visiting Big Sky in winter, be certain to seize your ski leases right here earlier than you go. It makes issues rather more handy.
3. Philipsburg
Philipsburg is small however mighty. First and foremost, it’s a mining city. Philipsburg has saved an industrial, previous west environment that makes it a incredible place to go to. The tiny city is not any shy wallflower on Montana’s vacationer scene both and has scored the title of probably the most lovely small city in Montana. If you want immersive historical past and small cities, look no additional.
Granite County Museum is a superb place to uncover Philipsburg’s previous mining business, whereas Granite Ghost Town State Park is one other gem to go to. The deserted city is the remnants of the area’s golden years through the mining increase of the late Nineteenth century. Immerse your self in Philipsburg and its surrounding space’s distinct characters.
4. Garryowen
Garryowen will get its identify from an previous Irish marching track. The city itself has sturdy navy hyperlinks, and it was fashioned as a cavalry station. One of the city’s finest sights, Custer National Cemetery, is a navy graveyard marked by the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Visitors can stroll to mass burial websites marked by white memorials and go to the customer middle and museum on-site.
Nowadays, Garryowen is positioned on Crow Indian Reservation. If you have an interest in Nineteenth-century American historical past or navy historical past in normal, Garryowen is a superb place to go to. You can study concerning the city’s historical past, pay respects to native Native American tradition, or go to the Little Bighorn National Monument.
5. Great Falls
Great Falls is a surprising riverside metropolis positioned in central Montana. Great Falls is called considerably of a cultural hub, and also you’ll discover museum after museum in the town. You can spend your days visiting the C.M. Russell Museum, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, or the Children’s Museum of Montana. There’s even the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which follows the story of the Lewis & Clark western expedition with distinctive displays, movies, and shows.
Great Falls is a superb alternative if you need an attention-grabbing cultural base in central Montana. It has a energetic metropolis environment and is simply a two-hour drive from Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and Giant Springs State Park – residence to one of many largest pure scorching springs in the US.
6. Bozeman
Want a nice keep in Montana? Bozeman is taken into account probably the most habitable place in the state, making it among the finest locations to go to in Montana for a laidback getaway.
In the town middle, there are extra sights than you possibly can rely. Bozeman itself is positioned simply outdoors of the mountainous area round Big Sky, with loads of small cities and areas of pure magnificence to discover on a day journey. If you don’t thoughts a two-hour drive, there’s Yellowstone to your south and Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest to your north.
Bozeman can be residence to Montana State University, giving the town a sociable, pleasant environment. You can head to the trendiest eateries, soak in Bozeman Hot Springs, or take advantage of the town’s incredible location for day journeys in nature. Bozeman is the proper compromise between metropolis residing and entry to pure wonders.
7. Whitefish
Like Big Sky, Whitefish is somewhat resort city that floods with skiers each winter. The city is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to for outside enjoyable and adrenaline sports activities. Whitefish is scenically located on the outskirts of Glacier National Park and has beautiful alpine views – good for lovely surroundings whereas cross-country snowboarding. There’s additionally an enormous freshwater lake, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a dip or spend a while fly fishing in summer season.
Whitefish’s well-known ski resort is Whitefish Mountain Resort. If you desire a vacation full of out of doors actions and winter sports activities, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a incredible place to stick with a ton of amenities, tools leases, and shuttles.
This is a superb place to base your self for a go to to Glacier National Park. This non-public full-day tour has one thing for everybody!
8. Missoula
9. Choteau
Choteau may appear off the crushed monitor and unassuming. However, the city is without doubt one of the finest paleontology websites in the world. Exciting, proper? If you like all the pieces fossils and geology, then a go to to Choteau needs to be on the playing cards. In reality, its close by Egg Mountain was used as a breeding floor for dinosaurs thousands and thousands of years in the past. In close by Bynum, you possibly can take part in fossil digs on the Montana Dinosaur Center.
Old Trail Museum is the foremost attraction in Choteau itself. The museum covers all the pieces from dinosaurs to teepees. Old Trail Museum is an ideal stop-off and place to spend an hour or two, particularly if you happen to like your museums eclectic.
Missoula has develop into generally known as a pure retreat, regardless of its metropolis standing. The metropolis is split into two by the Clark Fork River, famed for its Blue Trout (take word if you happen to love fishing). Situated in Western Montana, Missoula is correct subsequent to the Idaho border and is inside driving distance from Lolo and Flathead National Forests. Missoula is a ravishing place to go to if you need to base your self in Western Montana.
Of course, the town additionally has a whole lot of its personal sights, together with the Missoula Art Museum. While historical past lovers can study extra at Missoula Natural History Museum and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.
10. Butte
Butte was as soon as a gold and silver mining camp. A few centuries later, Butte is now among the finest locations to go to in Montana and one of many state’s most booming cities. Butte is someplace to respect Montana’s previous whereas having fun with the current second. The metropolis has nice historic sights and a incredible leisure scene.
You can uncover the town’s humble beginnings on the World Museum of Mining. You may also peer into Berkeley Pit (an previous copper mine) from a viewing stand inside straightforward strolling distance from the town middle. Alternatively, have a flutter by visiting Richest Hill. Richest Hill is Butte’s on line casino and the middle of its nightlife and partying scene – nice if you need to let your hair down.
11. Virginia City
Virginia City is considered one of our absolute favourite locations in Montana. The city is an entire time capsule, from log cabins to previous western avenue indicators. Get prepared to be transported again to Nineteenth-century Montana.
The city has a small museum referred to as the Thomas-Hickman Museum. You may also catch a efficiency on the Virginia City Opera House. However, the principle draw of Virginia City is to simply stroll the normal city predominant avenue and take in the previous western structure and environment. Virginia City is definitely probably the most genuine place to go to in Montana. You’ll like it, particularly if you happen to love immersive historical past.
Best pure locations to go to in Montana
Now that we’ve coated the perfect cities and cities, let’s take a look at the perfect pure locations to go to in Montana. From nationwide parks to state parks, these are our prime ten suggestions.
12. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a star amongst US nationwide parks. You’ll discover the world’s largest assortment of geysers, together with Old Faithful. There are additionally extra scorching springs, mountains, and animals than you’ll find a way to rely. If you desire a nationwide park that can present lifelong reminiscences, Yellowstone National Park is the one.
Yellowstone really straddles Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. While the biggest part of the park is in Wyoming, you possibly can expertise some components in Montana – or simply permit time to cross the borders and see as a lot as doable. Some sights, just like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (close to the West Yellowstone entrance) and the Museum of Yellowstone, are in Montana. Others, like Old Faithful, are positioned in Wyoming, so that you’ll want to permit further journey time.
If you have an interest in mountain climbing don’t miss our suggestions for the Best Hikes in Yellowstone, full with problem rankings and elevation.
In West Yellowstone, you’ll discover the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. The animal refuge middle has resident grizzly bears, gray wolves, and birds of prey. It is a superb place to go to if you need to help an area not-for-profit and don’t handle to spot animals in the wild.
Fancy an adrenaline rush? Go whitewater rafting down Yellowstone River. Yellowstone River snakes via the nationwide park’s middle with many thrilling sections of rapids – good for an adventurous time out.
13. Flathead National Forest
How does 2.4 million acres of mountain forests sound? In winter, you possibly can zip via Flathead National Forest on snowmobiles and skis. In spring and summer season, you’ll have mountain climbing trails galore and no scarcity of house for tenting and multi-day treks. Flathead National Forest is a superb pure place to go to in Montana, whatever the season.
The forest is residence to many animals, together with black bears and grizzlies. You’ll see bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and mules. And, if you happen to maintain your eyes on the skies, it’s possible you’ll get fortunate and catch sight of an eagle or owl. Flathead National Forest is without doubt one of the most rewarding pure locations to go to in the state of Montana.
14. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
Just outdoors of Helena, the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness is without doubt one of the most accessible locations of pure magnificence to go to in Montana. It can be one of the thrilling to discover since one of the best ways entails hopping on a ship.
The nature protect is located alongside a piece of the Missouri River that winds via a jaw-dropping mountain park. Sailing up the river, you possibly can admire and be humbled by the dimensions of the mountain vary surrounding you – undoubtedly deliver a digital camera.
You can take a guided tour or lease water sports activities tools to respect the Gates independently. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness is finest visited in heat, dry climate, as crusing can get extraordinarily chilly with the sturdy breeze and publicity to the weather. We suggest visiting in late spring or summer season for the perfect expertise. Plus, the mountains can be coated in lovely greenery throughout these months.
15. Giant Springs State Park
The identify Giant Springs State Park speaks for itself. The park is residence to one of many US’s largest freshwater springs, and the Giant Springs produces an unbelievable 156 million gallons of water each day. It is alleged that water takes roughly 26 years to attain the springs from its origin in the Little Belt mountains – an interesting idea.
Aside from viewing this pure phenomenon although, guests can take advantage of river actions like fishing, swimming, and boating. There are additionally trails for mountain biking and horseback driving if you need to discover somewhat otherwise than on foot. The park was first found on the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1805 and is a crucial location in the early mapping of Montana.
Giant Springs is the perfect place for you if you happen to like pure sights with a big community of trails and a historic backstory.
16. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a superb pure place to go to in Montana. The 3,000-acre park is finest identified for its limestone caverns, named the Clark Caverns. Visitors can take guided excursions into the Clark Caverns for an final caving expertise. Allow just below two hours for a tour of the caverns, however a complete day to expertise the perfect of the park.
The park is an thrilling place to witness underground magnificence and discover lovely hikes in the sunshine above floor. It is undoubtedly one of the distinctive locations to go to in Montana if you need to expertise pure magnificence.
17. Flathead Lake State Park
Flathead Lake is cut up into six totally different park sections, so select which space you need to go to correctly (our favourite is West Shore). The park is located round Flathead Lake, making it superb for fishing, swimming, and water sports activities actions. The park is the perfect place to spend a lake-side vacation and is dreamy in late spring and summer season.
Flathead Lake is an efficient possibility if you’re searching for nice tenting spots in Montana. The park has many well-established campgrounds with loads of amenities, which is great if you need a calming, entry-level tenting expertise.
18. Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Spring Meadow Lake State Park is a cheeky addition to our checklist of pure magnificence spots. The 61-acre park has a man-made lake – so technically, it’s a artifical space of magnificence. However, it’s so beautiful we simply had to add it to the checklist.
The park is finest for many who need clear trails and purpose-made strolling paths. You can observe the paths, cease for a chew to eat on one of many picnic benches, or get pleasure from some water actions. Spring Meadow Lake State Park is a well-liked spot for kayaking and paddle boarding, and you’ll rent tools on-site if you happen to don’t have your personal to deliver alongside.
The better part about Spring Meadow Lake State Park is that it’s positioned simply outdoors of Helena. The park is lower than a ten-minute drive from Helena’s middle and an effective way to get a while in the outside throughout a metropolis break.
19. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Have you ever seen a wild horse? If not, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is the place you simply would possibly. With a little bit of luck, you’ll spot herds of untamed horses when exploring the world’s mountain climbing trails. There are additionally loads of ranches the place you possibly can saddle up to see the wild horses on horseback.
Located on the Montana-Wyoming border, the world is centered round Bighorn Canyon itself, which is unquestionably value visiting. You can drive to scenic overlooks or hike to probably the most distant but rewarding viewpoints – it’s completely up to you. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is filled with surprises and thrilling issues to see.
20. Makoshika State Park
Meet the biggest state park in Montana. Makoshika State Park is overflowing with fossils, and dinosaur lovers can be ecstatic at seeing the fossil stays of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Families word this park down to your little ones. But adults don’t miss out on the enjoyable both – Makoshika State Park impresses all ages.
Start your go to on the customer middle, the place you possibly can admire a sequence of interpretive displays and the perfect dinosaur fossils. Then you possibly can hike the Montana Dinosaur Trail for the final word paleontology expertise. Allow a complete day to go to as there’s a lot to see, and also you don’t need to rush.
21. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
Now the Missouri River is the longest river in the US, so, until you need to sail the size of it (which might be an thrilling journey), you’ll have to select a small part to go to. The river cuts via Montana east to west, passing a number of riverside cities and cities. However, our favourite place to benefit from the river is the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a 377,000-acre nationwide park and the best spot for a riverside journey. You can kayak, swim, or hike. To expertise the Missouri River, the nationwide park is the perfect and quietest place in Montana.
Of course, it’s also possible to indulge in a river rafting expertise to pump your adrenaline or sit alongside the river banks for some stress-free fly fishing. North Montana can be full of various sights like Bear Gulch Pictographs and the Phillips County Museum that you could mix with visiting the park.
22. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is gorgeous. There’s no denying it. In explicit, its mountain climbing is famend as among the finest in the US, and you’ll learn our full information on the perfect mountain climbing trails in Glacier National Park right here. The park is certain to impress regardless of the season and regardless of your pursuits.
If you might be in a rush, we suggest visiting Lake Mcdonald and Logan Pass. Lake Mcdonald is the park’s largest lake and is a picture-perfect alpine vacation spot with nonetheless water and mountainous views. Logan Pass is a dramatic elevation move on the Continental Divide, with attractive surroundings and plenty of mountain goats to spot. You can’t go incorrect with a go to to Glacier National Park.
Final Thoughts
Montana is unbelievable. The state has a dreamy mixture of pure wonders and historic cities and cities to discover. By visiting Montana, you’ll be visiting among the finest locations in the US – prepare to begin ticking off your bucket checklist.
If you’ve the possibility, strive to go to as many of those locations as doable for the final word Montana expertise. We hope you’ve a incredible journey.