Unveiling Montana's Hidden Gems: Top 20 Must-See Destinations
This curated list dives deep into the heart of Montana, showcasing both iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures. Get ready to be inspired!
Here's a breakdown of the 20 best places to visit in Montana, as recommended by those who know it best:
Place Why Visit? Activities Local Tip Glacier National Park The "Crown of the Continent" offers breathtaking mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Hiking, backpacking, scenic drives (Going-to-the-Sun Road), boat tours, wildlife viewing. Purchase a vehicle reservation to enter during peak season. Consider hiking in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Yellowstone National Park (Montana Portion) While primarily in Wyoming, a significant portion of Yellowstone extends into Montana, offering geysers, hot springs, and diverse ecosystems. Wildlife viewing, geyser gazing, hiking, fishing, camping. Be bear aware! Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Check the park website for road closures and alerts. Missoula A vibrant city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, known for its outdoor recreation, arts scene, and craft breweries. Hiking (Mount Sentinel "M" Trail), fly fishing (Blackfoot River), exploring downtown, visiting breweries. Attend a concert at the Wilma Theatre or catch a show at the Montana Repertory Theatre. Bozeman A rapidly growing city with a strong outdoor culture, excellent restaurants, and proximity to outdoor adventures. Skiing (Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort), hiking, fishing, exploring downtown, visiting the Museum of the Rockies. Explore the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Try a local craft beer at one of the many breweries. Whitefish A charming mountain town located near Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, shopping, dining. Take a gondola ride up Whitefish Mountain Resort for stunning views. Big Sky Home to Big Sky Resort, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and stunning mountain scenery year-round. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, golf. Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the mountains. Helena Montana's capital city, rich in history and located near the Missouri River. Exploring the state capitol building, visiting Reeder's Alley, hiking in the Elkhorn Mountains. Take a scenic boat tour on the Missouri River. Butte A historic mining town with a unique and gritty character. Touring the World Museum of Mining, exploring the historic downtown, visiting Our Lady of the Rockies. Take a trolley tour to learn about Butte's fascinating history. Flathead Lake The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, offering boating, swimming, and stunning views. Boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, visiting Wild Horse Island State Park. Pick fresh cherries at a local orchard during the summer. Hamilton Located in the Bitterroot Valley, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. Hiking, fishing, hunting, exploring the Bitterroot River, visiting the Daly Mansion. Attend the Ravalli County Fair & Rodeo. Livingston A historic railroad town located near the Yellowstone River, known for its art galleries and outdoor recreation. Fly fishing, hiking, visiting the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, exploring downtown. Attend the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Red Lodge A charming mountain town located near the Beartooth Highway, offering stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Driving the Beartooth Highway, skiing (Red Lodge Mountain), hiking, fishing. Visit the Carbon County Historical Society & Museum. Philipsburg A beautifully preserved historic mining town with charming shops and restaurants. Shopping, dining, visiting the Granite Ghost Town State Park, panning for sapphires. Stop by the Philipsburg Brewing Company for a local brew. Virginia City & Nevada City Ghost towns that offer a glimpse into Montana's gold rush history. Touring the historic buildings, taking a stagecoach ride, panning for gold. Attend a performance at the Virginia City Opera House. Lewistown Located in central Montana, known for its agricultural heritage and outdoor recreation. Hiking, fishing, hunting, exploring the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, visiting the Central Montana Museum. Attend the Montana State Fair in nearby Great Falls. Fort Benton The "Birthplace of Montana," a historic trading post on the Missouri River. Exploring the historic downtown, visiting the Museum of the Upper Missouri, taking a boat tour on the Missouri River. Visit the Old Fort Benton Bridge. Makoshika State Park Located near Glendive, known for its badlands scenery and dinosaur fossils. Hiking, camping, fossil hunting, exploring the badlands. Attend the Makoshika Dinosaur Dig. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness A rugged and remote wilderness area near Helena, accessible by boat tour. Hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing. Take a boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains. National Bison Range Located near Moiese, a wildlife refuge dedicated to preserving the American bison. Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hiking. Visit during the spring or fall for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Anaconda Home to the Anaconda Smelter Stack State Park, a towering reminder of Montana's copper mining past. Visiting the Anaconda Smelter Stack State Park, golfing at the Old Works Golf Course, exploring the historic downtown. Take a tour of the Anaconda Smelter Stack.
This list provides a starting point for your Montana adventure. Remember to research each destination thoroughly and consider your interests and travel style when planning your trip. Pack for all types of weather and be prepared for stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences. Explore the natural beauty of Montana! Don't forget to secure park passes and reservations where needed.
