10 Best Places to Visit in Montana

Montana is a state of stunning natural beauty‚ with a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions. From the majestic mountains of Glacier National Park to the vibrant waters of Flathead Lake‚ there’s something for everyone in Montana. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Montana⁚

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking wilderness area in northwestern Montana‚ known for its stunning mountain scenery‚ pristine lakes‚ and abundant wildlife. The park is home to over 25 glaciers‚ as well as hundreds of waterfalls‚ alpine meadows‚ and forests. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Glacier‚ including hiking‚ backpacking‚ camping‚ fishing‚ and boating. The Going-to-the-Sun Road‚ which traverses the park from east to west‚ is one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Here are some of the highlights of Glacier National Park⁚

• Hiking⁚ Glacier offers over 700 miles of hiking trails‚ ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails include the Highline Trail‚ the Grinnell Glacier Trail‚ and the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail.
• Backpacking⁚ Glacier is a backpacker’s paradise‚ with over 1‚000 campsites located throughout the park. Backpackers can choose from a variety of itineraries‚ ranging from short overnight trips to week-long expeditions.
• Camping⁚ Glacier offers a variety of camping options‚ including developed campgrounds‚ primitive campsites‚ and backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds are located near the park’s entrances and offer amenities such as picnic tables‚ fire rings‚ and restrooms. Primitive campsites are located in more remote areas of the park and offer a more rustic experience.
• Fishing⁚ Glacier is home to over 200 lakes and streams‚ which offer excellent fishing for a variety of species‚ including trout‚ salmon‚ and whitefish. Fishing is allowed in most areas of the park‚ but there are some restrictions in place to protect the park’s aquatic resources.
• Boating⁚ Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on many of Glacier’s lakes. Visitors can rent boats from concessionaires in the park or bring their own; Boating is a great way to explore the park’s backcountry and get up close to its wildlife.

Glacier National Park is a truly special place‚ and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montana. If you’re planning a trip to Montana‚ be sure to add Glacier to your itinerary.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast and awe-inspiring wilderness area in the western United States‚ known for its geothermal features‚ wildlife‚ and stunning scenery. The park is home to over 10‚000 geothermal features‚ including geysers‚ hot springs‚ and mud pots. It is also home to a diverse array of wildlife‚ including bears‚ wolves‚ bison‚ elk‚ and moose. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Yellowstone‚ including hiking‚ camping‚ fishing‚ boating‚ and wildlife viewing.

Here are some of the highlights of Yellowstone National Park⁚

• Old Faithful⁚ Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world‚ and it erupts regularly‚ every 90 minutes or so. Visitors can gather around the geyser and watch in awe as it shoots a column of water and steam hundreds of feet into the air.
• Grand Prismatic Spring⁚ Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States‚ and it is known for its vibrant colors. The spring is surrounded by a colorful microbial mat‚ which creates a rainbow of colors around the edge of the spring.
• Yellowstone Lake⁚ Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America‚ and it offers a variety of recreational opportunities‚ including boating‚ fishing‚ and camping. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the lake and see the park’s wildlife from a different perspective.
• Wildlife viewing⁚ Yellowstone is home to a diverse array of wildlife‚ including bears‚ wolves‚ bison‚ elk‚ and moose. Visitors can often see these animals grazing in the meadows or wandering through the forests. The park also offers a variety of wildlife viewing programs‚ led by park rangers.
• Hiking⁚ Yellowstone offers over 1‚000 miles of hiking trails‚ ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails include the Old Faithful Loop Trail‚ the Grand Prismatic Spring Trail‚ and the Mount Washburn Trail.

Yellowstone National Park is a truly unique and special place‚ and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. If you’re planning a trip to Montana‚ be sure to add Yellowstone to your itinerary.

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the western United States‚ and it’s a popular destination for boating‚ fishing‚ swimming‚ and other water activities. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests‚ and it offers stunning scenery. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of hiking and biking trails in the area.

Here are some of the highlights of Flathead Lake⁚

• Boating⁚ Flathead Lake is a great place to go boating‚ and there are a variety of boat launches and marinas around the lake. Visitors can rent boats or bring their own. The lake is also a popular destination for sailing and windsurfing.
• Fishing⁚ Flathead Lake is home to a variety of fish‚ including lake trout‚ rainbow trout‚ brown trout‚ and kokanee salmon. The lake is also a popular destination for ice fishing in the winter.
• Swimming⁚ Flathead Lake has a number of sandy beaches‚ which are perfect for swimming. The water is clear and refreshing‚ and the beaches are surrounded by beautiful scenery.
• Hiking and biking⁚ There are a number of hiking and biking trails in the Flathead Lake area‚ ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails include the Trail of the Cedars‚ the West Shore Trail‚ and the Swan River Trail.
• Wildlife viewing⁚ The Flathead Lake area is home to a variety of wildlife‚ including bears‚ deer‚ elk‚ and moose. Visitors can often see these animals grazing in the meadows or wandering through the forests.

Flathead Lake is a beautiful and diverse destination‚ and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montana. If you’re planning a trip to Montana‚ be sure to add Flathead Lake to your itinerary.

Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort is a world-class ski and snowboard destination located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The resort offers over 5‚800 acres of skiable terrain‚ with a variety of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Big Sky is also known for its stunning scenery‚ with views of Lone Peak and the surrounding mountains.

Here are some of the highlights of Big Sky Resort⁚

• Skiing and snowboarding⁚ Big Sky Resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States. The resort has over 5‚800 acres of skiable terrain‚ with a variety of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Big Sky is also known for its powder snow‚ which is often light and fluffy.
• Après-ski⁚ Big Sky Resort has a lively après-ski scene‚ with a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. Visitors can enjoy live music‚ dancing‚ and drinks after a day on the slopes.
• Summer activities⁚ Big Sky Resort is also a great place to visit in the summer. The resort offers a variety of activities‚ including hiking‚ biking‚ fishing‚ and golf. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air.
• Lodging⁚ Big Sky Resort has a variety of lodging options‚ including hotels‚ condos‚ and cabins. Visitors can choose from a variety of price ranges and amenities.
• Location⁚ Big Sky Resort is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains‚ and it’s surrounded by stunning scenery. The resort is also close to Yellowstone National Park and other popular tourist destinations.

Big Sky Resort is a great place to visit for a ski vacation or a summer getaway. The resort offers a variety of activities and amenities‚ and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors‚ Big Sky Resort is the perfect destination.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a vast underground wonderland located in the heart of Montana. The park is home to over 1‚200 acres of caves‚ including the famous Lewis and Clark Caverns. The caverns were discovered by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805‚ and they have been a popular tourist destination ever since.

Here are some of the highlights of Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park⁚

• Cave tours⁚ Visitors to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park can take a variety of cave tours‚ ranging from easy to challenging. The tours are led by experienced guides who will share the history and geology of the caves.
• Hiking⁚ The park also offers a variety of hiking trails‚ ranging from short and easy to long and challenging. The trails wind through the park’s forests and meadows‚ and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Camping⁚ Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park has a variety of camping options‚ including tent sites‚ RV hookups‚ and cabins. Visitors can camp in the park’s campground‚ or they can find dispersed camping sites throughout the park.
• Picnicking⁚ The park also has a variety of picnic areas‚ where visitors can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. The picnic areas are located throughout the park‚ and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Wildlife⁚ Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is home to a variety of wildlife‚ including deer‚ elk‚ bears‚ and wolves. Visitors may be able to see wildlife while hiking or camping in the park.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The park offers a variety of activities and amenities‚ and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a place to explore caves‚ hike‚ camp‚ or picnic‚ Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is the perfect destination.