Discover Montana, renowned as Big Sky Country, where awe-inspiring natural vistas unfold. Sweeping open plains, majestic mountains, and preserved wilderness grace this captivating state. Its eastern expanse welcomes with boundless grasslands and meadows, while the west is adorned by over a hundred towering mountain ranges, including the Rockies and the Bitterroot Range. Situated in the far north, Montana, the largest landlocked state, shares its borders with Canada and the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Idaho to the south. Immerse yourself in our guide to the Amazing Places to Visit in Montana and explore the remarkable destinations shaping this picturesque state
Montana’s natural beauty is its biggest attraction, with many visitors heading to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park to marvel at their stunning lakes, mountains, glaciers, geysers and hot springs, respectively. Other popular destinations include the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, offering badlands, bluffs, and rock formations.
Montana offers activities for all seasons, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and wildlife observation in the summer, with the state being home to a diverse range of fauna, including elk, wolves, and mountain lions. The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula are popular jumping-off points for visitors and offer many cultural and historical attractions, in addition to being the most populous and dynamic cities in Montana.
Montana’s popular tourist destinations also include its world-class ski resorts and dramatic ancient ghost towns, such as Virginia City. Montana’s mostly rural setting offers nature lovers miles of open terrain, diverse fauna, and breathtaking scenery, while its bustling urban centers have a distinct cowboy flair. Make sure to include Montana’s many attractions in your vacation plans for a fantastic travel destination.
10. Great Falls
Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls, Montana on a sunny day. Image source: Nikki Yancey/Shutterstock.com
Great Falls, commonly called the Electric City, is located in central Montana. Great Falls is a popular resting place for those driving through Montana or visiting adjacent national parks, but it also has a lot to offer visitors on their own. For instance, you may spend a day trekking around the scenic Ryan Dam, the inspiration for Electric City’s moniker.
Giant Springs State Park and the neighbouring Lewis and Clark National Interpretive Center are also worth visiting if you’re interested in American history and want to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural attractions, as well as the Missouri River.
Amazing Places to Visit in Montana: Missoula
A stunning view of Missoula from the top of Mount Sentinel in Montana. Image source: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock.com
Missoula, the state’s second-largest city, is home to the University of Montana and its expansive campus. Missoula was formerly a major railroad centre, and the city’s many restored train stations are now popular tourist attractions. The Missoula Art Museum, the Roxy Theatre, and the Carousel in historic Caras Park are other recommended visits for history buffs.
You may also go rafting down the Clark Fork River, which runs through the heart of Missoula and serves as a leisure hub, or take a walk along the coastal Kim Williams Trail. Head downtown to find a wide variety of breweries, wonderful independent eateries, and boutique stores where you can pick up one-of-a-kind mementos.
8. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Beautiful limestone formations inside Lewis and Clark Caverns in Montana. Image source: Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock.com
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, situated west of Three Forks, is Montana’s oldest and perhaps most magnificent state park. These limestone caves have fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
The tunnel excursions cover a lot of land and include a 600-stair descent into a much colder environment. The caves are open during the summer months, but the state park has many other activities to offer visitors, such as hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and animal watching.
Amazing Places to Visit in Montana: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The solemn grounds of Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. Image source: G Seeger/Shutterstock.com
The Battle of Little Bighorn is widely regarded as one of the most significant military engagements in U.S. history. In 1876, the United States and Native American tribes such as the Dakota, Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho fought to the death here in what became known as Custer’s Last Stand. The yearly reenactments continue to be a major tourist attraction. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is worth a visit, and the nearby town of Crow Agency has good food, shops, and even some water sports.
6. Helena
The statue of Thomas Francis Meagher at the Montana State Capital Building. Image source: Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com
Helena, the capital of Montana and a major transportation hub in the Golden West, is often the first stop for visitors to the state. The Montana State Capitol Building is the city’s top tourist attraction and offers tours seven days a week.
The Gates of the Mountains of the Missouri River are a group of cliffs that lead down to the river and were given their renowned name by the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark. Helena is home to the hand-carved Great Northern Carousel; the Old Fire Tower, which dates back to the 19th century; and the old mining neighbourhood of Reeder’s Alley.
Amazing Places to Visit in Montana: Whitefish
Beautiful view of Big Mountain in Whitewish, Montana during a sunny day. Image source: Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock.com
Whitefish, Montana, is a picturesque resort town not far from Kalispell, Montana, the “Gateway to Glacier National Park.” The Flathead Valley, where Whitefish is situated, was formed as a result of glacial action, and the region around Whitefish is rich in freshwater resources, including several beautiful lakes.
Whitefish is known for its abundance of natural features and outdoor recreation options. Whitefish Lake offers wonderful fishing, and nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Flathead River are also ideal for skiing and kayaking. There are also several excellent golf courses in the region.
4. Flathead Lake
Stunning view of Flathead Lake from Polson, Montana. Image source: James R Poston/Shutterstock.com
Flathead Lake, the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, is located only 15 minutes south of Kalispell. Flathead Lake, which was created by glaciers, is both a historical relic and a modern tourist destination in Montana. North of the lake is a great area to get some exercise on foot or horseback.
Farmer’s markets near Flathead Lake are a great place to get locally grown, in-season cherries throughout the summer. Renting sailboats and taking sailing lessons may be done at any number of locations all around Montana’s Flathead Lake, which is seeing a surge in popularity.
Amazing Places to Visit in Montana: West Yellowstone
Aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. Image source: Edward Fielding/Shutterstock.com
Although Wyoming contains the majority of Yellowstone National Park, Montana is home to many of the park’s entrances. The West Yellowstone area is a popular choice. This is the park’s western entrance, so named because it faces the Yellowstone River.
In addition to being home to the expansive collections of the Yellowstone Museum, West Yellowstone is also home to one of the world’s most amazing national parks, home to sights including Old Faithful. Yellowstone Avenue is lined with unique gift stores, and Faithful Street is where you’ll find great deals on tasty, authentic regional food.
2. Bozeman
Aerial view of downtown Bozeman, Montana. Image source: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock.com
Since it is the location of Montana State University and the main entry point to Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman is one of the state’s most visited cities. Bozeman is known for its stunning landscapes, but the city also places a strong focus on its cultural institutions and artistic community. The Pioneer Museum, the Museum of the Rockies, the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture, and the surprising but amazing American Computer Museum are all great places to start your exploration of the city.
Bozeman is located on the Gallatin River, which offers swimming, fishing, and even kayaking. Alternatively, you may get some exercise by strolling around the downtown area, known as the Barmuda Triangle, and visiting the numerous pubs and breweries there.
Amazing Places to Visit in Montana: Glacier National Park
Beautiful landscape photography of Glacier National Park in Montana. Image source: Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock.com
Few places on Earth can match Glacier National Park when it comes to spectacular vistas and beautiful beauty. Glacier National Park in Montana is a fantastic site to visit for its proximity to the Canadian border and its connection to Waterton Lakes National Park. Even though there are shuttles and guided tours available, strolling at your own pace is the best way to take in the park’s splendor.
There are more than 700 miles of trails to explore, with the Trail of the Cedars and the Huckleberry Mountain Trail being two of the more well-known routes. Activities including fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are available inside the park, and boating is possible on both Waterton Lake and Lake McDonald.
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What is the prettiest place to go to in Montana?
- Glacier National Park
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What is the most famous part of Montana?
- Yellowstone National Park
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Where is the best place to visit Montana for the first time?
- Bozeman or Missoula
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What is the most visited town in Montana?
- Bozeman
Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.
