Perhaps the greatest thing about Montana is its natural beauty. The majestic mountains and the pristine lakes are just a few things that this state has to offer. You can go here when you need some inspiration to visit Montana. Here, you’ll find the most important landmarks in this place. This article covers the Ultimate Montana travel guide.
Best Time to Visit Montana
If you’re planning a trip to Montana, there are a few things you should consider before you book your tickets. This state is home to some of North America’s best hiking and skiing areas, boasting beautiful fall foliage and rich history. Read on for the best times of year to take advantage of all that Montana has to offer!
Summer
Summer is Montana’s high tourist season, so expect to see lots of other people out enjoying its natural beauty. Temperatures are mild with highs in the mid-80s, but it can get hot enough to be uncomfortable if you’re doing activities outdoors. Summer is a good time for white-water rafting and fishing, which can be enjoyed all over the state. In the eastern part of the state, the annual rodeo and festival in Miles City take place in July.
Fall
Fall, which typically runs from September through October, is a great time to visit Montana because of the gorgeous colors of the leaves and the weather. The summer heat has cooled off, and the winter chill has yet to arrive. There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy in the fall, including apple picking at an orchard, hiking through a national park, or visiting a pumpkin patch.
Winter
If you love snow sports like skiing and snowboarding, winter is a great time to visit Montana. The state is home to some of the best skiing areas in North America at Big Sky Resort and nearby Moonlight Basin resort. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night, so make sure to bring along warm clothing if you plan on vacationing here during this season!
Spring
Spring is milder than summer, and it’s less crowded than in the fall. During this time of year, the weather is perfect for activities like camping, hiking, and golfing. During the spring, there are also some popular events that you may want to experience, like the Montana Folk Festival and Brewfest in Missoula or Brews & Tunes in Kalispell. Hiking trails are open again after being closed during winter months due to snowfall; plus, many animals start emerging from their dens as spring approaches, so you’ll have better chances of spotting local wildlife!
What To Do, Visit and See in Montana
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful way to spend your weekend, Montana is the place to be. Whether you want to hike at Glacier National Park, visit Yellowstone National Park, or ski at Big Sky Resort, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. If you’re planning a visit to Montana, we’ve put together a guide of the best sights and activities for all ages and interests.
Glacier National Park
One of the most beautiful places in the United States, the Glacier National Park is a true gem. Located in Montana, this park is home to an array of wildlife and unparalleled natural wonders.
The Glacier National Park provides a variety of activities for a vacation that’s as adventurous or serene as you want it to be. You can go on a hike along with one of the many trails that lead to incredible views, take a swim in one of the lakes, or take part in some winter sports.
Activities and What to Do in Glacier National Park
If you plan a trip to Glacier National Park, you should know what to expect, do and see. Here are some of the activities and things to see:
- Hiking: There are more than 740 miles of trails in this park. The trails vary from easy walking paths around lakes and through forests for those who aren’t looking for much activity to strenuous hikes such as the Highline Trail that leads up through alpine meadows and requires climbing over rocks and boulders. You can find your perfect hiking trail at any level with this park!
- Swimming: The glacier-fed lakes are cold but crystal clear-a great way to cool off in the summer months while having fun with friends or family members! Take the boat out onto Lake McDonald and spend an afternoon relaxing on its shores or jumping into its chilly waters. The lake is also great for fishing!
- Winter Sports: Glacier National Park is open year-round, and during the colder months, it becomes a haven for winter sports. You can cross-country ski or snowshoe on over 400 miles of trails that are groomed to perfection by park staff members just waiting to help you enjoy their favorite pastime! You can also go ice fishing with friends or family members on any one of many frozen lakes near Glacier’s southern entrance by driving up from Kalispell (about 70 miles).
- Sun Road: The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 52-mile road that crosses through Glacier National Park from east to west and provides access to all park parts. It is a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
- Camping: There are 13 campgrounds in Glacier National Park, some with more amenities than others. Some allow camping on a first-come, first-serve basis, while others require reservations. Be sure to check if you need a reservation before planning your trip.
- Glacier National Park has many beautiful lakes and waterfalls, some of which can be reached by a car while others require hiking. Avalanche Lake is an easy short hike that leads to a beautiful glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains and forests.
When to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park, you’ll want to make sure you go when the weather is nice enough that you can enjoy all the park has to offer. The park is open every day of the year, but specific sites within the park have their closing times that vary based on how many visitors there are, how much daylight there is, and whether or not employees staff them. You can visit this website to see which sites are open and when they close.
National Forest
Montana is home to more than 30 million acres of forested land, and the best way to explore it is to visit the national forest.
The National Forest offers visitors a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. The park also offers a wide range of activities for families with children, including nature walks and ranger-led tours.
The National Forest has a variety of activities for you to enjoy when you’re visiting Montana. Some trails take you through the mountains and valleys of Montana, where you will see some beautiful scenery along the way, including:
- Lakes: There are many lakes in Montana National Forest. Many of these lakes have water from the streams that flow down the mountains. Lake McDonald and Saint Mary lake are just two of those lakes. Both have picturesque views, especially when they freeze over during the winter.
- Waterfalls: There are numerous waterfalls throughout the forest as well. Some popular waterfalls include Virginia Falls and St. Mary Falls. These waterfalls can be seen while hiking on some of the trails or by taking a boat ride on the various lakes in the forest.
- Rivers: The rivers that run through Montana National Forest come from Lake McDonald and Saint Mary’s Lake at the top of Logan Pass, located in Glacier National Park. These rivers run down the mountainsides and into other lakes like Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake before emptying into Flathead River, which is found in Lower Flathead River Valley.
National Forest
The National Forest offers visitors a wide variety of activities ranging from hiking trails, horseback riding trails, fishing spots, campgrounds with campsites equipped with fire pits and grills, as well as picnic tables for your family to enjoy while camping out under the stars at night.
When you’re in Montana, it’s important to plan so that you can avoid any surprises when you arrive at the park. You should bring along your camping gear, food and water for your journey, and other items such as a cell phone or GPS device to help you navigate around the area once you arrive at the park.
When to Visit Montana National Forest
Montana National Forest has snow at almost any time of year, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you plan a trip to our park.
The best time of year to visit Montana National Forest is during the winter months of November through March when you’re almost guaranteed snowfall. During these months, you can expect temperatures to range from -20�F to 36�F, and the waterfalls are usually frozen over. However, many of the hiking trails will be closed until late spring or early summer.
The next best time to visit Montana National Forest is during April through June, when temperatures typically range from 30�F to 70�F, frequent rainstorms. The main waterfall trail is open by mid-April and remains open until November 1st.
For those who’d prefer not to get caught in the rain, summertime is an excellent opportunity for hiking in Montana National Forest: temperatures range from 50�F to 85�F, with clear skies and beautiful sunsets. Accommodations are available at our campground from May through August only; reservations are required and fill up quickly!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the crown jewels of the United States and offers visitors a wide range of experiences, adventures, and learning opportunities. The park consists of two areas:
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwestern region of the United States, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including:
- Bison
- Elk
- Lynx
- Wolves
- Bears
- Eagles
Yellowstone has more than 700 geothermal features that are believed to be as old as 600 million years. Its unique ecosystem is home to more than 2,000 plant species, 150 animal species, and more than 1 million birds. Visitors can enjoy the park’s world-famous geothermal features and see animals in their natural habitats. Yellowstone also offers opportunities for photography at numerous scenic locations and historic sites; visitors can also experience guided hikes or horseback rides through the park’s beautiful green spaces. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can stay at one of three campgrounds or in a Gardiner or Cooke City (with an entrance fee).
Grand Teton National Park
Gardiner is located about 45 minutes from the park by automobile (or one hour by bus), with plenty of lodging options. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by a sign that reads “Welcome to Yellowstone.” This is your chance to get to know some of the most exciting animals in Yellowstone.
As you explore this area, you will find yourself surrounded by white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. You may even come across some bison, bears, or cougars. It’s a great place to take photos and enjoy the Grand Canyon Lodge views.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Located about 20 miles southeast of Billings, Montana, sits Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This site is a memorial to the 265 soldiers who died here in 1876, many at the hands of legendary Sioux and Cheyenne warriors like Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, and a place where the public can learn about some of the most important moments in American history.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is open year-round from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm MT. Just remember that when daylight savings time changes, the park’s hours change too! It’s also important to note that Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument will be closed on designated holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
- While there are many things to see and do at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, a few must-sees include:
- Visiting General George A. Custer’s final resting place
- Taking a driving tour of the battlefield via 4.2 miles of paved roads
- Touring Last Stand Hill with its 229 white markers that denote where soldiers fell during battle
- Viewing the Native American Memorial dedicated to the Lakota and Cheyenne who fought here.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a stunning and surreal place, offering breathtaking views of natural wonders that you have to see to believe. The park covers 3,000 acres, including rugged terrain and pristine forests-you can even hike along the Continental Divide Trail. While there are many hiking trails around the park, the most popular trail by far is the one that leads into the caverns themselves.
The Lewis and Clark Caverns system has a myriad of caves, passages, and chambers with mysterious stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other fascinating rock formations. The park offers two guided tours daily during the summer (fewer tours are held during the winter months). You’ll learn about how these rock formations were formed over millions of years and what makes them unique on these tours.
Visitors to the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park can make a day trip out of visiting this beautiful natural wonderland, or they can camp overnight in the area. The park has both tent camping sites and sites with electrical hookups for RVers. There are also picnic tables on-site if you just want to stop by for a quick bite while enjoying the scenery.
Best Cities in Montana
When people think of Montana, they think of wilderness and adventure. And it’s true: Montana is home to some of the best hiking in the country. But it’s also home to some wonderful cities, which are less well-known than its natural wonders.
Missoula
Missoula is a city that is located in the western part of Montana. It has a population of a little over 71,000 people. The city was founded in 1860 and incorporated as a city in 1866. It is the second most populated city in Montana and is home to the University of Montana. The university is one of two flagship universities for the state of Montana. Missoula has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States by CNN Money Magazine and Outside magazine. Missoula residents also have access to beautiful parks like Silver Park and McCormick Park.
Bozeman
This is another great city located in Montana. It lies in the southwestern portion of Montana, close to Yellowstone National Park’s northern entrance. The population here is just over 37,000 people making it the fourth most populated city in Montana. John M. Bozeman founded Bozeman after he traveled with John W Colter across Yellowstone National Park and settled here in 1862. The city is known for being an outdoor recreation hub.
Beston
The city of Beston is a great place to be if you want to take advantage of all that Montana has to offer. There is no shortage of beautiful places to hike or camp, and if you’re going to try your hand at fishing or boating, there are plenty of lakes nearby. Be sure to visit the Beston Zoo while you’re in town!
Westport
If you love the outdoors but aren’t quite sure where you’d like to go, Westport is the city for you. Not only does it have plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and camping, but it also has tons of restaurants and shops for when you need a break from the wilderness. The nightlife here is fantastic as well!
Eastville
This city has something for everyone, whether they’re looking to relax or get out and explore nature. There are many great parks in Eastville where you can enjoy a picnic.
Billings
This city has a lot to see and do, but it’s not so big that you feel like an ant in the crowd. It’s also home to some surprisingly great food-we recommend stopping by Red Bird Ristorante for some Italian comfort food that will make your heart sing!
Helena
The capital of Montana, Helena, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. From its roots as a gold-rush town to its current status as one of the most important cities in Montana, Helena has always been a place where the history of Montana is on display. It’s home to the Montana State Capitol Building and Last Chance Gulch, made famous during the gold rush. Today, Helena is also home to an active arts scene, including museums such as the Holter Museum of Art, one of Montana’s largest contemporary art collections.
Butte
Once known as “the richest hill on earth” for its vast mineral deposits, Butte is known for its beautiful natural scenery and exciting mix of the old and new architecture. It’s also home to many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including Myers Park and Copper Mountain Park, which are both excellent places to explore when visiting Butte.
Anaconda
Anaconda is a small town located near the Continental Divide in south-central Montana. The town was founded as a mining camp during the 19th century and quickly became one of the largest cities in America’s Western history before declining significantly over time due to changes within industry practices (e.g., moving away from copper production).
Great Falls
Great Falls is certainly among Montana’s most beautiful cities. It’s home to several stunning waterfalls situated along the Missouri River, which offers great canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The city’s history is well-preserved at the Custer Battlefield Museum, commemorating General George Armstrong Custer and his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment. Art fans will want to explore the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art and the Civic Center Gallery, while foodies should head over to the Farmer’s Market or one of the many local wineries.
Best Small Towns in Montana to Tour
If you’re looking for a vacation spot that will take you off the beaten path, Montana is for you. The Big Sky State is a treasure trove of small towns with big personalities and plenty of things to see and do. Check out our five favorite small towns in Montana to tour.
Livingston
With its beautiful mountain views, charming shops, and exciting art scene, Livingston is a great stop on any Montana vacation itinerary. Take a stroll through town, enjoy some shopping, and then treat yourself to one of the best steaks you’ve ever had at the Murray Bar.
Bigfork
If you’re looking for a town with a lot of cultures, Bigfork is the place for you! This community is home to many local artists who have set up galleries in the town center, so if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pieces or want to get an up-close view of Montana’s art scene.
Kalispell
Kalispell is a great place to visit if you want to see wildlife in its natural habitat or enjoy outdoor activities like snow shaking and mountain biking. The town also has great restaurants for those who want an alternative dining experience while visiting Montana.
Williston
Williston is known for its stunning views and rich history. Take a stroll along the banks of the Missouri River, or check out one of the many museums in town. You’ll also find plenty of great bars and restaurants, making this a great place to stop for a meal or drink no matter what time of year you visit.
Saint Paul
Saint Paul holds an annual town festival every year in August, which celebrates its rich history and modern culture. The event features live music by local musicians and food vendors selling delicious treats like ice cream sandwiches! If you’re looking to experience some rural living while still being close enough to go shopping at nearby malls like Cabela’s World Headquarters or Target Center Mall, then this might just be your new favorite place on earth!
Whitefish
Whitefish is known for its pristine lakeside views and laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway from city life. It’s also home to Glacier National Park.
Montana is the place to breathe deep and relax, or a place filled with wild adventures. The choice is yours. Montana is a special place where you can experience culture and adventure together. This guide will help you know where and when to visit Montana.