Best Montana Vacations
Montana is a state of wide-open skies, rugged mountains, and incredible natural beauty, making it one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures and memorable vacations. Having explored its national parks, charming towns, and scenic backroads, I’ve found that Montana offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
I’ve enjoyed hikes with panoramic views, peaceful lakeside escapes, and vibrant towns filled with Western charm and hospitality. From family-friendly activities to romantic getaways and outdoor exploration, Montana has no shortage of amazing vacations and things to do. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Feeling Mountain Energy in Bozeman
It took nearly 6 hours to fly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport from Austin. It was late when we landed so we checked into EVEN Hotel which offered a complimentary airport shuttle from 4 am to 11 pm daily (call to confirm).
When I first arrived in Bozeman, Montana, I knew right away it was going to be one of the best vacations I’d ever had. Nestled near Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by the Gallatin Valley, this vibrant town is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cool, small-town charm.
Downtown Bozeman delighted me with its indie bookstores, gear shops, and cafes. The mountains are always all around. I remember standing on Main Street and thinking, "This is where creativity and nature shake hands."
I spent part of the afternoon at the Museum of the Rockies. My son was completely immersed in the dinosaur exhibits. We then strolled through Lindley Park.
Later, I had dinner at Jam!, a local favorite. I ordered the bison meatloaf with huckleberry glaze and garlic mashed potatoes. It was rich, earthy.
What I loved most was that Bozeman offered the absolute best mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic weekend getaway or a fun family trip, this Montana destination has everything to make your vacation truly exceptional.
2. Breathing Deep in Big Sky Country
Next day, after a quick breakfast, we drove south.
Whenever I think of Big Sky Country, I can’t help but smile—it’s one of the most spectacular and underrated destinations I’ve ever explored. The wide-open landscapes, endless skies, and snow-capped peaks create a dreamlike magic that feels absolutely unique to Montana.
We spent our days chasing adventure, from hiking hidden trails in the Gallatin Range to discovering the coolest fishing spots along the Madison River. Each moment felt like stepping into a postcard, and I loved how the scenery made me feel both small and inspired.
One of my favorite experiences was horseback riding through wide meadows dotted with wildflowers. It was such a joyful and unusual way to soak up the incredible views, and I truly felt like I was living out a Western dream.
Evenings were just as amazing—we watched the most vibrant sunsets paint the sky over the mountains, followed by stargazing that was nothing short of spectacular. The nickname “Big Sky” made perfect sense when I looked up at that dazzling canopy of stars.
What I loved most was how affordable and accessible so many of these experiences were. Whether it was a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, Big Sky Country offered the best mix of adventure and serenity all in one place.
For me, Montana’s Big Sky Country isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s that exceptional blend of freedom, beauty, and wonder that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Check rates at Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel.
3. Missoula Journey from Bozeman
On another trip, we drove to Missoula from Bozeman (about 3 hours west). The road west followed the Jefferson River, weaving through canyons.
We stopped in Butte (1.5 hours from Bozeman) for a quick walk through its historic district. Past Butte, the peaks gave way to softer, forested hills, and the scent of pine grew stronger.
When I first visited Missoula, I immediately felt the vibrant energy of this cool mountain town tucked in western Montana. Surrounded by spectacular peaks and rivers, it struck me as one of the most underrated gems in Big Sky Country.
We spent our mornings wandering downtown, where I loved discovering unique shops, local breweries, and lively cafés. The atmosphere was both joyful and laid-back, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots for people-watching and soaking in the local vibe.
One of the absolute best experiences was floating down the Clark Fork River right through the heart of town. It was such a fun and unusual way to see the city, and I couldn’t believe how affordable and easy it was to enjoy such a unique adventure.
Hiking near Mount Sentinel to see the big “M” was another highlight for me. The trail wasn’t too long, but the views over Missoula were simply magic, and I still look back at my photos thinking it was one of the coolest perspectives I’ve ever had on a city.
We also explored the University of Montana campus, which had a vibrant and youthful feel, and I loved that the cultural scene here was just as exciting as the outdoor adventures. From live music to art galleries, Missoula truly had it all.
For me, Missoula was the perfect mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer Montana escape, this place has some of the best and most memorable experiences you could ever hope for.
4. Yellowstone from Bozeman
Starting a trip to Yellowstone from Bozeman was honestly one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. The drive itself, just about 80 miles south through Paradise Valley to the North Entrance in Gardiner, was so spectacular that it felt like a destination on its own.
I loved how the journey wound past towering peaks, wide rivers, and rolling ranchlands. Every turn seemed to reveal another hidden gem of Montana scenery, and it made the anticipation of reaching the park even more exciting.
Once inside Yellowstone, we explored some of the absolute best sights—Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Seeing these natural wonders felt like stepping into a dream, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos of the vibrant colors and unusual landscapes.
One of my favorite moments was spotting wildlife along the way. We saw bison grazing, elk moving through meadows, and even a bear from a safe distance. It was such a unique and joyful experience, the kind you can only find in this part of the world.
After a full day of adventure, returning to Bozeman felt perfect. The town offered amazing restaurants, cool breweries, and cozy hotels where I could relax and relive the day’s magic. It was the ideal balance of wilderness and modern comfort.
For me, Yellowstone from Bozeman is the ultimate Montana getaway—affordable, exciting, and filled with unforgettable experiences. It’s truly one of the coolest and most exceptional adventures you can have in Big Sky Country.
5. Drifting into Stillness at Flathead Lake
I planned a separate trip to Montana just to enjoy Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. It was a 4-hour drive northwest from Bozeman to reach Flathead Lake. A long, scenic drive that was fun in late spring with my husband.
When I first arrived at Flathead Lake, I knew I had stumbled upon one of Montana’s most spectacular hidden gems. Just south of Kalispell and near Glacier National Park, this massive lake felt like the absolute best spot for both relaxation and adventure.
We spent our mornings kayaking across the crystal-clear waters, and I loved how unusual it felt to be on such a huge freshwater lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The views were pure magic, and I couldn’t stop taking photos to capture the moment.
One of my favorite experiences was visiting Wild Horse Island, a unique state park only accessible by boat. Hiking through the trails while spotting wild horses and bighorn sheep was one of the coolest adventures I’ve ever had on a lake trip.
Afternoons were joyful and relaxing—we swam in the refreshing water, enjoyed picnics along the shore, and even sampled some of the best local cherries from roadside stands. It was such an affordable and authentic Montana treat that made the trip extra special.
Evenings were just as memorable. We watched the most vibrant sunsets from the lakeshore, and the peaceful atmosphere made it perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun family evening. It was the kind of magic that stays with you long after you leave.
For me, Flathead Lake is one of Montana’s most underrated treasures. With its unique mix of outdoor adventure, cool small-town charm nearby, and exceptional natural beauty, it’s a dream destination I can’t wait to return to.
We spent the night near the lake. There are many places to stay for all budgets, from the affordable Flathead Lake Hostel ($110) to mid-range and luxury. We checked into Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites ($265).
6. Lake McDonald from Flathead Lake
Driving from Flathead Lake up toward Glacier National Park to see Lake McDonald was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The route itself was spectacular, winding through small towns and vibrant valleys, and it felt like the perfect build-up to something truly special.
When we finally reached Lake McDonald, I was completely blown away. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and stretching nearly ten miles long, the view was pure magic. The water was so clear that the colorful pebbles on the lakebed looked like something out of a dream.
One of my favorite moments was renting a kayak and paddling out into the calm water. The serenity was unbelievable, and I couldn’t stop marveling at the reflections of the mountains on the surface. It was one of the absolute best outdoor experiences I’ve ever had.
We also explored the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, which was such a cool and unusual stop. The rustic wood architecture and cozy atmosphere made it feel like stepping back in time, and I loved relaxing there after a day on the water.
Coming from Flathead Lake, the contrast was so interesting—Flathead felt lively and joyful with its cherries and swimming, while Lake McDonald offered a more peaceful, almost spiritual kind of beauty. Having both in one trip was an exceptional gift.
For me, Lake McDonald is one of the absolute best gems of Glacier National Park, and pairing it with a stay at Flathead Lake made for the most unforgettable Montana getaway imaginable.
7. Glacier National Park from Lake McDonald
Starting my Glacier National Park adventure from Lake McDonald was honestly the absolute best way to do it. The lake sits right near the park’s west entrance, so it felt like the perfect launching point into some of Montana’s most spectacular scenery.
I loved waking up early and watching the sun rise over Lake McDonald before heading deeper into the park. The reflections of the peaks on the glassy water were pure magic, and it gave me that joyful sense of anticipation for the day ahead.
One of my favorite experiences was driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Beginning so close to Lake McDonald, this route took us past waterfalls, valleys, and high alpine passes. Every turn revealed another hidden gem, and it truly felt like one of the coolest drives in the world.
We stopped to hike Avalanche Lake, which was both affordable and accessible for families. The trail wound through vibrant cedar forests before opening up to one of the most underrated and beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen. I still look at my photos and can’t believe how stunning it was.
Another highlight was spotting wildlife—bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even a moose near Logan Pass. Those moments felt unusual and thrilling, like a dream for anyone who loves nature.
For me, beginning at Lake McDonald and exploring Glacier National Park was an exceptional experience. It blended peaceful mornings by the water with the most exciting adventures in the mountains, making it the kind of getaway I’ll always remember as one of my favorites.
Conclusion
In the end, exploring Montana—from the hidden gem of Bozeman to the spectacular shores of Flathead Lake, the dreamlike beauty of Lake McDonald, and the unforgettable trails of Glacier National Park—was one of the most exciting and joyful adventures of my life. Every stop felt unique, every view was pure magic, and every experience was the kind you simply can’t find anywhere else.
What I loved most was how Montana blended affordability with once-in-a-lifetime moments. Whether I was savoring local cherries, hiking to a hidden waterfall, or watching a vibrant sunset over snow-capped peaks, I always felt like I was discovering something truly special. It was the absolute best mix of relaxation, adventure, and wonder.
For me, Big Sky Country isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a feeling. It’s the freedom of wide-open spaces, the excitement of unusual and cool experiences, and the serenity of nature at its finest. Montana left me with memories I’ll treasure forever, and I know I’ll return again to chase more of its spectacular magic.
If you love Montana, try one of these destinations next:
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
