Montana has so many amazing corners to explore that I recommend several trips there. I first visited with a group of friends, then with my husband and then again after my son was born. Montana doesn’t just ask you to slow down...it dares you to. Whether it's after a hike to a waterfall, a sunny day by the lake, or a cozy winter night, my trips to Montana were awesome.
Best Montana Vacations:
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).
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.
Bozeman At a Glance
- Vibe: Rugged, stylish, energetic
- Highlights: Museum of the Rockies, downtown shops, Bridger Bowl, trailheads everywhere
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round—ski in winter, hike and explore in summer
- Cost: Moderate to high; lodging and dining vary by season
- Hours: City always open; museum 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Address: Bozeman, MT 59715
Breathing Deep in Big Sky Country
Next day, after a quick breakfast, we drove south. I wanted to hike on Ousel Falls Trail that morning. The drive from Bozeman to Ousel Falls Trail took about an hour.
The open spaces, towering pines, and alpine air wrapped around me in Big Sky. Ousel Falls Trail is truly a hidden gem I feel more people should know about. The rushing water echoed through the canyon and the light filtered down. I paused by the falls and I told my son: "This is the kind of quiet that resets everything."
There wasn’t a rush to do anything which was such a drastic contrast to air travel. Just being outside, present, under that wide sky was incredible.
Later, I headed into Big Sky Town Center and grabbed lunch at Blue Moon Bakery. I had a warm slice of veggie pizza with pesto and mozzarella, paired with a fresh lemonade. It was simple, hearty, and felt like the kind of meal you earn after a morning in the woods. We sat on the patio, watching mountain bikers roll past.
We spent the night at Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel ($299/night in August).
One downside? Hotels around Big Sky, MT tend to be pricey in the summer so it pays to plan ahead if your vacation days are flexible.
Big Sky At a Glance
- Drive Time from Bozeman: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Peaceful, alpine, adventurous
- Highlights: Ousel Falls Trail, Lone Mountain, skiing, fly fishing
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing, summer for hiking and trails
- Cost: Mid-to-high range, especially during ski season
- Hours: Trails open dawn to dusk; restaurants and shops vary
- Address: Big Sky, MT 59716
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.
Missoula was easy going. I loved all the riverside trails, bikes everywhere. There was a mix of college-town buzz and mountain-town calm.
Missoula simply invited you in. I remember walking across the Higgins Avenue Bridge and thinking, "I could stay here for weeks and never get bored."
Later in the day, I sat by the Clark Fork River and watched surfers ride the standing wave at Brennan’s Wave—such an unexpected sight in Montana. It was the kind of place that reminds you adventure and comfort can share the same sidewalk.
Lunch was at The Catalyst Café, where I ordered the avocado toast topped with poached eggs and pickled onions, served with a rosemary potato hash. The food was as thoughtful and down-to-earth as the town itself. I sat by the window, people-watching and sipping strong coffee, feeling completely in rhythm with Missoula’s mellow pulse.
Plan your Missoula trip from Bozeman:
- Drive Time from Bozeman: ~3 hours west
- Vibe: Scenic, varied, welcoming
- Highlights: Clark Fork River, downtown Missoula, University of Montana campus, nearby hiking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for festivals and warm-weather activities
- Cost: Free to explore; attractions and activities vary
- Hours: City open year-round; seasonal hours for certain attractions
Yellowstone Majesty from Bozeman
Yellowstone felt like stepping into another world—wild, steaming, and alive in ways the mountains alone can’t explain. From Bozeman, the road wound through Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone River flashing silver beside me. By the time I stood at Mammoth Hot Springs, watching terraces of white and gold spill into the air, I thought, “This is the earth showing off.” Elk grazed nearby as if the view was theirs alone, the scent of pine and sulfur mingling in the crisp breeze.
What I Loved Most: The moment the wide valleys opened into endless sky, the park’s wildness stretching in every direction.
My highlights? Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the roar of Lower Falls filling my ears, and hiking the boardwalks around Old Faithful before watching it surge against a pale blue sky.
Plan your Yellowstone trip from Bozeman:
- Drive Time from Bozeman: ~1.5 hours to the North Entrance at Gardiner
- Vibe: Vast, untamed, awe-inspiring
- Highlights: Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley wildlife viewing
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for full park access; winter for guided snow tours
- Cost: Park entrance ~$35/vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Hours: Open year-round; some roads close seasonally
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.
Flathead Lake was big and...calm. The water was super clear, framed by the mountains. I spent most of the day just letting time stretch out—no rush, no plans. I remember sitting on the dock and thinking, "This is the kind of peace I didn’t know I’d been craving."
Later, we rented a kayak and drifted along the shore. I kept watching osprey circle overhead. Every paddle stroke brought me deeper into the moment. The day was simple, and we were content.
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).
Next day, we stopped for lunch at Pocketstone Café in Bigfork. I ordered the grilled trout sandwich with lemon aioli and a side of sweet potato fries. Sitting outside with lake breeze on my face and that fresh, flaky fish in front of me was perfect.
Flathead Lake At a Glance
- Drive Time from Bozeman: ~4 hours
- Vibe: Serene, natural, reflective
- Highlights: Kayaking, Bigfork Village, Wild Horse Island
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for warm water and boat-friendly weather
- Cost: Free access with some day-use state park fees (~$8)
- Hours: Public access varies; state parks open 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Address: Flathead Lake, MT (Best access points: Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside)
Lake McDonald from Flathead Lake
Leaving Flathead Lake behind, the road followed the curves of the land, trading wide-open water for the promise of mountains ahead. Pines closed in around me as I entered Glacier National Park, and then, suddenly, Lake McDonald appeared.
I found Lake McDonald to be a hidden gem that many visitors just overlook. It's the perfect stop for a romantic picnic.
It was ten miles of glassy, blue-green water framed by snow-dusted peaks. I stood at the shoreline, the smooth, multicolored stones cool under my hands, and thought, “This is the kind of place that asks you to stand still and just look.” The air smelled of cedar and glacier-fed water, as calm as the lake itself.
What I Loved Most: Watching the clouds drift across the peaks and reflect perfectly in the still water.
My highlights? Skipping stones from the pebbled shore, walking the short trail to the lodge for coffee, and photographing the way the lake’s colors shifted with the changing light.
Plan your Lake McDonald trip from Flathead Lake:
- Drive Time from Flathead Lake: ~1 hour to the West Glacier entrance, plus a few minutes to the lake
- Vibe: Tranquil, scenic, reflective
- Highlights: Lake McDonald Lodge, shoreline walks, photography, canoe rentals
- Best Time to Visit: Late June through early fall for warm days and accessible roads
- Cost: Included with Glacier National Park entrance fee (~$35/vehicle for 7 days)
- Hours: Accessible year-round; amenities seasonal
Glacier National Park from Lake McDonald
Leaving the quiet shoreline of Lake McDonald, the road began to climb, tracing the curves of the mountains. The water disappeared behind the trees, replaced by steep valleys and the shimmer of hidden streams. On the Going-to-the-Sun Road, each bend revealed a new sweep of jagged peaks and wildflower meadows. I pulled over at an overlook, the air crisp and scented with pine, and thought, “This is the park showing me its heart, one view at a time.”
What I Loved Most: How quickly the scenery shifted—from still lake water to towering mountains and rushing waterfalls.
My highlights? Stopping at Avalanche Creek to watch the water tumble over smooth stone, spotting marmots sunning themselves near Logan Pass, and standing at an overlook where the horizon seemed endless.
Plan your Glacier National Park trip from Lake McDonald:
- Drive Time from Lake McDonald: ~20 minutes to Avalanche Creek; ~1 hour to Logan Pass
- Vibe: Scenic, wild, ever-changing
- Highlights: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Avalanche Lake Trail, Logan Pass, wildlife viewing
- Best Time to Visit: Late June to mid-September for full road access
- Cost: Included with Glacier National Park entrance fee (~$35/vehicle for 7 days)
- Hours: Open year-round; road access seasonal
Jump to a Spot...
- • Feeling Mountain Energy in Bozeman
- • Breathing Deep in Big Sky Country
- • Missoula Journey from Bozeman
- • Trail and flowers on Mount Sentinel in Missoula
- • Headframes of Butte, Montana, remnants of mines of the early 1900s
- • Driving Alongside Yellowstone River
- • Yellowstone Majesty from Bozeman
- • Drifting into Stillness at Flathead Lake
- • Lake McDonald from Flathead Lake
- • Glacier National Park from Lake McDonald