Places to Visit in Montana

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Montana

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What makes Montana a popular travel destination?
- Vast open spaces and wild and wonderful National Parks are the primary drawcards that attract thousands of annual visitors to the sprawling northwestern state of Montana.
What National Parks can you visit in Montana?
- If you are planning to visit the spectacular Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, you should make enough time to explore all the other delights of the state.
What outdoor activities are available in Montana?
- Montana offers:
What other attractions can visitors enjoy in Montana?
- You will also find:

Best Time to Visit Montana

May to October – Mild weather and open trails, perfect for national parks, fishing, and road trips.
June to August – Peak summer with warm days, wildflower blooms, and full access to mountain adventures.
September to October – Fewer crowds, crisp air, and golden foliage—great for hiking and photography.
November to April – Snowy season ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and quiet cabin getaways.
Late June – A beautiful time for Glacier National Park with alpine meadows and clear, sunny skies.

⮕ Glacier National Park

Hike alpine trails and see stunning lakes on an unforgettable summer trip.

Glacier National Park

Where is Glacier National Park located?
- Glacier National Park covers over 1,500 square miles of wilderness in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
- It is located near Montana’s border with Canada.
What natural features make Glacier National Park special?
- The park features stunning glacier-carved mountain peaks towering over river-bisected valleys.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Glacier National Park?
- Visitors can experience a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including:
  - Camping
  - Backpacking
  - Hiking
  - Cycling
  - Wildlife viewing
What types of guided tours are available at Glacier National Park?
- Visitors can explore the remarkable scenery on their own or join guided tours, including:
  - Bus tours
  - Boat tours
  - Raft tours
  - Guided hikes
  - Horseback rides
What types of accommodations are available at Glacier National Park?
- Depending on how eager visitors are to get back to nature, they can choose from:
  - Comfortable hotel and lodge rooms
  - Cozy rental cabins
  - Tent camping
  - RV camping

⮕ Yellowstone National Park

Watch geysers erupt and explore wildlife-rich valleys on an exciting family adventure.

Yellowstone National Park

When was Yellowstone National Park established?
- Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the world’s oldest national park and a national treasure which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
When is the busiest time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
- June to August is the busiest time, and visitors need to plan ahead if they visit during this peak period.
- Traffic can cause longer drive times, and lodges and campgrounds fill early.
How should visitors begin their trip to Yellowstone?
- Start your visit at one of the Visitors’ Centers and download the Yellowstone App to give you all the resources you need to fully enjoy your experience in the park.
What are some must-see highlights of Yellowstone National Park?
- A few of the highlights that you need to add to your itinerary include:
  - Old Faithful Geyser
  - The gurgling mud at Mud Volcano
  - Wildlife watching in the Hayden and Pelican Valleys
  - The crystal-clear fish-laden waters below Fishing Bridge (unfortunately, no fishing has been allowed for many years).

⮕ Helena, Montana

Visit the Capitol and stroll Last Chance Gulch on an easy weekend outing.

Helena, Montana

What is the history of Helena, Montana?
- Founded as a humble gold camp during the Gold Rush, Helena is now the capital city of Montana.
Where is Helena located?
- Helena is ideally located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.
Why is Helena a great base for exploring national parks?
- Besides being an ideal base camp for visitors wanting to explore these amazing parks, Helena also offers several city attractions for those seeking a change of pace.
What outdoor activities are available in Helena?
- Cyclists can explore over 75 miles of cycling and mountain bike trails, many of which originate in downtown Helena.
What historical attractions can visitors explore in Helena?
- History lovers can visit:
  - The Montana State Capitol Building
  - The Last Chance Tour Train
  - A self-guided walking tour through the Westside Mansion District to admire the homes of miners who struck it lucky.
Where can visitors relax in Helena?
- After a busy day, visitors can relax in the rejuvenating waters of the natural hot springs at Broadwater Hot Springs.

⮕ Billings

Explore sandstone cliffs and enjoy local breweries on a fun, affordable trip.

Billings

Why is Billings a great place to stay while visiting Yellowstone National Park?
- Billings is the ideal town to call home while exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
What scenic drive connects Billings to Yellowstone National Park?
- Billings offers easy access to the Beartooth Highway, a 68-mile scenic drive linking the city to Yellowstone Park.
What outdoor recreational activities can visitors enjoy near Billings?
- The Beartooth Highway offers easy access to outstanding recreational areas for:
  - Hiking
  - Biking
  - Kayaking
  - And much more
What can visitors do in Billings after a day of exploring nature?
- Visitors can return to Billings to enjoy a self-guided walk through the brewery district.
- Guests can have dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants.
What attractions should visitors explore in Billings?
- Take some time to visit:
  - ZooMontana
  - The Yellowstone Art Museum
  - The Wise Wonders Children’s Museum

⮕ Bozeman

Tour museums and hike nearby trails on a quick spring getaway.

Bozeman

Where is Bozeman located?
- Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman is about a 90-minute drive from Yellowstone National Park.
Why is Bozeman popular with outdoor enthusiasts?
- The town is surrounded by wonderfully scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking.
What winter activities can visitors enjoy in Bozeman?
- In winter, visitors can explore many of the trails by snowmobile.
- There are excellent opportunities for all manner of winter sports.
What summer activities can visitors enjoy in Bozeman?
- During summer, visitors can experience the thrills and spills of white-water rafting.
Where can visitors relax in Bozeman?
- After a busy day in the mountains, visitors can relax and unwind at one of two hot-spring resort spas.
What cultural attraction should visitors not miss in Bozeman?
- No visit would be complete without a trip to the Museum of the Rockies to see some of the best dinosaur exhibits in the US.

⮕ Bannack

Walk through preserved buildings and discover ghost town history on an unusual trip.

Bannack

Where is Bannack located?
- Bannack is located in southwest Montana.
What is special about Bannack?
- Bannack is a beautifully preserved historic ghost town where visitors can take a fascinating journey back in time to the wild days of the 1860s gold rush.
When did Bannack become a State Park?
- The deserted town became a State Park in 1954.
What outdoor activities are available in Bannack?
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including:
  - Camping
  - Fishing
  - Hiking
  - Biking
  - Wildlife watching
What can visitors see on Bannack Main Street?
- Bannack Main Street has over 50 historic wooden buildings that visitors can explore at their own pace or by joining a guided tour (summer only).
What special events take place in Bannack?
- Spine-tingling Ghost Walks are presented each year in October.
- Costumed actors bring the town to life on Bannack Days, usually held on the third weekend of July.

⮕ Belt

Sip craft brews and admire mountain views on a quiet retirement escape.

Belt

Where is Belt located?
- The small historic town of Belt is located in the Great Falls metropolitan area of Cascade County.
What is the history of Belt?
- Belt started off as Montana’s first coal mining town back in the late 1800s.
- There is still plenty of early coal-mining equipment and historic buildings dotted around the area.
Where can visitors learn about Belt’s early history?
- Visitors can explore the town’s history at the Belt Museum, which now occupies the former town jail built in 1895.
Are there any historic buildings in Belt?
- Most of the remaining buildings in downtown Belt are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What industries are present in Belt today?
- Cattle ranching has taken over from mining as the town’s primary industry.
- Visitors can explore nearby ranches to get a feel of the real Wild West.

⮕ Big Sky

Ski fresh powder or hike wildflower meadows on a romantic fall retreat.

Big Sky

Where is Big Sky Resort located?
- Nestled at the foot of the 11,166-foot Lone Mountain, the beautiful Big Sky Resort is a wonderfully scenic part of Montana.
What makes Big Sky a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts?
- Big Sky offers a year-round recreational playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
- It is surrounded by the Gallatin National Forest and the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area, both of which provide the perfect antidote to city living.
What winter activities are available at Big Sky Resort?
- Winter-sport enthusiasts can enjoy over 5,888 acres of skiing and other winter sports.
What summer activities can visitors enjoy at Big Sky Resort?
- Summer visitors can choose from:
  - White-water rafting
  - Hiking and biking (including backcountry hiking)
  - Horseback riding
  - Rock climbing
  - Golf
  - And much more
How far is Big Sky Resort from Yellowstone National Park?
- Big Sky is just a one-hour drive from all the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

⮕ Big Fork

Browse art galleries and kayak Flathead Lake on a peaceful summer weekend.

Big Fork

Where is Big Fork located?
- Picturesquely located along the shores of Flathead Lake, Big Fork offers year-round attractions and activities for adventure seekers.
What summer activities can visitors enjoy in Big Fork?
- Summer visitors can enjoy:
  - Camping
  - Fishing
  - Boating
  - Kayaking and paddle-boarding
  - White-water rafting
  - Concerts and live music
What activities are available in spring and autumn in Big Fork?
- Visitors in spring and autumn can enjoy:
  - Hiking
  - Biking
  - Golfing
  - Trick-or-treating
  - Farmers markets
  - The annual Oktoberfest
What winter activities does Big Fork offer?
- Winter in Big Fork attracts winter-sport enthusiasts who can enjoy:
  - Downhill skiing
  - Dog sledding
What makes Big Fork a great year-round destination?
- Regardless of the season, visitors will find plenty of outdoor activities combined with year-round cultural events and festivals.
What dining options are available in Big Fork?
- A wide variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and bakeries ensure that foodies have a great time in Big Fork.

⮕ Columbia Falls

Stay near Glacier and explore small-town charm on a cheap gateway trip.

Columbia Falls

Where is Columbia Falls located?
- Columbia Falls is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, located just minutes away from several of Montana’s most popular attractions.
- It is near Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
What winter activities can visitors enjoy in Columbia Falls?
- In winter, visitors can experience the adventure of a lifetime with Glacier Adventure Guides.
- Guides lead visitors into the heart of the park to indulge in thrilling activities, including ice climbing.
What outdoor activities are available in Columbia Falls during summer?
- In summer, the emphasis shifts to:
  - Hiking
  - Biking
  - Fishing
  - Boating around Flathead Lake
What other outdoor attractions can visitors explore in Columbia Falls?
- Other exciting activities include:
  - Thrilling rides at Glacier Zip Lines
  - Water fun at the Big Sky Water Park
  - Scenic drives and tours through the remarkable landscape
What is a must-visit attraction for railroad enthusiasts?
- Railroad enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Depot Park.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Glacier National Park
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. Helena, Montana
4. Billings
5. Bozeman
6. Bannack
7. Belt
8. Big Sky
9. Big Fork
10. Columbia Falls