Montana is often overlooked as a great travel destination, but I wouldn’t discount it as it is one of the most scenic states in the U.S. Montana is a state located in the western region of the United States. It is known for its vast and diverse landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, expansive prairies, and numerous lakes and rivers. Here’s some background information on Montana:
- Geography: Montana is the fourth-largest state in the U.S. by land area, covering approximately 147,040 square miles (380,800 square kilometers). It shares borders with North Dakota to the east, South Dakota and Wyoming to the south, Idaho to the west, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to the north.
- Nickname: Montana is often referred to as “The Treasure State” due to its abundant natural resources, including minerals like gold, copper, and silver.
- Population: As of 2023, Montana has a population of around 1.1 million people. The population density is relatively low compared to other states, and much of the state is characterized by a rural lifestyle.
- Major Cities: The capital and largest city of Montana is Helena. Other significant cities include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Butte.
- National Parks: Montana is home to parts of two iconic national parks: Glacier National Park in the northwest and a small part of Yellowstone National Park, which extends into neighboring Wyoming and Idaho.
- Economy: Historically, Montana’s economy has been heavily dependent on agriculture, mining, and timber industries. In recent years, tourism, services, and technology sectors have also grown in importance.
- Outdoor Activities: Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its landscapes offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, river running, skiing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The state’s rivers, such as the Missouri, Yellowstone, and Clark Fork, attract fishermen and water sports enthusiasts.
- Native American Heritage: Montana has a rich Native American heritage, with several tribes residing in the state, including the Blackfeet, Crow, Cheyenne, Assiniboine, and others. Their culture and history have left a significant impact on the state’s identity.
- Education: Montana has a number of universities and colleges, with the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman being the two largest and most well-known institutions.
- State Symbols: The state tree is the Ponderosa Pine, the state flower is the Bitterroot, and the state animal is the Grizzly Bear.
Montana’s vast landscapes, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is an intriguing place to explore, some of the top things to do in Montana include:
- Explore Glacier National Park:
- Hike the iconic trails like the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, or Hidden Lake Trail to witness stunning mountain vistas and glacial lakes.
- Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (usually open from late June to mid-October), a scenic highway offering breathtaking views of the park’s peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers.
- Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake to experience the park’s beauty from the water.
- Join ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history.
- Discover Yellowstone National Park (Yellowstone is partially in Montana):
- Yes, Yellowstone is partially in Montana
- Witness the eruption of the world-famous Old Faithful geyser and explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Upper Geyser Basin.
- Walk the boardwalks of Mammoth Hot Springs to see the terraces created by mineral-rich hot springs.
- Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to marvel at the majestic waterfalls, including the Lower Falls and Upper Falls.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears, throughout the park.
- Visit Historic Sites:
- Step back in time in Virginia City, a well-preserved 19th-century mining town, and take a ride on the Virginia City Historic Train.
- Explore Bannack State Park, Montana’s first territorial capital and now a ghost town with well-preserved buildings and artifacts.
- Enjoy Outdoor Activities:
- Go hiking in state parks like Beartooth Plateau and Makoshika to experience Montana’s diverse landscapes, from high alpine meadows to badlands.
- Fish in world-class trout streams like the Madison River, Gallatin River, or the Yellowstone River.
- Raft or kayak down the scenic rivers, such as the Clark Fork, Missouri, or the Flathead.
- Experience Wildlife:
- Take a guided wildlife tour or go on a wildlife-watching excursion to increase your chances of spotting bison, moose, bighorn sheep, and more.
- Visit the National Bison Range near Moiese to see one of the oldest and most successful bison conservation areas in the country.
- Visit Flathead Lake:
- Enjoy boating, paddleboarding, or sailing on the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake, surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains.
- Visit the charming lakeside towns of Polson and Bigfork for shopping, dining, and local art galleries.
- Get some Cherries, you can pick them yourself at some locations.
- Go Skiing or Snowboarding:
- Hit the slopes in winter at popular ski resorts like Big Sky Resort, known for its vast terrain and long ski season.
- Experience a mix of skiing and old-West charm at Red Lodge Mountain, with its friendly atmosphere and scenic runs.
- Attend a Rodeo:
- Embrace Montana’s cowboy culture by attending a rodeo event, complete with bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more.
- Explore Missoula and Bozeman:
- Visit the University of Montana in Missoula and attend cultural events, concerts, and sports games.
- Explore Bozeman’s historic downtown with its unique shops, art galleries, and craft breweries.
- Visit Native American Reservations:
- Engage with Native American culture and traditions at places like the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where you can participate in powwows and learn about tribal heritage.
- Soak in Hot Springs:
- Unwind and relax in natural hot springs like Chico Hot Springs or Norris Hot Springs, perfect after a day of outdoor activities.
- Take a Scenic Drive:
- Drive along the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, renowned for its stunning vistas and alpine beauty.
- Enjoy the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, offering awe-inspiring views of the Absaroka Mountains and the Clark Fork River.
- Attend a Festival:
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Montana Folk Festival in Butte, celebrating traditional music and dance from around the world.
- Enjoy the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, showcasing outstanding documentary films and attracting filmmakers and enthusiasts from all over.
- Explore the Lewis and Clark Trail:
- Visit sites like Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo, where the famous explorers camped on their expedition westward.
- Stargaze in Big Sky Country:
- Find remote spots with low light pollution for a remarkable stargazing experience and enjoy the Milky Way and countless stars above Montana’s vast skies.
Visiting Montana is a great choice if looking for majestic mountains, pristine wilderness, and rich cultural heritage. Montana offers a truly unique and enchanting journey through the heart of the American West. If you find yourself in Big Sky Country I hope it exceeds your expectations!
