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9 of the best things to do in Montana

Oct 24, 2023 • 7 min read

Hiking and fishing are just two of Montana's great experiences © Josh Miller Photography / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

Montana is a magical place to visit.

Wild rivers and outstanding mountains dominate the open landscape, comingled with signs of civilization like a State Capitol built near a mining camp once known as Last Chance Gulch. This air of Western history hangs on every Montana attraction, alongside a sense of exploration that makes each day feel like the one you might strike it rich. 

Outdoor recreation is often the core of any Montana vacation, and there’s no other state that’s easier to explore outside. National forest acreage easily outnumbers people in Montana, all featuring uncrowded trailheads, available campsites and a personal slice of Big Sky Country. Montana’s small towns and 'big' cities await on the fringe of these adventures with a friendly dose of community events and local storefronts. 

1. Spend the night in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most-visited places in Montana, and for good reason. The Continental Divide rips down the middle of this illustrious public land, providing prime habitat for mountain goats, grizzly bears and slack-jawed tourists witnessing the mountain majesty that makes Glacier the 'Crown of the Continent.'

Just a day in Glacier gives you a taste of the adventure beyond every trailhead. But you really need to spend the night to get the most out of its relatively remote location in Northwest Montana. Several overnight options exist within the park, including 13 campgrounds and a quaint collection of historic lodges.

The Many Glacier Hotel might take the cake for the most outstanding views. The hotel overlooks the banks of Swiftcurrent Lake with a dominating profile of Mt Grinnell from the back porch. Reservations are required months in advance to enjoy the historic rooms, but anyone is welcome to check out the lodge’s lobby and lakeshore.

2. Go fly fishing in the Yellowstone River

Fly fishing is as synonymous with Montana as the White House is with Washington, DC. It’s not just a hobby for many Montana anglers; the free-flowing rivers represent a way of life. And there’s no shortage of rivers and tributaries swarming with trout, including the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Madison and Missouri, just to name a few. 

You can’t talk about fly fishing in Montana without mentioning the Yellowstone River. This remarkably free-flowing river spans nearly 700 miles from Yellowstone Country to North Dakota. But it’s approximately a 100-mile stretch from Gardiner to Livingston that sees the most shoreline fishing and floating. The river runs through the aptly named Paradise Valley along this postcard section, lined by the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains on both sides. 

Planning tip: Don’t know where to start a Montana fly fishing adventure? Several outfitters, such as  Yellowstone River Adventures in Livingston, offer excellent trips for novice and experienced anglers alike.

3. Meet dinosaurs in Bozeman's Museum of the Rockies

Even if the Jurassic Park movie franchise didn’t raise your pulse, the  Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman will have you standing in awe beneath real-life dinosaur bones. Several triceratops skulls and a fully mounted T-Rex are just a few of the impressive displays within the Siebel Dinosaur Complex of this Smithsonian-affiliate museum, alongside a prehistoric soundtrack coming through the speakers. 

Expect to spend more time than expected in the dinosaur display. But be sure to budget some of your visit for other exhibitions, including galleries devoted to native populations and the boom of Yellowstone Country as a tourist destination. Catching a 20-30 minute screening in the facility’s Taylor Planetarium is also essential to the visiting experience, featuring eye-popping and visually striking educational films.

4. Explore Butte’s history at the World Museum of Mining

The vast copper resources mined from Butte in the late 1800s led to its unique moniker, "The Richest Hill on Earth". Mining operations have ceased in Butte, but its history remains on full display throughout the  Butte-Anaconda Historic District – with over 6000 historic properties listed. This makes simply walking around Butte a time-traveling experience.  

The  World Museum of Mining offers one of the best ways to dive into Butte’s underground legacy. Visitors start their tour of this immersive museum by kicking up dust down the recreated Hell Roaring Gulch, resembling Butte’s streets during its early-1900s heyday. Opt for the additional Orphan Girl Mine Tour to get a feel for what it was like to work in a copper mine (hard helmets and headlamps included).

5. Check out First Fridays in Missoula

Missoula has a strong community feel along the banks of the beautiful Clark Fork River. This is especially apparent on the First Friday of the month when local art galleries pop up throughout town, and every sidewalk is part of the party. Alongside the art on display, expect to encounter live music, free drinks and plenty of people swapping adventure stories.

Start your First Friday on the Hip Strip in Missoula, on the south side of the newly renovated Beartracks Bridge (Higgins Ave). This eclectic collection of shops and restaurants is always buzzing on First Fridays, especially the beer garden at GILD Brewpub. Cross the bridge overlooking Caras Park and let your senses guide you into the rest of the evening.

Planning tip: Don’t bother driving downtown for First Fridays, especially when the Clark Fork River Trail and Bitterroot Trail weave throughout Missoula and deliver visitors downtown. 

6. Drive the Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway spans 68 miles in southern Montana from Red Lodge to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, with a dip into Wyoming. Along this span is enough scenery to convince you to move to Montana for life. The upright Beartooth Mountains make the biggest impression, the tallest in the state, laying the foundation for the outdoor opportunities lining every inch of this All-American Road.

This seasonal highway tops at 10,947ft with national forest trailheads, campgrounds, and points of interest accessible from both highway shoulders. The road also lends easy access to the alpine-lake-infused Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where getting lost for days is possible.

Planning tip:  The Beartooth Highway only operates between Memorial Day (late May) and October 15, weather dependent.

7. Get out on Flathead Lake

The massive Flathead Lake anchors the Flathead Valley between Missoula and Whitefish in Northwest Montana. The lake earns the title of the largest freshwater lake in the Lower 48 west of the Mississippi, but that doesn’t begin to capture the size and scenery of the lakeshore. The best way to put the lake in perspective is by taking a boat out onto its notoriously flat waters. 

Sizeable towns like Polson and Kalispell aren’t far from the shoreline, offering rental boats and guided tours. And once you’re ready to captain the steering wheel, several sites operated by Flathead Lake State Park provide easy access to the water. Five mainland units comprise the state park, including the bustling West Shore Unit, offering kayak rentals throughout the summer.

Planning tip: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes operate the southern half of Flathead Lake, and a Tribal  Wildland Recreation Permit is required for exploring outside the park units (available online or at select vendors).

8. Tour the CM Russell Museum in Great Falls

Even if you aren’t familiar with the name Charles Marion Russell, you’d probably recognize his work. He was the original "Cowboy Artist" in the early 1900s, pioneering Western art with a portfolio of iconic paintings and imagery, including buffalo hunts horseback marauders, and Lewis and Clark meeting the Flathead people.

Charles M Russell lived nearly his entire life in Montana and spent the peak of his career in Great Falls on the Missouri River. Today, his modest home and log cabin studio are a central attraction of the CM Russell Museum . The facility also houses the largest repository of the artist’s work and entire galleries dedicated to his contemporaries. Expect to spend at least four to five hours exploring everything on-site.

9. Hike through towering trees at Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area

Tree hugger or not, it’s hard not to marvel at the western red cedars punctuating this special grove in Kootenai National Forest in Northwest Montana. Some of the cedars at Ross Creek predate Christopher Columbus cruising by the continent, and their height and girth speak to this longstanding nature, some more than 12ft in diameter.

Sitting benches and big trees line the nearly mile-long accessible loop departing from the parking area. This paved path is popular for families with young kids and anyone looking to stare up trunks of giant trees without much of a hike. For those wanting to explore further, follow the ambling Ross Creek Trail #142 for up to four miles.

Planning tip: It’s a steep and windy final four-mile drive on a paved road to Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, and trailers and bigger rigs aren’t recommended. This entrance road is gated off throughout the winter, between December 1 and approximately mid-May, when the route becomes a favorite for groomed cross-country skiing.

This article was first published October 2021 and updated October 2023

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Montana Is Packed With Luxury Hotels, Charming Small Towns, and Lots of Adventures — How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Find big adventure in Big Sky Country — here's where to eat, stay, and play in Montana.

They call Montana Big Sky Country. Once you make the trek here, you'll understand why. Untamed rivers run for hundreds of miles, teeming with trophy trout, cutting through the corrugated peaks that loom large along the horizon. Through the thicketed forests, world-class hikes lead to hot springs, geysers, and glaciers in every direction. The powder-packed skiing of winter is rivaled in magnitude by the whitewater rafting of summer. Everything is, well, bigger . To enjoy it all, you need nothing more than a rugged sense of an adventure — and a sensible travel plan. The former is up to you, but we can certainly supply the latter. Your ultimate guide to Montana exploration is below.

Best Time to Visit Montana

The short answer is whenever you want. When you should arrive in Montana is entirely dependent on what you want to do. If you're more inspired by winter sports, world-class ski resorts such as Big Sky and Moonlight Basin are smothered in snow from early December through mid-April. For those motivated by hiking, hot springs, and fly-fishing, June through September is a dependable time to pack your bags. However, if you want to avoid the crowds — especially in national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone — don't sleep on the shoulder season of late summer and early autumn.

Best Things to Do in Montana

Although Montana is an unparalleled paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it still has plenty to offer by way of cosmopolitan delights, especially within the hip college towns along the western part of the state. Over the past decade, Bozeman has come into its own as one of the coolest mountain towns in the U.S. You can enjoy craft cocktails in dimly lit speakeasies like the Devil's Toboggan , or chow down on stuffed quail and other farm-fresh delicacies at Blackbird . Or, spend time in Missoula and soak up the sensational local beer scene at Conflux Brewing Company or Cranky Sam Public House. Either way, if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife — or a pub crawl — during your time in Montana, make sure you're booking a stay in one of these two destinations.

If you're more interested in camping out under the stars, Montana is in no short supply of options. Big Sky Country, it turns out, affords plenty of dark sky , completely devoid of nocturnal light pollution. A great way to experience it all is through the expansive state park system. Flathead Lake is an underrated gem here. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and a wonderful summer getaway for boating, swimming, and fishing, offering a multitude of pull-up campsite options.

While up this way, in the northeastern reaches of the state, you'll want to devote some time to strolling the quaint resort towns of Kalispell and Whitefish . And if it's between late June and early October, you'll definitely want to plod through Glacier National Park along the aptly named Going-the-the-Sun Road. Just beware that traffic along the route can be intense throughout this time of year.

Further south in Bozeman, the surrounding Gallatin Valley acts as the entry way to Yellowstone . Although the nation's first national park is primarily located in Wyoming, many of its five million annual visitors come by way of this part of Montana. Come in the summer and you can book world-class whitewater rafting adventures through the three river systems that ultimately converge to form the Missouri River.

Fancy an unforgettably epic road trip? Traverse the 69 miles of Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge and Cooke City. Crescendoing atop a wide plateau 11,000 feet above sea level, this legendary section of U.S. Route 212 is among the most picturesque stretches of highway in the country. But if soaring, vertigo-inducing heights aren't your thing, head an hour west of Bozeman and delve downward into the Lewis and Clark Caverns — one of the biggest limestone caves in the country.

Arrive in winter and you can survey the snow-capped terrain aboard a Ski-Doo . West Yellowstone serves as the snowmobile capital of the lower 48 from December through March. If you prefer to plow through the powder with actual horsepower, check out Big Sky, where you can charter sleigh rides that are sure to enchant the entire family. At the end of an action-packed day, relax your weary bones and soak up the scenery from the region's heralded hot springs .

Where to Stay in Montana

When it comes to overnight options, they are as varied as they are abundant, from primitive pull-up campsites and RV parks with mini golf to dude ranches and luxury boutiques with a bit of history .

If you're craving a high-end hideaway, the town of Big Sky has emerged as the go-to destination. Home to its eponymous ski resort for nearly 50 years, only in recent years has the luxury set spread its wings here. Lone Mountain Ranch is a stellar standout, and high in the running for best resort in all of Montana. The property features stand-alone log cabins along gently moving creeks. You can do guided yoga in the morning and horseback riding in the afternoon. At the base of the slopes, the Montage just opened the doors to its 139-room ski-in, ski-out resort.

For rustic charm further north in the state, book a stay at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake , nestled between its namesake lake and the 28-acre Viking Creek Wetland Preserve. Its thoughtful amenities — hot tubs, spa, live music — are overshadowed only by its access to unspoiled wilderness.

Back in the cities of Bozeman and Missoula, boutique hotels are finally becoming part of the landscape. Notable among them is the new Kimpton Armory, a refurbished property from the WWII barracks of the Montana National Guard. With 122 guest rooms, three restaurants, a rooftop pool featuring unimpeded views of the Bridger Mountains, and its own concert venue, it's quickly becoming the place to be in downtown these days.

But if you're seeking a more laid-back bed-and-breakfast feel, Montana has you covered in every corner. For those looking for lodging in Missoula, a sensational example can be found at Blue Mountain — five private rooms set atop 20 acres of wildlife habitat directly next to Lolo National Forest. With Big Sky comes big options. Choose wisely.

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18 Top Things to Do in Montana

From museums to national parks, Montana has something for everyone.

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Known as "The Treasure State," Montana offers a plethora of travel treasures, such as beautiful national and state parks, unique museums, historical monuments and more.

Montana is the fourth-largest state in the U.S. by landmass, measuring 147,040 square miles. The Treasure State is also home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, including Glacier National Park , Yellowstone , the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and more than 300 mountain peaks standing more than 9,600 feet tall.

If you love the outdoors, Montana has so much to offer, from hiking and camping to skiing and fishing. But it's also an excellent place to learn about the history of its inhabitants, particularly the Native American tribes, as well as the wildlife that roam the region.

The state also has the third-lowest population density in the nation, and plenty of wide-open spaces, making it a great place to go if you want to avoid crowds. Read on to learn about all of the best things you can do as a visitor in Montana.

(Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Capacity restrictions, mask mandates even closures may be in effect. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local tourism boards before making plans.)

Glacier National Park

Established in 1910, Glacier National Park is sometimes referred to as the Crown Jewel of the Continent. Here, you'll find 26 glaciers, 762 lakes, 563 streams, hundreds of species of animals and thousands of species of plants. It also includes roughly 746 miles of hiking trails, making it a paradise for avid hikers. Some of the more iconic routes include the Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake, the Grinnell Glacier Trail and the Highline Trail . Just be sure to look up trail conditions and difficulties before you set out.

While you're visiting, you'll also want to add Going-to-the-Sun Road to your itinerary. The 50-mile road that crosses the Continental Divide is an engineering marvel, passing glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, alpine meadows covered in wildflowers and more. Just keep in mind that the upper portion of the road past Lake McDonald Lodge closes during the winter months.

Visitors hail the park as one of the most beautiful places they've been to, citing stunning views and clear blue glacier water that's almost unreal. Get out on the water in a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, raft or half - or full-day whitewater rafting tour.

Depending on what kind of experience you're looking for, you can camp at one of the park's many campgrounds, or you can stay at a lodge, hotel or bed-and-breakfast. If you're considering more formal accommodations, the Lake McDonald Lodge and Belton Chalet should be on your list of options.

[See more of Glacier National Park: Things to Do  | Hotels  | When to Visit  | Photos . ]

Yellowstone National Park

Only 3% of Yellowstone National Park resides in Montana, but the state is home to three of the park's five entrances. Near the north entrance of the park, you'll find Mammoth Hot Springs , which has been said to look like a cave that's been turned inside out. The large terraces are formed by limestone that's dissolved by the hot, acidic water that rises from the chambers below, then reforms after it's above ground. If you decide to enter through the west entrance, located just across the Wyoming and Idaho borders in West Yellowstone, you'll be a quick drive away from several geyser basins, which include both geysers and hot springs.

Some of the more popular attractions in this area include Old Faithful , Grand Prismatic Spring , Fountain Paint Pot and more. Finally, the northeast entrance, which is closed during the winter months, gives you the best access to the park's famous Lamar Valley , which is where you'll be able to observe grizzly bears, black bears, bison and wolves. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have called it a piece of heaven on Earth, a breathtaking experience and nature at its best.

Depending on where you're coming from, there are plenty of lodging options for each entrance. In West Yellowstone, the ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone and the Alpine Motel are top-rated. If you're coming from the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, Yellowstone Village Inn and Yellowstone Riverside Cottages have great reviews. And if you're coming from the northeast, consider the Elk Horn Lodge or Alpine Motel in Cooke City. If you're interested in a guided experience, consider a private Yellowstone tour .

For an especially unique experience in Yellowstone National Park, get out on the water. You can go fly-fishing, kayaking and boating on Yellowstone Lake or take a half - or full-day whitewater rafting tour.

[ See more of Yellowstone National Park : Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos .]

Soak in one of the state's many hot springs

The Treasure State is home to dozens of hot springs perfect for enjoying a relaxing soak. One of the top options is Quinn's Hot Springs Resort in Paradise, Montana, which is about 70 miles northeast of Missoula. At the resort, you can take a dip in five natural hot spring pools. You can also stay in one of the resort's cabins or lodges. Past guests called the resort a relaxing experience, with some making repeat visits.

For a unique experience, check out the Boiling River in Yellowstone near Mammoth Hot Springs. It's one of the few areas where you can legally soak in the national park, and it features a mix of hot water from the spring and cold water from the Gardner River. Before you go, be sure to check the park's website , as the area does close due to varying water conditions. Visitors can access the spot via a short half-mile walk from the parking lot.

You can bed down at the Yellowstone Village Inn or Yellowstone Riverside Cottages in nearby Gardiner. Some travelers have called the Boiling River a highlight in the park, but recommend bringing sandals to walk in the river and a towel to dry off afterward. Other favorite hot springs to visit in the state include the Chico Hot Springs, Bozeman Hot Springs, Norris Hot Springs and Elkhorn Hot Springs.

Visit the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman

Courtesy of Museum of the Rockies

The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and offers an incredible array of exhibits. For starters, it has one of the world's largest collections of North American dinosaur fossils, including T-Rex, one of very few mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons on display in the U.S. It also offers exhibits about the history of Yellowstone National Park and the American Indians who lived on the Northern Plains and near the Rocky Mountains, among other topics. There's also an exhibit dedicated to children 8 years and younger, where they can explore and learn about the science of Yellowstone. Every year, the museum also showcases three to five temporary exhibitions. There's also a planetarium, where you can watch shows about the cosmos.

The museum is rated as one of the top things to do in Bozeman. Past visitors call out the dinosaurs, in particular, as a major draw. If you're looking for accommodations in Bozeman, consider staying at the RSVP Hotel or the SpringHill Suites Bozeman .

Address: 600 W. Kagy Blvd., Bozeman, MT 59717

Check out the World Museum of Mining in Butte

Josie Trudgeon | Courtesy of World Museum of Mining)

This is one of the few mining museums in the world that's located on an actual mine yard called the Orphan Girl Mine. It's home to 50 exhibit buildings and 66 primary exhibits in the mine yard itself. With a visit here, you'll learn about the history of hard-rock mining in Butte, which was home to one of the most productive copper mines ever. You'll also get the chance to take an underground mine tour of Orphan Girl, which includes a 100-foot descent to the mine's original shaft station. There, you'll be able to touch the rock and hear stories about the people who worked there.

Past visitors highly recommend the mine tour and praised the tour guides' knowledge and presentation. Reviewers say you'll want to bring a jacket, because the museum is primarily outdoors and the mine is chilly year-round. Some of the best-ranked accommodations in Butte include the Copper King Convention Center, Ascend Hotel Collection and the Hampton Inn Butte.

Address: 155 Museum Way, Butte, MT 59701

Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers a look into the history of the famous 19th-century expedition, with a focus on the Corp of Discovery's time in Montana. When you first walk in to the center, you'll see a two-story diorama depicting the portage of the Missouri River's five falls. The museum, which was developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, features exhibits, hundreds of artifacts and art collections, all of which help tell the story of the residents and travelers over the course of hundreds of years in the Great Falls region.

Past visitors say that even for travelers who know the basics of the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition, there's a lot more to learn. Others highlight that it's a family-friendly activity. If you're planning to stay in Great Falls, some of the top options for accommodations include the Historical Hotel Arvon and the Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel and Suites.

Address: 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405

Learn about the cattle industry at Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge

Originally established in 1862 by Canadian fur trader John Grant, then expanded by cattle baron Conrad Kohrs, this ranch was once the headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire. Now a historic site, the ranch serves as a commemoration of the Western cattle industry from the mid-1800s through recent times. It's also still a working cattle ranch, so travelers can witness some live demonstrations. Visitors can also walk through 88 historic buildings, hike nearly 10 miles of ranch roads and trails and take a tour of the ranch house.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch is located in Deer Lodge, which sits 37 miles northwest of Butte. Many travelers say they stopped by the ranch on their way to somewhere else and describe the historic site as a worthy detour.

Address: 266 Warren Lane, Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Enjoy an all-inclusive dude ranch experience at the Resort at Paws Up

Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

Montana is home to a number of all-inclusive dude ranches , which give travelers the chance to experience Western culture (think: horseback rides, nightly campfires and fly-fishing) in a luxurious setting. For example, The Resort at Paws Up , located about 30 miles northeast of Missoula in Greenough, is home to 28 luxury homes and 36 luxury glamping tents . The resort offers more than 50 activities for travelers to enjoy on its 37,000-acre cattle ranch. Options include backcountry tours, canoeing, dog sledding, fly fishing, geocaching, snowshoeing, photography and more. The rate includes all meals and more than a dozen activities that can be enjoyed solo, and more than 50 guided activities for an additional charge. Travelers describe the resort as "unreal," "intimate" and a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Other top-rated all-inclusive dude ranches in Montana include the Ranch at Rock Creek , Blacktail Ranch, the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch and Elkhorn Ranch.

Address: 40060 Paws Up Road, Greenough, MT 59823

Drive the Hi-Line

The northernmost route in the state traveling east to west, U.S. Highway 2, is called the Hi-Line by locals. If you're visiting Glacier National Park, the western edge of the roughly 650-mile highway is close by. As you drive the Hi-Line, you'll come across small towns that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The farther you get from glacier country, the landscape morphs into great rolling plains with isolated volcanic peaks, which are sacred to the local Native American tribes. Keep going, and you'll come across reservoirs, rivers, historic homes and shops, breweries and distilleries and so much more.

Travelers say you can easily spend a week exploring all of the places you come across along the way. Depending on how far you plan to travel along the highway, check local towns for lodging options.

Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Located in southeastern Montana, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument memorializes the Battle of Little Bighorn, which is also known as Custer's Last Stand. The battle was between the U.S. Army and the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes. The monument includes a visitor center and a museum, where you can learn about the battle and some of the prominent men who fought there. You'll also discover what it was like for Native Americans living on the plains. You can take a 4.5-mile self-guided tour between two battlefields, the Custer Battlefield and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, with parking lots at each site.

Some travelers describe visiting the monument as a solemn experience, but also an important one to learn the real history of the events that took place. The nearest major city to the national monument is Billings, which is 65 miles northwest.

Address: I-90 Frontage Road, Crow Agency, MT 59022

Pick your own fruit at Bozeman's Rocky Creek Farm

Montana has many farms where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. If you're in Bozeman, Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farm is a great place to find fresh berries and apples. Berry season kicks off in late June with strawberries, and continues with raspberries and aronia berries in the later summer months and early fall. You can pick apples from the farm's orchard between late August and November, and even request to have your apples pressed into custom cider. During your visit, stop by the farm stand in the blue barn, where you can buy vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats, eggs, honey and more, all of which are grown at the farm. According to reviewers, the farm also offers activities for children, such as farm school and summer camps.

Address: 34297 Frontage Road, Bozeman, MT 59715

Relax in the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

It's not where you'd expect to find a shrine to the Buddha, but the Flathead Indian Reservation just north of Arlee, Montana, is home to the Ewam Sang-ngag Ling Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. Here, you'll find 1,000 hand-cast Buddha statues, all arranged around the central figure of the Great Mother, or Yum Chenmo, who is the manifestation of the perfection of wisdom. It's hoped by those who have built the shrine that those who visit feel peacefulness and compassion. And that's exactly what past visitors say they experienced when describing their time in the garden. Located in western Montana, Arlee sits just 26 miles north of Missoula.

Address: 34756 White Coyote Road, Arlee, MT 59821

Ski at Big Sky Resort

Courtesy of Big Sky Resort

Considered one of the top ski vacations in the U.S. , Big Sky Resort is home to 5,850 skiable acres and 39 lifts. There are runs for skiers of all experience levels, including a 1,450-foot vertical ride up to Lone Peak, giving seasoned skiers an experience similar to heli-skiing. After you're done skiing for the day, hit the spa or one of the many restaurants for après-ski or dinner. There are also a handful of retailers if you want to upgrade your ski uniform. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, ziplining, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh riding and more.

During the summer months, the resort remains open with a variety of outdoor activities, such as golfing, ziplining, hiking, disc golf, whitewater rafting and more. Visitors talk up the resort's beautiful setting, both in the winter and the summer. If you're staying at the resort, there are four hotels to choose from. There's also the Whitewater Inn, which is a short 15-minute drive from the resort.

Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716

[Read: The Top Ski Resorts in Montana .]

See rock paintings at Pictograph Cave State Park

Andy Austin | Courtesy of Pictograph Cave State Park

Within Billings city limits, Pictograph Cave State Park is an area with three caves, which were home to generations of prehistoric hunters. Those hunters left behind artifacts and more than 100 rock paintings, or pictographs. The oldest painting dates back more than 2,000 years, while the most recent are from 200 to 500 years ago. To reach the caves, there's a three-quarter-mile loop with displays providing more information about the pictographs, as well as the vegetation and natural features of the area. You can also enter the visitor center to see some of the artifacts that were collected from the caves. The deepest of the three caves, Pictograph Cave, is where the rock paintings of animals, warriors and rifles are still visible.

It's recommended that you bring binoculars to properly view the paintings. Some visitors describe the pictographs as too faded, but binoculars may help solve that concern. Others warn that there's a steep climb to Pictograph Cave that may not be suitable for small children and casual hikers.

Address: 3401 Coburn Road, Billing, MT 59101

Marvel at the Ringing Rocks in Whitehall

David Abrams | Courtesy of Western Montana BLM

Roughly 18 miles east of Butte, there's a unique geologic area where the rocks actually chime with the light tap of a hammer. Experts believe that this phenomenon was caused by a combination of the rocks' composition and the joining patterns that have developed during the natural course of erosion – if one of the boulders is removed from the pile, it no longer rings. Some visitors note that the road leading to the rocks can be tough on smaller vehicles without four-wheel drive. There may also be a hike, depending on where you stop your car. Reviewers say that there are hammers near the entrance, so you don't have to worry about buying one at the local hardware store before you go.

Aside from Montana, you'll find a similar experience at Ringing Rocks County Park in Pennsylvania, one of the state's most unique attractions .

Visit the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls

Courtesy of CM Russell Museum

Charles Marion Russell was an American artist whose works centered on the Old West. His work, which includes paintings, sculptures and drawings, portrays the daily life of cowboys and Native Americans, as well as the landscapes of Big Sky Country, through the lens of his personal experiences. Russell's home, which was built in 1900, along with his log studio, which was built three years later, were both converted into a museum that houses the largest collection of the artist's art and memorabilia. The C.M. Russell Museum contains more than 3,000 works of Western art across 16 galleries, an outdoor sculpture garden and a research center. Nearly a third of the works on display were created by Russell himself. The museum is rated among the top things to do in Great Falls. Many visitors are impressed with the sheer volume of work showcased here, saying it gives you a feeling like you're stepping back in time to the artist's life.

Address: 400 13th St. N., Great Falls, MT 59401

Witness the destructive power of nature at Quake Lake

About 25 miles northwest of West Yellowstone is Earthquake Lake, called Quake Lake for short. The lake in the Madison Canyon River Area was formed in 1959 when an earthquake struck the area. The seismic activity created a landslide of roughly 80 million tons of rock, halting the water flow in the Madison River Canyon gorge. Tragically, 28 people were killed as a result of the landslide. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake was so devastating that it altered the geyser patterns in Yellowstone National Park and was felt as far away as Salt Lake City, which is 330 miles away. Today, Quake Lake is a popular fishing spot, with authorities stocking it each year with brown and cutthroat trout. Just watch out for the timbers below the surface that were brought down in the landslide.

See the wildlife in West Yellowstone at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Located in West Yellowstone, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center opened in 1993 with the mission to give visitors a better understanding and appreciation of grizzly bears. The center acts as a sanctuary for bears, wolves, otters, birds of prey and ground squirrels. Visitors will not only get the chance to see some of the wildlife that's housed at the center, but they'll also be able to learn about the animals through interactive exhibits, films, displays and demonstrations.

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center can be a great way to begin or end a trip to Yellowstone National Park. The center is highly recommended by travelers, with some saying it's worth a stop even if you only have a little time to spare. Others say that it can be a great way to get close to the wildlife if you didn't get that opportunity in the national park.

Address: 201 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758

You may also be interested in:

• Amazing Montana Vacations
• The Best U.S. National Parks
• The Best Places to Hike in North America
• The Best Places for National Park Camping
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• The Top Restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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• The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State

Tags: Travel , Montana Vacations , US Vacations , National Parks , U.S. West Vacations

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Montana for First-Timers

Planning your first trip to montana.

We are so excited for you!

We hope you love our home state as much as we do. It’s hard not to fall in love with the beauty of Montana.

Here’s a quick look at Montana by the numbers to give you a quick idea of just how much there is to see and do in Montana.

From the fields of green and gold that provide an understated loveliness on the eastern side of Montana, to the massive mountain peaks and teal glacial lakes in western Montana, and along the rushing rivers running throughout the state, Montana is a special place we think you will fall in love with, too.

But with so much to see across so much geography (Montana is the fourth largest state in the USA!), it can be hard to plan out an itinerary.

We are here to help.

Introducing…

The First Timer’s Guide to Montana Travel Guidebook

This 139-page eGuidebook will help you plan your perfect Montana vacation. You will learn:

• How to create your perfect Montana vacation itinerary. We even include itineraries for every region in Montana that you can use and customize.
• What you need to know before you book your trip.
• The cities and towns that should be at the top of your must-visit list if it’s your first time in Montana, or your first time to a particular region of Montana. Plus, what to do and see while in each destination.
• Tips for getting to Montana and traveling around the state.
• Insider tips sprinkled throughout the book.
• What to pack and tips for recreating responsibly while visiting.
• Why narrowing down your Montana must-see list will be a game-changer for your trip.
• Recommendations for where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what attractions to visit all over the state.
• Activity guides for winter recreation, river adventures, and lake fun.
• And so much more!

Here’s a preview of some of the destination-focused pages in The First Timer’s Guide to Montana:

This guidebook is written by a team of locals who know just what you need to know in order to plan a first trip to Montana that has adventure, small town charm, cowboy country fun, and plenty of time to see all those natural sights that Montana is famous for.

And we’ll teach you how to plan it without feeling overwhelmed or cramming so much into your vacation that you can’t stop and truly just enjoy the peaceful wonder of Montana. All in a convenient PDF eBook form so you can effortlessly bring the information with you all around Montana!

SPECIAL OFFER: FOR A LIMITED TIME Use code 25Off for 25% off the price!

Stop the Planning Stress and Overwhelm!

Does this sound familiar.

You may know that Montana is becoming wildly popular and booking up months in advance (and if not…now you do! It’s a hot travel spot right now!), but do you keep putting off planning and booking your Montana vacation because you just don’t know where to even start with the planning process?

Is the stress and overwhelm of planning the perfect trip to a new destination starting to put a damper on the actual trip?

Maybe you’ve looked up the top things to see in Montana, but when you put them into a map you realize they’re hours and hours apart from each other.

Or you had the perfect place to stay in mind…but it’s already booked up.

Or you know where you want to go in Montana, but you’re looking for the inside scoop on how to make your trip even more special and memorable?

If that sounds like you, the Montana for First Timers guidebook will help you make sense of Montana vacation planning.

This guidebook has extensive, insider info on the places that are worth your time in every region of Montana. These include: —> Which cities and towns to add to your itinerary in every part of the state. —> What each region of Montana is known for — and why you should pick just one or two to visit during your trip. (And how to choose!) —> Why Montana is so much more than just its national parks. —> The hidden gems to seek out when you need a break from the crowds milling about at “bucket list” spots. —> What to know about car rentals BEFORE you even book your flight. And many more insider expert tips!

Our step by step itineraries are gold and will help you easily put together your dream Montana trip. We also list out some of the coolest hotels, resorts, lodges (and even tipis and treehouses!) to stay at in Montana.

This guidebook has mini guides on the best cities and towns that are worth your time in every region of Montana. These include:

Plus smaller towns and cities, many of which are hidden gems, including:

• and many more!

What About the National Parks?

Oh, don’t worry! We still cover Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. We give you insight into each entrance town, what to see and do, and where to sleep. We also provide itineraries you can use whether you have one day, a weekend, or even longer to spend in the park.

Here’s a sample of the National Park pages:

What Else Does the Guidebook Cover?

Here’s a breakdown of the main things you’ll find in each section.

Section 1: Montana Overview

• Weather & Seasons
• Rodeos & Festivals
• Getting to and Around Montana

Section 2: National Parks

• Yellowstone Insider Tips with Itinerary Tips
• Glacier Insider Tips
• Going-to-the-Sun Road Stops
• 1,2 & 3-Day Glacier Itinerary Guides

Section 3: Best Cities & Towns for Visitors

• Cities and Towns Overview
• 8 City Guides
• 20 Town Guides

Section 4: Lakes, Valleys, and Rivers

• Best Montana Lakes
• Lake Activities
• Montana’s River Valleys
• River Activities

Section 5: Winter Activities

• Must-Pack Winter Gear
• Ski Resorts Guide
• More Winter Activities

Section 6: Unique Places to Stay

• Dude Ranches
• Hot Springs Resorts
• More Special Places to Stay

Section 7: Recreate Responsibly & Safely

• Leave No Trace
• 10 Essentials
• Weather Safety
• Animal Safety

Section 8: Itineraries

• 9-Day Yellowstone Country Itinerary
• 9-Day Glacier Country Itinerary
• 7-Day Central & Southwest Montana Itinerary
• 10-Day Billings, Dinosaurs & Natural Wonders Itinerary
• 4-Day Missouri River Country Itinerary

Who Are We?

Curious who’s behind this book?

We are fourth and fifth generation Montanans: three daughters and their mother, and we all are in love with Montana!

Meet the First Timers Guide to Montana Team

More About Us:

This book is predominately written by Gina Douglas, the oldest daughter. She is Montana-born, but now lives in Seattle. This makes her the perfect author for this book: someone who is able to straddle the line between tourist and local whenever she’s in Montana.

While writing this guidebook, Gina endlessly consulted with her sisters: 

Jackie, the middle daughter who lives in Bozeman, and loves snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, boating, hiking, rock climbing, reading Montana authors, and visiting the family farm in Southeast Montana.

Angela, the youngest daughter who lives in Billings. She enjoys skiing, family getaways to the mountains with her four young children, taking her kids to the climbing gym, family hikes, and weekend getaways to hot spring resorts with her husband.

And this guidebook would never have come to fruition without our mom, Nancy, and all her Montana expertise! The First Timers Guide to Montana was extensively edited and perfected by Nancy, who was raised on a rural farm in southeast Montana. She is now happily retired and divides her time between Billings and her cabin on the Boulder River, where she loves to fly fish and walk the mountain trails.

We know planning a trip to Montana can seem daunting and stressful – it’s so big and there is so much to see and do!

And we often see people jet through our beloved state without really touching the essence of what makes Montana so special. We don’t want that to happen to you!

So we created this guidebook – for those who want to see the big sites but also experience the hidden gems of Montana without having an overstuffed itinerary.

Plus, TWO Bonuses!

To make your trip planning even easier, we’re throwing in two bonuses with this guidebook: our Montana Trip Planning printable and Montana Packing Checklist printable.

Don’t put your trip planning off for another day! You can have the answers you need for your trip planning now by purchasing the First Timer’s Guide to Montana .

I’m a numbers person. Break it down for me. Ok, you got it: Value of the Bonuses and Guidebook $12 Value for the Packing List $18 Value for the Planner Printable $34 Value for the Guidebook Total Value: $ 64 —> Your Price: $27 <—

AND! For a limited time, get 25% off with code 25Off.

Get the First Timer’s Guide to Montana today and and start researching and planning asap — before your perfect accommodation is booked up in a destination you never even knew you needed to see before reading this book!

It will be delivered in PDF format via a download link to your email inbox immediately after payment. Simply click on the download link in the email and you’ll be taken to a page where you can download the ebook plus all your bonus printables.

Unfortunately, not at this time. I love printed books, too, but most travelers these days prefer the ease of digital travel guidebooks so they can pull the content up on their phone or other device. I haven’t completely ruled out a print version in the future, though, so let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in!

You can find pretty much everything on the Internet these days! But what you won’t find is expert-written Montana information all in one place with an easy to decipher table of contents and quick scrolling functionality to exactly what you need to plan your perfect Montana vacation. That’s just what you’ll find in The First Timer’s Guide to Montana ! The level of detail in the itineraries is also invaluable. You can swipe the itineraries as-is for easy planning or customize them using all our tips (or combining the itineraries!) for YOUR perfect Montana trip itinerary. Plus, we include insider tips you won’t even find on our blog! Also, many parts of Montana don’t have reliable cell service, so a PDF guidebook is something you can save in your phone library and access it for information even when out of service.

No, due to the digital nature of this product, we do not offer returns or exchanges. But if you have any issues or questions after purchasing, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

No, commercial use is prohibited. This guidebook is for personal use only. You are not allowed to sell or redistribute The First Timer’s Guide to Montana.

Purchase by clicking here . 🙂

'Yellowstone' Has Created A Tourism Boom In Missoula, Montana

Ruby’s Café in Missoula, Montana, is no stranger to busy mornings.

“Ruby’s itself, I think, has been here for about close to 50 years, close to 50 years long before there was any of this out here," owner Brenda Hallas said.

But recently, it’s been branded for something beyond its comfort food.

“We came to Missoula strictly to kind of see 'Yellowstone'" a bypasser said. "We're big 'Yellowstone' fans.” 

They’re not talking about the park, 270 miles away from Missoula. They’re talking about the show on Paramount.

The runaway hit starring Kevin Costner set new ratings records with its season four finale, and it seems many fans can’t get enough of the show — or its setting.  

"A lot of things that happen in the show, like there are in any fictional products, that aren't exactly Montana and all the Montanans know that, but nonetheless, it is Montana," Hallas said. "I mean, it's the background, and then the cities, and then the landscapes are us, and it certainly is a high profile."

Ruby’s Café is cooking more than normal because a now-famous scene was shot there. It featured a shooting that killed off a sheriff.

Now, the café's owner, Brenda Hallas, says not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask her about it.

"There's a lot of people that they're always asking," Hallas said. "They're always questioning, taking pictures."

At first, the café just saw an influx of selfie-takers and not such a boost in actual business. But now, that’s changed.

It’s not just the café. Season five just started shooting in western Montana, and the cast was just shooting in downtown Missoula.  

Another draw: The home of the Dutton Ranch — in reality called Chief Joseph Ranch, about 60 miles south of Missoula. Fans can even stay in one of two cabins used in the show, but it will cost you anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500 a night.

A report by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research found "Yellowstone" brought more than $85 million in additional spending to Montana, with nearly $100,000 alone spent on parking.

The report, funded in part by Paramount, also found season four of the show meant a collective $25 million in income for some Montana residents. 

Tourism spending wasn’t included in the study, but economists say it’s big.  

“It's tangible, whether people like it or not," said Patrick Barkey, with the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. "There's a lot more people that know about Montana, at least from an imagery point of view, than did before this series really took off.”

On top of tourism, the University of Montana report found 233 people moved to Big Sky Country to work on the show, but there’s more: Fans are also calling real estate agents. 

"It is like being on spin cycle all the time right now," said Bill McDavid, a partner at Hall and Hall real estate agency. "I mean, I used to think I knew what busy meant."

McDavid specializes in high-end ranch properties.

"'Yellowstone' is certainly brought up by everybody who comes through the door, but I would place a lot more weight on the pandemic," McDavid said. "There were a lot of people that thought about owning a ranch for years, and they never executed on it."

That goes up when you add a hit TV show showcasing Montana’s sweeping vistas and craggy mountain ranges.

"Every buyer talks about it," McDavid said. "I'm not gonna say that's what got them here, but it's it's a very popular show."

Some locals aren’t thrilled with the extra attention on top of soaring real estate prices and demand from the pandemic.  

"It's a hard time to be a buyer right now," McDavid said.

The median price of a single family home in Missoula went from $350,000 in 2020 to more than $500,000 in 2022. In Bozeman, Montana, jumped from nearly $660,000 in April of 2021 to more than $811,000 this April. But if you want to live on a ranch like the Duttons, it’s going to cost you a lot more.

"I think our average deal right now is probably 8 to 10 million, so if that tells you anything, I mean... there's plenty of deals that we're doing that are less than that, but it's been a while since I've done a deal that was under 2 million," McDavid said.

The irony isn’t lost on many — a show about land rights and development conflict contributing to the state’s very own real property woes.

"If we're not doing a very good job already, in some of these areas, growth will underscore, will make bold, those kinds of problems," Barkey said. "But is the problem with growth? Or is the problem how we're managing growth? And I would argue it's the latter."

It’s not just real estate. The Bitterroot Valley Ranch overlooks a site used for filming, and the owner says it’s common for excited "Yellowstone" fans to ignore multiple no trespassing signs, just to try to get a glimpse of the set. They spent more than $1,000 on security features like a gate to try to keep their privacy intact. They told Newsy, "I live where I live because I want to be left alone and have my privacy... “

Back at Ruby’s Café, Brenda is the first to say that not all of her diners are there for "Yellowstone;" some are just old-fashioned Montana tourists. 

"Do I think 'Yellowstone' has made a difference?" Hallas said. "Of course it has, but frosting on the cake."

So if you’re in the market for biscuits and gravy, a 'Yellowstone' photo op or a multi-million-dollar ranch, you’re in the right place. With multiple spinoffs and bigger real estate problems, it's not slowing down.

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