With its majestic Rocky Mountains, Great plains with lush forests, and sparkling lakes, Montana is a fantastic place located in the US. It is renowned for its stunning topography and ambiance; the area draws nature enthusiasts, travelers, wildlife lovers, and hikers. The vast wilderness appears stunning, as do the historic cities and towns, and they make up for the list of best places to visit in Montana.
The outdoors and adventure are the mainstays of many things you can take part in Montana. The adventures in Montana always have incredibly breathtaking and vast landscapes.
From the mountains that sparkle in Glacier National Park to the numerous wild rivers teeming with trout, Montana is a new land, and its wilderness areas are unlike anything else in the nation.
However, it’s not only the chances to explore that make the state deserving of a trip or an extended visit, and there’s also an eerie feeling from that Old West that still lingers.
The state’s capital city, Helena, exemplifies this Western atmosphere through its history of gold mining throughout its downtown. The frontier story of Montana inspires an awe-inspiring sense of discovery that makes you feel as if something new is just at every turn.
If you’re looking to travel to Montana to see this beautiful landscape, Here are the 10 best places to visit in Montana. Find out more about these stunning destinations.
10 Best Places to Visit in Montana
Best Places to Visit in Montana (1-3)
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park stands proudly as the Crown of the Continent in Northwest Montana. The stunning scenic area consists of mountains and alpine meadows.
It also has thick forests, tall waterfalls, numerous sparkling lakes, and many glaciers. It’s a true adventure destination with iconic landscapes that draw returning visitors for many decades.
The 50-mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road is a marvel of engineering and the only road that is paved and runs across the park. It traverses the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet high Logan Pass, connecting St. Mary to Apgar Village and West Glacier. The road is worth an entire trip.
The National park is a magnet for those who love adventure and has more than 700 miles of trails for hikers. Grinnell Glacier, Ptarmigan Tunnel, and the awe-inspiring Highline Trail are the most well-known. While day hikes are the most popular way to discover the area, overnight trips are also popular within the park’s extensive backcountry.
Must see: Logan Pass, Lake Mc Donald, and Highline Trail
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is the Western part of the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is a sprawling and lush national park famous for its stunning topography, wildlife, and flora.
Furthermore, this park is also renowned for its extreme sports such as cross-country skiing, river rafting, fly fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. If you shortlist the best places to visit in Montana, West Yellowstone should be one of the top-rated names.
Must see: Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Historical Centre, Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and Yellowstone Aerial Adventure.
Virginia City
A charming town that is a part of Montana, Virginia City features historic homes, cobblestone streets, narrow-gauge railways, and historical monuments.
Virginia City was the center of commerce and the largest town in the state until about 1875. It is famous for its large-scale gold mining. Today, a picturesque place, Virginia City attracts travelers who want to enjoy the flavor of the past and is regarded as one of the top spots to visit in Montana.
Must see: Thompson Hickman Museum, Montana Heritage Commission, and Nevada City.
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Helena
Helena is a charming city that is constantly crowded with visitors. If you’re in Helena, you will never forget the charm this city provides, with its modern and historic architecture and monuments.
It is possible to take walking tours of the city, hike through the Mountain Gates of the Mississippi River, and stroll through the city parks.
Must see: Montana State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Helena, and Mount Helena Park.
Missoula
Missoula is most well-known for its old and prehistoric railway stations. It is among the top spots in Montana to wander around, relax and unwind.
There are lively pubs, souvenir shops, an old theatre, markets, and the Caras Park caracole; Missoula will never disappoint any visitor. If you are a lover of the thrill of adventure, you should consider rafting on the Clark Fork River or trekking along the famed Kim Williams Trail.
Must see: Missoula Art Museum, Roxy Theatre, Caras Park, and Lolo National Park
Whitefish
One of the Montana places of interest, Whitefish, is a famous resort town that is also the entrance to Glacier National Park. The city is surrounded by numerous streams and lakes that are freshwater.
Whitefish is a snow-covered region renowned for rafting and skis. It is considered one of the top places to go to in Montana, USA; Whitefish attracts people who love adventure, nature, and hikers throughout the year.
Must see: Whitefish Lake, Depot park, and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
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Flathead Lake
Formed by glaciers, Flathead Lake is the world’s largest freshwater lake and is among the most breathtaking locations you can visit in Montana, USA.
The vast lake, the cherry plantations, and the mountains surrounding it awestruck everyone. It’s the perfect spot to reenergize or to enjoy exciting activities such as canoeing, sailing, and swimming.
Must see: Sandpiper Art Gallery, Lake cruise, and Polson Flathead Historical Museum
Bozeman
If we’re talking about destinations you can visit within Montana state; then we may be wise to keep Bozeman on the list. As the home of Montana State University, this town is always crowded throughout the year.
It is home to opera houses, theatres, cafés, breweries, cafes, and art galleries. Bozeman is the renowned tourist and cultural hub of Montana. Additionally, it is the entry point into Yellowstone National Park; hence it is considered an integral element of Montana tourist attractions.
Must see: Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman hot spring, Emerson Centre of Art and Culture, and American Computer Museum.
Big Sky
Take a 45-mile drive from Bozeman to get to an incredibly beautiful destination known as Big Sky. It is surrounded by snow-covered Mountains, Spanish peaks, and Gallatin National Forest; Big Sky is a lovely resort town and one of Montana’s best destinations.
The town has 5800 acres of ski tracks; Big Sky attracts ski enthusiasts, making it one of the most popular destinations in Montana during winter. Apart from skiing, one can also go fishing, rafting, and backcountry hikes throughout the spring and summer months.
Must see: Moonlight Basin, Spanish Peaks, Ousel Falls Roads, and Big Sky Resort.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
It is an essential aspect of Montana tourism and is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a vast cave park with stunning limestone topography.
Explore guided tours of the caverns and caves, and take in the stunning stalactite stalagmite, columns, and pillars. In addition, you can also have picnics, canoeing, and watching wildlife in the area.
Must see: Stalactites, stalagmites, Helictites, and pillars. You can also go to Headwaters Heritage Museum and Headwater State Park.
FAQ
Is Montana a good place for vacation?
Montana is quickly becoming a highly sought-after destination. It offers stunning scenery, uncrowded terrain, an enviable food and beverage scene, as well as some of the most beautiful national parks in America. Montana is a favorite of ours!
Which month is best to visit Montana?
Montana's summer months are between June & August. These are sunny, warm and pleasant. It is also ski season between December & March. Montana is known for its outdoor adventures, so these are the best times to enjoy nature in a pleasant climate.
What is Montana most famous for?
The state earned its motto “oro y plata,” which is spanish for “gold” and “silver.” The Treasure State is well-known for its abundance of natural and mineral resources. These include coal, copper and gold, manganese and sapphire, as well as lead, oil, and zinc.
Why should I visit Montana?
Montana is known as “Big Sky Country”. It is America's last frontier, filled with stunning scenery, wildlife, and unobstructed views, a good enough reason to visit.
