20 Most Stunning Locations To Go to In Montana 

2. American Prairie Reserve

The American Prairie Reserve is situated on Montana’s Nice Plains and is, I actually suppose, one of the crucial gorgeous spots to discover in Montana.

Stretching north and south of the Missouri River, the large conservation space preserves the pure mixed-grass prairie ecosystem and native wildlife, together with deer, elk, pronghorn, burrowing owls, bison, and bighorn sheep. 

The world is one other lovely gem within the Montana Tourism crown. Dive into the historical past on the Nice Plains Dinosaur Museum or go to the restored Prairie Union Schoolhouse.

Get up to the superior free-roaming bison and chirping birds. This place will pressure you to decelerate and observe the fantastic thing about the prairie ecosystem. Roam round freely, hike, or bike. It is a really magical place that nature lovers will adore. 

My private highlights…

• Stopping by the Nationwide Discovery Heart and studying concerning the space and its historical past.
• Exploring by mountain bike, the place trails embody obstacles comparable to steep hills, delicate sand, and ruts.
• Staying till it was darkish to see the clear, starry skies, I even noticed the Milky Manner.

3. Rocky Mountains

House to over 100 ranges in Central Montana, the Rocky Mountains run alongside the western a part of Montana. The rugged and rustic appeal of the Rockies is the perfect place to hunt each solace and outside adventures.

Snuggled within the Madison Vary of Montana, the Massive Sky ski resort is enveloped by mountains in each course. It’s positively value a go to, particularly when you’re a fan of winter sports activities. 

One other charming vacation spot situated on the doorstep of Glacier Nationwide Park is Whitefish Resort Mountain, residence to a shimmering lake, lofty peaks, gorgeous trails, and a unusual downtown space. 

My highlights…

• Watching a panoramic dawn at Dream Lake earlier than heading to Emerald Lake.
• Visiting the Espresso on The Rocks café for lovely views while having fun with an oat milk latte.
• Discovering cross-country snowboarding within the winter.

4. Yellowstone Nationwide Park

Considered one of North America’s most liked nationwide parks, the world-famous Yellowstone Nationwide Park sprawls over a 3,500-square-mile space. The attractive landscapes sit atop a volcanic scorching spot, which makes them additional particular and presents some really distinctive landscapes. 

House to many species of wildlife, dramatic canyons, rivers, scorching springs, and gushing geysers, the park is usually in Wyoming however crosses over to Montana and Idaho. 

My private highlights…

• Driving to the Northeast Entrance street and searching on the unimaginable surroundings.
• Rafting journey down the river. 
• Mountain climbing the scenic Fairy Falls Path and seeing the most effective waterfalls within the park.

5. Bozeman

Situated in Gallatin County in southwest Montana, Bozeman is ranked among the many most livable locations within the US, and for good motive.

I really like the dramatic mountains, spectacular wildlife and cultural scenes right here, and the alternatives to go climbing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, snowboarding, and backcountry exploring. 

Ski within the Bridger Bowl space, raft on the Gallatin River, or witness the gorgeous fall colours of close by Yellowstone Park. The town of Bozeman is a real Montana treasure! 

My highlights…

• Studying the right way to rock climb on a climbing indoor wall. 
• Occurring a scavenger hunt which was a enjoyable approach to discover the town.
• Soaking in Bozeman Scorching Springs which was the right approach to finish a protracted day of sightseeing.

6. West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is among the greatest small cities in southern Montana. It’s a gateway to the world-famous Yellowstone Nationwide Park, however it is usually a beautiful vacationer attraction and a mecca for outside fans in each summer season and winter.

The charming Montana city is quaint and straightforward on the attention. It’s residence to some attention-grabbing impartial retailers and eating places, a theatre, and loads of locations to remain.

Highlights of West Yellowstone embody the Yellowstone River (the nation’s final “free-flowing” river), the favored Playmill Theatre, the gorgeous Earthquake Lake, and The Museum of Yellowstone. In the course of the winter, I’d advocate snowmobiling as a enjoyable Montana exercise!

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the Museum of Yellowstone situated within the outdated prepare station and studying all concerning the space’s historical past.
• Occurring an exciting journey on a snowmobile throughout the winter season months.
• Having fun with hearty homestyle meals on the Western-style Outpost Restaurant. 

7. Paradise Valley

It’s shut sufficient to Yellowstone but far-off from the crowds; the Paradise Valley is dwarfed by the towering Absaroka Vary on the east and Gallatin Vary on the west.

Situated in southwest Montana, Paradise Valley is Montana’s premier trip vacation spot. With the gushing waters of the Yellowstone River, snow-capped mountains, a crisp blue sky, and delightful ranch land, It deserves a spot on this record!

I extremely advocate soaking within the naturally heat waters on the Chico Scorching Springs or La Duke Scorching Springs or climbing alongside the breathtaking trails! 

My private highlights…

• Watching and videoing the magnificent eruption of the Outdated Trustworthy.
• Enjoyable on the Chico Scorching Springs which was surrounded by lush greenery.
• Having a go at frisbee golf! 

8. Livingston

This pretty city in SouthWestern Montana enjoys a really beautiful place nestled on the banks of the Yellowstone River between the rugged Loopy and Absaroka mountain ranges. The city dates from the late Eighties and is quiet and charming, however its placing mountain backdrop is really jaw-dropping.

The principle focus right here is on outside actions. Nonetheless, its historic buildings have drawn many notable guests over time and have even been featured in well-liked movies A River Runs Via It, The Horse Whisperer, and even Marlboro commercials.

There are some good lodging choices, museums, artwork galleries and eating places to discover. In style issues right here embody cross-country snowboarding, river rafting, climbing, or simply kicking again and having fun with the fantastic surroundings!

My favourite highlights…

• Watching stay music on the cool venue, The Attic which is housed in a restored historic constructing.
• Taking a picnic to take pleasure in at Sacajawea Park after having a stroll by the gardens.
• Trying out the artwork galleries all through the city stuffed with vibrant items, and the artwork stroll throughout summer season.

9. Beartooth Freeway

On the Beartooth Freeway, you’ll be able to expertise considered one of Montana’s most lovely street journeys. Situated on the northeast entrance of the Yellowstone Nationwide Park, this freeway presents some really fantastic surroundings.

The mesmerizing views embody the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, numerous glacial lakes, pristine waterfalls, and excessive alpine plateaus. 

Camp across the large wilderness or hike throughout the broad plateaus. The Beartooth Freeway presents a uncommon alternative to discover the untouched landscapes of Montana’s alpine nation. Each wilderness lover’s dream, this 68-mile panoramic drive is a spectacular journey of a lifetime! 

My favourite highlights…

• Absorbing the picturesque surroundings and taking pictures of the views alongside the way in which.
• Shopping souvenirs on the High of The World Retailer.

10. Montana State Capitol 

Montana’s state capital is on a mild slope and surrounded by lovely lawns. Top-of-the-line issues to see in Montana is the majestic state capitol, accomplished in 1902 and resides in Helena, the capital of Montana and the most effective cities to discover within the state.

Exterior, the constructing contains granite and beautiful sandstone; inside, it homes the Montana state legislature. The distinguished characteristic of the Capitol contains the enticing rotunda with 4 round work depicting the individuals of Montana’s early historical past.

The Woman Liberty, or the Montana statue, sits atop the copper-based Capitol dome. Go to and luxuriate in viewing the gorgeous murals, stained glass, and marble preserving the early historical past of the Treasure State.

My favourite highlights…

• Taking an interesitng self-guided tour across the constructing.
• Admiring the gorgeous murals, stained glass and historic marble.
• Being in awe of the gorgeous artwork shows.

11. Metropolis Seaside

Situated in Whitefish, this excellent place presents seven miles of sandy shorelines that encompass the south finish of Whitefish Lake. It’s a much-loved haunt space with a chosen swimming space, kayak and paddleboard leases (throughout the summer season), picnic tables, and gazebos. 

I like to recommend swimming in crystal clear water or simply lazing round on the seaside, all with the wonderful backdrop of lovely mountains.

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a dip within the refreshing crystal-clear water and cooling off on a scorching day.
• Renting a kayak.
• Having fun with a picnic on the sandy shores.

12. Waterton-Glacier Worldwide Peace Park

The Waterton Glacier Worldwide Peace Park is a World Heritage Website and a beautiful instance of pleasant Canada-USA relations. A union of Glacier Nationwide Park and Waterton Nationwide Park of Canada, it’s the first-ever international peace park.

Right here, you’ll be able to anticipate distinctive mountain surroundings, glacial landforms, crystal clear lakes, considerable wildlife, and a particular local weather, which make each nationwide parks fantastic locations to discover. Slightly slice of paradise, the park is residence to vacationers searching for solitude and journey.

The park additionally options darkish night time skies free from mild air pollution and has even obtained a Gold Tier Designation with provisional standing from the Worldwide Darkish Sky Affiliation. 

My highlights…

• Renting a motorcycle from the city exploring the roads that wind by the scenic park.
• Mountain climbing as much as Bertha Falls and witnessing the gorgeous views.
• Occurring a ship tour and cruising down Waterton Lake which was a really relaxed approach to admire the environment.

13. Conrad Mansion

A fantastically preserved mansion in Kalispell, the Conrad Mansion Museum displays the luxurious Norman-style structure and the life-style within the Pacific Northwest. Inbuilt 1895, the Conrad Mansion was the house of famend businessman Charles E. Conrad.

A dreamy mansion within the backdrop of Montana wilderness, the Conrad Mansion overlooks the flathead valley and Swan mountain vary. Tour the 26 rooms with diamond-paned, Tiffany stained glass home windows with the unique household furnishings, landscaped gardens, and a drystone fence. 

My highlights…

• Taking a guided tour of the 26-roomed mansion and discovering the historical past of how the Conrad household impacted Montana.
• Strolling by the beautiful gardens surrounding the property which characteristic six giant flower beds stuffed with completely different colours.

14. Helena Nationwide Forest

This gorgeous pure space is situated in west-central Montana. The fantastic Helena Nationwide Forest covers an enormous expanse of 984,558 acres.

The Massive Belt Mountains dominate the jap area, which is damaged into a number of separate sections. The Scapegoat wilderness and the Elkhorn Mountains kind the nationwide forest’s west and south borders.

A mixture of grass, sagebrush lowlands, and shaded groves, the park additionally presents tenting in designated areas. Overlaying the Gates of the Mountain Wilderness Space and a portion of the Scapegoat Wilderness Space, the Nationwide Forest is slightly slice of paradise for naturalists and photographers.

My highlights…

• Spending the night time in one of many leases accessible on the campgrounds situated all through the forest.
• Having enjoyable on the water with jet snowboarding, tubing and water snowboarding.
• Mountain climbing the scenic and straightforward Willard Creek Path which was stuffed with fairly surroundings and a creek on the finish.

15. Wild Horse Island State Park

The biggest primitive island on Flathead Lake, Wild Horse Island State Park, is just accessible by water. For hundreds of years, the Salish-Kootenai Indians used this lovely island as pasture land to maintain horses from being stolen.

Stuffed with pine forests, unimaginable trails, and wildlife watching, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the wild horses nonetheless inhabiting this park. A chosen state park since 1987, Horse Island’s 2,200-acre lovely state park presents swimming, climbing, boating, and kayaking. 

My highlights…

• Admiring the picturesque landscapes as I sailed to the island by boat. 
• Going for a refreshing swim on a scorching summer season’s day.
• Strolling by the picturesque pine forests by way of the Path #2 Loop.

16. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness

Within the lofty hills, the legendary Missouri River carves a path by towering sandstone cliffs as soon as named the Gates of the Mountains by Meriwether Lewis (an American explorer, soldier, and politician).

Encompassing a large space of 28,465 acres, the Helena Nationwide Forest manages the wilderness.

The Montana magnificence spot is understood for its distinguished gray cliffs, an historic lake, excessive meadows, slender gorges, and open forests. It additionally presents a wonderful alternative to identify bighorn sheep and mountain goats up shut.

Hike alongside Fridge Canyon or camp on Bear Prairie. The scenic gates promise pristine pure magnificence galore! 

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the distinctive level of Fridge Canyon which additionally acts like a wind funnel! 
• Paddleboarding on Holter Lake.
• Tenting in a single day close to the river at White Bridge Lane Personal Campsite.

17. Blodgett Canyon

Should you’re something like me, when touring in Montana, it would be best to discover the perfect climbing spots, and I actually suppose this one is among the greatest.

Nestled in southwestern Montana, the Blodgett Canyon – carved out by ice age glaciers – is fantastically positioned in the course of the Bitterroot Mountain Vary.

It options over two dozen scenic canyons, steeply carved granite mountains, meandering valleys, and moraines.  Recognized for its wall climbing spots and wonderful climbing trails, the Blodgett Canyon gives the most effective scenic hikes in Montana, surrounded by really spectacular landscapes. 

My highlights…

• Mountain climbing to the magnificent overlook for dramatic views of the canyon.
• Occurring a mountain climbing lesson.
• Going mountain biking alongside the 6-mile spherical path.

18. Moss Mansion

Head to the Montana metropolis of Billings and search out this excellent red-stoned Moss Mansion Museum. I’m a giant fan of this place, as soon as residence to the rich Moss household. The gorgeous mansion was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in 1905.

The high-end interiors, with partitions with gold threading, a marble hearth, and delightful work, are an ideal instance of early American residential structure.

Nonetheless intact with the unique objects of the house, the mansion is a doorway to the distinctive structure of the previous. Listed as a Nationwide Historic Place, the mansion has appeared in lots of interval movies.

At present, the Billings Preservation Society manages it, and the museum hosts quite a lot of cultural occasions all year long.

My private highlights…

• Admiring the beautiful and upscale interiors throughout the property.
• Occurring a Historian Strolling Tour occasion.
• Taking a non-public tour to be taught concerning the historical past.

19. Lolo Path

Described by Lewis and Clark as probably the most difficult but majestic portion of their journey, the Lolo Path will not be solely of immense significance in US historical past, however it is usually one of many high locations to go to in Montana. Go climbing or mountain biking for miles on one of the crucial well-known trails in the US.

You possibly can go to the Lewis and Clark camps, comparable to 13-Mile, Sinque Gap, Lonesome Cove, and others, and cease on the customer middle to get sensible data and historic perception into the Lewis and Clark and Native American trails.

My favourite highlights…

• Having fun with the path by mountain bike .
• Taking a picnic while being surrounded by the tranquil nature.
• Exploring this location on foot and discovering the gorgeous forests.

20. Whitefish Mountain Resort

Massive Mountain in northwestern Montana is residence to one of many high locations within the state. Whitefish Mountain Resort has hosted its fair proportion of championships and has offered coaching slopes for a lot of US Olympic athletes comparable to Andrea Mead, Tommy Moe, and others.

Situated in Flathead County, close to Going-to-the-Solar Highway and Glacier Nationwide Park, the city of Whitefish is legendary for its world-class snowboarding. It additionally boasts a freshwater lake, a well-liked Montana journey vacation spot for individuals who like boating or just taking in spectacular views.

My private highlights…

• Occurring Montana’s longest zipline tour.
• Going snowboarding within the winter, the snowy landscapes are magical! 
• Having fun with the scenic chair carry over the beautiful landscapes.