Perched in the northernmost fringes of the US, Montana is an incredible state to explore. It’s the kind of state that’s got a little something for every traveller, especially if you love the great outdoors. Not only that, there are so many of the best places to see in Montana that are perched all over the state.
This makes it one of the best US states to visit on a road trip, especially if you’re already in the wider northerly area of the US. After all, you can include a trip to Montana as part of a visit to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and even following the Rockies towards Alberta in Canada.
Though, don’t think you need to be a pro skier or hiker to enjoy Montana. There’s also a heap of smaller cities that are well worth a visit whilst you’re driving around the state.
Take a look, below, at the best places to see in Montana when you visit. After all, you don’t want to travel all that way and miss some of the top places. Have fun!
1.) Big Sky Resort
Big Sky is one of the most famous and largest winter resorts in all the United States. Not just that, it’s situated within the southwesterly fringes of Montana and around 50 miles from Yellowstone International Airport (Bozeman).
With almost 6,000 acres of skiable terrain and the most beautiful pistes, it’s the kind of place that’s well worth visiting if you’re an avid skier. Though, don’t fret if you’re not a pro! There are a range of slopes at Big Sky that are suited to all abilities. Honestly, it’s huge and you can easily spend 2-3 days and not even come close to ‘completing’ it.
Now, daily lift passes (that you can grab here) can be a little on the pricier side, so make sure to plan your days well to maximise your time on the slopes before booking any tickets.
Also, don’t forget that Big Sky is not just a resort for winter activities. In the warmer summer months, you can head out on activities like horseback riding, swimming, and zip-lining which are so much fun.
Read more: Best things to do in Yellowstone
2.) Bozeman
Yes, Bozeman might be relatively small in comparison to other cities in the US, but it’s well worth a visit when you’re in the area.
Around a 1 hour drive from Big Sky, Bozeman is a great city to visit for an overnight stay after skiing. You see, it’s got a heap of restaurants and museums that make it really fun; especially if you’re visiting with the family.
Once here, make sure to check out the Museum of the Rockies. Now, don’t be fooled, the museum does not just showcase prehistoric artefacts and paleontological collections, but it also comes with a variety of sections that are so incredible to see. The Japanese woodblock prints exhibit is fairly popular as well as the numerous Native American exhibits.
Afterwards, head to downtown Bozeman and explore the Gallatin History Museum. It’s a little smaller than the Museum of the Rockies, but well worth visiting if you’re interested in the history of battles in Montana.
Finally, head over to Jam! for their epic brunches. Their eggs benedict and biscuits are so tasty. Though, just be aware, it does get busy on weekends, so be prepared for a wait.
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3.) Earthquake Lake
Popularly known as the Quake Lake, Earthquake Lake was created after a massive earthquake struck back in 1959. Perched just west of Yellowstone National Park, it’s well worth making a visit whilst exploring the wider area, especially when driving Jackson Road (Highway 287).
It’s easily one of the best places to see in Montana and well worth taking a drive through this area.
That being said, if you fancy stretching your legs, then join the Refuge Point hiking trail. It’s a totally gorgeous way to explore more of the area around Boat Mountain and Quake Lake itself.
Read more: Best things to do in Yellowstone
4.) Glacier National Park
For me, Glacier National Park is a must-see when visiting Montana.
In fact, I’d go as far as saying that it’s one of the best national parks in the US to visit. The whole landscape is absolutely incredible to see.
Surrounded by ancient forests, glacial valleys and carved mountains and lakes, it’s the kind of place that acts as a ‘timestamp’ of geological processes in the region.
You see, you can easily head between valleys that were carved by vast glaciers, or head around the lakes that were formed over thousands of years of glacial melt.
Now, a heads up, Glacier National Park is huge! This means you’ll never really see it all, but you can certainly make a good attempt.
As you drive around the park, make sure to stop off at Grinnell Glacier which is incredible to see. You can drive lots of the area around Glacier Route 1 road; but be aware, that it’s closed in winter.
If it’s a hike you’re after, make sure you prep and you’re a keen and advanced hiker. You see, the hike to Grinnell Glacier is challenging to say the least. If you are considering this hike, the Garden Wall Trail will be best.
This will get you right to the top, overlooking Grinnell Glacier itself.
Alternatively, join the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead which will take you past Lake Josephine, too.
Staying for a few days? Make sure to also visit Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park. It’s easily reached by road and the views from here are stunning.
Read more: Best things to do in Grand Tetons
5.) Little Bighorn Battlefield
If you’re interested in the battles that happened in Montana, then make sure to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
It is a memorial ground for the United States Army’s 7th Cavalry and the Native Americans. Here, you’ll get to learn more about the history that led to this infamous battle at this very site. It’s one of the country’s most well-known battles and it’s well worth learning more on a visit here.
From an international perspective, I can’t say I knew much about Little Bighorn Battlefield; but it’s well worth a visit when driving through Montana.
Read more: Best things to do in Wyoming
6.) West Yellowstone
Not too far from Yellowstone Airport, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the best places to see in Montana when visiting West Yellowstone itself.
Open all year round, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a perfect stop to just stretch your legs and explore this not-for-profit centre. It’s incredible and you’ll get to see grizzly bears, wolves and otters that can no longer be released into the wild or are temporarily housed while they heal or orphans.
Their work is invaluable in the area and is such a lovely place to visit. Just be sure to give yourself around 90 minutes to fully enjoy the experience.
Afterwards, head on over to Running Bear Pancake House for some of the world-class pancakes. Also, make sure to try one of their homemade cinnamon rolls. They’re incredible.
Read more: Best things to do in Wyoming
7.) Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park is the oldest in all of Montana and is located outside Three Forks. This makes it one of the best places in Montana to visit whilst driving west from Boseman towards Glacier National Park.
Once here, make sure to explore the incredible caverns on a guided tour and follow some of the gorgeous hiking trails from the cavern’s visitor centre.
The Middle View Trail is a great one to stroll, but the Greer Gulch Loop Trail can be a little more accessible if you’re short on time.
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8.) Great Falls
Located at the centre of Montana, Great Falls is a city that’s well worth stopping for an overnight stay.
Known locally as Electric City, Great Falls (due to the energy it produces) has heaps of restaurants, bars and a downtown area that are well worth a gander.
Once here, make sure to check out the Children’s Museum of Montana. It’s so cute and the exhibitions are a throwback that is lovely to see. Oh, and stop by Tracy’s for the best chicken and waffles in town.
If you’ve got time, also head over to Malmstrom Museum and Air Park. This is a great place to stop if you’re interested in military history and well worth a visit for a few hours whilst in Great Falls.
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9.) Billings
If you want to slow down a little on your trip to Montana, then make sure to head over to Billings. You see, it’s got heaps to do and a great stopping point if you’re heading east to North Dakota.
Once here, head over to Moss Mansion Museum to take a tour inside the home that’s over 100 years old. It’s really incredible to see and the historical artefacts inside are priceless. Just be sure to check opening times; Moss Mansion Museum does close during some of the colder months.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Yellowstone Art Museum, too. It’s a great place to explore both contemporary and historic exhibits. We loved it and it’s well worth visiting for a 45-minute trip. Though, a heads up, if you’re not an overly keen art fan, then you might want to give this one a miss.
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10.) Helena
Being the capital of the state, Helena is one of the best places in Montana you have to visit.
Now, it’s not as big as other US cities like New York but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth staying a night or two. There are heaps of things to do when you arrive in the city.
Once here, make sure to explore the area around the Montana State Capitol which is stunning.
Fancy a hike from the city? Then head around the trails of Mount Helena. These are pretty accessible in the summer months and you can get some great views from up here.
Oh, and don’t forget to pop into Steve’s Cafe for their hearty breakfasts. It’s an unfussy place that’s all about the food. Just be sure to try their ‘big bird’ sandwich. It’s huge and delicious.
11.) Hamilton
Not too far from the border with Idaho, Hamilton is one of the best places in Montana to visit as you travel via Highway 93 to Idaho.
Now, this is the kind of town you can visit for a few hours (you don’t need to spend any longer). That being said, you can use it as a base to explore some of the nearby peaks that mark the state border.
Once here, be sure to check out the Daly Mansion. It was once the home of Copper King Marcus Daly who founded Hamilton. Inside, you’ll get to explore the building and learn more about the establishment of Hamilton.
Oh, and for one of the best brews in Montana, head to Big Creek Coffee Roasters. Their coffee is some of the best in the state.
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