1. Make the Most of Your Trip to Montana
Make sure your next visit to Montana includes at least a few of these experiences.
2. Explore the Biggest Attractions
Montana, the fourth largest U.S. state, draws more than 12 million annual visitors — and with good reason. The Treasure State has something for everyone, regardless of when you arrive or what kind of exploration you’re seeking. Enjoy world-class fly fishing in the summer, marvel at autumn’s magnificent foliage, embrace alpine winter sports, and float down majestic rivers in spring. Year-round, Montana boasts fine food and drink within its cosmopolitan corridors, offering both luxury lodges and rustic camping experiences surrounded by striking scenery.
The only downside? You’re unlikely to experience everything in just one trip. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after several trips, here’s your ultimate checklist of the best things to do in Montana.
Ski at One of the Largest Resorts in North America
Lovingly referred to as “America’s Matterhorn,” Lone Peak rises to an elevation of 11,167 feet, and you can ski it from the top with a lift ticket to Big Sky. From here, peer into the heart of Yellowstone National Park and even catch a glimpse of the distant Tetons as you descend six miles to the Mountain Village. Enjoy fewer crowds and luxurious amenities now that the five-star Montage is open for overnight stays.
Explore a Big Collection of Dinosaur Bones
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is home to an incredible collection of paleontological wonders. Marvel at ancient relics that date back over 500 million years, including the largest known Tyrannosaurus skull in existence. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get Off the Beaten Path in Glacier National Park
While Going-to-the-Sun Road provides breathtaking views through Glacier National Park, it is often inundated with traffic in the summer. Skip the crowds by entering at Two Medicine Lake, where well-established trails lead you to stunning waterfalls, rich wildlife, and glacial overlooks.
Take a Sleigh Ride to Savory Fare
Lone Mountain Ranch offers a unique experience wrapped in modern luxury reminiscent of a 19th-century homestead. The evening sleigh ride dinner, available from December through March, takes guests through snowcapped pines to a lantern-lit cabin where prime rib and whiskey await, accompanied by live acoustic guitar.
Visit the Grizzly Bear Rescue Center
The Montana Grizzly Encounter, located 11 miles east of downtown Bozeman, offers an exceptional opportunity to observe grizzly bears in a safe and naturalistic environment. These bears, unable to return to the wild, serve as advocates for their species’ conservation. The facility is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tube Along a River
Tubing is a beloved summer activity in Montana, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the warm weather. While many locals have their own tubs, companies like the Clark Fork Yacht Club offer rentals for tourists. Enjoy colorful flamingo tubes equipped with “butt hammocks” to relax as you float for miles, soaking in the lovely scenery.
Soak in a Natural Hot Spring
With Yellowstone National Park showcasing the world’s largest geothermal activity concentration, it’s no wonder Montana is rich in hot springs. Highlights include Chico Hot Springs and Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. For something unique, visit Norris Hot Springs, where live bluegrass music enhances the atmosphere every weekend until 10 p.m.
Hike to the Top of a Mountain Range
To truly appreciate Big Sky Country, consider hiking to a mountain summit. The Trapper Peak Trail offers a challenging ascent of 4,000 feet over four miles, culminating in stunning views from the western Montana’s Bitterroot Range.
Go for a Craft Beer Crawl in Missoula
Despite its small population, Missoula’s craft beer scene rivals that of much larger cities. Begin your craft beer adventure at KettleHouse Brewing Co. and explore the commercial district, where additional stops include The Rhino and Conflux Brewing Company for an array of exciting IPAs.
Drive the Beartooth Highway in Summer
The Beartooth Highway, a scenic 69-mile drive on the Montana-Wyoming border, is celebrated as one of the most spectacular routes globally, ideal for those without a fear of heights. Starting at the northeast gateway to Yellowstone, this road climbs from 5,200 feet to 12,000 feet, with dramatic switchbacks closed off for much of the year, typically reopening in late September.
Try Fly Fishing
In Montana, fly fishing transcends mere recreation; it’s a way of life. The town of Three Forks, where the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers meet, offers exceptional fishing opportunities. The scenic Gallatin River valley is particularly inviting. Wild Trout Outfitters in Big Sky supplies all necessary equipment and knowledgeable guides to enhance your experience.
Devour a Huckleberry Bear Claw from Polebridge Mercantile
Known as the “Merc,” this 100-year-old outpost is the premier bakery in the remote northwest corner of Glacier National Park. The friendly staff offers a variety of delicious options, but the huckleberry bear claws are what truly sets this bakery apart. The historic red facade provides an iconic backdrop for visitors snapping photos of the stunning scenery.
Rent an RV
Montana is an RV paradise, offering thousands of miles of open highways and numerous overnight hookups. It’s the perfect way to spend summer with family while enjoying the comforts of home. If you don’t own an RV, it’s easier than ever to rent one, with services like RVshare transforming the rental process into a user-friendly experience.
Spend the Night at a Dude Ranch
Across the state, working cattle farms offer unique guest experiences steeped in over a century of history. While embracing the rugged lifestyle, establishments like The Ranch at Rock Creek and The Resort at Paws Up provide luxurious amenities such as spa treatments, gourmet cuisine, and heated bathroom floors, all while granting access to thousands of acres of pristine wilderness.
