I first discovered Montana on a cross-country road trip back in 2019, when I was searching for places to set up my mobile office for a few weeks. What started as a quick stopover turned into a three-month stay, as I found myself completely drawn in by the state’s open spaces and down-to-earth charm.
Montana has this way of making you feel both small and significant at the same time. Whether you’re standing at the edge of Glacier National Park watching clouds cast shadows across ancient valleys, or sharing stories with locals at a small-town coffee shop, there’s something here that just feels real. From the rolling plains in the east to the jagged peaks of the Rockies in the west, each corner of Big Sky Country tells its own story.
Looking to plan your own Montana adventure? I’ve combined my personal experiences with insights from local friends I’ve made along the way to create this list of the best places to visit in Montana. Trust me – you’ll want to take notes.
- Best tourist destination: Glacier National Park
- Underrated hidden gem: Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
- Best for families: Big Sky Resort
- Best for couples: Lake McDonald
- Best for solo travelers: Bozeman
- Best for outdoor adventures: Yellowstone Gateway
Glacier National Park
Experience nature at its finest in Glacier National Park, where jagged peaks and pristine alpine lakes create a wilderness paradise. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road winds through the heart of the park, offering easy access to popular spots like Logan Pass and Lake McDonald. You can spend your days hiking over 700 miles of trails, watching for grizzly bears and mountain goats, or paddling across crystal-clear waters in a kayak. For a unique perspective, book a ride on one of the park’s iconic red buses – these vintage vehicles have been taking visitors on tours since the 1930s.
Big Sky Resort
Have you ever skied down a mountain with views stretching all the way to Yellowstone? That’s just another day at Big Sky Resort, where 5,850 acres of skiable terrain make it one of North America’s largest ski destinations. This mountain paradise sits tucked away in Montana’s Madison Range, offering both winter wonderland adventures and summer mountain experiences. You can zip down 300 named runs in winter, or spend summer days mountain biking and hiking through wildflower-filled meadows. The resort’s iconic Lone Peak Tram takes you to the 11,166-foot summit, where on a clear day, you can see three states and spot the jagged peaks of two national parks.
Yellowstone National Park
Of all the natural wonders I’ve explored in the American West, none compare to the raw power of Yellowstone National Park’s Montana section. This corner of the park serves up everything from rainbow-colored hot springs and bubbling mud pots to herds of bison roaming freely across wide-open valleys. It’s not just another stop on a road trip – the park’s northern entrance through Gardiner, Montana leads you into a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic forces. Whether you’re watching Old Faithful shoot into the sky or spotting grizzly bears in Lamar Valley, the park’s Montana side offers a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show.
Bozeman
Located at the heart of the Gallatin Valley, Bozeman strikes that perfect balance between outdoor adventure and small-city comfort that so many mountain towns aim for but rarely achieve. This college town serves as a launchpad for folks heading to Yellowstone National Park, just 90 minutes south, but it’s the local scene that keeps people coming back. The downtown area buzzes with independent coffee shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants, while the surrounding mountains call to hikers and skiers. It’s not trying to be the next Aspen or Park City – Bozeman holds onto its authentic Montana character, where you’re just as likely to see cowboys grabbing coffee as tech entrepreneurs closing their latest deal.
Flathead Lake
Ever seen a mountain lake so clear you can spot fish swimming 20 feet below the surface? That’s just another day at Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Located in northwest Montana’s scenic valley, this 28-mile-long lake draws locals and visitors alike for its pristine waters and endless outdoor adventures. You can spend your days sailing across its mirror-like surface, fishing for whitefish and lake trout, or exploring the wild cherry orchards that dot its eastern shore. The lake’s collection of small islands, including Wild Horse Island with its resident bighorn sheep, offers a perfect backdrop for kayaking and photography, while the surrounding small towns serve up that authentic Montana charm with a side of fresh-caught fish.
Whitefish
I always tell friends heading to Montana to visit Whitefish. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park, this charming mountain town offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town comfort. The Whitefish Mountain Resort draws skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer, while the cute downtown area features local shops, breweries, and restaurants serving up Montana-style comfort food. Just minutes away, Whitefish Lake provides a cool escape on warm days, with sandy beaches and clear water perfect for swimming and boating.
Missoula
Nestled between five mountain ranges in western Montana, Missoula stands out as one of the state’s most welcoming cities. This college town, home to the University of Montana, blends outdoor adventure with a down-to-earth cultural scene that feels authentically Montana. The Clark Fork River runs right through downtown, where you’ll often spot locals surfing the man-made wave at Brennan’s Wave or floating downstream on summer afternoons. It’s the kind of place where hiking trails start practically from your doorstep, and you’re just as likely to run into a professor discussing literature at a local coffee shop as you are to meet a fly fisherman fresh off the river at a downtown brewery.
Helena
As Montana’s capital city, Helena sits nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Like other cities in Big Sky Country, Helena has its collection of hiking trails, historic buildings, and outdoor recreation spots. But unlike its neighbors, it carries the unique charm of a Gold Rush town that struck it rich and never looked back. Just wander down Last Chance Gulch, the main street where prospectors once searched for gold, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of Helena’s mining boom in the 1800s, wealthy merchants and mine owners built elaborate mansions in the city’s historic districts, and you’ll find Victorian architecture and carefully preserved buildings that tell tales of the Old West.
Paradise Valley
Tucked between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, Paradise Valley is a 50-mile stretch of pure Montana magic. Just like most places near Yellowstone, you’ll find hot springs, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife. But unlike the others, Paradise Valley feels untouched by modern tourism – a place where cowboys still work cattle drives and local ranchers wave as you pass by. Thanks to the Yellowstone River flowing right through it, the valley has become a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, and you’ll often spot them casting lines in the crystal-clear waters. Because of its location between Livingston and Gardiner, Paradise Valley serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring both the rugged wilderness and charming small towns that define this corner of Montana.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Many skiers head to Bridger Bowl for its no-frills approach to winter sports, but this laid-back ski area offers much more than just great runs. Located just 20 minutes from Bozeman, the mountain features 2,700 acres of terrain that caters to both beginners and expert powder hounds looking to tackle the steep chutes of the Ridge. While the resort lacks the glitzy amenities of bigger ski destinations, its authentic local vibe and shorter lift lines make it a favorite among Montana residents. The mountain receives over 350 inches of snow annually, and with lift tickets costing considerably less than other major resorts, Bridger Bowl proves that great skiing doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag.
Did you know?
Unlike major corporate ski resorts, Bridger Bowl operates as a non-profit organization, which means they reinvest all their earnings back into making the mountain better for skiers and snowboarders rather than paying shareholders. The ski area’s famous “Ridge” terrain requires skiers to carry avalanche beacons to access it, making it a badge of honor among local powder hounds who brave these expert-only runs.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
If you’re looking to explore Montana’s underground wonders, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park needs to be on your radar. These limestone caves, which stretch for about two miles beneath the surface, represent one of the largest known cave systems in the Northwest. The guided tours take you through rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites, formed drop by drop over millions of years. While the 3/4-mile cave walk involves some ducking and bending to navigate narrow passages, the effort pays off as you discover hidden chambers and unique rock formations. Beyond the caves, the park offers 10 miles of hiking trails through pine-covered hills, making it a perfect spot for both above and below-ground adventures.
Virginia City
Step back in time at Virginia City, a well-preserved ghost town that takes you straight to Montana’s gold rush era. Located in Madison County, this former territorial capital still has over 100 historic buildings from the 1860s, including the original wooden boardwalks, saloons, and shops that once served thousands of prospectors seeking their fortune.
Museum of the Rockies
I always recommend the Museum of the Rockies to anyone exploring Montana. Located in Bozeman, this world-class institution houses one of North America’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, including the famous T-Rex skeleton. The museum tells the story of the region’s past through impressive exhibits about Native American culture, pioneer life, and the geological forces that shaped the Rocky Mountains.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
I first visited Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on a road trip through Montana in 2019. Stretching across the Montana-Wyoming border, this hidden gem carves through limestone cliffs that tower up to 1,000 feet above the water. The 71-mile long lake formed by Yellowtail Dam offers some of the best boating in the northern Rockies, while narrow passages between the canyon walls create perfect spots for kayaking adventures. Wild horses still roam freely along the ridgelines, and bighorn sheep can often be spotted scaling the rocky slopes. The Ok-A-Beh Marina serves as the main launching point for visitors, where rental boats bob gently in the crystal-clear waters against a backdrop of rust-colored cliffs that seem to glow at sunset.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Step back in time at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where the famous 1876 battle between Lt. Col. George Custer and Native American tribes took place. You can walk the grounds where this pivotal moment in American history unfolded, marked by interpretive trails and memorial markers that tell both sides of the story. Visit the museum to see artifacts from the battle, including weapons and personal items, or join a ranger-led tour to get deeper insights into the conflict. For the best experience, time your visit to catch one of the daily talks at Last Stand Hill, where you can look out over the same landscape that witnessed this significant clash of cultures.
Great Falls
Ever heard the mighty roar of the Great Falls that gave this city its name? Nestled along the Missouri River in central Montana, Great Falls offers a perfect blend of urban comforts and outdoor adventure. The city’s five waterfalls once stopped Lewis and Clark in their tracks, and today you can follow their footsteps along the River’s Edge Trail. Home to the C.M. Russell Museum, which houses the largest collection of cowboy artist Charlie Russell’s work, this city lets you dive deep into Montana’s rich western heritage. You can spend your mornings fishing for trout in the Missouri River, afternoons exploring the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and evenings watching the sun set over the distant Rocky Mountain Front.
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
Ever wondered what it’s like to explore Montana’s answer to the Grand Canyon? The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, just north of Helena, feels like stepping into a world where limestone cliffs rise straight from the Missouri River’s edge. Lewis and Clark named this spot in 1805 when they watched massive rock walls seemingly open and close as they navigated through the narrow canyon. Today, you can take boat tours through these same waters, spotting bald eagles soaring overhead and bighorn sheep clinging to the rocky slopes. The wilderness area covers 28,000 acres of rugged terrain, offering hikers and adventurers more than 50 miles of trails that wind through pine forests and lead to hidden caves where Native Americans once took shelter.
Chico Hot Springs
Soak your cares away at Chico Hot Springs, a historic resort tucked into Paradise Valley. The natural mineral pools range from 96 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for a relaxing dip any time of year. Beyond the springs, you’ll find a full-service spa, horseback riding, and farm-to-table dining at their restaurant housed in the original 1900s building. Book a stay in the main lodge or one of their cozy cabins for a true Montana escape that combines old-world charm with modern comfort.
Lake McDonald
As Montana’s largest glacier-carved lake, Lake McDonald has been drawing visitors to its clear waters since the early 1900s. Located in the western portion of Glacier National Park, this 10-mile stretch of crystal water sits surrounded by towering peaks that reflect perfectly on its mirror-like surface. The historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913, stands watch over the shoreline, offering both cozy accommodations and a glimpse into the park’s early days. The smooth, multicolored pebbles that line the lake’s edge have become something of an Instagram sensation, but it’s the pristine water and mountain views that keep generations of families returning year after year. On calm mornings, you can rent a kayak and paddle out to watch the sun paint the surrounding peaks in shades of pink and gold.
West Yellowstone
Just two miles from the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park lies the charming gateway town of West Yellowstone. I first visited this mountain outpost in 2015 while road tripping through Montana. The town serves as a welcoming basecamp for park adventures, with locally-owned shops and restaurants lining its walkable downtown streets. Grizzly bears and wolves find sanctuary at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, while the Yellowstone Historic Center tells tales of the region’s rich past. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy playground, with miles of groomed trails bringing snowmobilers and cross-country skiers to explore the pristine backcountry. The crisp mountain air and down-to-earth locals make this feel less like a tourist town and more like a genuine slice of Montana life.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of those drives you’ll remember for a lifetime. This 50-mile scenic route takes you through the heart of the park, winding past towering mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. As you navigate the hairpin turns and climb to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, you’ll spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a grizzly bear in the distance. The road is only open during summer months, usually from late June to early October, when the snow has melted enough to allow safe passage.
