Montana: Pristine Wilderness, Outdoor Adventure & Historic Sites

From the mountains, glaciers and rivers to the prairies and diverse wildlife, a trip to Montana is one you won’t soon forget.

Montana is home to some of the most well-known parks in the country, two of which include Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, there are many other hidden gems worth exploring! In fact, Montana has a total of nine National Park Service areas. Explore everything from historic battlefields to natural wonders across all corners of Big Sky Country.

If you’re looking for a classic road trip experience, take the historic Highway 89 Route, which connects some of the most spectacular national parks in the Western USA. This route begins with Glacier National Park and ends in Yellowstone National Park and covers approximately 580 kilometers from start to finish.

A must-stop visit along the way is Giant Springs State Park, one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, which explorers Lewis and Clark marveled at back in 1805. Just a short hike from Giant Springs, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Great Falls and the hydroelectric dam. After a day of exploration, be sure to stop at the Sip ‘n Dip Lounge to hang out with the mermaids for a drink.

Montana is known for some of the best rivers, spring creek and lake fishing in the country, and once you visit, you’ll quickly understand why. With meadow, canyon and valley sections, the rivers offer diverse scenic backdrops and one-of-a-kind fishing opportunities. If you’re interested in fly-fishing, the Gallatin River in Yellowstone is the place to go! Anglers from around the world travel to the 125 kilometers of the free-flowing river.

Hiking in Montana is a great way to explore the state while experiencing the surrounding nature and wildlife. If you want to explore the gorgeous glaciers, spend the day hiking Grinnell Glacier. Here, the trail takes you past lakes, cliffs and alpine meadows and offers possible glimpses of wildlife along the way.

Biking is another must-do activity for anyone looking for a good outdoor adventure. From challenging rides to a cruise that's fun for the family, there are plenty of biking excursions to pick from. Take a road bike and cycle through the charming small towns or mountain bike across the extensive wilderness. However you choose to bike, you will not be disappointed.

There are few places in the West that can convey such an incredible window into U.S. history as Butte, in southwest Montana. The remarkable Victorian-styled buildings that line the streets of the downtown area are a marker of the bustling commerce of the past. The Butte Hill and its huge copper deposits were once known as "the richest hill on earth.” Today, the city boasts one of the nation's largest National Historic Landmark Districts with more than 4,000 structures. Butte also offers natural hot springs to enjoy, as well as great hiking trails and fun ski adventures.

Bozeman is one of the larger towns in Montana; however, it still retains a small-town feel. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Bozeman is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxing environment. National forests and trails are also easily accessible, making it a great place for outdoor activities such as horseback riding and cattle drives.

Whether you want to sleep under the stars in a tucked away magical treehouse or want the rugged cabin experience, Montana has incredible places to stay that contribute to making any visit memorable.

The Montana Treehouse Retreat just outside Whitefish is the perfect combination of luxury and rustic, providing guests a unique and unforgettable stay high up in the trees. Not to mention, the Treehouse Retreat is close in distance to Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park, so if you’re looking to explore those areas, this is an awesome place to stay overnight.

The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough is a special woodland hideaway where you can experience all the comforts of a five-star hotel in a rugged-style home. The expansive property is a haven for authentic Montana dude ranch activities such as trail rides, cattle drives and chuckwagon dinners.

Stay

• Residence Inn Bozeman
• TownePlace Suites Missoula
• Springhill Suites Great Falls

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• Explore the scenic backdrop of U.S. national parks, including the iconic Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
• Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities from fly-fishing at Gallatin River to hiking at Grinnell Glacier Trail.
• Walk through the charming streets of Butte and soak up the beautiful buildings and impressive history the town boasts.

Eat & Drink

• The Silk Road offers a global tasting experience with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• The Dash Inn at Lewiston serves mouth-watering burgers, chicken, ice cream and milkshakes in a charming picnic-table environment.
• Bayern Brewing Company in Missoula is dedicated to producing the finest quality Lager-Beers.