The 10 Best Things to Do in Montana
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Montana has been getting more attention lately and for good reason! It’s a stunning state filled with scenic landscapes, gorgeous mountains, sprawling plains, and abundant wildlife. If you’ve been wanting to check it out, keep reading for the 10 best things to do in Montana.
1. Glacier National Park
First off, the best thing to do in Montanta is to see Glacier National Park. Travel here and you can hike to glaciers, head to turquoise alpine lakes, and likely get a chance to see grizzlies, moose, and other cool wildlife in the park. Due to Covid-19 they’ve implemented an entry reservation system to keep the crowds from overwhelming the park, so be sure to plan ahead!
RELATED: AdventureTripr Glacier National Park Getaway
2. Lake McDonald
Known for its colorful rocks and crystal-clear water, Lake McDonald is in Glacier National Park but worth its own mention. There are stunning mountains in the distance, and you may see elk, bighorn sheep, and goats while on the shores. It’s worth its own stop even without the rest of Glacier National Park!
3. Yellowstone National Park
While Yellowstone National park is mostly in Wyoming, it also crosses into Montana along the southern border. If you’re in the area, it’s an amazing park to check out and explore. It has colorful water features, wild animals, and so much more. Definitely worth the stop!
RELATED: AdventureTripr Yellowstone Adventure
4. Big Sky
With endless views, wide-open skies, whitewater adventures, fishing, hikes, and wildflowers, there’s no end to the amazing opportunities in this gateway to Yellowstone. It also has more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain spread across four mountains, so if you’re there in the winter, it’s an amazing place to hit the slopes.
5. Flathead Lake
With 197 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is the largest natural lake in the Western US. It’s a great place to go fishing, or spend time out on the water having fun. It’s even got an island in the middle of the lake that’s the perfect spot to relax for the afternoon!
6. World Museum of Mining
Explore the World Museum of Mining and learn all about mining in Butte, Montana. Take a tour of an old mine, and check out the buildings, artifacts, and exhibits located here. It’s not every day you get to check out an old mine!
7. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
See where soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer fought Sioux and Cheyenne warriors under the leadership of Sitting Bull. Check out the battle’s history and how the Plains Native Americans lived. Custer National Cemetery, the interment site for unknown veterans of past wars, is also located here.
8. Museum of the Rockies
The first identified dinosaur remains in North America were found in 1854 in Montana and now you can see dinosaur bones on display at this museum. With one of the largest collections of North American dinosaurs in the world here, there’s no shortage of exhibits to marvel at. See fossils, T-Rex skeletons, and so much more here in Bozeman. It’s the perfect trip for kids or dinosaur enthusiasts!
9. Fishing
If you’re more of an angler, the fishing here in Montana is out of this world. Go to crystal-clear lakes or stunning streams to catch your fish. You’ll get to fish while surrounded by amazing mountains and may even see wildlife. Try fly-fishing for the first time, or hire a guide to take you out to some of the best spots to go. It’s truly an angler’s paradise.
10. Hiking
While you can hike at many of the places listed above, it wouldn’t be a list of the best things to do in Montana without a special callout to the hiking here. The trails in Montana are unlike any you’ve been on before, so if you’re interested, grab your boots, load up your pack, and head out on a trail to see alpine lakes, mountainous peaks, wildlife, or sprawling plains. There’s a ton of variation in the landscape depending on where you are, so one part of the state can be completely different from another!
Now That You Know What to Do in Montana
It’s time to plan your trip! You can check out our Glacier National Park trip if you want a full itinerary with what to do, pack, and more, or see our Yellowstone itinerary to check out that national park. Be sure to tag us on social media if you do go to any of these places. We love seeing where you go!
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