Overview

Montana is a vast and awe-inspiring state where rugged mountains meet sweeping prairies. Known as Big Sky Country, it offers dramatic landscapes, rich Native American history, and some of the best outdoor recreation in the United States. Whether you’re hiking glacier-covered peaks, spotting wildlife, or stargazing under a wide-open sky, Montana delivers unforgettable natural beauty.

  • Capital: Helena
  • Largest Cities: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena
  • Population: ~1.2 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (UTC−7) / MDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Continental — cold winters, warm summers, and significant variation by elevation

Top Destinations in Montana

Glacier National Park

A stunning park with alpine lakes, glaciers, rugged peaks, and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Yellowstone National Park (Montana entrances)

Montana shares access to Yellowstone’s north and west entrances, offering geysers, wildlife, and wilderness.

Bozeman

A trendy college town near Yellowstone with outdoor adventure, museums, and a lively downtown.

Missoula

A cultural hub with a river running through it, known for music, art, and easy access to nature.

Big Sky

A year-round resort destination for skiing, mountain biking, and stunning alpine views.

Must-See Attractions

  • Going-to-the-Sun Road – A bucket-list mountain drive through Glacier National Park
  • Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman) – Renowned for its dinosaur exhibits
  • Big Sky Resort – One of the largest ski areas in the U.S.
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park – Limestone caves with guided tours
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Site of the historic battle between the U.S. Army and Lakota-Cheyenne warriors

Things to Do

  • Hike and camp in Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks
  • Ski, snowboard, or mountain bike in Big Sky or Whitefish
  • Fish or float Montana’s legendary rivers like the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Missouri
  • Visit ghost towns and historic sites of the Old West
  • Spot wildlife like bison, elk, moose, and grizzly bears

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), Billings Logan International (BIL), Missoula International (MSO), Glacier Park International (FCA – Kalispell)

Transport

  • Rental cars are essential for exploring Montana’s wide-open spaces
  • Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs through northern Montana
  • Scenic highways connect parks, small towns, and outdoor areas

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Apr–Jun): Wildlife viewing and snowmelt waterfalls
  • Summer (Jul–Aug): Peak hiking, camping, and rafting season
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Fewer crowds, golden larch trees, and cool weather
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy lodge getaways

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Hearty, Western fare with farm-to-table influences
  • Specialties: Bison burgers, huckleberry jam, elk steaks, trout, flathead cherries
  • Drinks: Local craft beer, Montana whiskey, huckleberry lemonade
  • Events & Festivals:
  • Montana Folk Festival (Butte)
  • Big Sky PBR (Professional Bull Riding)
  • Whitefish Winter Carnival
  • Missoula Marathon
  • Livingston Roundup Rodeo

Souvenirs from Montana

  • Huckleberry products (jam, syrup, candy)
  • Montana-made leather goods or silver jewelry
  • Native American crafts and beadwork
  • Locally roasted coffee or Montana whiskey
  • Outdoor gear and Big Sky Country apparel

Fun Facts

  • Montana has more cattle than people
  • Glacier National Park once had over 150 glaciers—fewer than 25 remain today
  • The Continental Divide runs through the state, separating watersheds
  • Montana is home to one of the largest dinosaur fossil sites in North America
  • The name “Montana” comes from the Spanish word for mountain

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Glacier Escape

  • Day 1: Kalispell to Glacier – explore Lake McDonald and hike Avalanche Lake
  • Day 2: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road – Logan Pass and hidden lakes
  • Day 3: Whitefish – local shops, lake time, and optional ski trip

5-Day Parks & Peaks Tour

  • Day 1: Bozeman – Museum of the Rockies and downtown
  • Day 2: Yellowstone (via Gardiner) – geysers and wildlife
  • Day 3: Big Sky – hike or bike in the mountains
  • Day 4: Butte or Helena – historic districts and ghost town side trips
  • Day 5: Missoula – riverside walk, breweries, and farewell dinner

Cities

  • Helena