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Voluntourism offers visitors the chance to blend travel with service, whether through trail maintenance, conservation efforts or supporting local nonprofits, creating a deeper connection to the state’s culture, communities and natural beauty. Check out these organizations to get involved on your next trip to Montana: Eagle Mount (Bozeman): Eagle Mount is a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive recreational programs for people with disabilities and children with cancer, along with support for their families.
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Experience holiday cheer in Montana this winter at an event in any corner of the state: Lewistown: The Charlie Russell Chew Choo transforms into the North Pole Adventure Train each year, with cocoa, cookies, stories, songs, games, a trip to the North Pole and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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In early March, it’s possible to observe more than 60,000 snow geese and 5,000 swans in a day when they stage at Freezout Lake as part of their annual migration to the Arctic. These birds rest up from a nearly 1,000-mile flight from California, where they rest during the winter months.
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Take a culinary road trip this winter and experience the cuisine and food trails unique to Montana: The Southeast Montana Burger Trail is a hearty adventure that maps out 24 local restaurants in 13 counties to showcase a variety of locally sourced, unique burgers. Travelers can earn prizes by checking in at the different stops using a digital or physical passport, encouraging visitors to explore the culinary gems you can only find in small towns.
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With thousands of miles of groomed cross-country trails, Montana’s ski culture extends beyond downhill. Paired with the state’s combination of stunning scenery, finding your groove on a cross-country ski adventure can be the perfect outdoor adventure.
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Skijoring is an extreme winter sport and high-adrenaline activity that combines skiing, horse racing and rodeo on a racecourse with jumps, gates and rings the skier must navigate for the best team times. Plus, this year, the first-ever pro series will be hosted in Montana.
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Montana is home to state parks where the experience does not stop when the weather gets cold. Here are a few favorites for winter: Makoshika State Park (Glendive, MT): Montana’s largest state park is known for its badland formations, including caprocks and land bridges, and its dinosaur fossils.
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Whether it’s skiing, snowshoeing or sledding, Montana has the perfect hot springs to keep you warm after a day of snowy adventure.Check out these pairs: Missouri River Country: Whether it’s logging miles cross-country skiing along U.
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Managed and operated by an all-volunteer group of local skiers, the Bear Paw Ski Bowl is small-town skiing in its finest form, and one of the only ski areas in the country located on tribal land. Picture no lift lines, deep powder and a ski experience without the big price tag or hassle of a fancy resort.
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Built in 1903 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Moss Mansion in Billings, Montana, offers distinctive events year-round, with some that celebrate specific holiday seasons. It features ghost tours in October, “Murder Mystery Dinners” throughout the year and festive holiday tours in the winter.
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There’s a sweet spot between fall and winter in Montana. When you time it just right, there’s a perfect mix of fall colors and cool weather that are enhanced when you stay in an insulated yurt in Montana’s largest state park: Makoshika State Park (“Makoshika” is derived from a Lakota word meaning “bad land”).
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With 10,000 acres of wilderness to explore, Beaver Creek Park transforms into a winter paradise each December and boasts incredible ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and epic stargazing opportunities year-round. And, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush at Beaver Creek, bring your snowmobile (the ground must be frozen and have adequate snow cover to avoid disturbing vegetation and topsoil).
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Let the glow of your candle guide you through some of the most incredible caverns in the country at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. This seasonal candlelight tour experience allows visitors to see cave formations and speleothems as the first explorers viewed them.
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Many rivers and streams in Montana freeze over during the winter months, making fly fishing for trout a challenge. Fortunately, there are a handful of spring creeks and rivers fed by warmer water that remain fishable all winter long.
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Ranging from steep, double black moguls to gentle, wide-open runs, Montana’s 15 different ski areas have terrain for every type of rider and boast more than 300 annual inches of fresh powder a year on average.Whether you are a downhill skier, park-rat snowboarder or family with young kids, Montana’s ski scene is built around friendly faces that carry on small-town traditions (without the crowds and pricey lift tickets).
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There’s nothing more satisfying than witnessing a team of snow-loving dogs dash through miles of terrain or across a frozen lake in Western Montana. It’s less like a sleigh ride and more like an adrenaline rush through a winter wonderland.
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When winter arrives in Glacier National Park, the lush meadows turn into blankets of white snow, and the park beckons with new opportunities for outdoor adventure. One popular attraction is exploring the park on snowshoes through a ranger-led tour or with the Glacier Institute.
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If the word “snowcoach” is new to you, just picture a lifted yellow school bus with extra large wheels to tackle driving over large snow drifts. Since 1955, Yellowstone National Park has For more than 40 years, Bigfork Elves (local residents of all ages from Bigfork, Montana) gather the Saturday before Thanksgiving to decorate their town with over 10,000 feet of garland and lights.
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For more than 40 years, Bigfork Elves (local residents of all ages from Bigfork, Montana) gather the Saturday before Thanksgiving to decorate their town with over 10,000 feet of garland and lights. Following the day of decoration, the town’s eclectic art community opens its doors for a Holiday Art Walk at 4 p.
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After a long day on the slopes or riding through backcountry trails on a snowmobile, you deserve an evening of rejuvenation, and there’s no better place to reset than one of Montana’s scenic, natural hot springs. With varying temperatures and types of pools, each hot spring experience holds a slightly different appeal.
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Winter fishing is more than just sitting in the cold. In Montana, there are many outfitters that provide ice houses, fishing equipment rentals and tips to ensure your time on the ice is safe and successful.
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Horse-drawn sleighs aren’t just found in Hallmark movies. In Western Montana, you can ride a sleigh by day or under a sky full of stars at night by visiting places like Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake, Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish or Cripple Creek Horse Ranch in Trego.
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Fall is the perfect time to log miles on OHVs with epic fall foliage viewing.An off-highway vehicle (OHV) includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles and trail bikes.
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Each fall, hundreds of golden eagles soar across the Bridger Mountains on their annual migration south, creating one of the largest known eagle migration corridors in the country. To celebrate and highlight the event, the Bridger Raptor Festival will take place Oct.
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Spanning from Chicago to Seattle, Amtrak’s Empire Builder is the ultimate fall train trip. This route gives you a front seat to see Montana’s landscape transition from rolling prairies to scenic mountain ranges as cooler weather in late September and early October turns the leaves to gold.
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Montana is home to 56 different state parks, each with its own character and appeal. Here are a few favorites: .
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As the seasons shift, Montana’s ghost towns and cowboy traditions allow travelers to take a step back into the past.In Southwest Montana, history and heritage come alive in communities like Virginia City and Nevada City that invite visitors to walk the well-preserved historic streets filled with mining stories, cowboy traditions, historic saloons, wooden boardwalks and preserved gold rush architecture.
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If chasing bass or trout against the backdrop of golden cottonwoods is among your upcoming fall travel plans, then Montana is the fishing destination for you. From the Yellowstone River flowing east through Glendive, to the Clark Fork River winding across Montana’s western valleys, Montana's iconic fisheries will give you a day to remember.
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From wide-open prairies to rugged peaks and alpine meadows, Montana offers an abundance of ways to unplug and experience the outdoors. Whether you’re pulling a camper, driving an RV or pitching a tent, the state offers something for everyone.
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If connecting with nature and some of our country’s most iconic wildlife is the focal point of your travels, then exploring the 18,500 acres of wildlife conservation land found in the CSKT Bison Range is the ideal getaway. Managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), the range is home to 350-500 bison in addition to elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bears and more than 200 species of birds.
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When the leaves start to turn in Montana’s Missouri River Country, anglers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts flock to the wilderness areas in and around Fort Peck Lake to marvel at elk and test their luck catching Chinook salmon, both of which are in season this time of the year. Start your wildlife excursion in the small towns of Zortman, Fort Peck or Glasgow and book a guided wilderness tour with an outfitter like Redbone.
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Look, we love Glacier and Yellowstone, but what travelers often overlook are the hundreds of miles of untouched wilderness and outdoor recreation in between the high-traffic national parks, especially in the fall. Start at the less crowded East Glacier entrance (make sure to book an interpretive tour with Sun Tours, led by residents of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation) and then head south to explore the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex — the third-largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states.
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This year, the Montana Dinosaur Trail celebrated its 20th anniversary, helping thousands of visitors uncover the history of dinosaur discoveries in the state. Did you know that the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton was uncovered in Montana? Since that first discovery in 1902, many other dinosaur bones have been found , including Peck's Rex — one of the most complete dinosaur fossils ever discovered — and Leonardo — the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records’Best Preserved Dinosaur.
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The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located in Southeast Montana, is an important historic site dedicated to preserving the history of the Battle of Little Bighorn.The National Park Service manages the site and helps visitors learn about the complex history of the battle, why it was fought and who was involved.
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Looking for outdoor adventure? Montana’s two national parks — Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park — are the perfect places to start. If you’re looking to stay at some of the newest accommodations near the parks, try one of the following:LOGE Glacier (near Glacier National Park)Wonderstone (near Glacier National Park) Field & Stream Lodge (near Yellowstone National Park)One&Only Moonlight Basin (near Yellowstone National Park)EVEN Hotel (near Yellowstone National Park).
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Every summer, many tribal nations in Montana host celebrations to honor their traditions and history. Plan a trip to visit one of these celebrations and learn about each tribal nation’s rich culture.
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Experience the flavors of Montana — known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients — by attending one of these food inspired summer events:June 14: Celebrate summertime at Philipsburg’s Blues, Brews and Barbeque where barbecue aficionados show off their skills. Enjoy meats sourced from local ranchers, listen to the live blues music sets, and take a stroll down Broadway Street.
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Transport back to Montana’s mining days by planning a trip to one of the well-preserved ghost towns, many of which are found in Southwest Montana. These towns were once thriving boom towns for gold and silver mining.
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Soak in the stunning landscapes of Montana with some of the best musicians playing live at these outdoor concert venues and festivals found around the state:The Shane Center (Livingston)The KettleHouse Amphitheater (Bonner)Pine Creek Lodge (Paradise Valley)Montana Folk Festival, July 11-13 (Butte) Bridger Brewing Amphitheater (Three Forks)Under The Big Sky, July 18-20 (Whitefish)The Pub Station (Billings).
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Montana’s State Fair in Great Falls features rockin’ rodeos, tasty treats (like the famous Viking), local vendors, horse racing, live music and local artists for a full week of entertainment. Join the fun this July 25-August 2.
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Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika State Park, is home to jaw-dropping badlands, an 18-hole disc golf course and series of dispersed campgrounds that overlook the incredible landscape. Last summer, the park welcomed a new yurt that will help campers sleep in comfort when visiting this Eastern Montana paradise.
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American Rodeo became Montana’s official state sport this past spring, and you can see one for yourself this summer by planning a trip around one of the top events:World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, May 15-18 (Miles City)The historic horse sale dates back to 1951 and now features a multi-day horse racing and trade show for a full weekend of action.Belt PRCA Rode, June 14-15 (Belt) Augusta Rodeo Weekend, June 27-29 (Augusta) Home of Champions, July 1-4 (Red Lodge)Livingston Roundup, July 1-4 (Livingston)Montana’s oldest rodeo that celebrated its 100th anniversary last yearBigfork Montana Rodeo, July 5-8 (Bigfork)Big Sky PBR, July 17-19 (Big Sky)Kootenai River Stampede, July 25-26 (Libby)Bear Paw Roundup, Aug.
Some of the last remaining quiet spaces are in Montana, including Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Pair these quiet spaces with an evening under the stars, and you’ll be mesmerized.
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Montana is home to 12 federally recognized tribal nations that host an array of guided tours throughout the spring and summer months including:Apsáalooke Tours: Located on the Crow Indian Reservation, the organization offers air-conditioned bus interpretive tours with Native American guides at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (see updated park hours for renovation project). Flathead Raft Company: This Indigenous-owned rafting company is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and offers whitewater rafting and fishing trips on the Flathead River in the spring and summer.
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The Montana Dinosaur Trail is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, and visitors can learn about the prehistoric species by participating in active digs, exploring museums and attending dino-themed events including: June 21-22: Fossil Fun Fest at the Depot Museum and Dinosaur Hall in Rudyard July 1: 30th Anniversary Celebration at The Montana Dinosaur Center in BynumJuly 12: Roar and Explore Day at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in MaltaJuly 24: Dinosaurs & Dark Skies at Medicine Rocks State Park July 26-27:13th Annual Dino Shindig at the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka.
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Every summer, anglers head to Missouri River Country’s Milk River and Fort Peck Lake to compete for the coveted catfish trophy and walleye cup. The fishing events also include community events for non-anglers — like the “Catfish Crawl” — that help visitors and residents make the most of the tournament weekend.
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Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Brush Lake State Park near Glasgow provides public access for swimming, motorized boating, waterskiing and fishing. The state park is also a top destination for wildlife viewing and features an array of waterfowl species.
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Montana has a rich history of helping some of the best artists launch their careers, while also creating opportunities for new artists to showcase their work. Popular art festivals and shows around the state include Western Art Week in Great Falls, Artists Along the Bitterroot in the Bitterroot Valley, Yellowstone Art Museum’s Summer Fair in Billings, Livingston’s weekly summer Art Walks, the Uptown Butte Art Walk and the Spring Art Walk in Helena.
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While many people have heard of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, very few have conquered the scenic drive by two wheels. Every spring, the park begins plowing snow from the road and opens bike-only access to the roadway.
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For 20 years, the Montana Dinosaur Trail has helped visitors interact with the past and learn about the incredible dinosaurs that once roamed this part of the country. Featuring 14 different locations ranging from award-winning museums to interpretive centers and even active digsites, the trail gives visitors the opportunity to view dinosaur remains up close and with the backdrop of Montana’s scenic landscapes.
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Road trips and logging quality “windshield time” are a key part of the Montana experience, and when you have snowcapped mountains in the background, it’s a sight to behold. Here in Montana, you have the chance to explore some of the most scenic roads in the United States, like the Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive, located between the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Mission Mountains.
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Spring offers a return of wildlife activity in Montana, spanning from Yellowstone National Park’s baby bison born each May to Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge’s sharp-tailed grouse dance in the late spring. At the end of March, thousands of snow geese make their annual migration to Freezeout Lake in Central Montana.
