Montana is a state for every season. No matter the time of year, there’s always somewhere to explore, and with 56 state parks to discover, you’re never too far from your next outdoor adventure. From dropping a line on a frozen pond to hiking through 3-million-year-old limestone caverns, our parks have so much to offer. Here are some parks to check out the next time you’re in need of a getaway.
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In the heart of Central Montana, this rural state park features a picturesque lake against a backdrop of the dramatic Rockies. Winters here mean ice fishing, with plenty of trout, pike and bass to keep you busy all season long. As the ice melts, this spot is perfect for a boating excursion, with 26 rustic campsites available if you’re in the mood to get outside the old-fashioned way.
Experience a unique expedition below the Earth’s surface at Montana’s first state park. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the park offers tours allowing visitors to hike through the limestone caverns by candlelight. This unique experience is limited and requires a ticket. Classic cave tours are offered throughout the warm season, and if you'd prefer to explore above ground, there are hiking trails available year-round — bring snowshoes to enjoy them in winter.
This southeastern state park is a great place for outdoor activities year-round. The reservoir is perfect for ice fishing during the winter, with walleye and pike being typical catches. In the summertime, this makes for an easy weekend getaway with camping and boating available.
The wide-open landscapes of Brush Lake State Park offer prime wildlife viewing year-round against the backdrop of a never-ending sky. Snowy days are great for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing around the lake’s perimeter, and 10 campsites are available throughout the year. Warm weather means days spent on the water, with boating and waterskiing being popular activities here.
Just outside of Missoula lies Fish Creek, Montana’s largest state park. With over 5,600 acres to explore, there’s no shortage of activities available for every season. You can’t miss winter here, with plenty of trails for snowshoeing and fat biking. During the warm season, explore the vast mountain landscape on foot, horseback or OHV.
Less than an hour south of Billings, this park offers an array of year-round outdoor activities. When the reservoir freezes, ice skating is popular throughout the winter. This is also a prime ice fishing location if you’re looking for a winter day on the lake. As it warms up, Cooney is a paradise for watersport fans. From windsurfing to waterskiing, there’s plenty of ways to recreate at this park.
Situated on the eastern side of Flathead Lake, this secluded bay sits among the Flathead cherry orchards that line this section of the lake. The park is a great spot to launch your boat throughout the year, but especially during the winter! Its deep-water boat launch is typically free of ice, unlike the majority of the lake. If you’re in the mood to rough it, tent camping along the water is available. Note that this park is located on the Flathead Reservation, so you’ll need a tribal fishing license if you cast a line here, and any recreation outside of the park’s boundaries requires a tribal recreation permit for use. Information on permits can be found at cskt.org.
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