There are endless ways to explore Montana. No matter where you go, you're in for an incredible adventure. Get inspired by the trip ideas below or create your own.
:focal())
Wander through authentic 1800s ghost towns on this rambling route over mountains, across the Continental Divide and along blue-ribbon trout streams. Legend has it that some of the smaller towns harbor gold rush–era ghosts.
:focal())
Start this history-packed trip in Billings and travel across southeast Montana for some of the best Native American warrior history of the Great Plains. Soak in the sights of the largest city in Montana, hear tales of tribal war chiefs, see historic battlefields and explore ancient indigenous art.
:focal())
Grab your binoculars! Visit some of Central Montana’s most charming small towns and enjoy wildlife watching on the stunningly scenic Rocky Mountain Front.
)
The world’s first national park offers over 2 million acres to explore, with nearly 300 hiking trails spanning approximately 1,000 miles. Yellowstone National Park invites you to step into paradise, whether you are aiming for a leisurely stroll or gearing up for a backcountry adventure.
)
For those who love hiking, Glacier National Park — the “Crown of the Continent” — is a must-visit destination. The park encompasses 1 million acres and boasts nearly 200 trails, offering more than 700 miles of terrain to explore.
)
Montana’s history is filled with tales of new discoveries. Piece the state’s story line together in lore-filled towns, through underground caverns and beneath the dome of the Montana State Capitol.
)
Go big and you’ll never want to go home after visiting the heart of the state. Hike a sliver of a 1.
)
Explore the Winter Wonderland of Glacier National ParkWinter in Glacier National Park is a distinct and powerful experience. Spend a the day taking in the frosted splendor and cotton-candy sunsets and the sense of revelry will last beyond your time there.
)
Venture eastward from the rugged peaks of Montana’s west side into sprawling plains and expansive skies. Make your way to the middle of Montana, and keep going.
)
Welcome to Montana’s capital city — or “Queen City” — Helena. Begin your day at the Holter Museum of Art, a beloved community gathering place with an impressive collection of historical and contemporary artworks.
)
Montana's Big Sky Resort Is One Of The Largest (And One Of The Prettiest Ski Resorts!) There is no shortage of beautiful mountains to ski in Montana, but there's only one Big Sky Resort. It's 5,800 acres of pure winter bliss on Lone Peark --and if you're an avowed ski bum, there's no better place in Montana to hit the slopes.
)
The friendly town of Libby, situated in the Kootenai National Forest at the base of the beautiful Cabinet Mountains, is the perfect place to begin your getaway. Take an exhilarating walk across the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge and capture the moment with a photo to remember.
)
Everything Awesome You Never Knew About Montana.The best piece of advice for planning a road trip through Montana? Be prepared to change up your plans and make unexpected stops, because you never know what you'll stumble across on an adventure through Montana-- it's really full of extraordinary surprises! You could wind up stopping for a quick photo op at one of the country's most unique superfund sites, or spending a full night drinking fishbowl cocktails with mermaids.
)
Just 45 minutes from Glacier National Park, Kalispell provides a dream base camp for epic alpine scenery, water adventures and winter bliss. .
)
Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Helena extends a friendly wave and points out hands-on ways to have fun in the capital of Montana. .
)
A finger on a spinning globe gave this old railroad town its Scottish name. Enjoy the beauty of Fort Peck Lake and dig into well-preserved history.
)
Yellowstone's Backyard: A jumping-off spot for the world's first national park, Bozeman beckons hikers, climbers, rafters and tubers to play and stay close to nature. .
)
Even the food looks bigger in Billings, a city of large-scale landscapes perfect for adventures. Feast your eyes and feed your soul.
)
Welcome to Lewistown, Montana; the geographical center of the state. You can visit the exact spot, marked by a mosaic inside the lobby of the Yogo Inn.
)
Animal attractions rule here, and they come in many forms. Let a horse guide you through majestic mountains, visit a town of lively prairie dogs and unleash the fun on a sled dog ride.
)
On land considered sacred by the Indian Nations that reside here, roam responsibly and receive a warm welcome to this legendary realm of pristine waters and natural wonders. .
)
Lookout Pass > Discovery Ski Area > Lost Trail Powder Mountain > Maverick MountainDiscover where Montanans hit the slopes. These hometown ski areas offer a taste of true winter life in Big Sky Country.
)
In the northeast corner of the state, untamed wildlife and landscapes beckon nature-lovers of all kinds: bird oglers, stargazers, dinosaur hunters and sunbathers. Adventures await among the wide-open spaces of Missouri River Country.
Winter is calling—and the skiing here is epic. Stay at one of our resorts or set up basecamp in a friendly mountain town and explore several ski areas in one getaway.
)
Make your Montana visit memorable by experiencing the varied languages, cultures and histories of tribal nations in Montana. Ancient traditions carried on today enrich the state’s cultural landscape.
)
Kick off your Eastern Montana adventures on Fort Peck Lake for a day of ice fishing. Clint, the owner of Hell Creek Marina, will get you on the fish — trophy lake trout, walleye and northern pike — if you book a guided session with him.
)
Ancient glaciers leave a breathtaking legacy in a national park and on the state’s largest body of water. Have the camera ready: You’ll want to make sure these family adventures remain frozen in time.
)
Arrive in the postcard-worthy town of Red Lodge and explore the local shops, galleries and eateries on Main Street. Visit some of the furred and feathered residents of town with a tour at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.
)
Showdown Montana > Bear Paw Ski BowlDiscover where Montanans hit the slopes. These hometown ski areas offer a taste of true winter life in Big Sky Country.
)
Norris Hot Springs > Butte > Anaconda > Jackson Hot Springs + Elkhorn Hot SpringsYou can’t get more Montana than this winter getaway featuring snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and small-town exploration bookended by hot springs — the perfect winter warm-up. Immerse yourself in Montana’s winter landscape and enjoy comfort food and cozy lodging.
)
Discover the Magic of Montana's Winter Playground.
)
Arrive into Great Falls and get acquainted with the Electric City. Nicknamed for its numerous dams, Great Falls straddles the mighty Missouri River where five waterfalls converge.
)
For Montana's American Indian people, bison, or buffalo, are revered symbols of strength and unity. Celebrate the bison, see them roam, and discover how the mighty bison helped create the state on this six-day drive across Big Sky badlands and prairies.
)
A wide range of winter experiences in Montana can diversify any ski trip, but this itinerary is for the hardcore powder purists – those looking to ski or board without distraction on this five-day expedition. Sign on for this adventure and you’ll discover some truly breathtaking runs in Glacier National Park and at Whitefish, Turner, and Blacktail Mountains.
)
Kick off this five-day itinerary with some self-guided exploration of Missoula, Montana’s second largest city. Then gear up to hit the slopes as you make your way from Lost Trail Powder Mountain to Maverick Mountain and finally to Big Sky.
