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Montana
United States
Visit Montana
Montana, often referred to as "Big Sky Country," offers a breathtaking escape into the vast and picturesque landscapes of the American West. Known for its sprawling terrain, which encompasses the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Montana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a retreat into nature. The state's diverse geography includes everything from rugged peaks and rolling prairies to dense forests and serene lakes, making it a perfect destination for activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife watching.
One of Montana's most iconic attractions is Glacier National Park. Known as the "Crown of the Continent," this park houses more than a million acres of forests, alpine meadows, and lakes, along with over 700 miles of trails for adventurous visitors to explore. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive through the park, offers stunning views of the park’s majestic peaks and valleys. Visitors can also partake in guided tours to learn more about the park's ecology and history, or set out on their own to discover hidden waterfalls and glacier-carved boulders.
Aside from its natural wonders, Montana is steeped in a rich history that adds depth to any visit. The state played a significant role in the American frontier era, and evidence of this can be seen in its preserved ghost towns and heritage sites. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument offers a poignant look at the site of the 1876 battle between the U.S. Army and Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. For a taste of the Old West, visitors can explore the historic town of Virginia City, which offers a well-preserved glimpse into 19th-century life with its original buildings and live reenactments.
Moreover, Montana's small towns themselves are worth exploring for their unique charm and hospitality. Places like Bozeman and Missoula blend small-town feel with cultural amenities, offering a range of local eateries, galleries, and shops. The state's rich agricultural heritage is also on display in its food and drink offerings, with numerous local breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants providing a taste of the region's best products. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, delve into U.S. history, or simply enjoy the peace of the vast, open skies, Montana offers an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Find your Next Adventure in Montana
Explore Montana
Iconic Landmarks
Glacier National Park
- Known for its stunning mountain ranges, pristine forests, and over 700 lakes, Glacier National Park is often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent."
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
- This historic site commemorates the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, where Lieutenant Colonel George Custer made his last stand against the Northern Plains Indians.
Yellowstone National Park
- Although mostly in Wyoming, parts of Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, extend into Montana, featuring geothermal wonders like geysers and hot springs.
The Lewis and Clark Caverns
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The Big Sky Resort
- Known for its massive skiing terrain and beautiful summer hiking trails, Big Sky Resort is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
The Montana State Capitol
- Located in Helena, the state capitol features a neoclassical architectural design and houses significant artworks depicting Montana's history.
Cultural Experiences
Crow Fair and Rodeo
- Experience Native American culture through the largest Northern Plains Indian gathering, featuring powwows, parades, and rodeo events in Crow Agency.
Montana Folk Festival
- Held in Butte, this free outdoor festival showcases a rich blend of traditional music, dance, and crafts from diverse cultures across America.
Little Bighorn Days
- Commemorate the Battle of Little Bighorn with reenactments, historical talks, and Native American performances in Hardin.
North American Indian Days
- Celebrate Blackfeet tribal heritage with traditional dancing, music, and sporting competitions in Browning.
Virginia City and Nevada City Living History
- Step back into the Old West with historical reenactments, gold panning, and 19th-century theater in these preserved frontier towns.
Festival of the Book
- Held in Missoula, this annual literary festival features readings, panels, and workshops celebrating the rich literary traditions of the region.
Outdoor Adventures
Glacier National Park
Explore over 700 miles of trails in a landscape filled with alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes.
Yellowstone River Rafting
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting or a scenic float on the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States.
Big Sky Resort
Enjoy year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, zip-lining, and mountain biking at one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S.
Flathead Lake
Engage in water sports, fishing, and boating on the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
Venture into one of the largest wilderness areas in the U.S. for backpacking, horseback riding, and fishing in a truly remote setting.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Discover dramatic landscapes and a wide array of wildlife while hiking, boating, or fishing in this diverse and scenic canyon area.
Off the Beaten Path
Makoshika State Park
Explore the largest state park in Montana, featuring badland formations and dinosaur fossils.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
This stunning canyon offers breathtaking views, exceptional hiking, and boating opportunities.
Virginia City
Step back in time in this preserved 19th-century gold mining town that now serves as a living history museum.
American Computer & Robotics Museum, Bozeman
Delve into the history of computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics in this unique and educational museum.
The Ringing Rocks
Check out this geological oddity where the rocks ring like bells when struck with a hammer.
Medicine Rocks State Park
View the sandstone formations with Native American petroglyphs and pictographs in a serene, spiritual landscape.
Montana Fun Facts
- Montana has the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states.
- The state is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the nation.
- Montana has more different species of mammals than any other state.
- The name "Montana" comes from the Spanish word for mountain, "montaña."
- It is the only state with a triple divide allowing water to flow into the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Hudson Bay.
- Montana's Glacier National Park is known as the "Crown of the Continent" and contains over 700 lakes.
- The state's Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous U.S.
- Montana has the largest breeding population of trumpeter swans in the lower United States.
- The Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, took place in Montana.
- Montana is one of the best places in the world to find dinosaur fossils.
Featured Picture Gallery
Lone Peak is the Highest Point in Montana at 11,166 Feet
Experience the Native Wildlife Around Whitefish