Montana may be one of the less populous US states, yet it still boasts beautiful natural sights that are distinctive to this place. Montana offers endless outdoor adventures. This year is an opportunity to make unforgettable memories by experiencing these 10 Things to Do When Travelling Montana.
With this Montana Travel Guide, discover 300 mountain peaks that soar close to 10,000 feet high, Yellowstone National Park, and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the West: Flathead Lake. Montana makes for an excellent escape from city life!
Montana may be one of the four largest US states, yet its population density remains relatively low, providing more space and freedom to discover all it offers. Montana offers much to discover regarding Native American tribes as well as wildlife that call this place home.
There’s so much to see and do in Big Sky Country. Here are a few enjoyable outdoor activities in Montana.
Why Montana is the Best Place For Camping?
Montana is considered one of the best places for camping due to several reasons:
- Vast Wilderness: Montana’s vast wilderness areas offer campers an authentic back-to-nature experience. The state is home to millions of acres of public lands, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
- Spectacular Scenery: From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the pristine lakes and rivers, Montana’s natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for camping adventures.
- Diverse Wildlife: Montana is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, offering campers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Outdoor Activities: The state’s varied landscapes are perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking, enhancing the camping experience.
- National Parks: Home to Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone National Park, campers in Montana can explore some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes in the United States.
- Seclusion and Solitude: With its vast open spaces, Montana offers plenty of opportunities for finding secluded camping spots where one can enjoy peace and solitude.
- Starry Nights: Away from city lights, Montana’s skies are perfect for stargazing, providing campers with spectacular views of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
- Cultural and Historical Sites: Montana is rich in cultural and historical sites, including Native American heritage sites and historic frontier towns, adding depth to the camping experience.
These factors combine to make Montana a premier destination for campers seeking a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and tranquility.
10 Things to Do in Montana
1. Witness the Old Faithful Erupt
Yellowstone National Park is home to the iconic Old Faithful cone geyser. Initially identified during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition in 1871, millions have travelled here over time to witness its spectacular eruptions.
Old Faithful Geyser has long been one of the most predictable geysers, erupting regularly with near accuracy for nearly 500 years. No one knows for certain whether its eruption will cease, however.
Be sure to visit Yellowstone National Park when travelling through Montana in order to experience its beauty first-hand and if you have extra cash available, book accommodation at Old Faithful Inn – it’s bound to impress.
2. Explore the Glacier National Park
One of Montana’s most captivating attractions, Glacier National Park offers truly astounding landscapes to visitors and is an adventure you must experience during your trip here. It should definitely make a list when planning to travel to Montana!
Montana boasts over one million acres of nature’s splendour, featuring 762 lakes, 26 glaciers, 500 streams and plenty of wildlife roaming its vast fields. As such, its national park draws tourists from all over the globe.
Glacier National Park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking or bike riding, with 746 miles of trails to explore and ride through the park. Popular hiking routes in Glacier include Grinnell Glacier Trail and Trail of Cedars to Avalanche Lake – but once you arrive here, plan another visit as one will never suffice!
3. Plan a Trip to the Museum of the Rockies
Looking for some history? Visit the iconic Museum of the Rockies! With exhibits suitable for people of all ages – even young ones! – this museum provides something of interest.
Montana attractions (for visitors of all ages). Exhibits like the fossil dinosaur collection date back millions of years. Visitors have an amazing opportunity to witness and marvel at a life-size replica of Tyrannosaurus Rex displayed prominently within a museum.
Other exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies include fossil collections and displays on American Indians and Yellowstone National Park history. Since it is affiliated with Smithsonian, there are exhibits tailored specifically towards children, such as The Little Star That Could and Big Astronomy.
If history is your thing, this museum should be one of your top priorities when visiting Montana.
4. Explore Montana’s Hot Springs
There’s something soothing and rejuvenating about taking a dip in a warm spring during a cold day – Montana offers numerous hot springs just waiting to be explored, making this attraction one of the must-see Montana attractions.
Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. Here, visitors can take part in taking a dip into any of five natural hot spring pools – not to mention being accommodated at this lovely resort!
However, for those interested in experiencing natural hot springs in Montana adventures, Yellowstone National Park’s Boiling River provides just such an experience. Situated within its borders is legally permitted hot spring soaking.
5. Visit the Great Yellowstone National Park
A visit to Montana would not be complete without visiting Yellowstone National Park, while only a portion is in Montana, three out of the five entrances can be found here.
Yellowstone National Park should be on your Montana itinerary as a must-visit site with beautiful scenery and plenty of things to see and experience. Visit Yellowstone when in Montana; make it part of your list.
Yellowstone National Park provides everything that an adventurous individual would need hiking trails, beautiful scenery and wildlife, geysers to an active volcanic system with eruptions making this undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Montana.
Start off your experience in this park right, by participating in any water based activity such as kayaking or riding a boat on Yellowstone Lake.
Notably, the best way to explore Montana Park is by car. However, you don’t have to bring your own vehicle with you, as there are several reputable car rental services in Montana offering their services.
6. Listen to the Singing Rocks
Hiding away in the mountains just outside Butte are some of the world’s most intriguing phenomena: singing rocks! In this region lies a geological marvel whereby rocks emit soothing tunes when hit with tools or other implements, providing a truly relaxing aural experience.
Montana Adventures is an entertaining location for families and children to visit together, where tapping rocks ring out with different tones for an engaging game of musical discovery for both kids and adults alike.
Experience this remarkable phenomenon, which is truly amazing; this location boasts one of only a handful of places with ringing rocks not only in America but also globally.
While enjoying your time marvelling at the rugged rocks, make sure not to bring home any stones for souvenirs – doing so would run counter to our goal of preserving these natural wonders.
7. Go to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Visit Montana’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Montana offers many attractions worth seeing, such as West Yellowstone’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center – it provides children with an educational opportunity about animals native to this region. It also serves as an invaluable learning opportunity.
Montana provides plenty of attractions and things to do, and one such conservancy, which began with only three grizzly bears, has since expanded into a home for over 100 animals. Visitors to this centre get the rare opportunity to watch grey wolves, grizzly bears, and raptors roam freely through their natural habitats.
Experience Montana like never before by paying a visit to Montana’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center; you might just get lucky enough to meet one of those adorable cubs. Visiting is sure to round off a memorable vacation to Montana!
8. Tour the Ousel Falls-Big Sky
Montana is famous for its Ouzel birds. Ousel Falls Park in Montana offers breathtaking sights perfect for picnicking and hiking adventures alike. This majestic region encompasses 30 acres, offering some truly majestic sights for outdoor fun!
Ousel Falls Park in Big Sky offers an amazing opportunity for families and friends alike to come together and experience Montana’s great outdoors in one destination. Enjoy beautiful waterfalls as well as many trails leading through this scenic park.
Though taking a swim in the waterfall isn’t recommended, you can still capture beautiful pictures close to it for future memories. Pack fishing gear and go fishing along Gallatin River!
9. Visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
Visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. Visitors are often taken aback when they discover Montana is home to the Ewam Sang-nag Ling Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. it’s hard to believe this garden exists here! This breathtaking spot is located a few hours southwest of Glacier National Park.
A thousand Buddha statues are arranged in a circle to represent the Dharma Wheel, while in its centre stands Yum Chenmo, their great mother.
This 10-acre garden offers a tranquil environment ideal for meditation. It is believed that those responsible for building the shrine were hoping to spread peace and compassion through their efforts.
10. Go Out Skiing at the Big Sky Resort
Montana is an excellent destination to go skiing. Home to one of the country’s largest ski resorts – boasting 400 inches of annual snowfall on average as well as over 6,000 acres for skiing activities, it provides one of the premier experiences available anywhere.
Montana boasts plenty of things to do for fun, with Big Sky Resort as one of the main draws. Offering runs for skiers of all levels and restaurants and accommodations suitable for spending an enjoyable stay, Big Sky provides visitors with everything they need for an enjoyable visit.
There are numerous ski shops where you can upgrade your skiing gear if necessary, while during warmer summer months, this resort hosts various outdoor activities, such as golfing and whitewater rafting, for your enjoyment.
It’s Time To Make Montana Memories
Montana is an amazing state that provides something for everyone, from breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters to unforgettable events like Montana Memories 2024. No matter what your interests or preferences may be, Montana guarantees to deliver an unforgettable experience!
