Although Montana is among the rural states in the US, it comes packed with a lot of natural beauty that is unique to this place. The state of Montana is a paradise for outdoorsy people. Living adventurously with these 10 Things to Do in Montana when you travel this year.
With this Montana Travel Guide, 300 mountain peaks soar close to 10,000 feet into the sky, the great Yellowstone, not to forget one of the largest freshwater lakes in the west; Flathead Lake. Other than that, Montana is also a great destination for anyone looking to escape the busy city life.
While Montana is the fourth largest US state, it has a low population density, which means it is less crowded with more space for you to explore. There is a lot for you to learn, especially about the history of the Native American tribes and the wildlife that calls this place home.
There are so many things to see and do in Big Sky Country. Here are some of the fun outdoor activities in Montana.
10 Things to Do in Montana
1. Witness the Old Faithful Erupt
Yellowstone National Park is home to the famous Old Faithful cone geyser. The Old Faithful was the first geyser to be named during the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition. Over the years, millions of people have made their way to Montana to witness this spectacle.
This particular geyser is one of the most predictable ones erupting faithfully with almost accurate regularity. Although the Old Faithful has been erupting for nearly 500 years, no one knows how long it will continue.
Be sure to make your way to the famous Yellowstone National Park the next time you are in Montana to witness this wonder firsthand. Heck! If you have money to splurge, consider booking accommodation at the popular Old Faithful Inn.
2. Explore the Glacier National Park
One of Montana’s most fascinating places to visit is Glacier National Park. This place is awe-inspiring, to say the least. It is one of the best Montana adventures you should take when you visit.
With over a million acres of Mother Nature’s beauty, this national park is home to 762 lakes, 26 glaciers, and over 500 streams, not to mention the wildlife roaming the vast fields. This place is quite popular, drawing tourists from all over the world.
The Glacier National Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking or bike riding the 746 miles of trails in the park. Among the popular trails for hiking include the Grinnell Glacier Trail and the Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake, just to mention a few. Once you get here, you must plan a second trip because one is never enough!
3. Plan a Trip to the Museum of the Rockies
Care for a bit of history? Then you need to visit the famous Museum of the Rockies. This particular museum has plenty of exhibitions for people of all ages, including children.
Some exhibitions, like the fossil dinosaur collection, date back millions of years. Visitors get to experience the opportunity to marvel at the life-size skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus Rex on full display in the museum.
Other than fossil collections, there are other exhibitions like the history of the American Indians and Yellowstone National Park. Since the Museum of the Rockies is a Smithsonian affiliate, there are exhibits for children like The Little Star That Could and the Big Astronomy.
If you are interested in history, visiting this museum should be one of your go-to destinations in Montana.
4. Take a Dip in the Many Hot Springs
There is something about taking a dip in a hot spring when the temperature outside is cold. The vast countryside of Montana has plenty of hot springs waiting to be explored. This is a must go Montana attractions to see.
For the best experience, consider visiting Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. Here you get the unique experience of taking a plunge in any of the five natural hot spring pools. What’s more, visitors can also get accommodation within the beautiful resort.
However, suppose you are interested in soaking hot springs out in the wild. In that case, the Boiling River in Yellowstone will give you exactly that. It is located in the national park and is essentially the only place you can soak legally.
5. Visit the Great Yellowstone National Park
A visit to Montana is never complete without going to the well-known Yellowstone National Park. While only a small portion of this park is in Montana, three out of five entrances are in this region.
You can do plenty of things regardless of which door you enter from. With great scenery and many things to see, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit whenever you are in Montana. it is a places to see in Montana in your list.
This park has exactly what any adventurous person needs, from hiking trails, fascinating scenery, and wildlife, to an active volcanic system in the form of geysers. Yellowstone National Park is undeniably among the best places you want to visit.
For a fun-filled experience in this park, participate in any water activity like kayaking or riding a boat on Yellowstone Lake.
It is also worth mentioning that the best way to get around this park is by car. The good news is that you don’t have to take your own vehicle, as there are many reliable car rental companies in Montana.
6. Listen to the Singing Rocks
Tucked away into the mountains just outside of Butte are some of the most mysterious phenomena in the world. In this region lies a geological wonder where the rocks chime to a relaxing tune when hit with a mullet or other tool.
Paying a visit to this location is fun for families with children. When tapped, the rocks ring to a different note, so it can be a fun game for children and adults alike.
What’s more, witnessing this unique experience is quite special since it is among the few locations with ringing rocks not only in the US but also across the world.
As you enjoy your time marveling at the ringing rocks, be sure not to leave with any stone as a souvenir because it defeats the purpose of preserving the rocks.
7. Go to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre in West Yellowstone is a must-visit in Montana. This is the perfect place to take children to learn about the animals in this particular region.
Although this conservancy began with only three grizzly bears, it has since grown into a home of more than 100 animals. Visitors to this center get the unique opportunity of watching the gray wolves, grizzly bears, and raptors in their natural habitat.
You might even be fortunate enough to get close to the friendly cubs during your visit. For most visitors, paying a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a good way to finish your trip to Montana.
8. Tour the Ousel Falls-Big Sky
The name Ousel is coined by the Ouzel birds that are quite common in this region. Ousel Falls Park is one park among the many located in Montana. This beautiful Montana region of about 30 acres hosts some of the most magnificent sights perfect for outdoor activities like picnics and hiking.
Ousel Falls Park is a great destination for friends and family to enjoy the great outdoors right in the heart of Big Sky. Enjoy the beautiful waterfall and take long walks on the long trails available in the park.
While taking a dip in the waterfall is not recommended, you can take beautiful pictures close to the waterfall for memories. You can also pack fishing gear and catch a few fish on the Gallatin River.
9. Visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
It always comes as a shock to visitors to see The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas right in the middle of Montana. Located a few hours south of Glacier National Park is the popular Ewam Sang-ngag Ling Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.
A total of one thousand Buddha statues are arranged in a circular figure representing the dharma wheel. Right at the center of the circular formation is the great mother, Yum Chenmo.
This garden, which spans ten acres, provides a calming ambiance perfect for meditation. It is believed that whoever built the shrine did it intending to spread peace and compassion.
10. Go Out Skiing at the Big Sky Resort
There is no better place to go out skiing than in Montana. In fact, Montana is home to one of the biggest ski resorts in the US, thanks to the generous 400 inches of snow on average every year, not to mention a large expanse of skiing space that spans a good 6,000 acres.
The biggest draw to this resort is that there are different runs for skiing enthusiasts of all levels. Besides that, the Big Sky resort also has plenty of restaurants and accommodations for anyone looking to spend a few days there.
There are many ski shops where you can upgrade your skiing gear if you need to. However, during the warmer summer months, this resort hosts a couple of outdoor activities, for instance, golfing and whitewater rafting, among many others.
It’s Time To Make Montana Memories
Whether a native Montanan or looking to explore from out-of-state, Montana is a wonderful place.’ From breathtaking scenery to majestic wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These are some of the best Things to Do in Montana in 2023. No matter what your interests are, Montana is sure to provide a memorable experience!