:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-seeley-lake-PLACESMT0924-ff9674871eac4d84b3bbd8a1ff68f1ed.jpg?ssl=1 "20 Best Places to Visit in Montana—National Parks, Ski Resorts, and Charming Small Towns Included")
- Explore the scenic wonders of Lolo National Forest with breathtaking views and year-round outdoor activities.
- Discover the rich history and unique charm of Fort Benton and White Sulphur Springs.
- Enjoy year-round adventure and luxurious accommodations in Big Sky, a top destination for travelers seeking both nature and comfort.
In his 1962 book “Travels with Charley,” John Steinbeck wrote, “It seems to me that Montana is a great splash of grandeur. The scale is huge, but not overpowering. The land is rich with grass and color and the mountains are the kind I would create if mountains were put on my agenda.” While some aspects of his travelogue have since been disputed, it’s hard to argue with this description of the Treasure State. There’s glory, beauty, and adventure across the mountains, the plains, and everywhere in between.
“Montana is a nature lover’s paradise with a lot to offer,” says Jason Pittman, ranch manager at Alpine Falls Ranch. “From epic hiking with breathtaking mountain views, fantastic skiing, and biking trails to legendary fly-fishing, river rafting, bird-watching, horseback riding, and more—there’s something for everyone of all ages and energy levels.” While places like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone tend to draw in travelers, they’re far from the only worthwhile destinations. “Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path. Every town in Montana has a great story,” says Avery Patrick, the vice president of Showdown Montana.
Read on to discover the best places to visit in Montana—a list we curated with the help of a few local experts.
Lolo National Forest
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“At two million acres, Lolo National Forest is one of the smaller national forests in the state, but it features rivers, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and nearly every physical feature Montana offers,” says Pittman. He describes the wildlife, geology, and scenery as “breathtaking,” and many of the area’s campgrounds and sites are open year-round for visitors to explore. The warmer months are particularly nice, as there’s hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and more.
Red Lodge
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Red Lodge is a certified mountain town that’s located in the Beartooth Mountains and surrounded by Custer Gallatin National Forest. The charming small town serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The route from Red Lodge to the national park—what’s known as the Beartooth Highway—is just as noteworthy. If you’re visiting Red Lodge in the winter, though, you’ll miss the drive; Beartooth Highway is only open to cars from Memorial Day weekend through early October (weather permitting).
Fort Benton
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“Fort Benton is a cool Montana town along the banks of the Missouri River with an amazing history,” says Patrick. “Whether you want to recreate on the river or take a historical tour, you won’t be disappointed.” If you’re staying in town, she recommends booking a room at the Grand Union Hotel, Montana’s oldest operating hotel and an establishment that was once known as the finest lodging between Seattle and St. Louis.
Garnet
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Pittman calls Garnet Ghost Town, located about an hour from Missoula, a “real, well-preserved, Old West ghost town.” He recommends it “for those who love history and the Old West or just want to experience something that most will never get to see.” And if you happen to be in the area in June, your trip may overlap with Garnet Day. He describes it as a “can’t-miss experience featuring Old West reenactments, games, music, food, and family-friendly activities that embrace the history of the town.”
Big Sky
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For some, Big Sky is synonymous with ski season in Montana; after all, Big Sky Resort boasts more than 300 named runs across a series of connected mountains. The town of Big Sky, however, is an all-seasons destination, and it has a variety of incredible places to stay, from the rustic-chic cabins at Lone Mountain Ranch to the ultra-luxe Montage Big Sky. Plus, there’s even a brand-new One&Only property.
Missoula
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“Beyond all the outdoor adventure at your fingertips, places like downtown Missoula are also full of breweries and restaurants with live music, great food and drinks, and cool locally owned shops featuring independent artists, art galleries, and museums. It also has great architecture and plenty of historic sites for history buffs,” says Pittman. If you’re spending a few days in the city and searching for places to eat, he recommends checking out a few of his favorites: Big Dipper Ice Cream, Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, The Depot, and Break Espresso.
West Yellowstone
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Yellowstone has five entrances, one of which is located in West Yellowstone. While it was only incorporated in the 1960s, the small town has been known as a gateway to the park for well over a century. It’s a great day trip from Island Park, Idaho, and especially fun in the summer when the West Yellowstone Rodeo is on and you can find huckleberry ice cream on nearly every corner in town.
Glacier National Park
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If you haven’t yet experienced the splendor of Glacier National Park, add it to your list. One of the park’s highlights is the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, the stretch between West Glacier and St. Mary. It goes through the heart of the park and by incredible observation points, waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Glacier is also a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places to stargaze in Montana.
Medicine Rocks State Park
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A lot of Montana’s tourist attractions and notable destinations are located on the western side of the state, but you’ll find Medicine Rocks State Park in the eastern region. The medicine rocks themselves are a collection of natural rock formations that are considered sacred by Native American tribes in the area. For a completely immersive experience, visitors can camp at one of the nine campsites among the rocks.
Flathead Lake
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There’s no shortage of lakes in Montana, and the 200-square-mile Flathead Lake is certainly one of the best. “The lake features islands, mountain views, and adventurous activities that make it a must-visit location,” says Pittman. A little over an hour’s drive from Missoula, it makes for the perfect day trip if you’re in the area.
Lookout Pass
Technically, Lookout Pass is located on the border between Montana and Idaho, but Pittman calls it the best place to ski in the Western Montana region, and he recommends it for anyone “who wants to experience Rocky Mountain skiing without having to drive five hours.” He also adds that the ski area has “multiple trails of each skill level, restaurants and bars, and experienced staff,” making it a “can’t-miss mountain for those visiting in the winter months.”
Whitefish
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Travelers headed to Glacier National Park should make it a point to stop in Whitefish, a resort town with year-round appeal. Home to Whitefish Mountain Resort, this is a destination where winter sports are a priority, with 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. If you prefer accommodations that are close to the resort, downtown Whitefish, and the national park, book a cozy, Western-inspired room at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Clark Fork River
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“If you’ve come to Western Montana with fishing in mind, the Clark Fork River is a must,” says Pittman. “The cold, raging waters of the river are also the perfect spot for some white water rafting or even for some more peaceful river floating (cocktails are a must).” But for anyone searching for something a bit more challenging on Montana’s largest river, he suggests “going straight to the Alberton Gorge, a spot on the Clark Fork that features some of the best and most challenging white water rafting in the region.”
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
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When you come to Montana, you’ll see a variety of geological features, from mountains and valleys to lakes and caverns. If you want to experience the latter, Patrick suggests the Lewis & Clark Caverns, a state park near Whitehall. “It is one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest [with] a very impressive two-hour tour,” she says. After your tour wraps, she recommends stopping by LaHood Park Steakhouse along the Jefferson River for a margarita and a steak.
Great Falls
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“While Great Falls might not be one of the most talked-about destinations in Montana, it’s one you don’t want to miss,” says Patrick. The centrally located city is referred to as “Montana’s base camp” and even has an international airport. “Whether you’re at the C. M. Russell Museum or the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Great Falls has great museums highlighting Western culture and has great lodging and dining options,” she adds. If you’re visiting in the summer, her insider tip is to make the 40-minute drive to nearby Sluice Boxes State Park for swimming, fishing, and rafting.
Diamond Lake
When you get to Diamond Lake, notes Pittman, ”you are greeted by a panoramic, jaw-dropping scene of a pristine, crystal-clear lake, ringed by forest and mountain peaks.” When the weather permits, he says you can fish, hike, picnic, or “just sit on the shoreline and take in the mountain air and amazing scenery.”
Bozeman
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Bozeman is usually associated with Yellowstone—it’s less than two hours from the national park—but it also has its own identity as one of the best places to live in Montana. Residents are able to take full advantage of the great outdoors; activities like fishing, hiking, backcountry exploring, and skiing are all at their doorstep. Additionally, Bozeman is known for its thriving arts and culture scene. Spend even a little time in the city, and you’ll find museums, art galleries, street festivals, farmers markets, and more.
Seeley Lake
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Patrick calls Seeley Lake “the place to be” when summer temperatures peak, as there’s “fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, waterfalls, and, most importantly, huckleberry ice cream.” It’s also a beautiful fall destination. Beginning in early October, you can expect the western larch needles to turn yellow and put on a show.
Helena
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The capital of Montana, Helena sits between Yellowstone and Glacier, making it a good stopping point for anyone attempting to do both national parks in one trip. History buffs will find plenty of points of interest in the city, which was founded as a gold camp during Montana’s gold rush. The Last Chance Tour Train, for example, leaves from the Montana Heritage Center and takes riders on a journey through Helena’s past and present, passing by the State Capitol Building, the Cathedral of St. Helena, and other must-sees while in town.
White Sulphur Springs
Montana might be big on outdoor sports and general adventure, but the entirety of your trip doesn’t have to fall into this category. Case in point: White Sulphur Springs, a city named for its mineralized hot springs. Patrick calls it the “perfect getaway,” and recommends planning a ski weekend at Showdown Montana that includes a stay at The Edith Hotel and a soak in the hot springs at Spa Hot Springs Motel.