Nicknamed the Big Sky Country, Montana is one of the few places in the United States that offers picturesque landscapes and sceneries. From the glaciated lakes to the beautiful city of Virginia, there are several best places to visit in Montana.
Furthermore, the lush Mountainous regions are full of wildlife, making it a perfect place for animal lovers. You will find the world-known Glacier National Park in this region, which is Montana’s #1 tourist attraction.
However, there is so much more to Montana than its glaciers. The state is home to millions of acres of lush vegetation and wildlife. Hence, this provides the perfect chance to hike through the best places to visit in Montana. On the contrary, the state also has a vibrant urban life. Some notable cities are Missoula, Bozeman, Virginia, Livingston, etc.
Best Places to Visit in Montana
Since it offers a unique flavor to its visitors, Montana has become one of our favorite tourist destinations. It does not matter if it’s your first visit or if you are a local, as you are bound to love the state. In fact, spending a week here will make it hard for you to live anywhere else.
Therefore, if you plan a trip to the US state, you must prepare a list of the best places to visit in Montana. Doing so will reduce the pressure of urgency, and you can enjoy your trip. Therefore, check out our list of best places to visit in Montana and use it as a reference to plan your vacation. Much better if you follow our list!
Places To Visit In Montana (1 to 4)
1. Glacier National Park
If you are in search of breathtaking sceneries and landscapes, Glacier National Park is a place you do not want to miss. Sharing the title of the Crown of the Continent with Waterton Lakes of Canada, it tops the list of best places to visit in Montana.
The park is U-shaped, primarily because the massive snowfalls and ancient-old glaciers carved their way through the mountain. It resulted in the scenic views of the mountains, freezing lakes, and a U-shaped valley we see today.
Sharing the title of the Crown of the Continent with Waterton Lakes of Canada, it tops the list of best places to visit in Montana.
Thankfully, this National Park offers an endless list of things to do. The major tourist attractions include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Huckleberry Mountain, etc. Through these points, you can experience the joy of adventurous sports, such as hiking, boating, skiing, camping, etc. You cannot miss driving through the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Address: Montana, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: June through mid-September
- Fun things to do: Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Half Day Scenic Float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
- Entrance fee: $20.00
- Hotels Nearby: Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge
2. Virginia City
Located west of Yellowstone National Park, Virginia City was once a vibrant locality of the state. Surprisingly, the city had rich reserves of Gold, which led to the Gold Rush. However, due to excessive mining, only a few precious minerals remain. The city has relatively turned into a preserved ghost town popular among tourists.
It is one of the best places to visit in Montana because you can experience it just like it was during its heyday. You can ride the narrow-gauge train that has an antique stagecoach.
You can also visit the Virginia City Opera House to attend the live concerts and melodrama performed by veteran players. All these reasons make this city one of the best places to visit in Montana.
- Address: Virginia City, Nevada 89440, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: June to mid August
- Fun things to do: Fourth Ward School Museum, Mackay Mansion Museum
- Entrance fee: Mackay Mansion Adult $8/Child $5
- Hotels Nearby: Virginia City Inn, Silverland Inn & Suites
3. Helena
Playing a vital role in Montana’s Gold Rush, Helena became the capital of the state in 1889. Even today, you can find the reminiscents of the Gold Rush within the Reeder’s Alley, which also has a preserved cabin.
Since Helena is the capital of Montana, the city fills itself with several federal structures, including the State Capitol. One of the best places to visit in Montana’s capital is the Montana Historical Society Museum. Your inner artist will be more than happy to see the historical paintings and massive murals in the historic center.
Your inner artist will be more than happy to see the historical paintings and massive murals in the Montana Historical Society Museum.
Apart from the city, Mount Helena is where you can channel your adrenaline. It offers numerous adventurous activities like hiking and camping, providing exceptional vistas of the city. The ExporationWorks Plaza, Great Northern Carousel, and a 100-year-old Cathedral are the best places if on a family trip.
- Address: Helena Montana, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: July, August, and then June
- Fun things to do: Original Governor’s Mansion, Holter Museum of Art, Holter Museum of Art
- Entrance fee: Free of cost
- Hotels Nearby: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Helena, Home2 Suites by Hilton Helena
4. Livingston
With Yellowstone River by its side, Livingston gives off a unique vibe. Due to these authentic vibes, the cowboys (quintessential part of the Old West) settled in this area and called Livingston their home. Hence, this resulted in Montana becoming a part of the American Frontier.
An hour’s drive from the Yellowstone National Park will take you to the Main Street of Livingston. Fortunately, you don’t have to go anywhere except Main Street for the delightful panoramas of the mountains. Hiking to the top of Livingston Peak ensures the same delight for your eyes.
Fortunately, you don't have to go anywhere except Livingston Main Street for the delightful panoramas of the mountains.
Other things that make Livingston one of the best places to visit in Montana are its restaurants and art galleries. Furthermore, this Old West Town also has a rich cultural history that will make you fall in love with it.
- Address: Livingston, Montana 59047, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: August, July and June
- Fun things to do: Yellowstone Gateway Museum, Livingston Depot Center
- Entrance fee: $150.00
- Hotels Nearby: The Historic Murray Hotel, Livingston Inn
Places To Visit In Montana (5 to 8)
5. Missoula
Home to the University of Montana, Missoula is the perfect place to feel the youth. The streets are loaded with college students, tons of shopping outlets, and entertainment options. The Clark Fork River further adds to the beauty of Missoula, making it one of the best places to visit in Montana.
Apart from the University campus, Missoula Art Museum is a must-visit place. Furthermore, you can taste the lively music scene of Missoula through various means, such as the Wilma theatre. If you are one of those who like to walk alongside beautiful rivers, then walking through the Clark Fork River Trail is a place for you.
Home to the University of Montana, Missoula is the perfect place to feel the youth. The streets are loaded with college students, tons of shopping outlets, and entertainment options.
Finally, a place you cannot miss while in Missoula is the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. It offers myriad opportunities for hiking and skiing through its snowy slopes. Once you reach the top, you will unlock access to Montana’s most iconic and picturesque views.
- Address: 199 West Pine Street Missoula, MT 59802
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: June and August
- Fun things to do: A Carousel for Missoula, Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Entrance fee: $2 for students, $3 for seniors, $4 for adults, and $10 for families
- Hotels Nearby: WoodSpring Suites Missoula, AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown
6. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Whitehall
Covering a massive landmass of 3,000-acre, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a public recreation attraction in Whitehall. Canonically, this state park is a nature preservation area but has been a famous tourist place for years.
Housing one of the Northwest’s most extensive limestone caverns, it acts as the perfect retreat from daily life. When showered with electric lights, the whole cavers get uncovered. Hence, your eyes are truly served with the best possible sights.
Housing one of the Northwest's most extensive limestone caverns, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park acts as the perfect retreat from daily life.
You can opt for the guided tours that will take you on a ten-mile hiking trail to the limestone caverns. Some other ways to spend time in the state park are ziplining across the Gallatin River and visiting the Headwaters Heritage Museum..
- Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, United States
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Fun things to do: Missouri Headwaters State Park, Headwaters Heritage Museum
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Comfort Suites Airport-University, Sacajawea Hotel
7. Bozeman
Bozeman is another place in Montana that boasts the title of being a university city. The Montana State University is in Bozeman, adding to the academic appeal of this western town. If you visit the historic Main Street, don’t get surprised to see the young people flooding it, especially on weekends.
Bozeman is also famous for its open streets with plenty of things to do. Visiting places like the Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Bridger Bowl Ski Area helps you get your adrenaline levels high. Due to these areas, Bozeman is the perfect place for adventurous activities, such as hiking and skiing.
If you get amused by dinosaurs, you will love the Museum of the Rockies. Why? Because it has the USA’s most extensive dinosaur fossil collection.
- Address: Bozeman Montana, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Spring is the most beautiful season
- Fun things to do: Private VIP Boutique Yellowstone Day Tour from Bozeman, Ziplining across the Beautiful Gallatin River
- Entrance fee: Youth $3, Adults $5, Seniors $4
- Hotels Nearby: Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman, Bodhi Farms
8. Big Sky
45 miles south of Bozeman lies the small community of Big Sky. Encircled by the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area and the Gallatin National Forest, this hamlet provides the best possible conditions for skiing. You will have the chance to ski on 5,800 acres of terrain.
Big Sky is one of the best places to visit in Montana for all your adventurous needs. In summers, you can enjoy whitewater rafting, the chance to fish, go on backcountry trekking, mountain biking, and much more.
- Address: Big Sky, MT 59716
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Winter season
- Fun things to do: Ousel Falls Trail, Lone Peak
- Entrance fee: $36.99
- Hotels Nearby: Big Sky Resort, Montage Big Sky
Places To Visit In Montana (9 to 12)
9. Yellowstone National Park
Rated as one of the best national parks in the US, you cannot afford to miss the Yellowstone National Park of Montana. Access the northern part of the park through Gardiner and the southern part from the gorgeous Paradise Valley. As soon as you enter the boundaries, you will get welcomed by the Boiling River and the Mammoth Hot Springs.
On its own, Mammoth Hot Springs is enough to satisfy a tourist. Bathing in the hot and steamy water is truly delightful. Furthermore, the campgrounds and dining options add to the utility of Hot Springs. Traveling past the hot springs, you will enter the 3,500 square miles of Yellowstone. Exploring the park from the Hot Springs side is one of the best ways because of the unique and aromatic vibes of the springs.
Rated as one of the best national parks in the US, you cannot afford to miss the Yellowstone National Park of Montana.
Other places to explore in Yellowstone National Park include the Grand Prismatic Spring, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, and more. Here, you can meet the exotic wildlife of bison, grizzly bears, elk, and wolves.
All these factors make Yellowstone National Park one of the best places to visit in Montana. However, make sure to reserve a hotel before coming as the hotels get full real quick.
- Address: Yellowstone, Montana 59758, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: April, September, and October
- Fun things to do: Yellowstone Lake, Grand Prismatic Spring, etc.
- Entrance fee: $35:00
- Hotels Nearby: Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lodge
10. Anaconda
Anaconda is a historic town in Montana that got converted into a famous tourist attraction. Surrounded by mountains and forest areas from every side, Anaconda offers some of Montana’s most scenic views. Historically, this town was a place for smelting operations. However, it ceased in 1980, and the only remaining reminiscent of it is The Stack.
Most attractions of Anaconda are related to its history with the neighboring “Richest Hill on Earth.” Aside from that, you will find a hot spring resort and a historic theatre. Luckily, Anaconda also has provisions for golf enthusiasts in the form of Old Works Golf Club. Finally, you will love interacting with the locals here as they are very friendly.
Surrounded by mountains and forest areas from every side, Anaconda offers some of Montana's most scenic views.
- Address: Anaconda Montana, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Winter
- Fun things to do: Georgetown Lake, Lost Creek State Park
- Entrance fee: $17
- Where to stay in: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Bitter Root River Ranch, The Forge Hotel, BW Signature Collection.
11. Whitefish
If you are visiting Northwest Montana, you will have to inevitably visit Whitefish. Home to the Whitefish Mountain Resort, it ensures you will spend quality time here. For starters, the Glacier National Park is the perfect way to start your itinerary in this beautiful city.
As you enter the downtown district, the hustle and bustle of Whitefish will start to uncover. Luckily, there are dozens of local shops for you to shop from and buy souvenirs. The restaurants and art galleries are also a must-visit. Furthermore, the amount of live entertainment options in Whitefish is insane. Skiing and snowboarding have been tourist-favorite for a long time.
Are you Interested to know more about best places to visit in North America? Click here.
The other best places to visit in Montana Whitefish include Whitefish Lake and the Flathead National Forest. You can also rent bikes to transverse around the bustling town of Whitefish. Hence, there’s no reason for you to not visit Whitefish while in Montana.
- Address: 418 E 2nd Street Whitefish, MT 59937
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: September and early October
- Fun things to do: Full-day E-Bike Rental in Whitefish, West Glacier & Polebridge Full Day Tour
- Entrance fee: Adults: $14.00. Children 17 and under: $10.00
- Where to stay: Grouse Mountain Lodge, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
12. Philipsburg
The last entry to our list of best places to visit in Montana is Philipsburg. Similar to Anaconda, Philipsburg is also a historic town loved by tourists. You can reach here through the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway that connects Philipsburg and Anaconda. Driving on this Highway is like heaven for any driver.
All attractions in Philipsburg help the tourists to learn about the town’s history. For instance, the 1891 Opera House Theatre lets visitors see vaudeville-style art forms. Furthermore, the Granite County Museum will teach how the miners used to mine silver in the past.
Reach here through the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway that connects Philipsburg and Anaconda. Driving on this Highway is like heaven for any driver.
One place that is sure to steal your heart with sweetness is the Sweet Palace. Here, you will find some of the best candies found in the entire USA. Other major tourist attractions include art galleries and soda shops. Hence, you must add it to your list of the best places to visit in Montana.
- Address: Montana 59858, USA
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: July, August and September
- Fun things to do: Christmas Emporium, Back Creek Pottery
- Entrance fee: $1:00
- Where to stay: Boulder Creek Lodge Montana, Hickory House Inn
Conclusion
These top destinations in Montana are fantastic for any kind of vacation you’re planning. Each location offers breathtaking beauty and an incredible way to see Montana. These are some best places to visit in Montana for more these kinds of blogs you can visit our website.
FAQ
What Is the Main Attribute of Montana?
Although Montana has many wonderful qualities, its vast open expanses are undoubtedly its most distinctive feature. Wild rivers, notable mountains, and one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River in the lower 48 states are just a few examples of these noteworthy landscapes.
What Makes Montana the “Treasure State”?
Due to the numerous valuable minerals that can be found beneath its soil, Montana is also known as the Treasure State.
What To Wear In Montana In Summer?
You’ll need appropriate hiking and outdoor clothing, insect spray, reusable water bottles, and plenty of sunscreen during the summer.
What to Wear in Montana in Winter for Babies?
Only pack the toddler essentials.
What is the best time to visit Montana?
Montana offers a variety of things to do, no matter the time of the year. If we had to choose the best time to visit Montana, it would be the summer months. Furthermore, the US state receives low rainfall, and the climate is suitable to travel.
How long should my trip to Montana be?
The length of your trip should depend on how tight your schedule is. If you want to see only the major tourist attractions, it should not take more than 3 or 4 days of your time. However, if you look to explore Montana’s heart, we suggest planning a trip of about a week.
Leave a reply