Montana is a beautiful state with many places to visit. If you live in Montana or are just visiting for the first time, here are my favorite must-see destinations that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
Table of Contents
- 1 Yellowstone National Park
- 2 Glacier National Park
- 3 Glacier National Park Scenic Train Ride
- 4 Swan Lake Flathead National Forest Area
- 5 Flathead Lake
- 6 Helena
- 7 Great Falls
- 8 Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
- 9 Montana State Capitol Building
- 10 Bitter Creek National Historic Park and Preserve
- 11 Beartooth Highway
- 12 There is so much more of Montana to explore
Yellowstone National Park
Considered one of the world’s precious natural wonders, this park includes three million acres of unspoiled nature, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic geysers. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Pelican Valley in Yellowstone National Park
This picturesque valley is located within the borders of the world-famous Yellowstone National Park and features an abundance of wildlife bighorn sheep, deer, and elk. It’s also home to many different species of birds that flock here for nesting season such as sandhill cranes. This is a popular spot for spotting wildlife as it is home to many moose, bison, and elk. Don’t forget your camera!
Glacier National Park
Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in America, Glacier National Park offers over 700 miles of hiking trails through mountains and valleys that offer perfect opportunities for spectacular photos. You can also take in the breathtaking views while taking a scenic train ride through the park.
Glacier National Park Scenic Train Ride
This short trip takes you to Logan Pass, where you will witness some of the most incredible scenery on Earth as well as visit St. Mary’s Lake and Waterton Lakes National Forest. The round-trip ride lasts about an hour and a half.
Swan Lake Flathead National Forest Area
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this is it! This secluded spot in Montana offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty without having to worry about all of those distractions that come along with traveling to more well-known destinations. The scenery here is absolutely gorgeous and you’ll never want to leave.
Flathead Lake
This lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in America and offers an array of activities such as kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and sailing. This body of water also has many islands that you can explore on a cruise or ferry ride.
Flathead Lake Cruise/Ferry Ride
For those who want to take it easy and enjoy the view, a cruise or ferry ride is perfect. You can also choose to hop on an island tour if you’re feeling more adventurous and explore all of those little nooks and crannies that make this body of water so unique.
With over 100 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in western Montana. It’s also home to many different species of wildlife and offers fishing charters for those who enjoy reeling in a big catch!
Helena
Helena was once known as “the Magic City” and is today a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and history. For those who love the outdoors, Helena offers many opportunities to explore or simply relax. The climate in Helena also makes it an ideal place to visit year-round.
Great Falls
This city in Montana is a great place to visit if you enjoy history and culture. There are many museums here that offer interactive exhibits, fun for all ages. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center also provides an interesting glimpse into the past with historical artifacts from their journey westward as well as hands-on activities designed for children.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
If you’re an adventure seeker, this is a must-see destination. You can take a guided tour of Lewis & Clark Caverns and explore the underground world for yourself. There are also plenty of other activities such as hiking trails to keep you busy at this park in Montana.
Montana State Capitol Building
Home to one of the largest masonry domes in the western U.S., this building is a testament to Montana’s rich history and culture as well as its roots as an important destination on the Oregon Trail.
Bitter Creek National Historic Park and Preserve
If you’re a history buff, this is one place that shouldn’t be missed. Located in central Montana, the site preserves evidence of America’s fur trade era and offers visitors an opportunity to view wildlife from bison to antelope. It also features spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains!
Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is a beautiful drive that winds its way through the Beartooth Mountains. You can choose from several different routes and enjoy some spectacular views on your journey to Yellowstone National Park!
There is so much more of Montana to explore
Montana is a beautiful state with many places to visit and plenty of things to do. If you live in Montana or are just visiting for the first time, here are 11 must-see destinations that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. From Flathead Lake’s scenic train ride through the Swan River National Forest Area; Helena’s museums and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park to Bitter Creek National Historic Park and Preserve, there’s something for everyone!
For those who love great scenery like I do, it doesn’t get much better than exploring Beartooth Highway on my way to Yellowstone National Park. I hope we’ve convinced you enough about how amazing this place truly is – come see all of these fantastic places for yourself and you understand what we are all raving about.
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