Things to do in Montana
Big mountains, bigger skies
Home to some of the nation’s most magnificent natural wonders, Montana doesn’t do anything by halves. Big, bold, and beautiful, this wild western state offers adventures like nowhere else, and the possibilities for exploring its spectacular, untamed spaces are nearly endless. Imagine yourself hiking alpine trails through the vast landscape of Glacier National Park, hitting the ski slopes in Whitefish, finding dinosaur fossils in the eastern Badlands, and watching spouting geysers in Yellowstone National Park. And that’s just for starters.
Top 3 attractions in Montana
Glacier National Park
C.M. Russell Museum
Moss Mansion
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When to visit
Summer is peak visitor season in Montana for good reason: Long, sunny days promise ample outdoor adventures. If you want to beat the crowds and enjoy a calmer—and perhaps more authentic—experience, visit in the shoulder season from September to November. Winter, on the other hand, is superb for winter sports and for wildlife-watching (without summer’s nose-to-tail traffic) in Yellowstone National Park.
Getting around
Montana is a sprawling state, so you’ll need your own wheels to get pretty much anywhere—hitting the open road is one of the state’s best experiences, anyway. If driving is not an option, check out the Greyhound bus, which serves cities including Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, and Bozeman. There are also several Amtrak stations in Montana, including a few near Glacier National Park. Montana’s major cities have public transportation, albeit with limited services.
Traveler tips
Summer in Montana is glorious, but the state’s big attractions can feel the pressure of the sheer volume of visitors. If you are planning to visit in the summer months, aim to go off the beaten path and think beyond the national parks. The rugged preserve of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, for example, lies just outside Yellowstone National Park and has hundreds of miles of hiking trails and backcountry to explore in relative peace.