Montana is a state that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural history. From the majestic snow-capped mountains to the vast stretches of prairies and the glittering lakes, Montana has a lot to offer to tourists. If you are planning a trip to Montana, you don’t want to miss out on the top-rated tourist attractions and things to do that this state has to offer. From the iconic Yellowstone National Park to the charming mining town of Butte and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana has something to offer to everyone. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top-rated tourist attractions and things to do in Montana that will help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to explore Montana like never before!
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Montana. Covering over a million acres, the park boasts of 700 miles of trails, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountains. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a scenic drive that stretches for 50 miles, is one of the most popular attractions in the park. The road takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the park and offers panoramic views of the mountains, glaciers, and valleys.
Apart from the scenic drive, Glacier National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also take a boat tour on the park’s lakes, such as Lake McDonald, and enjoy the stunning scenery from the water.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is another iconic tourist attraction in Montana that you don’t want to miss. Spread across three states, including Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, the park is home to a variety of natural wonders such as geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. The park’s most famous attraction is the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 180 feet in the air.
Apart from the geysers, Yellowstone National Park also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park and learn about its history and geological wonders.
Virginia City
Virginia City is a charming mining town in Montana that offers a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural history. The town was founded in the 1860s during the gold rush and was once a bustling mining town. Today, it is a living museum that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century mining town.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the town and visit its many historic buildings, such as the Opera House, the Nevada City Hotel, and the Montana Heritage Commission. The town also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Virginia City Art Show and Sale and the Victorian Ball.
Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies is a must-visit attraction in Montana for history and science enthusiasts. The museum is located in Bozeman and is home to a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, including the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever found. The museum’s exhibits also cover the history and culture of the American West, including Native American artifacts, pioneer-era artifacts, and exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Apart from its exhibits, the Museum of the Rockies also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as summer camps and lectures by prominent scientists and historians.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a scenic park that spans over 120,000 acres in Montana and Wyoming. The park is home to a variety of natural wonders, including cliffs, canyons, and rivers. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy the stunning scenery, or they can take a boat tour on the Bighorn Lake and enjoy the park’s wildlife and scenery from the water.
Apart from the scenic drive and boat tours, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bald eagles.
Fly Fish Blue Ribbon Waterways
Montana is known as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world, with numerous Blue Ribbon Waterways that attract anglers from all over. Montana’s rivers and streams are renowned for their clear water, stunning scenery, and healthy populations of wild trout.
Some of the most famous fly fishing destinations in Montana include the Madison River, the Yellowstone River, the Missouri River, and the Bighorn River. These waterways are managed by state and federal agencies to protect their water quality and fish populations, and many are surrounded by public lands that offer additional recreational opportunities.
Montana’s fly fishing season typically runs from late April to early November, although the exact timing can vary depending on weather and water conditions. Many outfitters and guides operate in the state, offering guided trips and instruction for both novice and experienced anglers.
Butte
Butte is a charming mining town in Montana that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century mining town. The town was once one of the largest copper producers in the world and was known as the “Richest Hill on Earth.” Today, it is a living museum that offers visitors a chance to explore its many historic buildings, such as the Copper King Mansion and the World Museum of Mining.
Apart from its historic buildings, Butte also offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Montana Folk Festival and the An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival. The town also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer visitors a chance to experience Montana’s unique culture and cuisine.
The World Museum of Mining
The World Museum of Mining is a museum located in Butte, Montana, USA that celebrates the history of mining in the state and the broader region. The museum is situated on the site of the Orphan Girl mine, which was one of the most productive mines in the Butte area.
The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the tools, equipment, and technology that was used in mining operations in Montana and around the world. Visitors can explore the underground mine tour, which takes them through the various levels of the mine, showing the different techniques and technologies used for mining in different periods.
The museum also features exhibits that showcase the social and cultural history of mining communities, including the lives and work of the miners and their families. Visitors can also view collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils from around the world.
In addition to the exhibits, the World Museum of Mining offers educational programs and events, including hands-on workshops and field trips. Visitors can also browse the museum store, which offers a variety of mining-related souvenirs and gifts.
The museum is open seasonally from May to September, with limited hours during the off-season. It is a popular attraction for visitors to Butte and the surrounding area, and offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the mining industry in Montana.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
The Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a natural wonder in Montana that offers visitors a chance to explore some of the state’s most stunning geological features. The park is home to a network of limestone caverns that were formed over millions of years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns and explore their many chambers and formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites.
Apart from the caverns, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears.
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States and is a popular tourist attraction in Montana. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also take a scenic drive around the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery, or they can take a boat tour and explore the lake’s many islands and bays.
Apart from its recreational activities, Flathead Lake also offers a variety of cultural attractions such as the Flathead Indian Reservation and the Mission Mountains. The lake is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer visitors a chance to experience Montana’s unique culture and cuisine.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a historic site in Montana that commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn, which took place in 1876. The battle was fought between the United States Army and the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes and was one of the most significant conflicts in the American Indian Wars. The monument includes a museum, a visitor center, and a memorial that honors those who fought and died in the battle.
Apart from its historical significance, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The monument is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn antelope.
Helena
Helena is the capital city of Montana and offers visitors a chance to experience the state’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history. The city is home to a variety of historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Montana State Capitol and the Cathedral of St. Helena. Visitors can also explore the city’s many art galleries, museums, and cultural attractions, such as the Holter Museum of Art and the Montana Historical Society.
Apart from its cultural attractions, Helena also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The city is located near several state parks, such as Spring Meadow Lake State Park and Helena National Forest.
The Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
The Montana Vortex and House of Mystery is a unique tourist attraction in Montana that offers visitors a chance to experience a variety of optical illusions and gravitational anomalies. The attraction includes a house that appears to defy the laws of physics, a vortex that causes objects to appear to roll uphill, and a variety of other mysterious phenomena.
Apart from its optical illusions, the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and nature walks. The attraction is located near several state parks, such as the Kootenai National Forest and the Lolo National Forest.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
The Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a living museum in Montana that offers visitors a chance to experience life on a 19th-century cattle ranch. The site includes a variety of historic buildings, such as the main house, the bunkhouse, and the calving barn. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the ranch’s history and culture.
Apart from its historic buildings, the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The site is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope.
Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is a historic building in Helena that serves as the seat of government for the state of Montana. The building was completed in 1902 and features a neoclassical design. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture.
Apart from its historical significance, the Montana State Capitol also offers a variety of cultural attractions such as the Montana Historical Society and the Holter Museum of Art. The building is located near several state parks, such as Spring Meadow Lake State Park and Helena National Forest.
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort is a ski resort in Montana that offers visitors a chance to experience some of the state’s best skiing and snowboarding. The resort features over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain, 36 lifts, and a variety of ski runs for all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
Apart from its winter activities, Big Sky Resort also offers a variety of summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. The resort is located near several state parks, such as Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park.
National Bison Range
The National Bison Range is a wildlife refuge in Montana that is home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the refuge and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife. The refuge also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Apart from its wildlife, the National Bison Range also offers a variety of cultural attractions such as the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge and the Flathead Indian Reservation. The refuge is located near several state parks, such as the Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is a ski resort in Montana that offers visitors a chance to experience some of the state’s best skiing and snowboarding. The resort features over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 14 lifts, and a variety of ski runs for all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
Apart from its winter activities, Whitefish Mountain Resort also offers a variety of summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. The resort is located near several state parks, such as Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
Museum of the Plains Indian
The Museum of the Plains Indian is a cultural museum in Montana that is dedicated to the art and culture of the Plains Indians. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including traditional clothing, beadwork, and artwork. Visitors can also take part in cultural demonstrations and events, such as drumming and dancing.
Apart from its exhibits, the Museum of the Plains Indian also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures and workshops. The museum is located near several state parks, such as the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
Garnet Ghost Town
The Garnet Ghost Town is a historic site in Montana that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century mining town. The town was founded in the 1890s during the gold rush and was once a bustling mining town. Today, it is a living museum that offers visitors a chance to explore its many historic buildings, such as the Kelly Saloon and the Wells Hotel.
Apart from its historic buildings, the Garnet Ghost Town also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The town is located near several state parks, such as the Lolo National Forest and the Flathead Lake.
National Museum of Forest Service History
The National Museum of Forest Service History is a cultural museum in Montana that is dedicated to the history of the United States Forest Service. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including historic artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of the American West, including Native American artifacts, pioneer-era artifacts, and exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Apart from its exhibits, the National Museum of Forest Service History also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures and workshops. The museum is located near several state parks, such as the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
Moss Mansion
The Moss Mansion is a historic house museum located in Billings, Montana, USA. It was built in 1903 by a wealthy entrepreneur named Preston Boyd Moss and his wife, Martha Ursula Woodson Moss. The mansion is an excellent example of the architecture and lifestyle of the early 20th century in the American West.
The Moss Mansion features 28 rooms spread over three floors, including a ballroom, a library, and a formal dining room. The interior is decorated in the style of the period, with elegant furnishings, artwork, and decor that give visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy during the early 1900s.
The mansion is open to the public for tours, which are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the history of the Moss family and the construction of the mansion. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the mansion, including the family’s bedrooms, the servant quarters, and the kitchen, which features original appliances and fixtures.
Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area
Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is a natural area located in northwestern Montana, USA. It is known for its old-growth forest of western red cedar trees, some of which are over 400 years old and can reach heights of up to 150 feet (45 meters).
The scenic area covers over 100 acres (40 hectares) and features a network of trails that wind through the forest, offering visitors the chance to explore this unique ecosystem up close. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
In addition to the cedars, the forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species. Visitors are encouraged to keep a safe distance from wildlife and to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural environment.
The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is located near the town of Troy, Montana, and is open year-round, although access may be limited in the winter months due to snow and ice. There is no admission fee to enter the scenic area, although donations are accepted to help maintain the trails and facilities.
The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers, and offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of Montana’s forests.
