Montana Guidebooks

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Eastern Montana: A Whole New Side of Adventure

Montana is one of those places with boundless outdoor adventure cred. Those who venture eastward—into rugged badlands, meandering rivers, secluded mountain ranges, and vast prairie—will be rewarded with an unexpected and wholly different kind of Montana experience. The opportunities to fish, hunt, hike, ride, eat, and learn are practically endless. Not sure where to start? Follow one (or all!) of these road trip routes to discover a new side of adventure in Eastern Montana.

montana travel guide by mail

Unforgettable Road Trips

Wonder at sparkling glacial lakes and climb rocky mountain faces. Walk where dinosaurs once roamed and legendary battles were waged. Watch cowboys kick up clouds of dust. Lift glistening trout from teeming streams. Raft down mighty rivers. And gaze upon night skies that suggest the entire universe is within reach. From Travel + Leisure and Montana, find nine itineraries plus a winter guide to help you make your own Montana Moments.

montana travel guide by mail

National Geographic's 10 Ultimate Road Trips

Vast, unspoiled, and wild, “Big Sky Country” represents the very best of the American West. Rugged cowboys still saddle up to ride at ranches and wow crowds at rodeos. Ghost towns, state parks, and a one-of-a-kind Dinosaur Trail preserve a dazzling array of historical treasures—and offer opportunities to hunt for fossils and gems. Seven Indian Nations celebrate the state’s rich American heritage and traditions. Scenic train, float, and driving trips retrace the routes forged by explorers Lewis and Clark. And backcountry trails lead to wild, secluded spaces where it is still possible to be utterly alone.

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montana travel guide by mail

Outside Magazine's 6 Adventure Road Trips

Montana is the perfect place for road tripping. There are miles and miles of open roads. The landscape is stunning and varied. And its towns are welcoming and alluring, with imaginative hotels, restaurants, and breweries operated by friendly locals. Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks are the crown jewels, but the Big Sky state is filled with hundreds of equally awesome playgrounds in which to mountain bike, trail run, hike, raft, fish, horseback ride, and learn about the region’s rich history, dating back to the days of the dinosaurs. And that’s just in summer. Come winter, the state turns into a wonderland. The skiing and snowboarding are world-class, and the state offers up everything from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling and hot springs. Among Montana’s star attractions are ten national forests, hundreds of streams, tons of state parks, and historic monuments like Little Bighorn Battlefield and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Whether it’s a family-friendly hike or a peaceful river trip, there’s an experience that will recharge your spirit around every corner in Montana.

montana travel guide by mail

Indian Country Guidebook

A northwestern state of breathtaking mountain ranges and rolling prairie lands, scattered with colorful wildflowers and golden wheat fields, and set with scenic backdrops of bright blue skies, Montana is a dream destination for unforgettable experiences and outdoor fun. Home to seven Indian reservations and the state-recognized Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, there is a total of twelve tribal nations that are either federally or state recognized in Montana. The seven federally recognized tribal nations have been granted tribal sovereignty, which means they have the authority to govern themselves, with some limitations. These tribal homelands have miles and miles of unspoiled landscapes with sweeping views and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. We encourage you to journey off the beaten path to explore unique sights, buy local authentic arts and crafts, taste Native American cuisine and experience the splendor and beauty of the tribal nations across Montana.

montana travel guide by mail

Regional Guidebooks

Glacier Country 

Southwest Montana

Central Montana

Missouri River Country 

Southeast Montana

Yellowstone Country *Regional Guidebooks are available for individual orders, bulk orders not accepted.

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montana travel guide by mail

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Free Western Montana + Glacier National Park Travel Guide

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Start Planning Your Epic Adventure

Find travel inspiration and trip-planning help with our FREE Western Montana and Glacier National Park Travel Guide. Discover the best places to stay, where to eat and what to do in Montana, with detailed information about our charming small-town communities. Plus, we’ve included a comprehensive listing of lodging amenities. So if you’re looking for a pet-friendly hotel with a pool, Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast, or you want a river’s-edge cabin with fly-fishing and hiking trails outside your door, we can help guide you in the right direction.

Glacier Country Montana Travel Guide

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montana travel guide by mail

There's This Place Where Every Trail Is Worth the Trek

Three rivers and seven wilderness areas meet in Missoula, Montana, a small town with enormous personality. Visit Missoula and experience it for yourself.

montana travel guide by mail

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From the blog

Big Water Means Big Adventure in Western Montana

Western Montana’s rivers are among our most treasured natural assets, and these pristine waterways offer endless adventures. From fly-fishing and...

Spring in Western Montana and Glacier National Park

This spring, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is the perfect place for a fresh perspective and a breath of fresh air....

Celebrate Earth Day in Western Montana

While we believe that every day is Earth Day around here, this special day is the time to show our...

Discover Western Montana Spring Hiking + Biking Trails

Spring has sprung in the heart of Western Montana's Glacier Country, and the trails are calling us out for hiking...

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montana travel guide by mail

Montana Vacation Guide

Montana Vacation Guide

Montana is the “Treasure State.” Opportunities for fun and excitement are found in every part of the state, from the prairies in the east to the mountains in the west. Travel in Montana is a special experience. Enjoy!

Grizzly bear

Grizzly bears are at homes in wild areas of western Montana. Photo Frank van Manen, courtesy U.S. Geological Survey.

Logan Pass

Hayden Valley and meandering Yellowstone River with Washburn Mountain Range in background, Yellowstone National Park. This may be the most scenic landscape in North America. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

montana travel guide by mail

Travel Regions

 Montana has five distinctive travel regions. The flavor varies a lot from region to region.

montana travel guide by mail

Learn more by reading Montana Traveler Web pages. Find things to see and do that fit your interests and tastes. Then go and have some fun.

montana travel guide by mail

The southeast and south-central region is Yellowstone. Early explorers noticed prominent yellow sandstone bluffs bordering what is now known as the Yellowstone River. Soon, the name Yellowstone became associated with this region. Visitors enjoy vast prairies and, in the western section, towering mountains.

Some cities are Billings, Glendive, Miles City,  Red Lodge, and Livingston. Billings (pop. 110,323) is the chief city along I-90 and the upper Yellowstone Valley. Billings is a trade, medical, and entertainment center for a vast area including northwest Wyoming. Billings is a good base from which to make forays to Yellowstone National Park and the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument. Cody, Wyoming, a major tourist center, is southwest of Billings.

Montana Yellowstone Country

It’s easy to say that the southwest region is Wonderland . As the Union Pacific and Northern Pacific Railroads pushed new tracks west in the late 1800s, railway executives wanted Americans to see and develop virgin lands. To create interest and excitement, savvy railroad managers promoted this region and areas beyond as “Wonderland.” Today tourists flock to this region for outdoor activities, cultural events, and more. Fun is everywhere.

Some cities are Missoula, Bozeman,  Dillon, Hamilton, and Butte. Bozeman and Missoula are the major cities in Wonderland . Bozeman (pop.  45,250) is located in the Gallatin Valley, surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. The Gallatin Range and the Madison Range, south of Bozeman, rise more than 10,000 feet and have peaks covered with snow much of the year. Missoula (pop. 73,364) is home to the University of Montana   and the mighty Grizzlies.

Montana Wonderland

The northeast and north-central region is  Discoveryland. This is an area of vast prairies, with a very low population. Lewis & Clark and other early explorers followed the mighty Missouri River across this region on their journey west.

Some cities are Great Falls, Glasgow, Havre, and Shelby . Great Falls (pop. 59,178) is the largest city. Many people who live in Discoveryland shop in Great Falls. Holiday Village, the mall in Great Falls, has over 80 stores. Great Falls has exceptional museums that attract thousands of visitors.

Montana Discoveryland

The central region is Ranchland . Rural landscapes here are exceptionally beautiful. Cattle on the range out number people in this region by a gazillion or so it seems. Important cities are Helena, Lewistown, Roundup, and Townsend. Helena (pop. 31,169) is a friendly town with lots to offer visitors. Helena is the state capital and a major tourist center. The main part of town lies at the foot of the mountains in the beautiful Helena Valley. Lewistown, in central Montana, is a quaint small town, supported by ranching. The outdoors near Lewistown is a huge attraction.

Montana Ranchland

The northwest region is Glacier , a wilderness area of wild and pristine landscapes. If one imagines what a wilderness is like, this is the place. Some cities are Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Polson. Kalispell (pop. 22,761) is the largest city in the region. Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake are huge attractions in this area. In Glacier, visitors see some of the most spectacular landscape in North America.

Montana Wilderness

Travel tip When traveling, time usually is precious and limited. This is especially important to think about in Montana as “things” including attractions and cities are far apart. As for cities, a visit to one or two of the larger cities may be all that time allows. The choice of which cities to visit may come down to why a person is in the state in the first place. In any case, Missoula and Bozeman are likely tops for many visitors.

Summer pasture in Montana.

Travel tip Be prepared for large temperature changes even in the same day. This is true for the summer months too. Many areas are at a high elevation and the state is far north. Think chilly or cold. The best advice is to take along clothing to “layer up” when conditions change. During the summer a wool sweater and a spring- or fall-like jacket of medium-weight is a good choice.

MT map

Travel tip Google Maps is an essential tool for travelers. Google Maps offers a quick and convenient way to find and locate all kinds of services.

Rainbow trout galore

Fishing Bighorn River

History remembered:

St. Mary’s Mission, the oldest settlement in Montana, is on the National Register of Historic Places. In St. Mary’s Chapel, visitors can view an altar, railing, and other hand-made woodwork made by Fr. Anthony Ravalli, S. J. (1812-1884), back in 1845. St. Mary’s Mission is in the small town of Stevensville a few miles south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley.

Welcome : Willkommen : Bienvenu : Bienvenido : いらっしゃいませ

montana travel guide by mail

Pocket Montana

Your Gateway to Montana’s Wonders

Featured posts.

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29 Best Things to Do in Montana You Shouldn’t Miss

Montana, famously known as “Big Sky Country,” is an all-encompassing destination rich in diverse experiences, from cultural and historical value to pulse-quickening adventures, making it …

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The Montana Lynx: A Detailed Look Into Their World

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Montana Osprey: Behavior, Habitat, and Ecological Impact

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Montana Mountain Goat: Wildlife Encounters & Hunting Guide

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Dive into the vibrant heart of Montana with us.

Founded by three passionate locals, Ashley, Chris, and Elizabeth, we unveil the hidden gems and wonders of our beloved state.

Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking nature, lively events, or the rich tales of Montana, we’ve got the insider’s guide for you.

Start this journey and experience Montana through the lens of genuine enthusiasts.

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Contact us now to for Personalized Montana Tours and Activities for your family and friends!

Things To Do in Montana

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Discovering Montana

Discover The Best of​ Montana

Journey through Montana’s vast beauty. Search for community treasures, culinary delights, local festivities, housing insights, and trails that lead to breathtaking views and unforgettable landmarks.  Start your adventure here.

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Welcome to Discovering Montana, your trusted guide to the Treasure State’s hidden gems. Meet the dedicated voices behind every article – a collective of passionate locals and seasoned travelers. Our contributors and editors deliver meticulously curated content, capturing the essence and adventure of Montana’s vast beauty.

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Featured Travel Guides

Embark on Montana’s seasonal journeys and discover each month’s unique charm. Prepare your itinerary with our curated guides, from vibrant festivals to serene natural escapes, perfect for this time of the year.

yellowstone entrances

A Complete Guide to the 5 Yellowstone Entrances

Montana State Capitol

Guide to The Montana State Capitol Building

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

A Guide to The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas, Montana

sun river

A Guide to the Sun River, Montana

yaak river

A Guide to the Yaak River, Montana

madison river scenic drive

A Guide to The Madison River Scenic Drive, Montana

Things to do this season.

Look for fun things to do this month and upcoming ones. Plan ahead and make yourself an adventure to go on. Each month offers activities, especially terrific for its time of year.

things to do in montana in may

Montana in May – Things To Do, Weather, Travel & Events

things to do in montana in april

Montana in April – Things To Do, Weather, Travel & Events

things to do in montana in march

Montana in March – Things To Do, Weather, Travel & Events

Activities in montana.

From epic snow-covered mountain ski resorts to rolling hills, deep valleys, and open plains, Montana is a land full of opportunities for adventure. This is a look at our favorite activities available, such as skiing , hiking , visiting a haunted  ghost town  or soaking in natural  hot springs .

red lodge

Best Things to Do in Red Lodge (With a Small-Town Twist)

west glacier entrance

Best Things to Do in West Glacier, Montana in 2024

Top 5 hot springs near dillon, mt, events in montana.

With annual events such as the Montana State Fair, The Big Sky Country Fair and Montana Folk Festival, it’s no wonder visitors come from all over the country to partake in the events and festivals. With a wide array of festivals, including Art, Beer, Film, Food, Heritage, Holiday, Music, Sport, and Wildlife.

symphony under the stars

Symphony Under the Stars, Helena

beyond the big sky helena

Beyond the Big Sky, Helena

Missoula Symphony in the Park

Missoula Symphony in the Park

Towns in montana.

With 76 Towns, 51 Cities. 2 Consolidated city-counties and 56 Counties, Montana has a lot to offer those living in or visiting the state. There are so many great and historic places to visit with friendly locals and beautiful spots to discover.

montana travel guide by mail

Bozeman, Montana

missoula-montana

Missoula, Montana

billings montana

Billings, Montana

Where to stay in montana.

Lodging is on top of everyone’s mind when visiting a new place. Here, we’ve curated Montana’s very best Hotels, B&Bs, RV Parks, Cabins, Vacation Rentals, and some truly unique accommodations.

An example of a dude ranch.

What is a Dude Ranch?

hot spring hotels in montana

The 10 Best Hot Spring Hotels In Montana

casino hotels in montana

The 10 Best Casino Hotels In Montana

Food & drink in montana.

Food and drink go hand-in-hand with visiting a new place, and Montana is a true foodie’s heaven. With restaurants (did someone mention steak?!!), bars, and everything in between, there is no shortage of excellent eating opportunities, be it for a romantic meal or dining out with the family.

A Guide to Famous Must-Try Foods

A Guide to Famous Must-Try Foods in Montana

Visiting Montana for the First Time

6 Best Places to Live in Montana for Young Adults in 2024

Transport in montana.

Getting around in Montana with its vast size can pose challenges. Still, with an ever-improving rail system, numerous airports, and renowned scenic drives, there are many ways to see the incredible landscape and witness the real Montana firsthand. We cover airports, buses, taxis & trains, car rentals, and private shuttles.

bitterroot valley

Bitterroot Valley Scenic Drive, Missoula

grand loop road, yellowstone

A Guide To The Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park

going to the sun road montana

Going To The Sun Road – The Best Way to See Glacier National Park

Latest articles.

Stay informed with our freshest content: uncover new destinations, hidden gems, and insider tips in our latest articles, crafted to enhance your Montana experience.

Camping Near Dillon

Camping Near Dillon, MT (Best Places + Tips)

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US National Parks

Montana Travel Guide

Montana Travel Guide

Glacier national park.

Glacier National Park Travel Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park

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10 Great Hikes in Glacier National Park

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Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop, Glacier National Park

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How to Hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park

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The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary for 1 to 5 Days

Yellowstone.

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Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Best Routes, Maps, & Photos

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Yellowstone Bucket List: 18 Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone

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Yellowstone Itinerary: Best Way to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone

Beartooth highway, beartooth highway: things to do, map, photos & travel tips.

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Road Trip Idea

Grand teton, yellowstone and glacier national parks: 10 day road trip itinerary.

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More Information about Montana

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15 Great Places to Work Remotely in the USA

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Best National Parks in the USA: 15 Amazing Parks for Your Bucket List

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Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure

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Ultimate US National Parks List for 2024 (+ Printable Checklist)

Top experiences in montana.

Glacier National Park. With glacier-capped mountains, brilliant aquamarine lakes, stunning alpine scenery, wildlife roaming the park, and some of the most exciting hiking trails in the country, it’s no wonder that Glacier National Park is called the “Crown of the Continent.”

Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal activity, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Steam hisses out of the ground along walking trails, bison stop cars in their tracks on the main park road, and technicolor hot springs never fail to amaze even the most seasoned traveler.­­

Beartooth Highway. Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile road that runs along the border of Montana and Wyoming, connecting the towns of Red Lodge and Cooke City. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. Along Beartooth Highway, you will travel through several national forests, view the tallest peaks in Montana, see nu­­merous alpine lakes, and have the option to add on short hikes to ­­viewpoints and waterfalls.

Helena. Visit the elegant capital of Montana, which was founded as a gold camp in 1864. Helena is a beautiful city bursting with history on the gold rush and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Come to tour the capital’s past, visit a nearby ghost town, and eat at authentic western saloons.

Bozeman. Bozeman is a small mountain town that has a perfect blend of western traditions and modern structure. Around the city you can find authentic cowboy bars, delicious restaurants, art galleries, and performance venues. If you are an avid hiker, camper, or skier, Bozeman makes a great base to settle down in. ­

Butte. Butte is an urban city that boomed during the gold rush. Today the city is one of the Nation’s largest National Historical Landmark Districts. Around the city, Butte has many museums that teach visitors about the gold rush and tours that will take visitors through ghost-towns, speakeasies, and mines. If you are fascinated in Montana’s rich history, Butte is a must-visit destination.

Whitefish. Whitefish is a vivid mountain town just west of Glacier National Park. Here you can head to a bar for locally-brewed beer, shop at boutiques and art galleries, and relax in luxury mountain lodges. Additionally, Whitefish Mountain Resort is rated one of the best ski resorts in the world, making this charming town a perfect destination for avid skiers.

Big Sky. Big Sky is one America’s top ski resorts with award-winning trails and beautiful mountain views. The park makes for thrilling skiing, rapid dog sledding, epic mountain biking, beautiful hiking, safe camping, and exciting white-water rafting. The resort also has a delicious array of dining choices. Whether you are looking for a family-fun activity or to try your skills on advanced routes, Big Sky makes for a wonderful place to visit.

Flathead Lake.  South of Whitefish and Glacier National Park is Flathead Lake, a beautiful lake that encompasses over 200 square miles. Along the glistening shoreline lie breweries, restaurants, museums, and galleries to explore. In addition, there are recreation areas that provide boat tours, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and camping. Wild Horse Island sits inside of Flathead Lake, and the island can be visited with a boat tour. The island is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, as bighorn sheep, mule deer, and wild horses live on the island.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. The Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park houses one of the largest limestone caves in the Northwest. Visitors can take a tour through deep caverns with dripping stalactites, towering stalagmites, and colorful formations. The park also has a large campground, cabins, and picnic sites for visitors to use.

Giant Springs State Park.  Travel to one of Montana’s largest freshwater springs where you can walk along the glistening waters. The park provides opportunities to go fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, biking, and bird watching. There is also a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center where you can learn about the Lewis and Clark’s voyage around Giant Springs.

Bannack State Park. Time travel back into the Old West at Bannack State Park, Montana’s best preserved ghost town. In 1862, Bannack became the site of Montana’s first major gold strike, which sparked the gold rush throughout Montana. Today, over 60 structures remain to recall the town’s prosperous days. Visitors are welcome to walk around Bannack and guided tours are provided for those who wish to learn the full history of this ghost town.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument commemorates the battle between the U.S. Army’s 7 th Cavalry Regiment and the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. Today the battle honors the struggles Native Americans faced in protecting their homeland and life-style. At the monument, visitors can take guided tours around the battlefield to learn of the battle’s history, Custer’s life, and about the Plains Indians.

Best Time to Visit Montana

If you plan on visiting Glacier National Park, we recommend that you visit between early July to mid-October. Going-to-the-Sun Road is open at this time. The Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas may be open before and after these dates, but snow on the trails can make hiking hazardous. It’s best to visit Glacier National Park in the summer and early fall if you plan to hike and if you want the opportunity to visit all areas of the park.

Montana is a great spot to visit in the winter, especially if you are a snow-sport enthusiast. Montana has world-class ski resorts, dog-sledding opportunities, epic ice-climbing spots, and chilly ice-fishing locations. You can also try the traditional winter sport, skijoring. Yet, even if you are simply looking for a beautiful location to spend the winter, Montana’s snowbound landscapes will not disappoint.

Glacier National Park

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Montana Is Packed With Luxury Hotels, Charming Small Towns, and Lots of Adventures — How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Find big adventure in Big Sky Country — here's where to eat, stay, and play in Montana.

montana travel guide by mail

They call Montana Big Sky Country. Once you make the trek here, you'll understand why. Untamed rivers run for hundreds of miles, teeming with trophy trout, cutting through the corrugated peaks that loom large along the horizon. Through the thicketed forests, world-class hikes lead to hot springs, geysers, and glaciers in every direction. The powder-packed skiing of winter is rivaled in magnitude by the whitewater rafting of summer. Everything is, well, bigger . To enjoy it all, you need nothing more than a rugged sense of an adventure — and a sensible travel plan. The former is up to you, but we can certainly supply the latter. Your ultimate guide to Montana exploration is below.

Best Time to Visit Montana

The short answer is whenever you want. When you should arrive in Montana is entirely dependent on what you want to do. If you're more inspired by winter sports, world-class ski resorts such as Big Sky and Moonlight Basin are smothered in snow from early December through mid-April. For those motivated by hiking, hot springs, and fly-fishing, June through September is a dependable time to pack your bags. However, if you want to avoid the crowds — especially in national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone — don't sleep on the shoulder season of late summer and early autumn.

Best Things to Do in Montana

Although Montana is an unparalleled paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it still has plenty to offer by way of cosmopolitan delights, especially within the hip college towns along the western part of the state. Over the past decade, Bozeman has come into its own as one of the coolest mountain towns in the U.S. You can enjoy craft cocktails in dimly lit speakeasies like the Devil's Toboggan , or chow down on stuffed quail and other farm-fresh delicacies at Blackbird . Or, spend time in Missoula and soak up the sensational local beer scene at Conflux Brewing Company or Cranky Sam Public House. Either way, if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife — or a pub crawl — during your time in Montana, make sure you're booking a stay in one of these two destinations.

If you're more interested in camping out under the stars, Montana is in no short supply of options. Big Sky Country, it turns out, affords plenty of dark sky , completely devoid of nocturnal light pollution. A great way to experience it all is through the expansive state park system. Flathead Lake is an underrated gem here. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and a wonderful summer getaway for boating, swimming, and fishing, offering a multitude of pull-up campsite options.

While up this way, in the northeastern reaches of the state, you'll want to devote some time to strolling the quaint resort towns of Kalispell and Whitefish . And if it's between late June and early October, you'll definitely want to plod through Glacier National Park along the aptly named Going-the-the-Sun Road. Just beware that traffic along the route can be intense throughout this time of year.

Further south in Bozeman, the surrounding Gallatin Valley acts as the entry way to Yellowstone . Although the nation's first national park is primarily located in Wyoming, many of its five million annual visitors come by way of this part of Montana. Come in the summer and you can book world-class whitewater rafting adventures through the three river systems that ultimately converge to form the Missouri River.

Fancy an unforgettably epic road trip? Traverse the 69 miles of Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge and Cooke City. Crescendoing atop a wide plateau 11,000 feet above sea level, this legendary section of U.S. Route 212 is among the most picturesque stretches of highway in the country. But if soaring, vertigo-inducing heights aren't your thing, head an hour west of Bozeman and delve downward into the Lewis and Clark Caverns — one of the biggest limestone caves in the country.

Arrive in winter and you can survey the snow-capped terrain aboard a Ski-Doo . West Yellowstone serves as the snowmobile capital of the lower 48 from December through March. If you prefer to plow through the powder with actual horsepower, check out Big Sky, where you can charter sleigh rides that are sure to enchant the entire family. At the end of an action-packed day, relax your weary bones and soak up the scenery from the region's heralded hot springs .

Where to Stay in Montana

When it comes to overnight options, they are as varied as they are abundant, from primitive pull-up campsites and RV parks with mini golf to dude ranches and luxury boutiques with a bit of history .

If you're craving a high-end hideaway, the town of Big Sky has emerged as the go-to destination. Home to its eponymous ski resort for nearly 50 years, only in recent years has the luxury set spread its wings here. Lone Mountain Ranch is a stellar standout, and high in the running for best resort in all of Montana. The property features stand-alone log cabins along gently moving creeks. You can do guided yoga in the morning and horseback riding in the afternoon. At the base of the slopes, the Montage just opened the doors to its 139-room ski-in, ski-out resort.

For rustic charm further north in the state, book a stay at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake , nestled between its namesake lake and the 28-acre Viking Creek Wetland Preserve. Its thoughtful amenities — hot tubs, spa, live music — are overshadowed only by its access to unspoiled wilderness.

Back in the cities of Bozeman and Missoula, boutique hotels are finally becoming part of the landscape. Notable among them is the new Kimpton Armory, a refurbished property from the WWII barracks of the Montana National Guard. With 122 guest rooms, three restaurants, a rooftop pool featuring unimpeded views of the Bridger Mountains, and its own concert venue, it's quickly becoming the place to be in downtown these days.

But if you're seeking a more laid-back bed-and-breakfast feel, Montana has you covered in every corner. For those looking for lodging in Missoula, a sensational example can be found at Blue Mountain — five private rooms set atop 20 acres of wildlife habitat directly next to Lolo National Forest. With Big Sky comes big options. Choose wisely.

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