8 Top Destinations to Explore in Montana

Vast Montana features a rugged landscape filled with Rocky Mountain adventures and must-see locations.

Nestled among mountains, national forests, and rivers rich with trout, Montana boasts several historic and contemporary railroad depots that have shaped its best cities, reflecting a unique and welcoming culture.

Interstate 90 and 15 converge in the mountainous western region, complemented by a network of state highways that lead to notable Big Sky attractions. Although some popular spots attract summer crowds, traveling through Montana usually means enjoying open roads. The state's cities are compact enough for car-free exploration, but having a vehicle allows greater freedom to venture further.

Check out our guide to the finest sights to experience during your visit to Montana, known as the Last Best Place in the American West.

1. Glacier National Park

Top destination for hiking enthusiasts

Known as the Crown of the Continent in northwest Montana, Glacier National Park offers a true choose-your-own-adventure experience with its stunning hiking trails. Spanning over 700 miles, its well-maintained paths wind through dramatic mountain peaks and wildlife-filled valleys. While many trails present a workout, the general rule is that the higher you hike, the more spectacular the view.

For those new to hiking in Montana, the Hidden Lake Trail starting from the Logan Pass Visitor Center is a great choice. Clements Mountain serves as a picturesque landmark on this roughly 5-mile round-trip hike, visible above the vibrant wildflower meadows of Hanging Gardens along the way. For a more demanding trek, the park's iconic Highline Trail also begins at Logan Pass.

Planning tip: Securing parking can be one of the toughest challenges at the popular Logan Pass – the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Thankfully, the park's complimentary summer shuttle service ensures that parking capacity won’t prevent your visit.

2. Butte

Top destination for Western history

Butte, Montana, situated near the western slopes of the Continental Divide, showcases the rich history of the Wild West. This mining town thrived in the late 1800s, with extensive copper deposits earning it the nickname: 'the Richest Hill on Earth.'

With mining operations now a thing of the past, Butte is home to the notorious Berkeley Pit and over 6,000 historic sites that are part of the Butte-Anaconda Historic District, one of the largest in the nation. This designation immerses visitors in the rich history that once made Butte the most significant city between San Francisco and Chicago.

Guided tours reveal Butte's history through sites like Copper King mansions, underground mines, and hidden speakeasies. The Pekin Noodle Parlor stands out as a historically significant attraction, being one of the oldest family-run Chinese restaurants in the country.

3. Bozeman

Ultimate basecamp for skiing and snowboarding

The vibrant university town of Bozeman attracts adventure seekers during its extended, powder-laden winter months. From late November to April, both locals and tourists head towards the legendary cold smoke of two of Montana's premier ski and snowboard locations, Bridger Bowl Ski Area and Big Sky Resort.

Located just 30 minutes from Bozeman, Bridger Bowl is easily accessible by car or a complimentary shuttle. Its 2,000 skiable acres welcome a balanced mix of students, locals, and visitors, with wait times for lifts rarely exceeding 20 minutes, even by Montana's standards. Online purchases through Bridger Bowl's website offer discounted lift tickets.

A picturesque hour's drive south leads to Big Sky Resort, the crown jewel of Montana skiing. Featuring over 30 lifts, including North America's first heated 8-person lift, this expansive 6,000-acre playground flows down from the iconic Lone Peak. Adventurous skiers can take the Lone Peak Tram to the summit for an unforgettable black-diamond experience.

4. West Yellowstone

Top destination for wildlife viewing

West Yellowstone serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, with the park's entrance just a short walk from the heart of this quaint tourist town. The nation's first national park is teeming with wildlife, hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers, with American bison often spotted along the roadsides.

For guaranteed wildlife encounters, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. This non-profit, AZA-accredited wildlife park offers a dynamic habitat for animals that cannot survive in the wild.

Planning tip: Allow extra time to relax in the Naturalist Cabin, which features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the resident wolf packs.

5. Missoula

Top location for fly-fishing in pristine waters

Nestled at the confluence of premier trout rivers in western Montana, Missoula is a fly-fishing haven. Local author Norman Maclean embodied this spirit in his classic 1976 book, A River Runs Through It, later popularized by the 1992 film featuring Brad Pitt and Robert Redford.

The Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot rivers are world-renowned fishing spots within biking distance of Missoula, along with tributaries like Rock Creek. Outfitters such as Missoulian Angler provide guided fly-fishing experiences for both novices and seasoned anglers. Local fly shops like Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop frequently share tips on fishing locations and hatch schedules.

Tip for planning: To fish in Montana's waterways, you'll need a valid fishing license. Many guiding companies will ask you to purchase your fishing license beforehand, which can be done online.

6. Flathead Lake

Top destination for summer experiences

Flathead Lake is a must-see when exploring northwest Montana. As the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the contiguous United States, it stretches at least 40 miles from one end to the other. With state parks, campgrounds, boat ramps, and charming towns along the way, it often serves as a hub for summer road trip traditions.

Looking for excitement? Rent a kayak or book a trip to Wild Horse Island on the lake's western side, and be on the lookout for its wild inhabitants.

Tip for planning: Don't miss out on the Flathead cherries, a delightful summer tradition. The cherry season is brief but delightful in the Flathead Valley, with farm stands appearing along the shoreline from July to early August. Plan your visit to coincide with the Flathead Cherry Festival, usually held on the last weekend of July, to savor these local delights.

7. Red Lodge

Top destination for a picturesque drive

The Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains create a stunning backdrop for the welcoming town of Red Lodge in southern Montana, close to the Wyoming border. These breathtaking peaks, among the highest in the state, provide endless outdoor adventures. The seasonal 68-mile Beartooth Highway grants access to the wild landscapes stretching from Red Lodge to Yellowstone National Park.

The Beartooth Highway ranks among Montana's top road trips from late May until October 15. This All-American road reaches an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet, showcasing spectacular views of the glacier-clad Beartooth Mountains and verdant valleys. The route is dotted with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and summer skiing options, ultimately linking to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park through Cooke City.

8. Phillipsburg

Best destination to discover the gems of the Treasure State

Nestled along the Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Byway, Phillipsburg is a charming mountain town situated roughly midway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Established in the 1860s thanks to its rich silver and mineral deposits, this historic Montana town still reflects its past along Broadway Street, where antique storefronts host modern shops and eateries.

In Phillipsburg, Montana Sapphires are still actively mined, and visitors can try their luck at venues like Gem Mountain and Montana Gems of Phillipsburg. Here, you can purchase a bag of gravel from local sapphire mines and take it to the washing station to discover your own hidden gems. Shops are available to cut and polish your finds, though success in sapphire mining is never guaranteed.

For a sweeter kind of treasure, visit the Sweet Palace in Phillipsburg, where hundreds of glass jars adorn the walls. This charming candy store offers homemade delights such as fudge and saltwater taffy, with the mouthwatering aroma sure to give you a sugar rush.