Montana: behind the scenes of our Best in Travel film

'My ideal state has yet to be created. It will be named Montana, and it will be flawless.' Abraham Lincoln expressed this shortly after Montana achieved territorial status, yet about 25 years before it became a state. This sentiment lingered with Senior Video Producer Matt Paco long after his week-long filming trip in Montana for this year's Best in Travel.

'What is perfection? It's driving through Montana, meeting the kindest locals, and witnessing the stunning landscapes; I believe I experienced it all.' Matt shares. 'There’s no congestion, no anxiety, no interruptions. The only remotely stressful aspect was the weather, but that was quite breathtaking, too.'

During six days, Matt and the Dinogo Planet film crew visited 23 sites across Montana, aiming to capture the essence of this magnificent place through its people and its distinctly Montanan experiences. In a recent chat, Matt shared his journey, inadvertently sketching a roadmap for future explorations (or likely multiple journeys) to Montana. Watch the video, then read on for details about all the places they visited.

Day 1: Paradise Valley

Naturally, when visiting Montana, you know a river runs through it—so the first stop in Paradise Valley was Livingston for some fly fishing on the Yellowstone River. The crew teamed up with Alex Emery from Sweetwater Fly Shop and spent hours waiting for a bite. 'He didn’t catch anything, but it was a stunning day,' Matt recalls. 'I also discovered they don’t stock Montana's rivers and lakes, meaning any fish you might catch was born right here.'

In the afternoon, the crew stopped by The Old Saloon in Emigrant for a well-deserved bison burger and a round of Shake a Day. This historic tavern has been serving the area since 1902 and offers a great atmosphere for food, drinks, dancing, and a bit of gambling.

'I got a bit hooked on it,' Matt admits. 'You put in a dollar, which goes into a pot. Roll the dice, and if you score a yahtzee (all dice showing the same number), you win the pot. I could have raked in a few thousand dollars.' This bar game can be played throughout the state, but you can only participate once, hence the name 'Shake a Day.'

The final stop was the Gardiner entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the only access point open year-round, often called “nature’s favorite entrance.” Gardiner’s most photographed landmark is Roosevelt Arch, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on April 25, 1903, inscribed with Congress’ words: ‘For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.’

Day 2: Bozeman and Big Sky

The Montana style is essentially “cowboy,” and Bozeman is the perfect place for anyone looking to embrace that vibe. Head West is a downtown boutique celebrated for its trendy new and vintage western apparel. 'They have the most amazing stuff you’ll ever find,' Matt shares. They also met and filmed with Alberto Hernandez, a third-generation hat maker and founder of Meshika Hats. His commitment to quality craftsmanship has earned him a loyal clientele, including celebrities and various TV and film productions. Custom hats may be pricey, but your appearance in Yellowstone is guaranteed.

The brief drive to Big Sky was intended for some zip-lining adventures, but the weather had other plans. Fortunately, the evening event involved filming Music in the Mountains, a summer concert series that occurs every Thursday from June to September. 'It’s free, family-friendly, and held in a park surrounded by homes. People will step out of their front doors to enjoy the music,' Matt explains.

Day 3: Moonshine and chop suey

What better way to kick off the day than at a distillery? The crew filmed at Willie’s Distillery in Ennis, Montana. Known for their fantastic spirits, including Snowcrest Huckleberry Vodka and Montana Moonshine, their tasting room is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while live music plays in the background.

Next was Virginia City, an iconic Old West ghost town that flourished during the gold rush. This well-preserved relic of the past allows visitors to pan for gold, enjoy a stagecoach ride, or grab a drink at The Bale of Hay, Montana’s oldest saloon. 'Virginia City embodies Montana’s living history, even though it’s largely a historical site,' Matt notes. They also explored Nevada City, just a mile away, linked by the Alder Gulch Shortline rail. Nevada City is a ghost town that has been rebuilt in its original location.

The final stop of the day was one Matt was eagerly anticipating. 'When I discovered that the oldest Chinese restaurant in the United States is located in Butte, I knew we had to feature it.' Pekin Noodle Parlor has been serving customers since 1911, at a time when Butte’s Chinese community comprised a significant portion of the small mining town's population. The menu offers classic Chinese-American comfort foods like Chop Suey and Chow Mein, with little change over the last century. And if you’re curious about the food's quality, Matt proudly states, 'They won a James Beard award this year!'

Just a stone's throw from the Pekin (as the locals call it) is the Mai Wah Society, which includes a museum dedicated to preserving Asian history and culture in Butte. Visitors can see the recreated Wah Chong Tai Mercantile general store within the building that originally housed it, featuring authentic artifacts displayed much like they were in the early 1900s.

Day 4: History, spectacle, and mermaids

A historical guided tour may not be the first thing on your agenda, but the one the crew experienced in Butte was truly golden. Old Butte Historical Adventures offers “The City Underground Tour,” which takes you to a well-preserved speakeasy within the notorious Rookwood hotel, a replica of a 1950s barber shop, and the Old City Jail, which famously held Evel Knievel in 1956.

Next, the crew headed to the Montana State Fair, held every summer for two weeks in Great Falls. 'They feature horse races, carnival rides, rodeos, livestock shows, and more. We asked numerous fairgoers what they thought of Montana, and they all raved about it,'

They concluded the day at the Sip ‘N Dip, a tiki lounge famous for its mermaids and fishbowl cocktails. 'If you mention you’re going to Great Falls, everyone will suggest the Sip ‘N Dip.' The lounge is located in the O’Haire Inn (which also has a diner), making it a natural choice for the crew’s overnight stay. Remember: don’t drink fishbowls and drive!

Day 5: Glacial Pace

Spending a whole day at Glacier National Park? Still not enough time. However, the crew made the most of it to showcase this breathtaking natural marvel. 'There was no way we could visit Montana without experiencing Glacier. It’s my favorite National Park—so far,' shares Matt.

Adventure and beauty are boundless here. You can explore hiking trails, meandering rivers, and mesmerizing waterfalls formed from melting glaciers, alongside breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It's also home to the most stunning road in the United States: Going-to-the-Sun Road, which stretches from Lake McDonald to the dazzling turquoise St. Mary Lake.

Day 6: A Day at the Ranch

As the crew drove from Kalispell to Whitefish, they captured more of Montana’s stunning landscapes. Their goal was Bar W Guest Ranch, a quintessential dude ranch in Whitefish where guests can partake in various activities, including horseback riding, trout fishing, and campfires—plus the unique experience of sleeping in a covered wagon. 'The diversity among the ranch hands was amazing. It was inspiring to see individuals from various backgrounds embracing the cowboy lifestyle. If there’s one place I absolutely need to revisit, it’s Bar W,' Matt reflects.