Top 9 activities to experience in Montana

Montana is a stunning destination. Its wild rivers and majestic mountains shape the expansive landscape, interspersed with signs of civilization, such as the State Capitol near the historic mining camp known as 'Last Chance Gulch.' Every attraction in Montana carries a hint of Western history, combined with a spirit of adventure that makes each day feel like a chance to discover something extraordinary.

Outdoor activities are central to any trip to Montana, and no other state offers such ease of exploration in nature. The vast national forests greatly exceed the population, featuring peaceful trailheads, accessible campsites, and your own slice of Big Sky Country. Montana's charming small towns and larger cities are ready to welcome you with community events and local shops.

Focus your Montana experiences with our guide to the best things to do in the state.

1. Enjoy an overnight stay in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of Montana's most popular destinations, and it's easy to see why. The Continental Divide runs through this renowned public land, creating a prime habitat for mountain goats, grizzly bears, and awestruck visitors who marvel at the breathtaking beauty that has earned Glacier the title of 'Crown of the Continent.'

A single day in Glacier offers just a glimpse of the adventures waiting at each trailhead. To truly appreciate its more secluded location in Northwest Montana, an overnight stay is essential. The park features several options for overnight accommodations, including 13 campgrounds and a charming selection of historic lodges.

Planning tip: The Many Glacier Hotel boasts some of the best views around. Overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake, it provides a stunning backdrop of Mt. Grinnell from the back porch. Reservations for the historic rooms are necessary months in advance, but everyone is welcome to visit the lodge's lobby and the lakeshore.

2. Experience fly fishing on the Yellowstone River

Fly fishing is as integral to Montana as the White House is to Washington, DC. For many anglers here, it transcends mere hobby; these free-flowing rivers embody a way of life. Montana boasts an abundance of rivers and tributaries teeming with trout, including the Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Madison, and Missouri, to name just a few.

You can’t discuss fly fishing in Montana without highlighting the Yellowstone River. This remarkable river stretches nearly 700 miles from Yellowstone Country to North Dakota, but the most popular fishing and floating occurs along a 100-mile segment from Gardiner to Livingston. This stretch meanders through the picturesque Paradise Valley, flanked by the stunning Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains.

Planning tip: Numerous outfitters, including Yellowstone River Adventures in Livingston, provide fantastic excursions for both novice and seasoned anglers.

3. Encounter dinosaurs at Bozeman's Museum of the Rockies

Whether or not the Jurassic Park films got your heart racing, the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman will leave you in awe as you stand beneath real dinosaur bones. The Siebel Dinosaur Complex, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, features several triceratops skulls and a fully mounted T-rex among its stunning displays, all accompanied by a prehistoric soundtrack playing in the background.

Planning tip: Be prepared to spend more time than you anticipated in the dinosaur exhibit. Also, allocate some of your visit for other attractions, including galleries dedicated to native cultures and the rise of Yellowstone Country as a tourist hotspot. Don’t miss the 20–30-minute shows at the Taylor Planetarium, which offer visually captivating and educational films.

4. Delve into Butte's mining heritage

The abundant copper resources extracted from Butte in the late 1800s earned it the nickname 'The Richest Hill on Earth.' While mining operations have long since halted, Butte's rich history is still vividly showcased throughout the Butte-Anaconda Historic District, which boasts over 6000 historic properties. Walking through Butte feels like a journey back in time.

The World Museum of Mining provides an excellent opportunity to explore Butte's underground history. Visitors begin their experience by traversing the recreated Hell Roaring Gulch, a nod to Butte's bustling streets during its early-1900s glory days.

Planning tip: To truly understand what it was like to work in a copper mine, book a spot on the underground mine tour, which descends 100 feet into the Orphan Girl Mine (hard hats and headlamps provided).

5. Take a scenic drive along the Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway stretches 68 miles across southern Montana, linking Red Lodge to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, with a brief passage into Wyoming. This route is filled with breathtaking scenery that might just convince you to make Montana your forever home. The towering Beartooth Mountains, the highest in the state, provide a stunning backdrop for the outdoor adventures that await along this All-American Road.

This seasonal highway reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet, offering access to national forest trailheads, campgrounds, and various points of interest from both sides of the road. It also provides convenient entry to the alpine-lake-studded Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where it's easy to lose yourself for days.

Planning tip: The Beartooth Highway is open from Memorial Day (late May) until October 15, depending on weather conditions.

6. Experience First Fridays in Missoula

Missoula boasts a vibrant community atmosphere along the picturesque banks of the Clark Fork River. This spirit is particularly evident on the First Friday of each month, when local art galleries spring to life throughout the town, transforming every sidewalk into part of the celebration. Expect live music, complimentary drinks, and plenty of people sharing their adventure tales alongside the artwork.

Kick off your First Friday on the Hip Strip in Missoula, located on the south side of the Beartracks Bridge (Higgins Ave). This eclectic mix of shops and restaurants buzzes with energy on First Fridays, particularly the beer garden at GILD Brewpub. Cross the bridge overlooking Caras Park and let your senses lead you through the rest of the evening.

Planning tip: Leave the car behind for First Fridays. Instead, take a stroll along the Clark Fork River Trail or the Bitterroot Trail, which meander through Missoula and lead you right into downtown.

7. Experience the beauty of Flathead Lake

The expansive Flathead Lake serves as the centerpiece of the Flathead Valley, situated between Missoula and Whitefish in Northwest Montana. Recognized as the largest freshwater lake in the Lower 48 states west of the Mississippi, its vastness and stunning scenery are truly remarkable. To fully appreciate the lake's grandeur, take a boat out onto its famously tranquil waters.

Lively towns such as Polson and Kalispell are just a stone's throw from the lakeshore, providing options for boat rentals and guided excursions. When you're ready to take the helm, several locations within Flathead Lake State Park offer convenient access to the water. The park consists of five mainland units, including the vibrant West Shore Unit, where kayak rentals are available all summer long.

Planning tip: The southern half of Flathead Lake is managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and a Tribal Wildland Recreation Permit is necessary for exploration outside the park units (which can be obtained online or from select vendors).

8. Trek through the majestic trees at Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area

Whether you’re a tree enthusiast or not, the western red cedars in this remarkable grove of Kootenai National Forest in Northwest Montana are sure to impress. Some of the cedars at Ross Creek have been standing since before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, with some reaching over 12 feet in diameter.

An accessible loop, nearly a mile long, lined with benches and towering trees, begins from the parking area. This paved trail is ideal for families with young children or anyone wishing to gaze up at massive tree trunks without a strenuous hike. For those eager to explore more, the gentle Ross Creek Trail #142 extends for up to 4 miles.

Planning tip: The last 4-mile stretch to Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is steep and winding on a paved road, so it's best to avoid trailers and larger vehicles. Note that this access road is gated during winter, from December 1 to around mid-May, when it transforms into a popular spot for groomed cross-country skiing.

9. Visit the CM Russell Museum in Great Falls

You might not know the name Charles Marion Russell, but you’re likely familiar with his art. As the first 'Cowboy Artist' in the early 1900s, he shaped Western art with a stunning collection of works depicting buffalo hunts, horseback riders, and Lewis and Clark’s encounter with the Flathead people.

Russell spent nearly his entire life in Montana, reaching the height of his career in Great Falls along the Missouri River. Today, his humble home and log cabin studio are key features of the CM Russell Museum, which also boasts the largest collection of his works and dedicated galleries for his contemporaries.

Planning tip: Plan to dedicate at least four to five hours to fully explore everything the museum has to offer.