Home to some of the nation’s most magnificent natural wonders, Montana doesn’t do anything by halves. Big, bold, and beautiful, this wild western state offers adventures like nowhere else, and the possibilities for exploring its spectacular, untamed spaces are nearly endless. Imagine yourself hiking alpine trails through the vast landscape of Glacier National Park, hitting the ski slopes in Whitefish, finding dinosaur fossils in the eastern Badlands, and watching spouting geysers in Yellowstone National Park. And that’s just for starters.
Summer is peak visitor season in Montana for good reason: Long, sunny days promise ample outdoor adventures. If you want to beat the crowds and enjoy a calmer—and perhaps more authentic—experience, visit in the shoulder season from September to November. Winter, on the other hand, is superb for winter sports and for wildlife-watching (without summer’s nose-to-tail traffic) in Yellowstone National Park.
Montana is a sprawling state, so you’ll need your own wheels to get pretty much anywhere—hitting the open road is one of the state’s best experiences, anyway. If driving is not an option, check out the Greyhound bus, which serves cities including Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, and Bozeman. There are also several Amtrak stations in Montana, including a few near Glacier National Park. Montana’s major cities have public transportation, albeit with limited services.
Summer in Montana is glorious, but the state’s big attractions can feel the pressure of the sheer volume of visitors. If you are planning to visit in the summer months, aim to go off the beaten path and think beyond the national parks. The rugged preserve of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, for example, lies just outside Yellowstone National Park and has hundreds of miles of hiking trails and backcountry to explore in relative peace.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 5 | Tours 200 | Reviews 6,338 |
Montana is known for its abundance of natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains to glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife that includes bison, wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and black and grizzly bears. It is also home to two of America’s most popular national parks: Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. The people of Montana have their own reputation as active outdoors enthusiasts with independent spirits.
...MoreArguably, the prettiest place in Montana is Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Ten miles (16 kilometers) long, the lake’s glass-like water reveals multicolored rocks lying on the bottom that create a fairy tale-like image. Adding to the magical scene is the Swiss chalet-style Lake McDonald Lodge, perched on the shore.
...MoreMontana is a big state (fun fact: it’s bigger than Germany), so don’t try to rush your way around. If you want to see much of the state, aim to spend at least seven days there. A full 10-day itinerary would be even better and allow time to see the main attractions and soak up some of the atmosphere.
...MoreThe driving distance is around 400 miles (643.7 kilometers), and it takes around 6.5 hours to drive from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park. However, you should consider taking your time to take in all the scenery along the way. Worthwhile stops include the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and the colorful historic mining town of Butte.
...MoreYellowstone National Park’s top attraction is the mighty Old Faithful. This world-famous geyser is a real crowd-pleaser as it erupts close to 20 times each day, and those eruptions can be predicted with a confidence rate of 90 percent. You can find out when the next eruption is predicted at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.
...MoreYour decision to go to either Glacier or Yellowstone National Park will depend on what you want to do. If you are planning to do lots of hiking, you might be best suited to a Glacier National park trip. On the other hand, if it’s diverse wildlife and landscapes you’re after, opt for Yellowstone.
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