14 Must-Visit Spots In Montana

Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park contains around a million acres of stunning glacier-carved scenery in northwest Montana. Dozens of glaciers, picturesque meadows, ancient forests, and rushing waterfalls are just the tip of the iceberg. In summer, cruise the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a celebrity in the engineering world honored as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The 50-mile stretch of scenic splendor takes you up and over the Continental Divide. Without pit stops, it's a two-hour jaunt — but plan on stopping.

Viewpoints invite you to channel your inner Ansel Adams. Trailheads offer various options, from short, accessible paths to rugged multi-day expeditions. The park's trails span more than 700 miles. Or, if you prefer water to land, the area also boasts over 700 lakes and 500 streams. You can fish, boat in motorized and non-motorized vessels, brave the whitewater rapids, or just float like a lazy river connoisseur. Whether traversing by car, boot, or boat, keep a lookout for the A-listers of the animal kingdom. Elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears roam the park.

Glacier National Park is open year-round, but many of its roads, businesses, and amenities take a snow day — or rather snow months come winter. But if you like snow and solitude, it's a beautiful setting for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Expect companionship from white-tailed deer and white-tailed ptarmigans. These birds take white-out conditions to a new level — their brown feathers turn white to camouflage them in the abundant snow.

Tucked in the heart of the northern Rockies, Missoula is a vibrant university town. At the foot of Mount Sentinel, the University of Montana is the gateway to the famous "M" trail. Hike up this path for views of the Clark Fork River surrounded by the valley and mountains beyond, showing off Missoula's outdoor playground.

In warmer months, fill your days with fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. Once the area turns snowy in the winter, strap on some downhill or cross-country skis or go ice fishing. When you're ready to warm up, numerous breweries or cozy coffee spots will welcome you. Culinary delights abound, from gourmet restaurants to the cheap eats you'd expect to find in a college town. Look for food trucks in the parks and around the city in non-winter months. You'll also find farmer's markets, art walks, makers fairs, and an eclectic music scene.

There's plenty to do in Missoula's city limits, but it's also an excellent launchpad for unique day trips. Less than an hour away lies the Bison Range, a wildlife refuge managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Embark on an auto tour to spot bison and other wildlife against a backdrop of epic mountain views. For a hands-on adventure, delve into sapphire mining at Gem Mountain, about an hour and a half outside of Missoula.

A year-round destination on the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston is one of those underrated U.S. cities worthy of your bucket list. It offers a blend of outdoor adventures with a thriving literary and arts scene. Catch a show in one of its two historic live theatres. Stroll through the kaleidoscope of art galleries. Participate in the area's rich literary heritage by diving into the world of books with author events at quaint bookstores or find your muse in a cozy café, perfect for starting your own literary masterpiece. Enjoy live music in a historic building on Main Street.

Don't miss the Livingston Depot Center, a restored historic railroad depot downtown. Marvel at the building itself, brought to you by the same visionaries who designed New York's Grand Central Station. Enjoy a beautiful courtyard, shops, and community events here throughout the year. The onsite seasonal museum opens from May through September. Also, check out the year-round Yellowstone Gateway Museum along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Housed in a three-story 1906 schoolhouse, the museum explores the region's history, wildlife, and geology. Some of the museum's artifacts are over 12,000 years old!

History, modern culture, and outdoor adventure blend seamlessly in Helena, Montana's vibrant state capital. Stroll through the impressive Capitol Building, which is open year-round for self-guided tours. Immerse yourself in the building's rich history, admire fine art, and explore its classical design. Take a step back in time with Helena's Walking Tours app, where the Old West springs to life. Wander amidst 19^th-century architecture, historic landmarks, mansions, museums, and galleries, which all make up the unique story of Helena.

The Cathedral of St. Helena is a place of prayer, but visitors are welcome year-round for self-guided tours outside Mass times. Guided tours are also available on select days during summer. Built in the early 1900s, the Bishop who conceived the Cathedral of St. Helena hoped to create a "symphony of color and light" that would match the cathedrals in Europe. A near replica of the Votive Church of Vienna, visitors marvel at towering twin spires adorned with gold-leafed crosses, nearly 60 stained glass windows, and marbled statues and altars. This grand building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

But Helena isn't just about the past. It's a city pulsating with contemporary thrills. Venture to the Blue Jewel Mine, an operational sapphire mine open in the spring. Catch some live music downtown. Outdoor enthusiasts may have heard of a hiker's paradise; however, Helena offers hiker's convenience, with 75 miles of trails starting right from downtown. And your options grow from there with the Helena National Forest just outside of the city.

When gold was discovered in 1863, word traveled fast. Thousands of people flocked to what's now known as Virginia City and Nevada City. Virginia City grew into a booming town. It was home to the state's first public school, the birthplace of its first newspaper, and even the state's capital for ten years. But as the profitability of gold mining faded, so did the crowds. Families and miners fled this isolated area in search of new opportunities, leaving behind homes, stores, and saloons. Many of these original buildings remain standing and have been restored, ready for your visit. Step back in time and learn about the Old West with displays and informational exhibits. The area is a living museum, open the entire year, transporting you to the heart of pioneer life. Every state has a must-see historic town, and Virginia City is Montana's.

Nevada City, about a mile and a half away from Virginia City, offers more of a curated form of historical preservation. While many original log buildings remain, historic buildings preserved from other locations were also brought in, creating an Old West outdoor museum. Known for its extensive and comprehensive offering of Old West artifacts, a collection rivaled only by those in the Smithsonian, Nevada City showcases the tools, vehicles, and everyday items used in frontier towns. But don't just see the Old West; hear it! Music Hall houses a large collection of rare historic music machines, such as player pianos and an automatic violin. Open only during summer, Nevada City comes into full glory on warm weekends, with live reenactments and demonstrations bringing the gold rush era to life.

Nicknamed "The Electric City" because of its numerous hydroelectric dams on the Missouri River, Great Falls is also known as "Montana's Basecamp for Art & Adventure." Located about halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, some travelers breeze through Great Falls. But the city invites you to linger and discover for yourself why this place is much more than just a road trip pit stop.

Great Falls is known for its art scene and eclectic museums. Downtown is practically an art gallery with 25 wall murals. For an enchanting glimpse into Western life, visit the C.M. Russell Museum to see beautiful art that captures the region's culture, landscapes, and wildlife. History buffs will enjoy The History Museum and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Or learn about trains and planes with trips to the Montana Museum of Railroad History and the Malmstrom Museum and Air Park. Kids will appreciate a museum made for them — the Children's Museum of Montana is the state's oldest and largest museum of its type.

Check out two spectacular state parks when you're ready to get outside. Just 10 minutes from downtown, explore Giant Springs State Park to see one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S. Enjoy fishing, picnics, and hiking. Trails through the park connect to the larger River's Edge Trail System, a nearly 60-mile network of trails along the Missouri River. A 30-minute drive from Great Falls takes you to Tower Rock State Park. Named for a 424-foot-high igneous rock formation, the park offers trails with exhibits about the area's history and geology.

Gardiner makes an excellent jumping-off point for outdoor adventures. The town was the first entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Marked with the iconic Roosevelt Arch and now known as the North Entrance, it stays open year-round. With the Yellowstone River running through town, you're always close to fishing, rafting, and swimming. Gardiner's historic downtown is just a few blocks. It's small enough for a laid-back feel while offering enough shops, restaurants, and lodging options. A small but vibrant community hosts various events and festivities throughout the year.

Public lands surround Gardiner. Explore the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountain Ranges. Hike, bike, or go horseback riding in the summer. Snowshoe and enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter. Every season is a great time for wildlife viewing. Balance outdoor adventures with relaxing hot springs. A short, 10-minute drive from Gardiner takes you to Yellowstone Hot Springs. Soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying mountain views. A scenic, 40-minute drive through Paradise Valley leads you to Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa. Day passes are available year-round for two open-air natural mineral hot springs pools.