With so many things to do and see in Montana and such a large area to cover, there simply isn’t enough time on a standard vacation to see and do everything.
So, to help you get the most from your trip, we’ve compiled 13 of our ‘must do’ sights, attractions, and tours in Montana.
10 Best Tours in Montana
- Glacier National Park: Scenic Raft Trip: A two to three-hour raft trip on Flathead River in Glacier National Park.
- West Yellowstone: Yellowstone Park Tour with Local Guide: Guided tour around Yellowstone National Park’s popular places.
- Glacier National Park: Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip: A whitewater raft in the middle of Flathead River.
- Yellowstone 2-Day Guided Tour with Lunches: An exhaustive tour to both Upper and Lower Yellowstone Park.
- West Glacier: Moped Rental: Self-guided road tour aboard a rental moped. You can rent for as long as a day and as short as 2 hours.
- Yellowstone Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: An audio-guided tour around Yellowstone National Park.
- Full-Day Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour: A guided tour along the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park.
- 4-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Winter Tour: Guided winter tour on Yellowstone National Park.
- Yellowstone 5-Day Wolf Tour: A tour to view Yellowstone gray wolf and witness the geysers in winter.
- West Glacier: 1-Hour Fly Casting Lesson: Learn the basics of fly-fishing and assembling casting tools.
13 Best Things to Do in Montana
1. Flathead Lake
One of the most serene destinations in Montana would have to be this large freshwater lake and its immediate surroundings. With 510.2 square kilometers of water to cover, you’re bound to have the best boating experience of your life. Rent a boat and other equipment in any surrounding city and row your way through the tranquil, clear waters of this lake.
If you enjoy fishing, these waters have lots of rainbow trout, brook trout, and other fish you can catch. Sail through the shallower ends of the shores and cast away for a calm recreational experience.
There are also several kayaking trails for both experienced and newbie kayakers. You can take any of the many outlet routes; the more rocky and adventurous ones, if you’re experienced enough or the stiller ones for beginners.
Surrounding the lake is the Flathead National Forest, where there are many hiking trail experiences to try out as well. You could pick a trail to explore, take in the beautiful vegetation and spot some wildlife as well. Spend your night camping on the many camping grounds on the shores, including Polson, Finley Point, Wayfarers, and others. Make reservations prior to your visit, as these grounds often fill up fast.
Are you looking for a refreshing and quiet getaway? There’s a secluded location you will definitely enjoy visiting. Accessible only by boat, the Wild Horse Island makes for a perfectly refreshing place to spend your afternoon. The waters on this lake are clean and suitable for swimming. Visit the southern shores near the beautiful Polson City for a safe swimming experience.
2. Hiking the Glacier National Park Trails
This popular and scenic park has the most adventurous hiking trails you’ll find in Montana. These trails come in different lengths and heights, and there are hundreds of miles to be covered. There is also plenty of direction provided in any of the three visitor centers in form of tips and maps to guide you through.
Some of the trails to expect include McDonald Lake routes like the Forest and Fire Trail, Trail of the Cedars, Fish Creek Bike Path, and more. The St. Mary’s Lake route features trails such as the Baring Falls Route, Virginia Falls Trail, St. Mary Falls, and more. All of these hikes may be self-guided following directions on signposts and warnings, or you could choose to be guided by experts.
This park offers opportunities for backpacking and overnight trips. For backcountry hiking, you would need to obtain authorized access from the visitor centers. Be sure to take every precautionary measure on these trails to stay safe.
As the forests are vast and there is no network service, you want to walk as a group at all times. Bring the best pair of hiking boots you’ve got, carry bear spray, and keep a safe distance from wild animals. Yes, I’m talking about those beautiful bears, elks, and mountain goats you’re dying to take pictures of.
3. Bozeman
The city of Bozeman offers some of the best museum hoping experiences in Montana. If you’re a historical enthusiast on a knowledge-hunting spree, make this your next stop. The Museum of the Rockies, for starters, is one must-visit museum in Bozeman. Here, you’ll get a paleontological overview of what the Montana landscapes once harbored millions of years ago.
The largest collection of dinosaur fossils and fossils of other extinct mammals such as mammoths and bone-crushing dogs are displayed in this museum. You will also get a real-time experience of what Montana life was like in the 19th century from their History Farm Homestead.
The American Computer and Robotics Museum, a specialty museum for information technology, is also one worth the visit. It’s the oldest of its kind and includes a collection of 4,000 years’ worth of exhibits. You’ll learn about everything from the ancient stone tablet kind of communication to the more modern invention of personal computers.
Aside from everything history, Bozeman also offers other indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for Montana tourists. The Bozeman Hot Springs is a swimmer’s favorite destination. With indoor and outdoor pools, both hot and cold, you’re in for a calmer, water experience. You can also go rafting at Madison River Tubing, hike the Palisade Falls trail or visit the Gallatin Canyon for a scenic experience.
Explore more – things to do in Bozeman
4. The Going to the Sun Scenic Drive
