When visiting the best attractions in Montana, you are bound to have a great time!
There are things to do in Montana for all types of travelers whether you are interested in hiking, museums, historic sites, or wildlife.
I’ve put together a list that features popular activities and hidden gems in Montana so you can get a great taste of everything the Big Sky Country has to offer.
A Montana vacation is ideal for a family trip or a couple’s getaway. You will fall in love with the state’s landscapes, quaint towns, and rich history.
Keep reading for the best places to visit in Montana!
15 Best Attractions in Montana For Your Bucket List
Going-to-the-Sun Road
The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the best Montana attractions in Glacier National Park.
This 50-mile scenic drive crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and reaches an elevation of 6,646 feet. The views of the Rocky Mountains are just outstanding!
The route begins in West Glacier and ends in St. Mary’s. It takes about two hours to drive straight through but you will 100% want to stop from some of the viewpoints and hiking trails.
With amazing waterfalls, pristine lakes, and beautiful backcountry campgrounds, this is one of the best areas for hiking in Montana. Two of the top sites to admire are Lake McDonald and Saint Mary Lake.
Keep in mind that the entire road is not open year-round. Lower elevation sections remain open throughout the year but the alpine portion opening dates vary based on snowfall.
It is typically open from the beginning of July to mid-October. Make sure to check road conditions before setting out. You should also check vehicle size restrictions. There are also no gas stations in the park.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932. It was the first road to be named a National Historic Place, National Historic Landmark, and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Glacier is one of the top national parks in Montana and should be on any traveler’s bucket list!
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park:
Luxury Cabins: Paddle Ridge.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies is one of the top attractions in Bozeman. This Smithsonian Affiliate museum is perfect for anyone interested in natural history.
Snap a photo outside with bronze Big Mike the Tyrannosaurus rex before heading inside to explore the many interesting exhibits.
Learn about Yellowstone, dinosaurs, Native Americans, and many more science and history topics. Exhibitions change throughout the year so you can see something different every time you visit.
At the Taylor Planetarium, you can become immersed in the universe with 4K projections and surround sound.
The Living History Farm is a replica of a late-1800s homestead.
Learn about pioneer life as you explore the Tinsley House, a milking barn, a blacksmith shop, gardens, and more as you watch costumed interpreters work.
Make sure to check out the other best things to do in Bozeman when in town!
Where to Stay in Bozeman:
Luxury Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bozeman.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is one of the best attractions in Helena for visitors and locals alike.
This beautiful Greek neoclassical building was completed in 1902 and sits on a pretty 10-acre lawn.
You have to take a photo out front with the unique flower bed. Each year since 1970, thousands of flowers have been planted here spelling out the word Montana with a different design.
After snapping some photos, head inside for a tour. Self-guided tours are allowed all year while guided tours are offered in the summer.
As you walk around, admire the amazing rotunda as well as the large collection of paintings, photographs, and statues.
For another of the best things to do in Helena, check out the Montana Historical Society which is just next door.
Where to Stay in Helena:
Luxury Hotel: Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel.
Check Rates: Booking.com
C.M. Russell Museum
The C.M. Russell Museum is one of the best things to do in Great Falls for art and history lovers.
Artist Charles Marion Russell was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1864. He is best known for his over 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Native Americans, and Western landscapes.
His realistic depictions of Old West life act as an amazing historical record for the time period.
The C.M. Russell Museum holds an extensive collection of his oil and watercolor paintings as well as bronze sculptures, clay models, pen-and-ink drawings, and illustrated letters.
Along with Russell’s work, visitors can learn about the Old West through temporary exhibits that highlight other artists.
You can also visit Russell’s home and the studio where he worked. The two-story, 1900 home is full of period furnishings and some personal items.
This museum is easily one of the top places to go in Montana!
Where to Stay in Great Falls:
Mid-Range Hotel: The Gibson Hotel Great Falls.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Driving Beartooth Highway Is One Of The Best Attractions In Montana
The Beartooth Highway is another of the most beautiful drives not only in Montana but in the whole country!
This National Scenic Byway is a 69-mile portion of U.S. Route 212. It connects the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park to the town of Red Lodge with a dip in the middle into Wyoming.
Traverse switchbacks on your way up to Beartooth Pass in Wyoming at an elevation of 10,947 feet.
Of course, there are a ton of jaw-dropping overlooks where you should stop. Pack your bear spray and enjoy some of the rugged hiking trails in the Beartooth Mountains.
If you want to go camping in Montana or Wyoming, there are beautiful campgrounds along the highway as well. Many are near lakes or creeks.
This highway is open from Memorial Day to mid-October, depending on the weather and snowfall.
Where to Stay Near the Beartooth Highway:
Mid-Range Hotel: Red Lodge Inn.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Battle of the Little Bighorn took place for two days in June during the Great Sioux War of 1876.
More famously known as Custer’s Last Stand, this battle was fought between Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer’s troops and the Nations of the Plains, including Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.
The battle ended with a Native American victory and up to 400 casualties on both sides. Custer died as well.
Today, the battlefield is one of the best attractions in Montana for history buffs.
Stop by the museum, see the 7th Cavalry Monument and Indian Memorial, explore the Custer National Cemetery, and walk the Deep Ravine Trail.
Where to Stay Near Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument:
Fordable Motel: Lariat Motel.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
There are so many great things to do in Jefferson City.
The city is located about 25 minutes south of Helena, where you will find the beautiful Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum.
The six-acre property has many themed gardens including a rose garden, vegetable garden and orchard, butterfly and hummingbird garden, children’s garden, and meditation garden.
The nursery sells an assortment of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds as well as shrubs and trees. They also have everything you need for gardening such as fertilizer, pots, arbors, and garden furniture.
This is one of the top attractions in Montana for couples looking for a pretty place for a picnic among flowers. Walk along the paths and have fun taking pictures.
The garden occasionally puts on a high tea in the summer. There are also other events held throughout the year.
Where to Stay Near Jefferson City:
Affordable Hotel: Hampton Inn Helena.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is one of the best free attractions in Montana.
This peaceful site is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation in Lake County. Everyone is welcome to visit and see the little, white Buddha statues and lovely landscaping.
The garden was founded by Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche a member of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Construction began in 2000 with the final Buddha finished in 2016.
The garden hosts many events in Montana annually, including the Tibetan Cultural Festival and Festival of Peace. These both feature traditional music, dancing, and costumes.
You can take a guided tour from April through October. There is also a Tibetian gift shop on site where you can find Buddhist shrine items and local crafts.
Where to Stay Near the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas:
Mid-Range Hotel: StoneCreek Lodge.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Chico Hot Springs Resort
There are a bunch of great hot springs in Montana perfect for a day of unwinding.
Book a stay at Chico Hot Springs Resort for a relaxing Montana weekend getaway. Established in 1900, this resort offers guests many amenities.
Outside, there are big geothermal pools that range in temperature from 96 F to 103 F. Lockers, towels, showers, and changing areas are all available.
Treat yourself at the Day Spa by booking a massage, facial, or body wrap. The resort also has multiple dining options and a wine-tasting room.
You can visit for the day or stay at one of the many lodges, cabins, and houses. At Camp Conestoga, you can book one of the renovated covered wagons with an outdoor fire pit.
This is easily one of the best Montana tourist attractions for all ages.
Hyalite Canyon
South of Bozeman, Hyalite Canyon is a wonderful recreation area popular for hiking, rock climbing, and some of the best camping in Montana.
The Hyalite Reservoir is a beautiful centerpiece where you can enjoy water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing.
There are a ton of trails for hiking and mountain biking that range in length and difficulty. There are also some wheelchair-accessible trails. You will love the scenery and the many waterfalls.
Hyalite Canyon is also one of the best places to visit during winter in Montana. Even covered in snow and ice, the fun does not stop!
Adventure seekers flock here for the ice climbing opportunities. There are over 250 climbing routes that are both moderate and difficult. Tours are available if you are a beginner.
Other winter Montana activities here include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
This portion of Custer Gallatin National Forest is definitely one of the best attractions in Montana for outdoor enthusiasts.
Where to Stay Near Hyasite Canyon:
Luxury Hotel: Kimpton – Armory Hotel Bozeman.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Bison Range Wildlife Viewing Is One Of The Top Activities In Montana
Wildlife viewing is one of the top activities in Montana because there are so many animals to see in their natural habitat.
If you want a guarantee of seeing bison, plan a visit to the Bison Range in the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Established in 1908, this 18,766-acre nature reserve is managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Today, about 350 bison roam the protected prairie.
Start your visit here at the visitor’s center which has a museum, gift shop, and short information trail.
There are two scenic drives allowing you to travel through the range. Look out for bison along with other animals like elk, pronghorn, deer, bears, and many bird species.
The Red Sleep Drive is a 19-mile loop with two hiking trails where you can stop. Make sure to stay at least 25 feet away from any bison. The complete route is closed from November through April.
The Prairie Drive is open year-round and follows the lower portion of the Red Sleep Drive. It is 14 miles round trip.
Where to Stay Near the Bison Range:
Affordable Hotel: Ninepipes Lodge.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Big Sky Resort
For some of the best skiing in Montana, head to the Big Sky Resort in the town of Big Sky.
Skiers and snowboarders will have a blast exploring the 320 runs on 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. They offer lessons and equipment rentals.
If you want a unique experience, give headlamp night skiing a try.
The resort is a summer Montana destination as well! Spend time mountain biking, golf, zipping, and hiking. Ride the ski lift for great mountain views.
At the base of Lone Mountain is the Mountain Village with hotels, restaurants, and shops. At the Solace Spa & Recovery Lounge, you can relax after a day on the slopes.
This is easily one of the most fun places to go in Montana!
Garnet Ghost Town Is One Of The Spooky Attractions In Montana
Ghost towns are some of the most interesting attractions in Montana.
An hour east of Missoula, Garnet is the best-preserved ghost town in the state. The gold mining town began in 1895 and quickly grew to a population of 1,000 with people seeking their fortune.
An estimated $950,000 was made from Garnet’s mines by 1917. This was mostly from gold but silver and copper as well.
By the 1950s, the town was completely abandoned but many buildings and artifacts were left behind.
Wander through the town which still holds over 30 preserved buildings. There are cabins, a hotel, saloons, and more. It is easy to imagine what life would have been like during the town’s heyday.
There are a few pretty hiking trails that will lead you to more historic sites nearby.
While in the area, make sure to check out the best things to do in Missoula!
Where to Stay Near Garnet:
Mid-Range Hotel: Comfort Inn University.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Miracle of America Museum
In Polson, the Miracle of America Museum is one of the most unique attractions in Montana.
Established in 1981, this museum is known as the “Smithsonian of the West,” holding one of the largest collections of American history.
There are hundreds of thousands of fascinating artifacts held in over 30 buildings. The real question is what won’t you see here?
Find toys, guns, UFOs, sculptures, Native American art, instruments, arcade games, phonographs, etc.
There are also a ton of vintage vehicles such as cars, helicopters, planes, motorcycles, boats, tractors, and more.
There is also a pioneer village with an assortment of buildings including a general store, school, firehouse, and blacksmith.
This roadside attraction is found on Memory Lane for a reason! There are great photo ops and things to excite visitors of all ages!
Where to Stay in Polson:
Affordable Hotel: Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson.
Check Rates: Booking.com
World Museum of Mining Is One Of The Best Attractions In Montana
One of the best things to do in Butte is the World Museum of Mining.
Step back in time to the 1800s and feel history come alive at this museum which is found at the old Orphan Girl Mine Yard.
Many original structures and equipment remain such as the 100-foot-tall headframe, the Lorry rail car, and the Hoist House. There are dozens of exhibits with artifacts.
The museum also has a recreation of a mining town called Hell Roarin’ Gulch. There are 50 structures and buildings here some of which are historic buildings brought in from other locations.
One of the best activities at the museum is the 1.5-hour guided Underground Mine Tour. Travel 100 feet underground into the Orphan Girl Mine and hear stories of the mine.
This spot is one of the most fun things to do in Montana for everyone!
Where to Stay in Butte:
Affordable Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Attractions In Montana
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Montana, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when looking to explore the attractions in Montana.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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These are only some of the best places to visit in Montana! Big Sky Country is full of amazing nature spots, history and art museums, and unique sights.
With so many Montana landmarks and tourist activities, you could easily spend a month here exploring!
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