Top Things to do in Montana
Top Hotels in Montana
- 1. Kelly Inn-West Yellowstone
- 2. Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
- 4. Country Inn & Suites By Radisson
- 5. The LARK Bozeman
- 6. Lodge at Whitefish Lake
- 7. Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
- 8. Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone
- 9. Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
- 10. Best Western Desert Inn
10 State Parks in Montana That You Shouldn't Miss
No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana
1. Bannack State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 387 reviews
A park with over 60 original structures still standing from the 1800s, including the old hotel, the governor's mansion, the Masonic Hall and the Methodist Church.
Reviewed By tandc_11 - Reston, United States
The State of Montana deserves a lot of credit for having preserved this marvelous ghost town years ago — and for letting the ruins speak for themselves (with the help of an excellent guidebook). Visitors are given surprising freedom to roam through interiors, including on both levels of several two-story buildings. Posted signs suggest that vandalism has been a problem at times, but fortunately I saw no evidence of this during our visit (a testament to the staff).
2. Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By bjborman - Waco, United States
Great hike for families, we spent the day hiking and picnic lunch, wonderful trails and views. Great picnic area.
3. Smith River State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Finley Point State park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
This time of year the park is closed to vehicular traffic but there is parking directly across the road and it is easy to walk in. The park itself is located about 4 miles (6.8 km) off of MT 35. The road, No./So. Finley Point Rd, meanders a bit but is easy to follow. The park is located on the southeast corner of Flathead Lake with stunning views of the lake, and the Mission Mountains to the west. This time of year with the lower water level of the lake I could walk out a bit on the rocks and ice. The park has both camper and tent campsites making it that much more desirable for longer stays. In addition to the camping, the park offers a full array of activities including canoeing, sailing, swimming, picnicking, fishing and boating with plenty of dock space. The beach is ideal for sunning and relaxing or just taking in the view. All this nestled in a 28 acre strip on the lake. A truly great outing!!
5. Giant Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
See. Do. Explore. The possibilities at Giant Springs State Park are limitless- there is so much to see & do with over 4600 acres of front & backcountry & 20 miles of trail. Most people come for the beautiful springs (first described by Lewis and Clark in 1805), BUT there is so much more to do! Giant Springs offers opportunities for Biking, Hiking, Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Bird/wildlife watching, Photography. There is also much to see: The Springs, River Overlooks, the Fish Hatchery, The Falls and More! Visit the ranger station for guided tours/walks, children's activities, summer programming or for questions.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
This is a sensational park with beautiful views as well as an historical education. It is no secret that the main attractions are the giant springs. These springs provide a mesmerizing show as they cascade out and flow into the Roe River and then into the Missouri River. The walkway around allows for a 360 degree view of the springs. One of the other impressive features is the fish hatchery which located close to the springs. An incredible and lengthy network of paved and dirt trails are designed for biking, hiking and walking along the river. Other trails weave up the bluffs for enhanced views of the area. Picnicking, fishing, boating, bird watching and a jungle gym for kids are some of the other activities available. There is large green area for relaxing as well. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is another highlight especially if the weather is hot, cold or inclement. This is surely a great park for everyone.
6. Les Mason State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By lantana34 - Whitefish, United States
So fun to visit with dogs. There is a dog beach section. Stunningly beautiful setting on Whitefish Lake.
7. Travelers' Rest State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Travelers' Rest State Park marks the crossroads of natural and cultural history. The 65-acre site includes the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, a traditional meeting place of Native American tribes including the Bitterroot Salish, and riparian habitat that is home to hundreds of species of birds and mammals.
Reviewed By V4200ORlindab - Gilbert, United States
The walking trails take you along the creek and back to where Lewis & Clark made camp twice during their quest to seek a route to the Pacific for trading. They have weekly ranger talks and cater to children on the weekends, giving them interactive projects to make while there. Highly recommend not only for the history behind the Park but for the scenery while walking the dusty trails. There is a visitor's center staffed with a State Forest Ranger who holds a wealth of knowledge of the area. There is a picnic area near the creek with tables. Bears frequent this area as well as deer and horn rimed owls. There is a fee for out of state residents, free to those living in MT
8. Flathead Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By mark7142017 - Lexington, United States
We loved the entire area. We took about a two mile walk around the lakeside. It was very quiet with great vistas.
9. Makoshika State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Encompassing more than 11,500 acres at an elevation of 2,069 feet, this park features fossil remains of dinosaurs.
Reviewed By parksvisitor - Maple Grove, United States
This was an unexpected great park to stop at on our way between Dickinson and Billings. We wanted to hike the "big three" as they were described to us at the visitor center: Cap Rock, Kinney Coulee and Twin Sisters. After spending some time at the fantastic visitor center and allowing time for lunch, we only had time for Twin Sisters and Kinney Coulee. Twin Sisters is a nice easy hike to otherworldly rock formations, although in my opinion the park map is deceiving - the best route to get there seems to be from the amphitheater. Kinney Coulee was a great hike, but by no means easy. This is a Montana state park hike and would be considered at least moderate and maybe difficult in a lot of parks. Hiking boots are pretty much required. We were the only ones on the trail and it was beautiful and peaceful. The trail is generally well marked, but not for amateurs. One of the trail signs had been washed down and led to some confusion as we were coming out of the lollipop, but with the antennas at the top of the trailhead it is impossible to get lost. If you can allow a full day for this park you can really take it in to a large extent.
10. Wild Horse Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
This primitive park, which can only be reached by boat, is home to wild horses and other animals.
Reviewed By SublimityCharlie50
Wild Horse Island located in Flathead Lake has a something for everyone. Rich in history, scenery, wildlife, swiming and hiking it's a great way to spend some time. While thete are only five wild horses on the island there is abudant wildlife big horn sheep, deer, bald eagles,and osprey. The island is a true treasure.
