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
What to do and see in Montana, United States: The Best Things to do
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. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,120 reviews
A spectacular and scenic 52-mile highway through Glacier National Park, which crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass in Montana.
Reviewed By rdburrows
Every part of this drive is beautiful and breathtaking!!! Take your time and enjoy it!! Way to many people get in a hurry!! Enjoy the pull offs and take in the views!! Get out of the vehicle and take it all in!! We chose to drive on our own that way we could go at our own pace!!! We went the end of June and it was the first week that the full road had been open!! So glad we got to experience it!! We decided to drive east to west to avoid all the traffic coming into from the West!!
2. Beartooth Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 834 reviews
Spectacular high mountain road with sweeping views is a favorite scenic drive for sightseers.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I will never forget Beartooth Highway. We had decided to take the most scenic (northeast) entrance to Yellowstone National Park, via Red Lodge and Cooke City and the Beartooth Highway, or U.S. Highway 212 in Montana and Wyoming. It was mid-July and we were wearing shorts. We began to climb the winding road. A little above the tree line, we were surprised to see it was beginning to snow. And snow. And snow. Finally, we reached the summit, Beartooth Pass, the very top of the mountain at 10,947 feet above sea level. But the road was snowbound and it was foggy. We couldn't see anything on either side of the road but snow. From what we had read in the Yellowstone periodicals, this part of the drive should offering spectacular and scenic views of Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River, lots of photo ops from lookouts. All we could see was snow. We couldn't even see the highway. We stopped. What should we do? Go forward? Go back? Wait for someone else to arrive on the scene? We didn't have a cellphone. Or a snow shovel. Only shorts. It's mid-July, remember? At that moment, in our moment of indecision, a snowplow came over the horizon from the opposite direction. What a relief! The driver pointed to a spot where we could turn around and go back down the mountain to Red Lodge. We followed him all the way. It has been called "the most beautiful drive in America" but because of heavy snowfall at the top, the pass is usually open each year only from mid-May through mid-October. Nobody said anything about heavy snowfall in mid-July. Later, I saw colorful pictures of where we were and what we were supposed to see when we reached Beartooth Pass. Historically, the pass was crossed in August, 1872, by Civil War General Philip Sheridan and 120 men returning from an inspection tour of Yellowstone National Park. When the road was opened to the public in 1936, it essentially followed Sheridan's route over the pass. Fortunately, he didn't need a snowplow to get through.
3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,017 reviews
Reviewed By USN_Seabee_Wife - Chehalis, United States
#1 Rule: Don't forget your camera, make sure your batteries are charged and that you have plenty of SD cards for your digital camera. What is here: The dramatic, 1,000-foot-deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone rewards visitors with dazzling views of multi-hued rock walls and majestic waterfalls. With walking and hiking trails for all abilities, and learning opportunities for the whole family, it’s easy to spend an entire day in this unique area of the park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is roughly 20 miles long and varies from 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. Geologists believe it was formed as the Yellowstone River eroded softer, less resistant rock that had been weakened by hydrothermal gases and hot water. The colorful canyon is a natural work of art: streaks of red, orange, gold, black, and even green decorate the canyon walls. Several miles of trails connect 10 primary overlooks that afford dramatic views from both sides of the canyon. When we went there had been snowfall and it made the most beautiful pictures since it was combined with all of the colors of the canyon. Whether it’s your first visit to Yellowstone, or you visit regularly, everyone loves a summer day in the park. Here’s how to get the most out of yours. The best way to experience all the different facets of the canyon’s charm is to pick a trail and go for a hike. There are many trails along both canyon rims, from short jaunts to all-day treks. Here are a few of our favorites: Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (moderate): Descend 600 feet on a steep trail to get an up-close and personal view of the Lower Falls in all its thundering power. 0.7 miles, round-trip Seven Mile Hole Trail (strenuous): You’ll want to commit a whole day to this trail – the only one that leads to the canyon bottom.10.2 miles, round-trip Point Sublime Trail (easy): After visiting the Artist Point overlook, follow the South Rim Trail beyond Artist Point to this less-traveled path, which meanders along the canyon rim to the aptly named Point Sublime. 1.3 miles from Artist Point to Point Sublime View the Canyon and Falls While some views of the canyon and falls are only accessible by trail, you can still get to the following overlooks by car and a short walk from the parking lots on paved, accessible walkways. From North Rim Drive: View the Lower Falls from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. Both waterfalls are visible from Brink of the Lower Falls. From South Rim Drive: See the Upper Falls from two viewpoints at Uncle Tom’s Point. View the Lower Falls at Artist Point. Several of the canyon overlooks and trails, which were originally built in the 1930s, are being rehabilitated with support from Yellowstone Forever. Over the years, they have been hammered by unforgiving weather, compromised by soil erosion, and damaged by increased visitation. In recent years, these conditions have prompted some temporary or long-term closures.
4. Lamar Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,998 reviews
Reviewed By FancyFree55 - Florida, United States
This route is an amazing drive into the park, with large herds of buffalo grazing in vast fields on both sides of the northeast entrance road. It seemed that our visit coincided with birthing season, when lots of calves were just joining families. They're an unusual orange-brown color, compared with the very dark fur of their parents.' Tourists parked all over the sides of the highway to stop for close-up photos these incredible animals. When I say close-up, I mean with a good zoom. Park signage warns you not to get nearer than 75 yards because the animals are very fast and, if they feel like their babies are threatened, they will charge. We were very fortunate to also spot a small herd of pronghorn elk grazing not far from the road and got some great pix. The drive itself is beautiful, with mountains off in the distance, and a river winding through vast green along and around the roadway.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,551 reviews
Reviewed By payelchakravorti - Melbourne, Australia
Yellowstone National Park should be in anyone’s bucket list who loves the bond between nature & wildlife.Dramatic landscape,Alpine Forest, Gushing Geyser,Fuming Hot Spring, Volcanic Caldera, Bubbling Basin,Colourful pool,Scenic Lake,Hiking trail what all what not. This topography is the perfect choice for photography & a traveler's stop.The whole area is atop of a volcano & the vesicles give a rough & porous texture on the earth’s outer crust.It exactly looks like a painful blister on earth’s skin. I was taken aback to see snow fudge & thermal spring dwelling together without losing their own identity.It’s magic, bounty of nature.Get out of the car & explore this beautiful piece of the planet by walk. Time plays a major role, if someone wants to enjoy the hot spring flow.It's once in a lifetime experience & want to go back again after some years.
6. Grand Prismatic Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,056 reviews
Brightly-colored hot spring, the result of algae that live in the water.
Reviewed By WanderingWithUsTwo - Phoenix, United States
One of the most popular and colorful is obviously the Grand Prismatic Spring. There are many others throughout the park and they even offer a small theater presentation about hot springs and geysers if you want to learn more. If you visit and want to see an aerial view you should stop by the nearby parking lot which has a trail that takes you to see the spring from above via the Fairy Falls trail. This gives you some better perspective of the entire spring and the surrounding areas. We hope to be back for several days next time and camp at one of the many campgrounds they have along the rivers! - @wanderingwithustwo
7. A Carousel for Missoula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
THE CAROUSEL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID19. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING, AND PLEASE STAY SAFE. This beautiful carousel, completed in 1995, was the brainchild and vision of a local Missoula cabinet-maker, who carved much of the structure himself and also trained an enthusiastic team of volunteers to assist in the project.
Reviewed By 749sierras - Wichita, United States
Want to feel like a child again??? Get on this beautifully restored carousel!!!! But be warned, this is not a ride for the faint of heart. One of the fastest carousels in the world, it spins at a heart racing 8mph!!! (Yes, they provide seat belts) Be sure to grab for the brass ring as you spin around... it's one of the only carousels in the world that still let's you win a prize!!!
8. Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By nancycD3182RR - Lancaster, United States
The smoke jumpers' center was one of the highlights of our time in Missoula. We were right in the center of the action. The tour included the ready room, sewing room, and parachute rigging area. Our guide was well informed and shared a lot of information. The smoke jumpers answered questions, as well. We need to give thanks to these men and women for putting their lives on the line to save our beautiful natural resources.
9. Museum of the Rockies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,785 reviews
Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University is a Smithsonian Affiliate, recognized as one of the world's finest research and history museums. It is renowned for displaying an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex skeleton! MOR delights visitors with changing exhibits from around the world, permanent indoor and outdoor regional history exhibits, planetarium shows, educational programs, insightful lectures, benefit events, and a museum store. The Museum Store sells healthy snacks such as juice, yogurt, nuts, and string cheese. Snack and beverage vending machines are located in the lower lobby. There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana, preserves and tells the stories of Montana and the Northern Rocky Mountains, educating visitors about the region's rich history, which includes its paleontological roots. Located at 600 West Kagy Boulevard, it was founded in 1957. Its collections focus on the physical and cultural history of the Rocky Mountains and the people and animals who have lived there, dating back more than 500 million years. The museum houses the largest collection of dinosaur remains in the United States, possessing the largest Tyrannosaurus skull ever discovered, as well as the thigh bone of a Tyrannosaurus rex that contains soft-tissue remains. The museum's collections have grown to include 300,000 objects that cover more than 500 million years of history. In 1980, the museum acquired over 10,000 photographs and negatives from the heirs of Albert, Alfred and Chris Schlechten that chronicle the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park areas over two generations, from 1905 until the late 1970s. Other permanent exhibits include: "Enduring Peoples," which chronicles the life of Native Americans on the Northern Plains and near the Rocky Mountains; "History of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region," whose inhabitants included Native Americans, fur traders, gold seekers and white settlers from the frontier days through World War II; the Living History Farm, which includes the Tinsley House, where costumed interpreters demonstrate life in a turn-of-the-century home; and the Taylor Planetarium, a 104-seat domed theater. The 100-year-old Tinsley House is preserved as a living history museum where visitors learn about the life of the Tinsley family and others who lived at the time. The house includes a functioning outhouse, water pump and kitchen where food typical of the time is sometimes prepared. The Tinsleys migrated west during the Civil War and worked in Virginia City, Montana, then relocated to the Gallatin Valley. The house was built in 1889 and provides an overview of homestead life in the 1800s in the Gallatin Valley. The newest addition to the complex, the $4 million, 20,000-square-foot Curatorial Center for the Humanities, will provide storage and curatorial space for the museum's humanities collection, which includes art and archaeological, historic, Native American and photographic items.
10. The Rimrocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By LauraZB1977 - Billings, United States
If you are visiting Billings for the first time the rimrocks are fun for an afternoon drive or hike. Great views and good to get out in the fresh air!
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