Explore the Top Ten Must-See Destinations in Montana

Top Ten Places to Visit in Montana

Being from Montana, I have a soft spot for the state and its many attractions, activities, and natural beauty. Called “Big Sky Country, " it is the fourth-largest state but has the third-lowest population density, which offers plenty of wide-open spaces. Montana is home to 97 different mountain ranges, over 3,000 lakes, and countless rivers. Besides nature, there are many historical and cultural attractions and communities to visit for a fun getaway. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, love good food and culture, or are interested in the history of the West, there is something in Montana you will enjoy!  Here is my list of the top 10 places to visit. 

Glacier National Park

Glacier is nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent” for good reason. It features carved peaks, steep valleys, pristine forests, massive wildflower fields, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. A drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must for visitors to Glacier, offering spectacular views of the park. For those who prefer not to navigate the steep, winding road themselves, there are “Red Bus Tours” on vintage 1930s buses, where driver-guides take you through the park, sharing its rich history along the way.

Recommended lodging: Luxury-Prince of Wales Hotel, Moderate/Rustic-Lake McDonald Lodge

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It boasts over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. There are many public access points to Flathead Lake, including picnic areas, campgrounds, boat launches, and swimming spots. Several lake communities are worth visiting as well. Bigfork is my favorite town to visit when in Flathead Lake, located at its north end. It features a quaint downtown with shops, art galleries, excellent restaurants, and a summer theater. 

Recommended Lodging:  The Cottages at Bigfork or Marina Cay Resort

Phillipsburg

Philipsburg is a small town in Southwest Montana that originally developed around a silver mine. Known as P-burg, it has become a more popular tourist destination nowadays. Located in Montana's sapphire region, visitors can mine for precious stones at local shops, where they can buy a bag of gravel that might contain sapphires and garnets. The gravel is washed, and visitors use magnifying glasses and tweezers to search for any viable stones. The best place to “hunt” for sapphires is the Sapphire Gallery, situated next to the Sweet Palace, which is the most complete and extensive candy store I have ever seen.

Recommended Accommodations - Fairmont Hot Springs, which features natural hot water in two Olympic-sized and two soaking pools, which are most enjoyable after a day of sightseeing or travel. 

Virginia City

Virginia City was built in the 1860s along Alder Gulch, which was the site of the richest gold strikes in the Rocky Mountains.  It was the largest settlement of incomers at the time, with a peak population of 10,000 residents.  It is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and the city has been restored to resemble the town as it was long ago.  This is a fun stop to learn some of Montana’s history and experience the Old West. 

Recommended Accommodations-The Fairweather Inn

Helena

Helena is the capital city of Montana, located in the western central part of the state. It was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush in the 1860s. The gold rush brought prosperity and wealth, and by 1888, about 50 millionaires lived there, which was a significant number at the time. Helena offers many attractions, such as tours of the Montana Historical Society, the Montana State Capitol, and the Original Governor’s Mansion. For outdoor activities, visitors can walk along Last Chance Gulch, where gold was discovered, or hike Mount Helena, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. A visit to the Broadwater Hot Springs natural geothermal pools is a relaxing way to end any day. 

Suggested Accommodations – Great Northern Hotel in downtown Helena

Missoula

Located in Western Montana, Missoula is the second-largest city. It is on the banks of the Clark Fork River and offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, skiing, rafting, and fly fishing. Missoula's downtown is described as funky and is home to some unique shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars. Home to the University of Montana, the campus hosts many sporting and cultural events for great entertainment.

Recommended Accommodations: Double Tree Missoula Edgewater

Montana's endless adventures await you; travel safely and enjoy!