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Oh Montana, there is so much to love about you. It’s difficult to only pick five best places to visit in Montana, because people who visit tend to fall in love with the state. The preserved nature and friendly atmosphere lends to an enjoyable getaway. If you have limited time in Montana, here are 5 things to start off with adding to your itinerary.
Disclaimer: All these suggestions are based on my own personal adventures of visiting all 50 states in 1 year. They are completely subjective to the experiences that I had in the state. If you disagree with the list, please feel free to add any of your suggestions in the comments below 🙂
Cruise Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous national parks in the U.S. For good reason, it is also easily one of the best places to visit in Montana.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main road through the park and offers stunning views. It’s important to note that the road closes for most of the year, other than the summer months, due to snow. I visited once in July when I got to experience this great drive. I visited the park in June, and it was still closed. If you make a special trip out to Montana to visit Glacier National Park (and don’t mind missing the snow), I recommend timing your visit when the road opens. Not only is the road the most scenic area of the park, but it is also how visitors access several hiking trails. It’s also the only way to get from one side of the park to the other without driving all the way around.
Skip rainbow rocks on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park is characterized by its stunning colorful rocks that line the lake bed and shore. Sometimes visitors question if and how the rocks are naturally that color. The amount of iron present determines the color and lends to a rainbow of rocks reflected in the lake.
If you are looking for lodging in the park, McDonald Lodge sits right on the edge of the lake. You will be graced with stunning views every morning you step out of your room.
Have bison surround your car at the National Bison Range
Do you love to see wildlife but are an animal lover that aims to be conscious of animal tourism? If so, the Wild National Bison Range might be for you. Yes, it is still a form of animal tourism, because guests pay for entry. But, the bison roam the range freely. As with all nature, there is no 100% guarantee that you will have the same experience as me. However, in my experience, these massive creatures completely surrounded my car. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before and a cool experience for anyone interested in observing animals in their natural habitat. All of these make the bison range one of the best places to visit in Montana.
Explore Kootenai Falls
A little off the beaten path, Kootenai Falls is worth a small detour. It is the largest undammed waterfall in Montana and one of the largest waterfalls in the U.S. by flow rate. It takes a small hike to get to the falls, but it’s not too long and is well-worth it.
Pay respects at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
If you’re a history buff, this one is for you. Big disclaimer: I am not a history buff! Yet, I still found it interesting, because traveling is the best way to learn. Admittedly, I didn’t know anything about the Little Bighorn Battle. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a great place to get a glimpse into the historical past of Montana
Bonus: Yellowstone
I can’t talk about top things to do in Montana and not at least mention Yellowstone. But, since most of the park falls within Wyoming state lines, I included it in my “5 Best Things to do in Wyoming” post!
Montana is a state that everyone needs to experience once in their life. Most people love it simply for the way it allows visitors to connect with nature. If that sounds like something you may enjoy, add these 5 best places to visit in Montana to your next travel adventure.
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