Montana is one of the northernmost states in the United States of America. It is a haven for nature lovers and environment enthusiasts alike, with expansive landscapes and a multitude of wildlife. The vast undisturbed scenes make up the best setup for adventures. For this reason, Montana is quite popular with people who love the great outdoors. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the believable beauty of Glacier National Park, this place has an epic call for adventure at every corner. Even so, this abundance of choice can do more damage than good for unprepared visitors of the state.
To make the most out of your adventure in Montana, you’ll need to have a well-thought-out itinerary. Although there are tons of cool places in Montana, not having the perfect plan can cause you to miss out on everything altogether. This article explores some of the most exceptional places to visit in Montana and features some expert travel tips to help you enjoy your time in the Treasure State. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an avid traveler to the state, there’s a lot to gain from this Montana travel guide.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Traveling to Montana
Before packing your bags and boarding a Montana-bound airplane, here are some of the things you need to keep in mind before visiting the state.
Best Time to Visit Montana
Montana has some of the harshest winters in the United States. For this reason, unless you want to go on a ski trip, the best time to visit would be during summer. The ideal months are between July and August: when the temperatures are forgiving; and the crowds are manageable.
Expect to Run Into Wildlife
In Montana, wildlife seamlessly blends with regular life. For this reason, you can expect to have a few run-ins with wild animals. There are no limits to what you might meet while exploring this beautiful land, from majestic wild birds to apex predators.
Must-See Attractions in Montana
The Blue-Sky Country has tons of unbelievable experiences that will take your breath away. Even so, Montana is the fourth largest state in the United States, which makes it virtually impossible to explore it entirely in one trip. Nevertheless, to help you create a fit itinerary, here are some of the top-rated attractions in this magnificent state.
Explore the Majestic Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a haven for nature lovers. You’ll find everything from mountain ranges, turquoise lakes, thick forests, picturesque waterfalls, and of course, majestic glaciers. This park will engulf you in the splendor of mother nature and leave even the most adventurous people yearning for more. With more than 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails, Glacier National Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers. What’s more, each path you traverse is surrounded by awe-striking sceneries that will have you snapping vacation pictures all through. Ensure you make your way to Lake McDonald for a fun-filled day of spectacular activities including, horseback riding, bust and boat tours, and day hikes. Lack McDonald is also home to the famous Trail of the Cedars that features several scenic landscapes.
Meet Apex Predators at The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
When visiting Montana, make sure you don’t miss out on a rare chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most elusive predators. There’s no denying that spotting grizzlies and wolves in the wild is nothing short of jaw-dropping. However, despite how fearsome these apex predators are, they mostly prefer to keep to themselves. Fortunately, you can get an opportunity to see these majestic beasts and learn about their species at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC). The animal sanctuary is home to six grizzlies who had become a nuisance in society. Keeping them in the animal center prevents people from taking more lethal alternatives to stop the bears from destroying property and possibly harming people. Seven grey wolves reside at GWDC. You can get a chance to hear them howl if you visit the center at the right time, mostly in the mornings and late evenings.
Visit the Big Sky Resort
For winter-sports lovers, the Big Sky Resort is a must-visit. It is one of the most popular winter destinations within the United States and the largest ski resort by area. Big Sky Resort boasts more than 5,000 acres of skiable territory and has close to 4,500 feet of vertical terrain. With this, the holiday destination is perfect for all types of snow activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Nevertheless, although Big Sky Resort is essentially a winter destination, the fun doesn’t end when the snow melts. The resort offers plenty of summer activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, ziplining, and paintball. Moreover, there are excellent accommodation and conferencing options at the resort for those who’d like to stay in the scenic mountainside.
Go Back in Time at The Museum of The Rockies
History enthusiasts and paleontology lovers can also be adequately satisfied with a trip to Montana. Several museums can take you back in time to marvel at a world that existed before ours. The Museum of The Rocks is a definite must-visit for everyone fascinated by dinosaurs and their impact. It holds the country’s most extensive collection of dinosaur remains, including the biggest T-Rex skull ever discovered. The museum also features a Tyrannosaurus Rex thigh bone that still has some soft-tissue remains and a T-Rex skeleton at the entrance named Big Mike. Apart from its rich paleontology collection, other exciting exhibitions in the museum include displays dedicated to the history of Yellowstone Country’s native people and Western art exhibits.
Despite the multitude of outdoor activities and the scarcity of people in Montana, you can also engage in several cultural experiences. There are several ways to immerse yourself in the authentic Western lifestyle of Montana.
Conclusion
Montana is a flourishing vast expanse of lush greenery and spectacular sceneries. There are countless attractions in the state that will take your breath away, and friendly locals ready to provide assistance and company when you need it. If you’re thinking about visiting this exceptional paradise, the tips highlighted above will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
