20 Best Things to Do in Montana

Montana is one of the most stunningly isolated states in the country, thanks to its towering cliffs and vast plains. It is known as “Big Sky Country” because of the vast expanse of blue sky that covers the many caves, canyons, and caverns found there.

This state is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, camping, ziplining, and stargazing.

It is a widespread belief that Montana has nothing to offer outside its mountains. But that’s not true at all! As they say, you have to see it to believe it. Visitors come from around the world to see Yellowstone National Park, and Western Heritage Center which are considered one of the most popular attractions in the America. The great outdoors may also be experienced to the fullest in Montana, whether at one of the state’s numerous world-class ski areas, Glacier National Park, or any other recreational activities the state offers. 

So below, we have listed the 20 best places and exciting things to do in mt for your perfect vacation getaway. Make sure that you read until the end.

Simple Version: What to do in Montana

Here are the top things to do in Montana with their best features. So, if you are looking for something specific, consider looking at the list below and read about top Montana tourist attractions.

• Most significant landmark – Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
• Best park – Glacier National Park
• Best free activity– Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
• Best activity for kids – Museum of the Rockies
• Best activity for adults- Big Sky Resort
• Best food – Grizzly Bar
• Best nightlife – Lone Peak Brewery 
• Best-around accommodation – Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Best Fun Things to Do in Montana

Now take your pen and paper and list down these top things to do in Montana and some Montana attractions to add to your bucket list.

1. Most Significant Landmark: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Address: I-90 Frontage Rd, Crow Agency, MT 59022, United States

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located near Crow Agency, Montana, is likely one of the most well-known historic locations in the United States. The 7th Cavalry Memorial, the Custer National Cemetery, a museum, and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield are all parts of the memorial, including a visitor’s center. Other parts of the memorial include the Reno-Benteen Battlefield. 

This location was chosen to serve as a memorial for the Battle of Little Bighorn, one of the bloodiest conflicts between the United States and the Sioux & Cheyenne American Indians. Thousands of people lost their lives during the conflict, and the memorial built in their honor has been an extremely helpful asset.

You could even take a self-guided tour of this memorial by buying an audio guide, which provides information about the significant locations and allows you to listen to the vivid stories that a Park Ranger tells at the Visitor Center. Alternatively, the National Park Service looks after this landmark, and it is under their supervision.

Related: Epic Must-See National Parks in Montana

2. Best Park: Go Hiking in Glacier National Park

 Address: 64 Grinnell Drive Glacier National Park Headquarters West Glacier, MT 59936.

Glacier National Park should be your destination of choice if you are searching for the park with the best fun things to do in Montana.  Glacier National Park referred to as a “hiker’s paradise,” is home to breathtaking scenery beyond what the eye can see.

There are a number of considerable heights, some of which include Logan Pass at 7,700 feet as well as Reynolds Peak at 9,100 feet. However, there are also trails surrounding ponds, grasslands, tree groves, and mountainous valleys suitable for beginners. There are many native animals, ranging from goats to brown or grizzly bears.

Among the most popular trails in Glacier National Park is the 2.8-mile Hidden Lake Overlook, which offers visitors the opportunity to see mountain goats and bighorn goats all along the way. The Iceberg Lake Trail is 9.6 miles long and offers spectacular views of Wilbur, Iceberg Peak, and the Continental Divide. If you are up for a challenge, you should take this trail.

This park is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and known as the “Crown of the Continent,” It features more than just hiking paths. You can go on a car excursion along the world-famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, paddle on Swiftcurrent Lake, or take a boat ride across Lake McDonald. You and your family can try the famous water activity, the West Glacier: Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip, or a private tour known as the From Whitefish: Glacier National Park & Polebridge Day Tour. 

3 Best Free Activity: Picnic at Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum 

Address: 38 Tizer Lake Road, Jefferson City, MT 59638 

The Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum can be found near Jefferson City, Montana, in the middle of the Elkhorn Mountains, spanning Prickly Pear Creek.

You have the option of taking a self-guided tour or letting a member of the staff lead you down the garden paths to discover thousands of high-altitude plants. These plants include roses, wildflowers, herbal plants, vegetables, perennials, and bulbs, and they are located in some of the most breathtaking environments. You may also try sheltering yourself in the mysterious garden and writing down your ideas in a journal while you allow yourself to be soothed by the glistening brook. 

This Garden provides visitors with an idyllic setting in which to sit and reflect. You are more than free to bring your lunch with you and eat it at one of the many tables that are located in the several theme gardens, such as the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, the Shade Garden, or the Perennial Garden.

Pay a visit to the Gold Miner’s Cabin, which has been lovingly renovated, as well as the Hotel, which was deftly positioned on a teeny-tiny island in the midst of the creek. Also, don’t forget to look around the gift and garden shop when you’re there!

Related: Best Things to Do in Whitefish Montana

4. Best Activity for Kids: Museum of The Rockies 

Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, United State

You must spend some time in Montana at this one of the best world museums, which is the Museum of the Rockies, which can be found in Bozeman. It focuses on the human and natural history of both the Rocky Mountain region and has a selection of fascinating exhibits featuring fossils of dinosaurs and large-scale reconstructions of the region’s geological features.

At the entryway of the museum, you will be met with “Big Mike,” a skeleton of one of the museum’s most well-known Tyrannosaurus rex specimens, which is part of the world’s most extensive display of dinosaur fossils.

The world’s largest Tyrannosaurus skull is one of the centerpieces of this museum, so you won’t miss your chance to get up and personal with it. Children will undoubtedly take pleasure in the fact that their favorite dinosaur characters from television can now be seen in real life.

In addition, the Museum of the Rockies is home to a planetarium, which displays digital projections in 4K resolution and allows visitors to observe the night sky. In the mesmerizing display that is housed within the 40-foot dome, guests can recline their seats to enjoy the complete space experience and get a glimpse of space. 

Related: Best Things to Do in Bozeman Montana

5. Best Activity for Adults: Mountain Skiing at Big Sky Resort

Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, United States

If you are a fan of winter sports, a visit to Big Sky Resort for a day of snowboarding and skiing should be at the forefront of your list of things to do in Montana. Big Sky, Montana, is widely recognized as having a reputation as one of the top ski resorts in the United States. An extraordinary amount of interesting runs may be found across its picturesque environment of snow-capped mountains.

The terrain at Big Sky, which boasts of having “The Biggest Skiing in America,” is renowned for its plenty of snow and receives an annual snowfall of an area of 400 inches. The resort also calls itself “The Biggest Skiing in America.” There are more than 5,700 acres that may be skied on, in addition to more than 4,300 feet of steep terrain that caters to skiers of varying abilities.

What is there to do in Montana’s Big sky? This top winter resort is also a well-known place to visit when the weather is warmer because it is only about an hour away from Bozeman. Hiking, bike riding, golfing, and fly fishing are activities that may be enjoyed during the summer.

It also provides guests with a diverse range of lodging possibilities, comprising hotels, condominiums, and cabins, as well as on-site dining options and a variety of on-site and off-mountain fun activities, including apres-ski activities.

Check this Big Sky Premium Ski Rental, Including Delivery, and book your tour earlier. 

6. Best Food:  Hearty Meals and Drinks at The Grizzly Bar

Address: 22 E Rosebud Rd, Roscoe, MT 59071, United States

Over the course of more than half a century, the Grizzly Bar has been providing customers in Montana with an exceptional selection of both food and drink. In addition to savoring your beer and filling lunch, you will also get the opportunity to make the journey to Roscoe, which is a teeny-tiny unincorporated community located around one hour outside of Billings, Montana.

When you arrive at this Montana restaurant, be ready to be accompanied by animal decor, earthy charm, and maybe even a cowboy or two. The drive to this restaurant will provide you with the opportunity to take in the breathtaking nature of Montana. You can also relax after your drive with a beer in addition to the traditional American fare, such as burgers and steaks that you can eat there.

 Bring your hunger with you so you’ll be able to savor every mouthful of the delicacies that you order, such as shrimp scampi on steak. In addition to the traditional fare of a local watering hole, you’ll find specialties such as their special stuffed peppers.

Because this one-of-a-kind eatery is a trip, be sure to bring a camera with you to capture the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter on the way to the Grizzly Bar.

7. Best Nightlife: Enjoy the Night at Lone Peak Brewery 

Address: 48 Market Pl, Big Sky, MT 59716, United States

The room in Lone Brewery is a place where people may get together with their friends to taste beer, making it an ideal gathering spot for a night out. They always use malt, water, hops, and yeast in their brewing process, and they do so in tiny batches.

They employ only the highest quality ingredients that can be found anywhere, and the beers are never pasteurized or filtered and never contain any preservatives or chemicals. So, you receive solely fresh bottled beer for each serving!

Try the Brewski Rack, which includes four-ounce samples of each beer, or go for the crowd-favorite Lone Peak IPA and Nordic Blonde. They also sell plastic Nalgene growlers, glass growlers, tiny growlers, Party Pigs, and Party Pig coolers, all of which are designed to keep your beer cold.

Merchandise such as tie-dye shirts, hooded sweatshirts, baseball caps, sample glassware, pint & half-pint glasses, and baseball caps are also for sale.

You can also participate in competitions, play shuffleboard, or play golf on their simulator. Other activities include golf and shuffleboard. There are shuffleboard competitions every Monday and Wednesday night, so you might want to think about going there on certain days of the week if you want to participate.

8. Best-Around Accommodation: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, United States

A well-known natural marvel in the continent of North America is the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, which can be found in Jefferson County. In addition to being the very oldest and most well-known state park in Montana, it also contains one of the most beautifully adorned limestone caves in the entire Pacific Northwest.

To experience the primary draw of this park, which consists of having an up-close look at fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual mineral structures, you will need to descend inside the park’s cavern system. The trips, which run from May to late September on average, will take you to the brightly lit natural wonders underneath while providing information about the geologic significance of those wonders of the world.

The tour will take approximately two hours, during which time you will descend a flight of steps and make your way through a tight corridor before reaching the renowned “Beaver Slide.” To get the most out of this attraction, you’ll need to make your way down into the caves – an astonishing 300 vertical feet, to be precise – in which you’ll have the opportunity to be amazed by each of its “great rooms.”

Above ground, visitors to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park can choose from various pathways suitable for hiking and riding. Campsites, cottages, not one but two visitor centers, and informative displays are also part of the facilities. In addition, there are many concessions selling food and beverages, activities offered by park rangers, and yearly events that take place during the summer months.

9. Adventure Ride on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road

Address: 64 Grinnell Drive Glacier National Park Headquarters West Glacier, MT 59936

Glacier National Park is traversed by a paved route with two lanes called Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road leads to Going-to-the-Sun Lake. It is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States due to its winding and winding path that passes by a range of breathtaking views and terrains, including glacial lakes & falls, mountain peaks, and cedar forests.

On the route that is 52 miles long, there are various pull-off sites at viewing locations at which you can stop over to enjoy the breathtaking views. The top part of this picturesque drive is located at Logan Pass, which is 6,646 feet above sea level. 

As the Going-to-the-Sun drive comes to an end at Logan Pass, it is simple to merge it with a full day of hiking in the surrounding area. After getting some fresh air and stretching your legs here, you can select one of the many neighboring hiking routes to continue your journey.

If you want to view Going-to-the-Sun Road in all of its splendor, you need to make sure to plan your visit. In general, the trail is accessible from the start of July until about the middle of October, with openings and closings being determined by the amount of snowfall. It takes roughly two hours to travel the full length of it, although that time might vary greatly depending on how many times you stop for photos and walks along the way.

10. Snowboarding at The Whitefish Mountain Resort

Address: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

Whitefish Mountain Resort was once known as Big Mountain Resort until 2007 when it officially changed its name to Whitefish Mountain Resort. The name was selected to honor the town of Whitefish, located in Montana, and the surrounding community. Whitefish was the common moniker for the destination among snowboarders for many years previous to the modification of the resort’s name.

It is a quaint holiday resort in northern Montana, set against the stunning background of Big Mountain and the world-famous Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish Lake is a popular destination for various winter and summer activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and water sports. It also acts as an entrance to Glacier National Park.

With over three thousand acres, Whitefish Mountain Resort is the area’s premier tourist destination. One of the best ski areas in the United States, it provides outdoor enthusiasts with a wide variety of activities throughout the year, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to trekking and mountain cycling in the summer.

Visit downtown Whitefish for a change of pace from the outdoor activities, and you’ll find a charming city devoid of big-box retail companies. The neighborhood is charming and ideal for a stroll. Check out the local cafes and cool boutiques providing unique clothing, accessories, and artwork.

The Whitefish Lake Golf Club features 36 holes and is a great place to spend a peaceful day outside after a morning of trout fishing or kayaking. Whitefish Trail also has 12 picturesque trailheads where hikers can enjoy the outdoors.

11. Fishing at the Flathead Lake

Address: 575 Electric Ave, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States

Flathead Lake is the biggest freshwater lake westward of the Mississippi River, and it is located just around 60 kilometers (40 miles) southern portion of Glacier National Park. It is well known as a prime location for fishing due to its more than 185 miles of shoreline and more than 200 sq miles of ocean.

At this natural marvel, you can catch a wide variety of fish, including trophy-sized trout, yellow carp, kokanee salmon, and even whitefish on your line. The park’s wide, spongy beach is quite famous for tanning and swimming, and its waterways are perfect for spending a day sailing, kayaking, or boating.

Get some fresh air and exercise through one of the many beautiful trails, and while you’re doing so, keep a look out for the native flora and fauna. You can also go to the 2,163-acre Wild Horse Islands, which is located off the western shore of the lake. On this island, there are approximately 75 different varieties of birds, as well as wild horses, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep.

There are numerous locations around the lake where you can rent fishing equipment, so if you don’t feel like bringing your pole, you won’t have to. You can choose to camp out at one of the available sites in Big Arm/Flathead Lake State Park for the night, or you can explore some of Glacier National Park’s other lakes that are considered to be among the best, such as Lake Macdonald, Avalanche Lake, and St. Mary Lake.  You can also try their guided tour From Whitefish: Flathead Lake & Bison Range.

12. Fascinating Cowboy Art at C.M. Russell Museum Complex

Address: 400 13th St N, Great Falls, MT 59401, United States

The C.M. Russell Museum, which can be found in Great Falls, is dedicated to honoring the work and life of one of America’s most influential artists. Not only did he provide stunning historical evidence of Western societies, earning him the moniker “Cowboy Artist,” but he also lived the existence that he depicted on canvas throughout his whole life.

Visit this location to draw inspiration from his outstanding works, which depict the wild frontier and age of farming and settlement that occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The highlights provide more than 3,000 items of Western art, which are shown over 16 exhibit halls and comprise clay models, paintings and drawings, watercolor paintings, bronzes, and other media.

You’ll discover representations of the customs of North Plain Indian life, as well as the fauna and scenery of Montana and the lifestyle of cowboys, within his body of work. The outstanding artistic development of a man who was largely self-taught is demonstrated through rotating exhibits at the museum, which contributes to the museum’s already exceptional status.

In addition to housing an impressive gallery of paintings, the gallery is also home to a diverse assortment of items and records that were part of Russell’s personal stash. In addition to the Russel Riders Sculpture Park, you may pay a visit to the old Russell House & Studio, which is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. You can book Admission to the C. M. Russell Museum when you click here. 

13. Canoe the Rapids of The Upper Missouri River

Address: Fort Benton, MT, United States

Visit the breathtaking Upper Missouri Breaks River in Montana if you’re looking for an exciting canoeing or kayaking excursion in the state. This section of the Missouri River is one of a kind, as it travels through some of the most remote and treacherous gorges in the state. It is perfect for paddlers of all experience levels.

Canoe rides down the Upper Missouri National Wild as well as the Scenic River, are sure to be a blast for anyone with a penchant for adrenaline-pumping activities. Here, you may follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as you make your way through the famous monument and take in views from some of the most breathtaking terrain in Montana.

Your adventure should begin at the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center near Fort Benton, which is widely regarded as one of the most attractive tiny towns in all of Montana. Whether you want to go on a tour with a guide or discover Upper Missouri Breaks on your own with a boat or canoe, the locals here can advise you on the most effective way to do it.

Make it a point, before you leave, to explore the fascinating hands-on displays that the Interpretive Center has to offer, which emphasize the extensive history of the surrounding area. After a day of kayaking, you might want to try some of the other outdoor activities that are available in the area, such as trekking, birdwatching, swimming, or camping.

14. Animal Encounters at Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone

Address: Northwest Wyoming MT, United States

West Yellowstone, which is a simple inclusion to your expanding list of things to do in Montana, is conveniently located at the Western Entrance of the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. The Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful Geyser, Lamar Valley, and the Grand Canyon are just a few Yellowstone landmarks that are easily accessible from this location.

Include a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center on the list of things to do while you’re in West Yellowstone. You will get the great opportunity to go very near to animals such as grizzly bears, otters, and wolves in the wildlife park and educational center that does not make a profit. The center’s animal encounters are informative for tourists since they teach them about the behavior of animals as well as their history.

If you have a passion for animals, one of the most exciting parts of your trip will be watching the bears search for trout in the expansive outside habitat and seeing the North American river otters lazing in the sandpit. It’s also the most likely opportunity you’ll ever have to get up close and personal with a wolf.

Visit the Museum of Yellowstone and look at the interesting objects there if you are interested in learning more about West Yellowstone. Children may also burn off steam at the big ropes obstacle course or on the 1,000 feet of zip lines.

In addition, the historical Playmill Theatre hosts live productions of family-friendly musicals, and you can enjoy hot springs in the summer. You can plan your trip ahead with the amazing deals available on GetYourGuide and Viator.

15. Religious Trip to Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

Address: 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, United States

The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is open to the public and may be found on the Flathead Indian Reservation near Lake County, Montana. Although construction is ongoing, visitors are welcome to explore what is currently completed there.

Whether you have a religious background or not, it is a wonderful place to visit just for the scenery! A vast circular terrain is dotted with Buddha statues, and the area’s focal point is a magnificent pavilion in the center.

The majority of the sculptures are built of simple, plain stone, but some of them have been brightly colored and painted, while others have been attractively arranged around natural elements like lakes and parks. There is a compact gift shop where you may purchase mementos, and if you would also like to contribute to the cause, there is a place for you to do so.

The creators of the garden harbor the dream that one day it will serve as a place of worship for adherents of a variety of religious traditions. If you’re searching for a location to find inner calm, take a stroll around the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, or just take a few moments to enjoy some peace and quiet for yourself, this is the perfect spot.

16. Thrill Adventure at The Castle Ghost Town

Address: Montana 59053, USA

In the late 1800s, the United States saw a period known as the “silver rush,” which led to the establishment of a large number of communities that were later deserted along the way to the riches that were promised.

The Castle City Ghost Town is only one of these settlements, but it is the only one that may be found in its original location in Montana today.

The old, historical sites that distinguished the Wild West frontiers, such as saloons, jails, and a variety of brothels, are now important tourist attractions and should not be missed. Visitors get the opportunity to investigate the architecture as well as the numerous rusty objects and derelict vehicles that are scattered across the terrain.

There are stories that the village is haunted, which is yet another fascinating aspect of the location. It is said that around the 1890s, Calamity Jane spent some time in Castle, and during that time, she got into some mischief while she was there.

In addition to being one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Montana, the Castle City Ghost Town is also one of the most unsettling. This is the perfect place to go sightseeing if you enjoy a dash of macabre and sinister allure in your tourist destinations.

17. Amazing Cave Art at Pictograph Cave State Park

Address: 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, United States

Anyone interested in history should make the trip to Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings. This National Historic Landmark provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind archeological experience and also showcases cave drawings that are almost two thousand years old.

Take a tour all around the park’s circular circuit to observe the more than one hundred pictographs that were discovered in caves here in 1936, and then see out the fascinating exhibits that are housed in the park’s Visitor Center.

You will gain a better understanding of the prehistoric hunters who left behind such incredible artwork by perusing the center’s collection of 30,000 unusual artifacts, which include weapons and stone tools.

When decorating the ceilings at Pictograph Cave State Park, many of the early artists employed black and white hues. Visitors to the cave between the years 200 and 500 have carved onto its walls images of various creatures and weaponry, including horses and other animals.

Take the loop towards the picnic area and the visitor center after exploring the Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves along the interpretive route. Bringing binoculars will allow you to get the greatest look at the priceless artwork.

18. A Trip in Time through The American Museum of Computing and Robotics

2023 Stadium Dr #1a, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States

The American Computer and Robotics Museum are not only for people who are particularly knowledgeable about computers. This is interesting to everyone who is fascinated by the history of both humanity and technology.  It is widely regarded as one of the most unusual museums in the state of Montana and can be found in Bozeman.

Learn about the past by perusing displays on antique cuneiform tablets, the very first computers, and the roles that women have played in the field of computing. You’ll find interesting and forward-thinking displays that span 4,000 years of humanity’s history, from pigeons carrying cameras during World War I to increased mounted cameras on space probes. These displays will captivate and amaze you.

There are also thought-provoking displays there that showcase the advent of the Information Age. Some topics on display include ai technology, quantum computing, and breaking the Enigma code. At this site, which is the oldest known museum of its sort that is still open and operational, you may completely submerge yourself in the world of technology.

19. Rocks That Sing on The Ringing Rocks

Address: Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, United States

The Ringing Rocks are a rare natural phenomenon that can be experienced only in a select few locations around the globe, one of which is Montana.

They’re like a choir of rocks.  When tapped with a mallet, they emit an eerie yet enchanting chime-like sound. Geologists have their theories, but no one knows for sure why these 2,000-year-old rock formations have such unusual chemical compositions. The erosion and movement of the rocks against one another over time could potentially play a role.

Interestingly enough, rocks don’t make music, either. They only sing when they’re buried under a mountain of rocks.

As a result, many thieves have been put off robbing them throughout the years, which is great news for you and any future tourists hoping to witness their beauty for themselves. The Ringing Rocks should be on your list of possible vacation activities in Montana.

20. Iconic National Bison Range

Address: 58355 Bison Range Rd, Charlo, MT 59824, United States

The American bison is a widely recognized symbol of the American West, but due to its rarity and the diversity of its natural habitats, it is often difficult to see one in the wild.

Thankfully, there are locations like National Bison Range. In the foothills and grasslands of northwestern Montana is where you’ll find the Bison Range, which is about 18,000 acres in size.

Around 300–500 bison make their home there, and because of the gorgeous roads that pass through their habitat, tourists can get very near to these magnificent animals.  For safety reasons, the trails’ concentration is on the smaller plants and animals rather than the larger herd.

There is a visitor center where sightseers can acquire information on the area, as well as maps and tips for making the most of their stay in bison country. The National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge is, all things considered, a wonderful location to pay a visit to. On the majority of days, there is a good chance of seeing wildlife, most notably bison. There is also an abundance of other types of species, including deer and antelope.

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