Montana is a beautiful state in the northwestern region of the United States, known for its diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities. If you are planning to visit Montana, you will not be disappointed by the variety of tourist attractions that this state has to offer. Here are some of the top places to see and things to do in Montana.
– Glacier National Park: This stunning park covers over one million acres of land and features majestic mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can explore the park by hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing, or driving along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park is also home to the historic Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, where you can enjoy a comfortable stay and a panoramic view of the surroundings.
– Yellowstone National Park: Montana shares a border with Wyoming, where the world-famous Yellowstone National Park is located. You can access the park from three entrances in Montana: West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The most iconic geyser is Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes on average. The park also boasts a diverse ecosystem with hundreds of species of animals and plants. You can see bison, elk, wolves, bears, and more in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and skiing in the park.
– Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: This historic site commemorates the Battle of the Little Bighorn that took place in 1876 between the United States Army and the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne tribes. The battle was a decisive victory for the Native Americans, who were led by famous chiefs such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The monument preserves the battlefield and the graves of the fallen soldiers and warriors.
You can learn more about the history and culture of the people involved in the battle by visiting the museum and visitor center, or by taking a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour.
– Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park: This state park is named after the famous explorers who passed through Montana during their expedition across the continent in 1804-1806. The park features one of the largest limestone caverns in North America, with spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites. You can take a guided tour of the caverns and marvel at the natural beauty and wonder of this underground world. The park also offers camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
– Museum of the Rockies: This museum is located in Bozeman and is affiliated with Montana State University and the Smithsonian Institution. It is one of the leading institutions in the fields of paleontology and history in the region. The museum showcases a collection of dinosaur fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a Triceratops skeleton. It also displays exhibits on Native American cultures, frontier life, Montana history, art, and science. The museum also features a planetarium and a living history farm.