Ultimate Montana Bucket List: 22 Incredible Things To Do & Places To Visit In Montana
Most visitors to Montana are headed straight for Glacier National Park and while you could spend an entire two weeks there and barely scrape the surface, the entire state is filled with hidden gems that are worth seeking out.
From northwest Montana’s mountainous peaks to the rolling hills of the east, this bucket list will cover all the best things to do in the state and help you uncover some of the hidden gems you can only find in Big Sky country.
This list will begin with some highlights that can’t be missed in Glacier National Park before moving on to the rest of the state. Let’s take a look!
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MONTANA BUCKET LIST
22 Incredible Things To Do and Places To Visit In Montana
Plan A Trip To Glacier National Park
At the top of every Montana bucket list should be Glacier National Park. It is indeed Montana’s best asset and one of the most beautiful places in the entire world.
Glacier National Park is best known for its jagged sky high peaks, alpine meadows, stunning glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.
It is an outdoor lovers paradise and you’ll find over seven hundred miles of hiking trails in Glacier National Park to help you discover this slice of heaven on earth.
However you don’t have to go too far to see this national park’s highlights as many of the most beautiful places here can be seen without even straying from the main road through the park.
There are four distinct sections of Glacier National Park and it does take some time to get between them. If you are only visiting for a few days, you are best to focus on one or two sections to explore so that you have time to fully appreciate and take advantage of the sights and opportunities of each one.
West Glacier and Many Glacier are the most popular with visitors but you can also visit Two Medicine and the North Fork too.
Related: 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Glacier National Park
Drive Going-To-The-Sun Road
The Going-To-The-Sun road is one of America’s most spectacular drives and the most popular attraction in Glacier National Park. Visitors from all over the world plan their trip to this stunning national park just to drive this scenic stretch of road.
The Going-To-The-Sun road begins in West Glacier and travels more than fifty miles to the eastern entrance of the national park in St Mary. Along the way you will be blown away by the majestic mountain views, picturesque valleys, and stunning waterfalls. If you’re lucky you may even spot Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats or Grizzly Bears!
Because there are so many beautiful places to see along this scenic road, it is best that you plan an entire day for the drive. You could even spend one night in West Glacier and the second night in the St Mary area so that you don’t have to drive the return trip of one hundred miles in one day. This would allow for plenty of time to take on short hikes and to stop at the numerous pull-out spots along the Going To The Sun Road.
Hike To Iceberg Lake
The Iceberg Lake hiking trail in Glacier National Park is not as popular and well-known as the Highline trail but it is just as breathtaking. There are magnificent views almost the entire way up with the trail ending at a small but beautiful aquamarine glacial lake.
The first half mile of the trail is the steepest section but once you get past that it is reasonably flat so don’t be discouraged. The views at the end of Iceberg Lake, Iceberg Peak, and Mt Wilbur are most definitely worth the effort.
Kayak On Lake McDonald
To see Glacier National Park from a different perspective consider renting a kayak or canoe and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains on Lake McDonald.
The lake which sits on the western side of the park was carved out by a combination of erosion and glacial activity and is filled with water so clear that the bottom does not appear as deep as it really is. You can find canoe, kayak, and stand up paddleboard rentals at Apgar Village and at the Lake McDonald Lodge.
See Bison At The Bison Refuge
For those of you who enjoy wildlife spotting, the National Bison Range provides some of the best wildlife viewing in Montana. This bison refuge allows visitors to take an auto tour through the park to view the park residents which include not only bison but deer, antelope, bighorn sheep and coyotes too.
A good place to begin your visit to the Bison Range is the Visitors Center which is filled with displays and exhibits about the natural history and conservation of bison along with local Native American history. Knowledgeable staff here can give you more information about current wildlife sightings and park details.
Find Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls is one of the largest free flowing waterfalls in the northwest and is considered sacred to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors inhabit the region.
The Kootenai River runs parallel to highway 2 and is a scenic attraction that should not be missed if you’re traveling through north-western Montana.
To find Kootenai Falls, look out for a very large pull out spot along highway 2 which you can’t miss. There is a sign to let you know when you are there.
From the parking lot you will need to take a short hike through a forest trail to an over-bridge and then another trail down to the river’s edge where you’ll find this wonderful waterfall. The trail is suitable for all skill levels.
Go Tubing Through Downtown Missoula
Tubing the Clark Fork river is a popular past time with locals in the summer and a fun way for you to experience the city of Missoula.
The river runs right through the downtown area allowing you to see the city and get some sun at the same time! There are plenty of float rental businesses in the area so no need to bring your own.
Drive The Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is touted as one of the most scenic drives in the USA and features breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, countless glacial lakes, and forested valleys.
This scenic byway passes through the Beartooth Corridor from southwest Montana into northwest Wyoming winding its way through a million acres of pristine wilderness.
The 68 mile long drive leads into Yellowstone National Park and gives travelers an opportunity to experience untouched alpine landscapes and see one of the highest and most rugged places in the lower 48 states.
Try A Huckleberry Shake
Montana is known for its huckleberry milkshakes so be sure not to miss sampling this local delight. You can usually find them on the menu in most of the cafes and restaurants across the state.
Don’t like milkshakes? That’s okay. You can find huckleberry flavored lemonade, coffee, chocolate, and even fudge too. Be sure to keep an eye out. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Plan A Winter Trip To Big Sky Ski Resort
Big Sky Ski Resort is the second largest ski resort in the United States by acreage and most famous for its light and fluffy snow. This ski resort is among the best in the country and the town of Big Sky itself is a premier winter destination.
Winter activities you can partake in here besides skiing and snowboarding include cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ziplining, and even sleigh rides.
Big Sky has everything one would expect from a modern ski resort including the Big Sky Mountain Village which features a variety of dining, lodging, and shopping possibilities.
If you are planning on visiting Big Sky but find the lodging there too expensive, take a look at hotel rooms in Bozeman instead which is located an hour north of the ski resort.
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a not-for-profit wildlife park near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
This educational facility offers visitors a chance to get up close with rescued local wildlife that now serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Both children and adults will enjoy learning about these magnificent animals and gain a better understanding of their biology and ecology.
Indulge At Firehole Bar-B-Q
Do you love a good barbeque restaurant? Then do not miss this place which was not only voted the best restaurant in West Yellowstone, but featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.
Yep, this bbq joint is located just outside of Yellowstone National Park so once you’re done exploring you can appease your appetite at this top-rated smokehouse.
You can choose from smoked brisket, pork, ribs, turkey, and buffalo sausage served by the pound. All the meat is smoked in house daily. They open at 4pm and close when they sell out. Don’t miss out!
Visit Nevada City
Nevada City was once known as one of the richest gold strikes in the western United States and a major center of commerce in the 1880s along with its sister city Virginia City.
The place had fallen into disrepair but in the 1990s it became a popular tourist attraction for its collection of 19th century buildings. This ‘ghost town’ has been restored as an outdoor living history museum and includes 108 historic buildings, some of which are original to the town itself.
On the weekends, visitors can enjoy live interpretations of historic events and experience what life was like in the late 1880’s. This town will definitely make your road trip a little more interesting.
Visit Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is a stunning natural lake located in the northwest corner of Montana just a few miles from Kalispell. This lake is the largest freshwater lake in the USA by surface area west of the Mississippi.
The area is a popular tourist destination in summer with over 185 miles of shoreline to enjoy. Popular activities include boating, sailing, water-skiing, fishing, and camping. You can find a variety of lodging options including motels, cabins and campgrounds scattered all around the lake.
Elkhorn Ghost Town
Elkhorn is an old ghost town located in Jefferson County, Montana with a population of ten as of the last 2010 census. Founded in 1872, Elkhorn was a mining town which produced 14 million dollars worth of silver during it’s life span.
The small community has two well-preserved buildings and several older buildings that are in a state of disrepair. This is a good place to see examples of what 19th century frontier architecture looked like.
World Museum Of Mining
The World Museum of Mining is one of the few museums in the world located on an actual mine yard. Called the Orphan Mine, there are 50 exhibit buildings visitors can view along with countless artifacts.
The museum can be found in Butte, an area that earned a reputation as being home to one of the world’s most productive copper mines of all time.
See The Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit is an old open pit copper mine located in Butte, Montana which now operates as a tourist attraction. The one mile long open pit is filled with water that has an acidity level of 2.5 pH which is equivalent to a can of Coke or lemon juice.
The water is extremely toxic and laden with dangerous chemicals including copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and sulfuric acid. There is a viewing platform that overlooks the pit for visitors with an admission fee of $3 and a gift store located onsite too.
Pictograph State Park
Pictograph State Park is an area of significance because it contains three caves, Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves, in which prehistoric hunters left rock ‘paintings’ on the walls inside them.
The oldest rock art in the cave is thought to be over 2,000 years old, and the most recent additions are probably somewhere between 200 to 500 years old.
There is a three-quarter mile trail that loops around to all three caves starting in front of the visitors center.
This historic state park is situated just outside of Billings so if you happen to be in town and looking for something cool to do, be sure to head out to see these fascinating caves.
Tour The Smokejumper Visitor Center
At the Smokejumper Visitor Center you can learn about smokejumping history and firefighting procedures through a variety of displays and short educational films.
In addition, there is a fire lookout that was built in 1937 that visitor’s may explore and tours that explain how jump gear, parachutes, and aircraft are utilized in emergency situations.
Stop By The St. Regis Trout Museum
The St. Regis Gift Shop is a fun stop if you’re traveling between Missoula and Spokane. This large gift store which is attached to a gas station and service center sells many unique and Montana related souvenirs however the best part about the store is the free trout aquarium that the kids will love.
Additionally, there is an onsite restaurant ( serving huckleberry shakes of course) an ice cream shop, and specialty fudge store. Be sure to grab some of the free popcorn on offer and take your time perusing the merchandise.
Fly Fishing The Madison River
The Madison River flows through one of the most scenic valleys in Montana and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly, and Tobacoo Root ranges. What better excuse to get outside and enjoy this spectacular scenery than fly fishing?
The majestic landscape, high trout counts, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park has made this area a must fish for fly fisherman. But you don’t need experience to fly fish out here as there are a handful of outfitters that can take you out on guided trips and show you the ropes. Even if you are not into fishing, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument commemorates the 1876 clash between the US Army and Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It is one of the best-known historical landmarks in the US and one of the most important in terms of the reconciliation that has taken place since.
This must see attraction includes a visitor center, museum, the Custer National Cemetery, the 7th Cavalry Memorial, and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield. You’ll find the place along the I-90 between Billings and Sheridan.
Tour Lewis & Clark Cavern State Park
The Lewis and Clark Caverns are one of the largest limestone caverns in the USA and feature caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns that are brilliantly lit for your viewing pleasure.
The only way to view the caves is by guided tour led by park officials which depart daily and cater to different physical ability levels. Above ground you can wander through the state park along one of the many hiking trails or stop by the visitor center to learn about the areas history and geology.
You’ll also find a campground here with tipi’s and cabins you can rent in case you want to spend a few days out here. The Lewis & Clark Caverns can be found between Butte and Bozeman.
Museum Of The Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is known to have one of the largest dinosaur collections in the U.S. and includes the world’s biggest Tyrannosaurus skull.
The fossils are on display in the museum’s Siebel Dinosaur Complex where visitors can view one of the few mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, along with the bones of Big Al which is a nearly complete Allosaurus that lived during the Jurassic Period.
Are You Planning A Road Trip Through Montana?
If you’re planning a road trip through Montana, we’d like to share a few helpful resources to help with your trip planning.
Car Rentals: For car rentals, we recommend using Enterprise which is our preferred company to rent a vehicle from. Enterprise have depots across Montana including Missoula, Kalispell, Billings and Bozeman . You can also check RentalCars.com to compare car rental prices with other companies.
RVs and Campervans: If you are looking to rent an RV or campervan, see Outdoorsy or RV Share for availability in Montana. You can pick up campervans and RVs from many destinations across the state from small towns to big cities.
Hotels: Once you know where you plan to visit, it’s time to book a room! We prefer Hotels.com to search for hotels in the United States because they have such a large collection to choose from and offer some of the best rates. In addition they have a program where if you book ten nights, you get one night free!
Vacation Homes: If you prefer to stay in a vacation home rather than a hotel, check out some of the cute condos, cozy log cabins, lakeside retreats, and stunning luxurious homes on VRBO.
Are You Planning On Car Camping?
Be sure to check out these articles on car camping and van travel in preparation for your road trip.
Some helpful Montana guides:
Rent A Van For Your Next Road Trip
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