Montana, known as the Treasure State, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and vast wilderness areas, Montana offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. During the summer months, the state transforms into a vibrant playground, with warm weather, long days, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, camping, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, Montana has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top destinations to visit in Montana during the summer, highlighting the best spots for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those looking for a relaxing getaway.
Get ultimate traveler plannerGlacier National Park
Located in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination during the summer. This stunning park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which spans 50 miles and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Visitors can also explore the park’s many lakes, including Lake McDonald and Lake St. Mary, which offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
Things to Do in Glacier National Park
- Hiking: Glacier National Park offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country, including the Highline Trail and the Grinnell Glacier Trail.
- Fishing: The park’s lakes and streams are home to a variety of fish species, including trout and whitefish.
- Boating: Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the park’s many lakes and rivers.
- Wildlife Viewing: Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Accommodations in Glacier National Park
Visitors to Glacier National Park have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The park has several campgrounds, including Apgar Campground and Many Glacier Campground.
- Lodges: The park’s lodges offer comfortable accommodations and stunning views, including the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Hotels: The nearby town of Columbia Falls has a range of hotels and motels, including the Glacier Park Lodge.
Big Sky
Located in the heart of Montana, Big Sky is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This charming mountain town offers a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. Visitors can also explore the nearby Gallatin National Forest, which offers stunning scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Things to Do in Big Sky
- Hiking: Big Sky has over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Ousel Falls Trail.
- Mountain Biking: The town has a range of mountain bike trails, including the popular Beehive Basin Trail.
- Whitewater Rafting: Visitors can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the nearby Gallatin River.
- Wildlife Viewing: Big Sky is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and moose.
Accommodations in Big Sky
Visitors to Big Sky have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The town has several campgrounds, including the Big Sky Campground.
- Lodges: Big Sky has a range of lodges, including the historic Buckhorn Lodge.
- Hotels: The town has a range of hotels and motels, including the Big Sky Resort Hotel.
Yellowstone National Park
Located in northwestern Montana, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination during the summer. This stunning park is home to over 2,000 geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Visitors can also explore the park’s many lakes and rivers, including Yellowstone Lake and the Madison River. (See Also: Where to Visit in Africa for First Timers? Unforgettable Adventures)
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
- Geysers: Yellowstone is home to an abundance of geysers, including Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Fishing: The park’s lakes and rivers are home to a variety of fish species, including trout and grayling.
- Wildlife Viewing: Yellowstone is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.
- Scenic Drives: Visitors can take in the stunning scenery on the park’s many scenic drives, including the Grand Loop Road.
Accommodations in Yellowstone National Park
Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The park has several campgrounds, including the Grant Village Campground and the Canyon Campground.
- Lodges: The park’s lodges offer comfortable accommodations and stunning views, including the historic Lake Hotel.
- Hotels: The nearby town of West Yellowstone has a range of hotels and motels, including the Explorer Cabins.
Missoula
Located in western Montana, Missoula is a charming college town with a rich cultural scene. Visitors can explore the town’s many art galleries and museums, including the Missoula Art Museum and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. The town is also home to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting.
Things to Do in Missoula
- Hiking: Missoula has over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Rattlesnake National Recreation Trail.
- Mountain Biking: The town has a range of mountain bike trails, including the popular Blue Mountain Trail.
- Whitewater Rafting: Visitors can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the nearby Clark Fork River.
- Wildlife Viewing: Missoula is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose.
Accommodations in Missoula
Visitors to Missoula have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The town has several campgrounds, including the Missoula KOA.
- Lodges: Missoula has a range of lodges, including the historic Missoula Lodge.
- Hotels: The town has a range of hotels and motels, including the Big Sky Hotel.
Butte
Located in southwestern Montana, Butte is a historic mining town with a rich cultural scene. Visitors can explore the town’s many museums and art galleries, including the Copper King Mansion and the Butte Art Museum. The town is also home to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
Things to Do in Butte
- Hiking: Butte has over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Mount Butte Trail.
- Mountain Biking: The town has a range of mountain bike trails, including the popular Copper King Trail.
- Fishing: Visitors can fish in the nearby Clark Fork River and Silver Bow Creek.
- Wildlife Viewing: Butte is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose.
Accommodations in Butte
Visitors to Butte have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The town has several campgrounds, including the Butte KOA.
- Lodges: Butte has a range of lodges, including the historic Copper King Lodge.
- Hotels: The town has a range of hotels and motels, including the Butte Hotel.
Helena
Located in central Montana, Helena is the state capital and a charming historic town. Visitors can explore the town’s many museums and art galleries, including the Montana Historical Society Museum and the Helena Art Museum. The town is also home to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. (See Also: Where to Visit in Nyc for Christmas? Festive Delights)
Things to Do in Helena
- Hiking: Helena has over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Mount Helena Trail.
- Mountain Biking: The town has a range of mountain bike trails, including the popular Helena Trail.
- Fishing: Visitors can fish in the nearby Missouri River.
- Wildlife Viewing: Helena is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose.
Accommodations in Helena
Visitors to Helena have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:
- Camping: The town has several campgrounds, including the Helena KOA.
- Lodges: Helena has a range of lodges, including the historic Helena Lodge.
- Hotels: The town has a range of hotels and motels, including the Helena Hotel.
Recap
Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with its stunning mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and vast wilderness areas. During the summer months, the state transforms into a vibrant playground, with warm weather, long days, and an abundance of activities to enjoy. From hiking and fishing to wildlife viewing and scenic drives, Montana has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve explored the top destinations to visit in Montana during the summer, highlighting the best spots for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those looking for a relaxing getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Montana?
The best time to visit Montana is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long.
Q: What are the top outdoor activities to do in Montana?
The top outdoor activities to do in Montana include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Q: What are the best places to visit in Montana?
The best places to visit in Montana include Glacier National Park, Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, Missoula, Butte, and Helena. (See Also: Where to Visit in Newfoundland? Hidden Gems Await)
Q: What are the top attractions in Montana?
The top attractions in Montana include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Old Faithful, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Trail, and the Copper King Mansion.
Q: What are the best accommodations in Montana?
The best accommodations in Montana include camping, lodges, and hotels, which can be found in a range of towns and cities, including Glacier National Park, Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, Missoula, Butte, and Helena.
