18 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Montana 

Often called Big Sky Country, Montana is one of the most photogenic states I’ve ever explored! I spent six unforgettable weeks road-tripping in June and July through its jaw-dropping landscapes and couldn’t wait to share my favorite spots…

1. Glacier National Park

• Location: Northern part of the state (along the border of USA and Canada)
• Location Map
• Size: spans over one million acres 
• Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears and wolves to moose and mountain goats and shy Canadian lynx.

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the historic and rustic Lake McDonald Lodge – I loved old-fashioned room keys, the vintage switchboard behind the front desk, and the antique piano tucked beside the staircase!

2. Bozeman

I loved how Bozeman packed in so much character — a vintage downtown framed by mountain backdrops, buzzing breweries, indie boutiques, and fresh, locally sourced cuisine gave it a hip yet rustic charm.

Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, I picked up a rental car and based myself at the quirky 4-star Field & Stream Lodge for three fun days. The city felt vibrant, outdoorsy, and laid-back with a cool modern edge. I hiked the iconic ‘M’ Trail, soaked in soothing mineral-rich hot springs, rafted wild stretches of the Gallatin River, browsed lively shops and breweries along Main Street, and explored fascinating dinosaur history at the Museum of the Rockies.

Locals told me winter transforms it into an adventure hub with powdery slopes, frozen waterfalls, and every snowy thrill from skiing to ice climbing.

• Location: Gallatin Valley in the southwest part of the state
• Location Map
• Population: approx. 58,000 residents
• Wildlife: black bears, elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.

My highlights…

• Tasting craft beers at Bridge Brewing – my favorite was the citrusy Bone Dust Wheat Ale and Bridge Pale Ale, which had a crisp, hoppy finish with hints of grapefruit and pine!

3. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was one of the most jaw-dropping places I’d ever seen — established in 1872 atop a volcanic hotspot, it dazzled me with surreal geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, travertine terraces, alpine meadows, roaring waterfalls, and vast mountain backdrops.

I entered through the West Yellowstone gate for easy access to trails and spent four unforgettable days at the rustic-chic Old Faithful Inn, right in the heart of the park. From watching Old Faithful erupt to gazing at the psychedelic Grand Prismatic Spring, hiking canyon trails, climbing beside thundering waterfalls, and pausing for quiet moments on Yellowstone Lake, every stop somehow left me even more in awe than the last! I went in peak time so I have to admit the tourists and heavy traffic were a little overwhelming at times!

4. Whitefish Mountain Resort

I thought Whitefish was a dreamy, Instagram-worthy resort town — snowy slopes, alpine forests, chalet-style architecture, and sweeping views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley gave it a picture-perfect vibe.

A 2-hour drive southwest from Waterton along Glacier’s western edge brought me to this laid-back, family-friendly spot with a strong ski culture. I stayed at the funky 4-star Firebrand Hotel and filled my days with mountain thrills — riding the scenic lift and being treated to epic panoramas, hiking wildflower-strewn trails like the Danny On, ziplining through the canopy, biking downhill runs, and exploring treetop walkways on guided tours.

Locals told me that in winter it transforms into a snow-lover’s paradise, with world-class ski runs, tubing hills, cross-country routes, and roaring snowmobiles.

• Location: Rocky Mountains, northern part of the state
• Wildlife: black bears, whitetail deer, red foxes, bald eagles, and occasional mountain lions.
• Size: covers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain

My personal highlights…

• Discovering the modern spa at the stunning rustic-chic Lodge at Whitefish Lake and indulging in a soothing, antioxidant-rich Green Tea & Seaberry Rejuvenating Facial.

5. Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway instantly hooked me with its alpine tundra, snow-dusted peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows framed by the mighty Absaroka and Beartooth ranges.

After leaving Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, I drove the unforgettable 68-mile route to Red Lodge — a rugged, switchback-filled journey packed with nonstop alpine drama. I paused at the panoramic Rock Creek Vista Point and saw stunning views, hiked the rugged Lake Fork and Mystic Lake Trails, spotted interesting wildlife grazing in high meadows, and browsed quirky souvenirs at the iconic Top of the World Store. I have to admit though that the steep switchbacks were a little nerve-wracking at times.

• Location: runs from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the town of Red Lodge
• Location Map
• Length: stretches for 68 miles through mountainous terrain
• Wildlife: grizzly bears and mountain goats to moose, elk, pikas, and marmots.

My favorite highlights…

• Shopping for unique souvenirs at the quirky Top of The World Store – I especially loved the miniature marmot plushies, huckleberry-flavored taffy and retro trail signs!

6. Livingston

Founded in 1882, Livingston wowed me with its dramatic mountain views, historic brick storefronts, retro neon signs, and tranquil setting along the Yellowstone River.

Just a 25-minute drive north from Paradise Valley brought me to this artsy, Western-chic town that mixed frontier charm with creative energy. I based myself at the quirky Livingston Inn for two days, Exploring the artful Danforth Gallery, swaying to lively bluegrass at The Attic, treasure-hunting at the eclectic Cactus Blossom Collective and Wolf’s Mercantile shops, strolling charming Main Street, and relaxing riverside with majestic Absaroka views.

• Location Map
• Population: approx. 8,400 residents
• Wildlife: pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears, mountain bluebirds, and bighorn sheep.

My favorite highlights…

• I loved hearing from the friendly locals that the town had featured in A River Runs Through It, The Horse Whisperer, and even Marlboro adverts – I thought it looked familiar! 

7. Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley’s scenery wowed me — the Yellowstone River winding through golden meadows, framed by snow-dusted Absaroka and Gallatin peaks, peaceful ranchlands, wildflowers, and fiery mountain sunsets.

A 40-minute drive south from Bozeman brought me to this tranquil escape that felt soothing and back-to-nature. I based myself at the Insta-worthy 4-star Sage Lodge for two days, soaking at the historic Chico Hot Springs, hiking the scenic Pine Creek Trail to its waterfall, browsing Livingston’s artsy galleries and shops, and chasing breathtaking sunset views along the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop.

• Location: southwestern part of the state
• Location Map
• Size: stretches around 53 miles from Livingston to Gardiner
• Wildlife: bald eagles and sandhill cranes to elk, grizzly bears, and river otters.

My personal highlights…

• All the independent shops – I especially loved the Alpine Peaks Country Store and their fragrant mountain wildflower honey and infused honeys and quirky alpaca “stuffies!”

8. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

I was blown away by Waterton Lakes National Park — a UNESCO-listed wonder where glacier-carved valleys, sparkling lakes, rugged peaks, and wildlife-filled meadows formed a breathtaking cross-border tribute to natural beauty and friendship.

Just 1.5 hours north of Many Glacier, I found a place that felt calm, uplifting, and majestic. For three days I based myself at the historic 1927 Prince of Wales Hotel, soaking up panoramic lake views, hiking to misty Bertha Falls, cruising the tranquil Waterton Lake by boat, and stargazing under a dazzling night sky.

• Location: straddles the border between the USA and Canada, combining Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. 
• Location Map
• Size: covers over 1,720 square miles combined between the two parks
• Wildlife: bighorn sheep, cougars, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and over 260 bird species.

My highlights…

• Going on a two hour scenic cruise on Waterton Lake with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. – our guide pointed out the haunting scars from the Kenow Wildfire and even a osprey nest perched high in a pine tree!

9. Helena National Forest

I thought Helena National Forest was breathtaking — a vast, wild expanse of dense pine woods, rugged ridgelines, alpine lakes, winding rivers, and scenic wilderness trails.

Just 30 minutes west of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, I based myself at the nearby characterful Pope House Historic Mansion and then camped in the forest itself. It felt rugged, quiet, and remote — the perfect place for solitude and reconnection with nature. Over two days I hiked the historic Meriwether Canyon and rugged Mann Gulch, camped beneath starry skies in the Big Belt Mountains, explored the dramatic cliffs of the Gates of the Mountains, and spotted wild bighorn sheep and mountain goats along the way.

• Location: west-central state (near the city of Helena) 
• Location Map
• Size: spans around 976,000 acres
• Wildlife: bears and wolves to moose, mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and lynx.

My highlights…

• Camping overnight at tranquil Moose Creek Flat Campground in the Big Belt Mountains, I pitched my tent beneath towering lodgepole pines and loved falling asleep to the sound of the trickling creek! 

10. American Prairie Reserve

I was in awe of the American Prairie Reserve — endless golden grasslands, quiet rivers, and vast open skies where wild bison herds roamed like a living scene from the past.

After a 5.5-hour drive northeast from Blodgett Canyon across remote plains and byways, I arrived in a place that felt wild, pioneering, and wonderfully off the grid. Over two days I hiked the PN Ranch and Buffalo Camp Loop Trails, spotted wildlife on the wide-open prairie, stargazed from a solar-powered yurt, explored the interesting American Prairie Discovery Center, and marveled at fossils in the fascinating Great Plains Dinosaur Museum.

• Location: northern Great Plains of Montana, stretching north and south of the Missouri River
• Location Map
• Size: covers over 450,000 acres (with a goal to expand to 3.2 million)
• Wildlife: includes bison, pronghorn, elk, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and burrowing owls.

My personal highlights…

• The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum – I loved seeing real fossil prep in action through the lab’s glass windows and getting up close to the massive triceratops skulls, ancient fish fossils, and even a rare fossilized dinosaur skin impression!

11. Whitefish City Beach

I thought Whitefish City Beach was a gem — soft golden sand, clear blue water, and forested mountains rising against the northern Rockies made it a picture-perfect lakeside escape.

Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Whitefish brought me to this relaxed, family-friendly spot with gorgeous views and a laid-back vibe. I spent the afternoon kayaking with rentals from Whitefish Outfitters, swimming in the refreshing lake, hiking the scenic Lion Mountain Trail, lounging on the sandy beach, and watching the sky glow rosy over the mighty Rockies at sunset.

• Location: southern tip of Whitefish Lake, in the resort town of Whitefish, northwest Montana
• Location Map
• Size: beach stretches approx. 270 meters on the southern tip of Whitefish Lake
• Facilities: restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, shaded gazebos, a children’s playground, boat launch, swim area with lifeguards (in summer), and kayak/paddleboard rentals.
• Wildlife: includes osprey, bald eagles, whitetail deer, loons, and occasional black bears near forested trails.

My favorite highlights…

• Grabbing a shaded spot at a beachside gazebos and taking a scenic picnic there – I thought it was great that they had clean, well-maintained restrooms and handy changing rooms just steps away!

12. Rocky Mountains

I thought the Montana Rockies were breathtaking — jagged peaks, icy alpine lakes, pine-covered ridges, deep valleys, and meadows bursting with wildflowers made this range feel wild and majestic.

Just over an hour south from Bozeman brought me to Big Sky, a rugged mountain playground where I based myself for five days of adventure. I hiked the tough Pine Creek Lake Trail, spotted elk in the picturesque Bitterroot Valley, skied Big Sky’s legendary runs, soaked at the historic Chico Hot Springs, and explored charming Whitefish and the scenic trails near Glacier. Locals told me that winter transforms the region into a snowy paradise of skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, and even heli-skiing.

• Location: they cover a significant portion of the western part of the state. 
• Location Map
• Size: the Montana portion covers tens of thousands of square miles across the western part of the state.
• Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears, elk, and wolves to marmots, eagles, and mountain goats.

My highlights…

• Staying at the Insta-worthy Green O, I loved my sleek treehouse-style Haus lodges, which had floor-to-ceiling forest views, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private outdoor hot tub under the stars! 

13. Wild Horse Island State Park

Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake completely won me over — a boat-access-only gem of wildflower meadows, towering pines, quiet beaches, and historic homesteads framed by the Mission Mountains.

I drove 1.5 hours south from Whitefish to Lakeside, then hopped a short boat shuttle across the lake to its peaceful, off-the-grid shores. The island felt wild and secluded, a true nature-lover’s haven. I hiked the challenging Summit Trail and saw gorgeous views, swam along the scenic Shoreline Trail, spotted wild horses grazing in the meadows, and explored tucked-away old homesteads. Since it’s day-use only with no camping, I based myself nearby at the quirky 4-star Swan River Inn in Bigfork, just a 45-minute scenic drive away.

My highlights…

• I loved learning from locals about the island’s wild horses – they told me they were descendants of horses left behind by the Salish-Kootenai over a century ago and how they are now protected!

14. West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone charmed me with its cozy lodges, old Western storefronts, and leafy streets set against pine-covered mountains and vast Montana skies just outside Yellowstone’s entrance.

After a two-hour scenic drive south through Gallatin Canyon from Livingston, I based myself at the quirky 1872 Inn — a rustic, welcoming hub right by the park gates. Over two days I explored town highlights like the fascinating Museum of Yellowstone, a lively performance at the Playmill Theatre, nostalgic shopping at Eagle’s Store, hearty meals in quirky diners, and easy park adventures via the West Entrance.

• Location: western entrance of Yellowstone National Park, southern part of the state
• Location Map
• Population: approx. 1,300 residents

My favorite highlights…

• Enjoying hearty homestyle food at the Western-style Outpost Restaurant – I loved my dish of roasted vegetable skillet which came seasoned root veggies, crispy potatoes, and a touch of smoky paprika!

15. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness

I was blown away by the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness — sheer limestone cliffs towering over the Missouri River, forested canyons stretching inland, and wildflower-filled meadows hiding caves made it feel raw and unspoiled.

From Red Lodge, I drove 4.5 hours northwest through rolling hills and small towns to my base at Lamplighter Cabins & Suites in Helena, just 30 minutes from the wilderness. Over two days I cruised the river on a guided boat tour between the cliffs, hiked the Mann Gulch Trail to its historic wildfire site, and explored the scenic Meriwether Canyon Trail.

• Location: western part of the state (near the city of Helena)
• Location Map
• Size: spans around 28,560 acres
• Wildlife: bighorn sheep, bald eagles, mountain goats, mule deer, and black bears.

My personal highlights… 

• Hearing from my guide about the tragic 1949 wildfire on the Mann Gulch Trail—where 13 smokejumpers lost their lives—was deeply moving and shed light on how it reshaped wildfire safety forever.

16. Blodgett Canyon

I thought Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot National Forest was an underrated gem — a glacier-carved valley of towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, lush pine forest, and meadows bright with wildflowers.

After a 2.5-hour drive west from Helena through ranchland and forests, I based myself at the Skywater Cabins in Hamilton, just 10 minutes from the trailhead. The area felt rugged, peaceful, and awe-inspiring — a perfect hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. My day was filled with hiking the Blodgett Canyon Trail past cliffs and creeks, photographing Blodgett Falls, climbing to a panoramic overlook, and spotting wildlife along the Canyon Creek Trail.

• Location: western part of the state (near the town of Hamilton).
• Location Map
• Size: canyon trail area spans several miles within the 1.6 million acre Bitterroot National Forest
• Wildlife: includes mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, black bears, and mule deer.

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the gorgeous Skywater Cabins – I loved my comfy memory-foam bed and sipping on a strong Hunter Bay Coffee each morning on my private porch! 

17. Montana State Capitol 

I loved visiting Montana’s State Capitol in Helena — a neoclassical showpiece with a stately sandstone-and-granite façade, gleaming copper dome, elegant rotunda, intricate stained glass, and richly detailed murals.

While basing myself in Helena, I spent a couple of hours exploring this grand and dignified landmark just minutes from downtown. I admired the soaring rotunda, peeked into the ornate House and Senate chambers, studied its historic murals and stained glass, and then toured the beautifully preserved Original Governor’s Mansion a mile away.

• Location: in the city of Helena, west-central Montana
• Location Map
• Population: approx. 32,000 residents in Helena
• Best time to visit: Monday – Friday: Tours at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. 
• Montana State Capitol Website

My favorite highlights…

• Going on a guided tour of Original Governor’s Mansion – I loved the ornate woodwork, elegant four-poster beds, and all the stories of Montana’s early governors and their families!

18. Conrad Mansion

I thought the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell was an absolute gem — a beautifully preserved 19th-century showcase of Victorian architecture, with ornate woodwork, diamond-paned stained glass, a sweeping oak staircase, and gardens overlooking the Flathead Valley and distant Montana peaks.

Just 25 minutes south of Whitefish, I joined a two-hour guided tour through its 26 period-furnished rooms filled with a faint scent of varnish, admiring the grand staircase and fine stained glass, strolling the manicured gardens, and learning about Montana’s Gilded Age through the Conrad family’s fascinating story.

My highlights…

• Strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens – I loved how they were filled with fiery-hued zinnias, pom-pom shaped dahlias, and purple coneflowers! 

Related