Named for the large amount of terrain covered by the Rocky Mountains, Montana offers many scenic views. This is never more apparent than in its national parks. However, there are many other attractions in Montana that you might not know about. Here are some must-see sights to add to your bucket list the next time you find yourself in the Treasure State.
10. Follow the Montana Dinosaur Trail
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Due to the large amount of fossils found in the area, a tour was created to give travelers the opportunity to see fourteen different dinosaur locations. Guests can learn about the long history of life in the region from various museums and parks scattered all over the state. With the “Prehistoric Passport,” visitors can keep track of their adventures.
9. Take the Butte City Underground Tour
When visiting Butte, tourists can tour the abandoned mining tunnels left over from the city’s history of harvesting copper. You are also able to visit the Rookwood Speakeasy, which was a secret underground bar during Prohibition. The tour offered by Old Butte Historical Tours will give you the most bang for your buck.
8. Ski Big Sky Resort
In addition to its zip-line and horseback riding opportunities, Big Sky Resort is mostly known for attracting skiers. With a total vertical drop of 4,350 ft., visitors of every skill level can enjoy themselves on the slopes. After years of being a private ski mountain, the resort opened to the public in 1973.
7. Downtown Bozeman
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As well as being home to Montana State University, Bozeman has a historic downtown. The old post office was used as a filming location for 1992’s A River Runs Through It. There are also numerous shopping locations, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and art galleries in the area.
6. Blackfoot River Brewing Company
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This microbrewery is home to a host of craft beers. After Brian Smith and Brad Simshaw grew tired of the lack of quality local beers, they decided to brew their own. The rest is history. Now, Blackfoot River Brewing Company specializes in IPAs and other craft brews. Be sure to try their cream ale.
5. Yellowstone Cellars and Winery
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Started by a Pennsylvania Dutch family in the late 19th century, Yellowstone Cellars and Winery remains a family-run institution. Proud of its location, Yellowstone brags about its “serious wines from Big Sky Country.” Make sure you plan your trip around one of the many special events the winery plans throughout the year.
4. A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow
If you are traveling with kids, you might want to take them to Caras Park in downtown Missoula. There, you will find A Carousel for Missoula, which is a full-sized wooden carousel built entirely by volunteers from the town in the early 1990s. Next to the carousel is Dragon Hollow. Calling it an extensive playground doesn’t do it justice.
3. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
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Since 1993, this non-profit wildlife refuge has been teaching visitors about the habits of predatory mammals. With bear and wolf exhibits, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center displays the animals in recreated habitats. The main attraction is the Naturalist Cabin, which allows visitors to see how wolves act in packs.
2. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
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While heading to Glacier National Park, visitors traverse this scenic road through the Rocky Mountains. On the Going-to-the-Sun Road, vehicles cross the Continental Divide through Logan Pass over a mile above sea level. At the highest altitudes, the speed limit is 25 mph due to the road’s winding turns.
1. Lewis and Clark Caverns
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Although they were unaware of it, Lewis and Clark camped near these caverns on their expedition across the United States. Ranchers discovered the caves near the end of the 19th century and began giving public tours shortly thereafter. Today, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is a great site for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
