Montana Travel
When you come to “Big Sky Country,” you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the many attractions that Montana has to offer. Montana is more than just cowboys and cattle ranches. It’s brimming with state parks, scenic vistas, world class skiing and just enough “Old West” flavor to really let you enjoy its history. These Web sites can help you sort through the myriad opportunities you’ll encounter on your journey. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsTravel in Montana
Whether you’re looking for dinosaurs, the best fly fishing, a taste of life on a working ranch or a firsthand look at part of Lewis and Clark’s historic journey, you can find that and more in Montana. This vast state may not be booming in population, but it’s teeming with attractions that won’t soon be forgotten.
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- For tourism purposes, Montana is divided into travel regions like “Yellowstone Country” and “Custer Country.” If you’re not planning to visit several parts of the state, select a region on the map provided by Travel Montana, Montana’s official state travel information site, to learn about a particular area.
- Blogs are an excellent source for insider tips on a destination. Visit the Big Sky Blog to catch up on a few humorous things you might not know about Montana, or Gold and Silver for a look a Montana living. Use a blog search engine like Technorati to find other blogs full of hidden gems about Montana.
- Montana shares a border with Canada. If you’re planning to see attractions like Glacier National Park (which extends into Canada), or other cities near the border, you may want your passport handy. Learn how to apply for a passport from the U.S. Department of State.
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For Montana facts and history …
Montanakids.com
may be written for the younger set, but it’s a good way to learn some basic information about Montana, such as the state’s main industries, its wildlife and history. Take a look at “Cool Montana Stories” for details about a mysterious Montana ghost town, movies made in Montana and famous Montanans.
50states.com
provides additional facts about Montana, including the official state symbols, the state flag, the state’s largest cities and much more. Browse the long list of information to find a tidbit that interests you.
For an overview of Montana tourism …
Montana’s Official State Web site
presents the most comprehensive state travel guide available for Montana. Order a free Montana vacation planning kit, check the state events calendar for activities, or decide where to go based on what you’d like to do, such as museums and fishing access sites. There are entire sections devoted to winter sports and mountaineering in Montana. This site is a must-see when planning your trip.
The New York Times
Travel Guide to Montana highlights some of the best destinations and attractions in Montana using beautiful photos, informative articles and other expert travel tips. The “When to Go” section is particularly important, as it can help you brace for the hot and cold extremes in Montana weather.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department
details the many outdoor recreation opportunities available in Montana. Find hunting and fishing opportunities, state park locations or learn about some of Montana’s “Wild Things,” the wildlife you might see during your visit.
For Montana cities and towns …
Frommer’s
provides great advice for planning a Montana vacation. Scroll down to the “Cities in Montana” section to find the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife and shopping in each location.
The Helena, Montana Chamber and Visitor Bureau
details the cultural opportunities and day trips available in Montana’s capital city.
For road trips …
Road Trip USA
features a section on driving through Montana. View a detailed map of notable locations along the northern half of the state, then consult the list of communities and stops in the left sidebar for insider tips on what you’ll see when you arrive.
The Federal Lands Highway Program
recounts the history of the Beartooth Highway, considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Lewis and Clark in Montana
offers a look at the same rugged scenery the real explorers saw 200 years ago. Use an interactive map to follow Lewis and Clark’s route, or read entries from their journals to experience Montana and from their point of view.
For national parks …
The National Park Service
details the sites and attractions of Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Learn when the parks are open to the public, and the history and culture of each. Show children the “For Kids” pages to get them excited about what Glacier and Yellowstone have to offer.
To learn about Native American culture …
Indian Nations of Montana
profiles the Native American tribes who still live in Montana and the cultural events they provide for visitors to enjoy.
For wild horses …
The Bureau of Land Management
explains the history of Montana’s wild horse herd and how you can adopt a wild horse in Montana.
For dinosaurs …
The Museum of the Rockies
takes you back in time with dinosaurs and then springs forward to look at the history of the Wild West as well. Search the “Explore” tab thoroughly to get a glimpse of what the museum has to offer.
Who knew?
MontanaFilms.com
lists the multitude of television and movie productions that have come to Montana for filming opportunities. Learn where popular movies like “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Hidalgo,” and “The Horse Whisperer” created some of their famous moments.
Where to stay in Montana
The great outdoors may be one of the largest places to stay in Montana, but you can find wonderful historic hotels and modern accommodations there, too. From sleeping under the stars to stylish resorts, this section can help you plan your lodging during a Montana adventure.
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- History can be found even in the hotels of Montana. Type “Montana historic hotels” into your favorite search engine to learn more about historically significant lodgings in the state. One such search returned an interesting tidbit about the Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Montana.
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For hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging …
Travel Montana
maintains an extensive directory of lodgings in the state. Look for cabins, bed and breakfasts, hot springs resorts, vacation homes and much more using the information available here.
For camping …
Recreation.gov
is a one-stop shop for booking campground reservations, cabin rentals, RV sites and other outdoor lodging opportunities. Use the dropdown menus at the left of the screen to make reservations. You’ll need to sign up for a free membership to book reservations.
The Campground Owners Association of Montana
(COAM) provides a list of COAM member campgrounds in Montana. Use the tabs along the top of the page to learn more about the various tourist regions of Montana, and then browse the member listings to find the ideal campground.
For Glacier National Park lodging …
Glacier Park, Inc.
details the various lodging options and other tours and activities to enjoy at Glacier National Park. Use the tabs near the top of the page to find the information you need.
Getting Around in Montana
Montana is the fourth largest state in the U.S., meaning you’ll have to cover some serious miles to see even a fraction of what it has to offer. The Web sites in this section can help you learn how to get around and see the sites of Montana.
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- Several years ago, Montana applied a “Reasonable and Prudent” speed limit standard on its roadways, which many people happily considered “no speed limit.” If you’re driving on Montana’s roads, remember that there is a speed limit today, and speeders may receive a ticket.
- If you’re traveling by air, visit the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide to search for affordable flights to Montana.
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For general advice …
Travel Montana
details the numerous ways to travel around Montana, whether by train, airplane, RV or bus. Learn where the scenic drives are and where to find a visitor information center for help along your journey.
The Montana Department of Transportation
provides travel alerts, road condition reports, and information on construction delays and other restrictions on Montana roadways. Choose a region on the map provided or click on the information that interests you to get started. There’s also a calculator that finds the mileage between Montana cities and towns.
The National Weather Service
provides weather watches, advisories and warnings for Montana. For local weather forecasts, use the “Local forecast” search box on the upper left of the main page.
For RVs …
Kampgrounds of America
(KOA) offers a list of “KOA Preferred” RV rental centers in Montana, and also provides contact information for national rental services like Cruise America and El Monte RV.
For rental car search …
Hotwire.com
has bargains on domestic car rentals from major companies like Avis, Budget and Hertz. Specify the date, time of pickup and location, and they’ll find the best deal. Warning: you’ll learn which of the three companies you’re renting from only after you accept the price.
CarRentals.com
compares car rental rates from more than 10 major companies, including Budget, Alamo and Thrifty. The search engine is quick and easy to use.
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