It’s tourist season in Montana, and we’ve got people driving and flying in from all over the country to explore our towns, parks, cities, lakes and rivers. Sometimes you can’t really tell who lives here and who doesn’t, but sometimes it’s pretty obvious.

If you see people doing most of these things, say hello, ask them where they’re from and tell them you hope they enjoy their visit, because they’re probably tourists. Here are 9 ways to spot a tourist in Montana.

1. They’re driving a bit slow.
Sean Kimmel / Flickr
It’s not that we all drive insanely fast in Montana. It’s just that we’ve got places to be, and we’ve lived here long enough to know that you can save a lot of time if you hit the gas a little.
2. They think the entire state is full of mountains.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Eastern Montana is beautiful in its own way, but it might shock a first-time visitor to see that the whole state doesn’t look like Glacier.
3. They can’t properly pronounce Butte, Bannack, Ekalaka, Makoshika or Havre.
acearchie / Flickr
"And what the heck is Square Butte?"
4. They’re the ones asking their server, “What do you have that’s vegan?”
Matthew B. / Yelp
We're not saying there are no vegans in Montana, but you're not likely to meet one. At all.

Related Stories

The Largest Hamburgers In Montana Might Require Two Buns At Backcountry Burger Bar

The Largest Hamburgers In Montana Might Require Two Buns At Backcountry Burger Bar

 7 Waterfront Retreats In Montana That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

7 Waterfront Retreats In Montana That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

 This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Montana Will Transport You To Another World

This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Montana Will Transport You To Another World
5. They’re stopping at every casino along the way.
Lucky Lil's / Yelp
Yes, there’s a casino next to that restaurant… and on this corner… and in this gas station. Enjoy it before the novelty wears off.
6. If they drive past a deer, they’ll immediately pull over and take 50 pictures of it.
Heather Miller / Flickr
We’re used to seeing wildlife everywhere… a tourist, not so much.
7. They ask you questions that make you smile.
mwms1916 / Flickr
Anyone who works in a touristy town like West Yellowstone or Bozeman will have a list of the silly questions they’ve heard, such as "Do you have WiFi in this state?" or "Do you wish there was more to do here?" But don’t feel bad, tourists—we’d probably have some odd questions if we were in your neck of the woods.
8. They don’t wave at you when you drive past them.
PROrobertstinnett / Flickr
Not all locals do this, but enough of them do that not doing it could indicate a Montana newbie.
9. They’re taking dangerous selfies with wild animals at Yellowstone.
Stephen Gough / Flickr
Sorry, we couldn’t resist. But please, stop doing this!

We can’t blame tourists for wanting to spend time in the Treasure State. We’ve got a lot of must-see attractions.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles