We’ll be the first to admit that you can’t always tell for sure which state you’re in when you visit Yellowstone National Park. Since the vast majority of the park is in Wyoming — and a tiny portion with Idaho — it’s easy to lose track. But it’s possible to have a few adventures while you’re still in the great state of Montana. For this reason, Yellowstone is an incredible national park to visit in Montana. While you’re there, here are seven things you can do on our side of Yellowstone:

1. Horseback riding
511 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
Anusha84 / TripAdvisor
Saddle up with Flying Pig Adventure Company and enjoy views of Yellowstone like you’ve never seen it before. You’ll experience the life of a Montana cowboy as you ride the trails around the park, which is led by expert wranglers. For more information, be sure to check out Flying Pig Adventure Company online.
2. Hiking
MomOfA_2 / TripAdvisor
Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s premier wilderness areas, with more than 900 miles of trails crisscrossing Yellowstone. You can start in Montana, cross into Wyoming and end your hike back in the Treasure State.
3. Camping
Dino Trnjanin / Flickr
Backcountry camping is allowed in Yellowstone, including some spots on the Montana side. Pick up a permit from a ranger station or the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.

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4. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
wendywr / Flickr
The not-for-profit Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is located in West Yellowstone, offering park visitors a chance to see grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the center are unable to survive in the wild for various reasons, so they serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. For more information about planning your visit, be sure to check out the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center website.
5. Whitewater rafting
511 Scott St W, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
Flying Pig Adventure Company / TripAdvisor
Montana Whitewater’s Gardiner location offers rafting trips for beginners and families on their Half-Day Yellowstone River Raft Trips. You can also book a trip through Flying Pig Adventure Company.
6. View herds of bison
Kaibab National Forest / Flickr
Bison are the most common mammals spotted in the park, and plenty of herds can be seen without crossing the border into Wyoming. Looking for more places to spot bison in Montana? Check out one of America's oldest wildlife refuges that's located right here in Montana.
7. Pose at the Roosevelt Arch
2819 US-89, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
Chuck Grimmett / Flickr
The historic Roosevelt Arch can only be found at the Gardiner entrance to the park, which is definitely in Montana. Dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in April of 1903, it’s one of Yellowstone’s most famous structures. While you're there, be sure to spend some time in the charming town of Gardiner, Montana.

What’s your favorite area of Yellowstone National Park? Do you agree that it’s the best national park to visit in Montana? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more information, head on over to the official Yellowstone National Park website.

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national park to visit in Montana

Beth C. | January 10, 2022

What are the top natural wonders in Montana?

There's no doubt about it: Montana is one of the most breathtaking states to visit in the U.S. Boasting unspoiled landscapes of canyons, mountains, forests, and rivers, the Treasure State truly lives up to its nickname. Of course, pinpointing the best natural wonders in Montana can be somewhat of a daunting task given how many there are. Fortunately, we've done the work for you and have come up with a list of some of our favorites. If you're looking to experience the wild, natural side of Montana, you can't go wrong with any of the following attractions: Glacier National Park, Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area, Kootenai Falls, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Makoshika State Park, Gates of the Mountains, Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, Quake Lake, and the Lewis & Clark Caverns. Curious to learn more about what makes these top natural wonders in Montana so special? Check out our previous article: The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Montana That Everyone Should Visit.

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