10 Magical Montana Sights You’ll Remember For The Rest Of Your Life

From our jaw-dropping views to our Earth-shattering natural wonders, it's safe to say Montana is an incredibly scenic state. In fact, sometimes you'll see a sight so incredible, you'll remember it for the rest of your days.

1. That first drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park

"How can anything on Earth be this beautiful?" you'll ask yourself. People who live in Montana ask that question a lot.

2. And speaking of Glacier... how about the Grinnell Glacier Overlook?

Your first glimpse of it will take your breath away, and not just because of the hike.

3. Quake Lake

At first glance, Earthquake Lake just seems like another tranquil Montana watering hole. But once you learn that it was created by a huge earthquake in 1959, you'll look at it (and nature in general) differently.

4. The Gates of the Mountains

The Gates of the Mountains is a 5.5 mile limestone canyon near Helena, and for $16, you can take a two-hour boat tour right through it.

5. Makoshika State Park

Sadly, many Montanans don't even know this Eastern Montana gem exists. But not only is Makoshika very real, it features unique scenery you won't find anywhere else in the world (and many, many dinosaur bones).

6. The Skalkaho Highway

Located near Philipsburg, this scenic byway has some of the most visually stunning scenery in Montana. Plus, it takes you to the majestic Skalkaho Falls.

7. Bighorn Canyon

There's no way to prepare yourself for the first time you really get a chance to take a good look at this canyon. You'll just have to let it take your breath away.

8. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

No matter how you feel about Custer, standing in the place where so many men tragically lost their lives is humbling and unforgettable.

9. The Northern Lights over Lake McDonald

Obviously, this involves being at the right place at the right time, and most Montanans will have to settle for photos. But if you're lucky enough to experience this phenomenon, you'll always remember it.

10. Basically the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Area

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex spans 1.5 million acres, one of the most completely preserved mountain ecosystems in the world. The fact that we have such a thing in our state is wonderful, and it doesn't hurt that the entire area is gorgeous.

If you've spent any time in Montana, you've probably got dozens of spots to add to this list. That's because Montana is the most beautiful place in the country.