The Ultimate And Definitive Montana Bucket List For Fall

Fall flies by in the blink of an eye, and it's important to soak up the splendor of the season while we can. Due to the early snowfall and chilly temperatures, fall is actually a pretty short season in Montana. So we've put together the following bucket list for fall fun in Montana. Give it a read, and then set forth for some fun fall adventures in the Treasure State!

1. Take part in at least one festival or classic autumn event.

Oktoberfest. Harvestfest. The Bannack Ghost Walk. Halloween festivals. Montana has plenty of fall festivities to choose from, and you’ll be ready to embrace the season after enjoying one.

2. Enjoy the fall foliage on a scenic drive down some country roads.

The Bitterroot Valley is an excellent choice, but you’ll find beautiful fall colors to admire statewide.

3. Go hiking before it’s too cold.

You’ve still got time to hit the trail. Pick a place that’s especially gorgeous right now, like the Jewel Basin.

4. Go to Glacier National Park.

You might think of it as a summer destination, but fall is actually the best time to visit Glacier National Park. Some of the park’s attractions close down at the end of September, but the lack of crowds makes it seem even more peaceful. Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually open through October, weather permitting.

5. Enjoy a seasonal delicacy from your local bakery.

This is a pumpkin roll from Bozeman’s Daily Coffee Bar, and it tastes even better than it looks.

6. Spend as much time outdoors as you can breathing in the crisp, clean air.

Unless you love snow sports, you probably spend a lot of time inside during winter. So spend your October enjoying the great outdoors while you still can to tide you over until next spring. Take a walk every day if you can. Here are some great trails to check out.

7. Get lost in a corn maze.

They’re surprisingly fun! This is an aerial shot of the Montana Corn Maze in Manhattan.

8. Go to a pumpkin patch.

Getting your pumpkins from a pumpkin patch feels so much better than plucking them from a store display. Plus, pumpkin patches usually have hot cider and tasty treats.

9. Spend a weekend at a cabin enjoying nature.

This is something you can do even after the snowfall since cabins are always cozy. This one of the Blue Sky Cabins in Red Lodge.

10. Gather around a bonfire.

Montanans love a nice bonfire. If you don’t have the room to host one yourself, tell your nearest and dearest to meet you in the mountains.

11. Dress up for Halloween.

You know you want to.

12. Visit a craft fair or bazaar.

Summer is Farmers Market season in Montana, but October and November are packed with weekend craft fairs where you can buy local handmade items and get ahead on your holiday shopping.

13. Enjoy all the seasonal delicacies of autumn.

Apples. Apple pie. Pears. Root veggies. And yes, pumpkin spice everything. Fall is a wonderful season for foodies. Pies for days!

14. Be thankful you live in Montana.

Because really, it doesn’t get better than calling the Treasure State home.

How many of these things can you do before December? How many of these bucket list activities have you already checked off your fall fun list in Montana?

Our state really is a beautiful place in any season. In case you need a reminder of why Montana is the best state, read this.