These Are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Montana, According To Local Redditors

If you've ever felt like a “real” vacation needs to be a big, extravagant road trip, you're not alone. Those one-in-a-lifetime getaways are worth every ounce of extra planning. But while those adventures are certainly worth adding to one's bucket list, I also continue to be blown away by the treasures that can be found hiding in Montana's most unassuming corners. The following underrated spots come highly recommended by Montana Redditors, ranging from quirky museums to fascinating natural sites and everything in between. Those looking for a quick outing are particularly in luck: these are all easily enjoyed with just a short day trip.

1. Seli'š Ksanka Qlispe' (SKQ) Dam, Polson

While Fort Peck Dam often gets the most attention due to its size, SKQ Dam—originally known as Kerr Dam—near Polson is pretty impressive as well. Since this towering 204-foot arch dam is what controls the powerful current of the Flathead River and forms Montana's beloved Flathead Lake (the largest freshwater lake in the U.S.), it's safe to say that the dam is pretty special. While there are no regular tours, you can request one by contacting the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, if you'd like. However, for those spontaneous visits, there's an official 1,000-foot boardwalk that leads to a spectacular overlook right above the falls without the need for a scheduled dam tour.

2. Sluice Boxes State Park

With multiple trails winding through Sluice Boxes Canyon, gorgeous Smith River views, wildflower-filled meadows, and remnants of Montana's mining history dotting the area, this overlooked state park has quite a bit to offer hardy explorers. Its proximity to Natural Bridge Falls in nearby Smith River State Park makes it even more appealing, and the two parks are the perfect duo for a family outing or weekend getaway.

3. Miracle of America Museum, Polson

One of the state's most bizarre and beloved roadside attractions, the quirky Miracle of America Museum is packed with aliens, pioneer history, military history, retro Americana, and so much more. "Trippy" was the word most often used to describe this hidden gem in Polson, and it's a fantastic spot to visit and snap a few selfies after your trip to SKQ Dam nearby.

4. Virginia City/Nevada City

While not true ghost towns, both Montana's Virginia City and Nevada City offer a step back in time to the state's mining peak in the mid-1800s. Today, the two towns (which are only two miles apart from one another) still have small year-round populations but are uniquely preserved as living history museums that tell the story of Montana's Gold Rush era. Strolling through recreated shops and saloons isn't all that travelers will enjoy on their visit. Horseback riding, plays, and even gold panning are just a few of the many activities available.

5. Berkeley Pit, Butte

Berkeley Pit was Montana's first open-pit copper mine—so large, in fact, that the Anaconda Mining Company literally bought out the surrounding towns to start operations in the area. By the time production stopped in the early 1980s, over 290 million tons of copper ore had been removed from the site, and the hole that remained was over 7,000 feet long and 1,600 feet deep. Today, it's gradually filling with water and revealing the mining extracts that were left behind. To some, Berkeley is just a giant hole in the ground. But to Montanan Redditors with a pension for the weird, it's a unique side trip. For those who lean toward the latter, there's a viewing platform above the now-defunct mining pit that is typically open from May to September.

6. Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, Libby

On the Western edge of Montana, just shy of the Idaho border, Ross Creek winds its way through the Kootenai National Forest and toward the rugged peaks of the Cabinet Mountains. The Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is an unexpected spot near Libby, fed by the creek, where hikers will find dozens of massive Western red cedars—some as large as 6 feet in diameter and over 1,000 years old. An easy trail winds through this gorgeous natural area, giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of the oldest and tallest trees in the state.

7. Rock City, Valier

You won't find much indication that Rock City exists, but this aptly-named city of rocks is a fascinating spot that has been wonderfully overlooked even by locals. The "city" is a mix of boulders, spires, hoodoos, and short, mushroom-like formations that have been shaped by wind and erosion over millennia, creating a surreal, sandstone metropolis halfway between Cut Bank and Valier. Thousands of years ago, the Two Medicine River surged through the region, carving pathways between the now-hardened formations. At the same time, geologic forces caused the landscape to lift, creating the river canyon we know and love today.

8. Ringing Rocks, Butte

It takes about thirty minutes of driving on a rough dirt road to reach this giant pile of rocks in the Middle of Nowhere, Montana. But as it turns out, this giant pile of rocks—called the Ringing Rocks—is more musical than it appears at first glance. Here, visitors will find an assortment of hammers to choose from, which can be used to hit the rocks to create various bell-like pitched notes. Officially, spots like these are called "sonorous rocks," and there's some fascinating science behind why the solid boulders sound and resonate the way they do. There's no fee to visit, making it a fun stop for the whole family to enjoy. However, it's also important to note that the rocks don't actually ring if removed from the pile, so don't bother trying to take one home.

9. Archie Bray Art Center, Helena

Founded in 1951, the unique Archie Bray Center is both a working pottery studio and a renowned arts institution, attracting artists from around the world. It offers visitors the chance to see artisans at work in the studios, as well as explore an impressive outdoor sculpture garden, where large-scale ceramic installations are on display. In addition to Archie Bray, Redditors also highly recommend the Sculpture in the Wild Sculpture Park and Tippet Rise Art Center. As it turns out, Montana is a pretty creative state!

All too often, Montana's most iconic natural wonders get all the glory, but there's so much more to see and discover in the Treasure State. Other highly-rated, underrated (how's that for contradicting?) places to visit in Montana, according to locals, include the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery in Columbia Falls, Fordhenge, the Havre Beneath the Streets Tour, and Crystal Park in Polaris. If you've already checked these off your list, feel free to nominate your own funky Montana finds and roadside stops so we can check them out.

Feeling inspired? Plan your next adventure in Montana using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.