The 12 Montana Day Trips You'll Want To Take This Year
By Jessica Wick|Updated on July 02, 2023(Originally published July 01, 2023)
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Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Are you searching for some of the best day trips in Montana? Our state has so many gems, it would be impossible to see them all in a lifetime — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Here’s a list of potential Montana day trips (or overnight excursions, depending on where you live) for you to take this year.
Located in Granite County about 38 miles from Missoula. Garnet is an old mining town with a rich history. It also happens to be very well-preserved and cared for, and it sits in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by hiking trails.
If you're searching for "getaway spots near me," Butte always rises to the top of the list! The town's rich mining history, museums, fun festivals, and food scene make it a great place to spend a day. Dine on pasties from Joe's and stop by Pekin Noodle Parlor, Montana's oldest eatery. While you’re in the area, you may want to check out the Maud S. Canyon Loop Trail.
Our liveliest ghost towns, Virginia City and Nevada City, really come alive in the summer and are among the best day trips in Montana. Folks of all ages love exploring the historic buildings, shops, museums, and theater.
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4. Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
If you live in Eastern Montana and you've never been to Makoshika State Park, you're missing out on some beautiful badlands. Not only is it our largest state park, but it's full of dinosaur fossils (including Tyrannosaurus Rex remains). But even if you're not a paleontologist, you'll appreciate the hiking trails and the historic landmarks.
Miles City is a classic Western town, which makes it a perfect place for May's annual Bucking Horse Sale. But there's something for everyone in Miles City: The Tongue River Winery, Range Riders Museum, and tasty food at the historic Montana Bar will charm you. After one visit we think you'll agree that it offers some of the most unique things to do around Montana!
Livingston is a charming city and definitely among the best day trips in Montana. The top attraction here is the annual Livingston Roundup Rodeo. But no matter when you go, you'll find plenty to do, see, and eat.
Northwest Montana is incredibly beautiful, and this spot is no exception. Kootenai Falls is the largest undammed falls in the state, it's easy to reach (a short hike and a swinging bridge from the parking lot), and it's a perfect day trip excursion. A great hiking trail here is the Kootenai Falls Trail.
8. Virgelle Mercantile
Virgelle Mercantile, 7485 Virgelle Ferry Rd N, Loma, MT 59460, USA
Located in the heart of the Upper Missouri River Breaks near Loma, Virgelle Mercantile is an antique shop, bed & breakfast, and historic treasure. Visiting truly feels like going back in time.
What can we say? We love our ghost towns and Bannack State Park is without a doubt one of our favorite and best day trips in Montana. This one just happens to be our first territorial capital, and it's now a great place to learn about our local history. Some even say it's haunted.
If you live within a three-hour radius of Stevensville, it makes an absolutely perfect day trip destination. Check out the historic St. Mary's Mission, shop for an abundance of antiques, and treat yourself to a meal at Mission Bistro.
Historic Deer Lodge at the Old Montana Prison Complex is fantastic. And once you've explored it and enjoyed a few tasty slices at Prison Pizza, check out the charming historic downtown area.
If you have yet to take this boat tour through Montana's Grand Canyon in Helena, make this year the year you go. Tours begin again in May, and they're both affordable and beautiful.
We hope these suggestions for day trips in Montana have inspired you to plan a getaway or three this year! But these aren’t all! There are many other spots that we’d consider to be must-see places to keep in mind.
We’d love to know if you would suggest any day trips from Helena, MT, or day trips from Butte, MT. We love to add to our lists! And if you’d like to explore more great hikes across the state, a great resource is the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Big Sky adventures, take a look at this video:
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More to Explore
More Montana Adventures
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|July 02, 2023
Where can we go camping in Montana?
Glacier National Park has over a dozen different campgrounds totaling over 1,000 sites in all.
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has several campgrounds ranging from easily accessible to primitive including some only accessible by boat or by hiking in.
Makoshika State Park offers well over a dozen campsites perfect for RVs or tent camping.
Read on to learn about some of the other great places to go camping in Montana.
Where can we find small towns in Montana?
Choteau has maintained a great deal of its historic French roots and offers a wide array of great shopping, dining establishments, and inviting accommodations.
Fort Benton is the Birthplace of Montana and home to the Bridge to Nowhere, as well as numerous museums.
Philipsburg is a popular former 19th-century mining town with great hikes nearby.
