Living in Montana means loving Montana nature. The Treasure State is home to more natural attractions than we can count. That being said, our state is vast and our schedules are busy, so trying to see all of them would take a lifetime (or two).

If you only have the time to see ten natural attractions in Montana, do yourself a favor and make it these:

1. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Cody Wellons / Flickr
Glacier has dozens and dozens of natural attractions within its borders worth checking out, so it's much simpler to add the entire park to the list. This park is a true treasure and easily one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States.
2. Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area
Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area, 106 N Parkmont, Butte, MT 59702, USA
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
Located near Butte, The Humbug Spires are a grouping of over 50 granite spire formations that sit just a couple miles south and east of the hook in the continental divide. The wilderness area is breathtaking.
3. Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls, MT 59935, USA
Amy Meredith / Flickr
Kootenai Falls sits tucked up in the northwest part of the state, and it's a spectacular sight. And if you're not afraid of heights, you'll find that this beautifully unique hike with a swinging bridge in Montana offers breathtaking views you'll never forget.
4. Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake, Montana, USA
E G / Flickr
There's a reason Flathead Lake is one of the most popular summer destinations for Montanans. It's incredible.
5. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Fort Smith, MT 59035, USA
Jocelyn Catterson / Flickr
Bordering Wyoming in Southwest Montana, Bighorn Canyon is a spectacular sight. It's a landscape of sheer cliffs towering 1,000 feet above a ribbon of water.
6. Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Tim Schleicher / Flickr
The sad fact is, far too many Montanans have never been to Makoshika State Park... and unless you live in Eastern Montana, it's definitely a long journey. But the beautiful badlands make the trek worth it.
7. Gates of the Mountains
Gates of the Mountains Road, Gates of the Mountains Rd, Montana 59602, USA
Roger W / Flickr
The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area is located just north of Helena. It's beautiful, and you can experience it all by boat!
8. Bob Marshall Wilderness Area
Troy Smith / Flickr
Named after an early forester in the federal government, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area is a Congressionally-designated wilderness area full of beautiful places to hike, fish and camp.
9. Quake Lake
Earthquake Lake, Montana, USA
Kristina Wilding / Flickr
Earthquake Lake was created after an earthquake struck in August of 1959, killing 28 people. Although it did have tragic beginnings, the lake itself is beautiful, and it's fascinating to see what Mother Nature can do.
10. Lewis & Clark Caverns
Lewis & Clark Caverns Entrance Trail, Montana 59759, USA
Troy Smith / Flickr
Entering this cave in Montana feels like being transported to another world. You can take a guided tour during peak season, but the state park is open all year long.

Montana is packed from border to border with natural treasures, especially the Seven Wonders of Montana.

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More to Explore

Montana Nature

Tori Jane | June 14, 2022

Where can I go out and enjoy nature in Montana?  

In a word: everywhere. Montana is a state that’s something of a dream come true for nature lovers. It’s like no matter where you turn or where you go, you’ll be surrounded by incredible natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes, and we love it for that. Among the best places to enjoy nature in Montana are our amazing state and National Parks; there are 55 epic state parks in Montana and eight awesome National Parks, too. Every single one of those parks is worth at least a whole day’s time of exploring. Hike any one of the 1,248 incredible hiking trails in Montana and admire its overwhelming natural amazingness on foot. Go camping. Boating. Geocaching. Really, just go outside – it's amazing out there!  

What are some amazing examples of Montana’s natural beauty?  

We have so many favorite examples of Montana’s natural beauty that we don’t even know where to begin. Glacier National Park is Montana’s crown jewel and easily one of the most beautiful places in the world (which, in turn, makes it the most beautiful place in Montana, we think). Gates of the Mountains is another to-die-for experience with Montana nature at its best, and there are numerous waterfalls in Montana that are begging to be admired as well, like Kootenai Falls and Palisade Falls. Logan Pass is another must-do if one must pick just a few things to see.  

Where are the best places to experience the natural beauty in Montana?  

Any and all of the places we’ve already named, for sure, but there’s definitely more – so much more. Check out the beauty of the Whitefish Range (especially during winter time), meander through Glacier National Park and be sure to visit Wild Goose Island Viewpoint and Lake McDonald, and then head out to any of our amazing state parks and explore them, too. Among the must-do state parks in Montana are gems like Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Giant Springs State Park, and Lone Pine State Park.  

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