Montana is certainly one of the most beautiful states in the country, but did you know it’s also one of the most interesting? Between the mountains and hikes, natural wonders and attractions there are also some quirky things you might not expect. We’ve had a city full of millionaires and more animals than people if you can believe it. Here are some of our favorite fun facts about Montana!

1. Glasgow got its name simply by chance.

Glasgow, MT 59230, USA
auvet / Flickr
When it came time to name the little town of Glasgow, it wasn't settlers from Scotland that made the choice. In reality, local railroader James Hill and a friend spun a globe and put their finger down. The result was Glasgow and the rest is history.

2. The largest snowflake ever recorded landed in Montana.

katiestull / Flickr
In 1887 a snowflake measuring 15 inches across made its way down to earth. It landed right here in Montana, which somehow isn't surprising for a state that does such a great job at all things cold.

3. Helena had more millionaires per capita than any city in America...back in 1888.

Helena, MT, USA
beerandloathing / Flickr
Move over San Francisco and New York City, there's another city filled with wealth. While it might have been quite a long time ago, Helena was once a booming gold rush town filled with people who had struck it rich. There was even a club for them, which had at least 140 members at one point.

4. Antelope, elk, and deer outnumber people in Montana.

loren chipman / Flickr
If you've ever been to the more rural parts of the state, this shouldn't be a surprise. There are times when there's no other humans for miles. But you can bet that there's definitely one of these beauties around. In addition to antelope, elk and deer there are plenty of other animals to look out for.

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5. Montana has the largest Grizzly bear population in any of the lower 48 states.

austinvalley / Flickr
As the official state animal of Montana, this fact isn't entirely surprising. But it's still pretty cool! The bear is currently protected in all of the lower 48 states so hopefully you'll have the chance to spot one for years to come.

6. The Roe River in Montana is considered the shortest river in the world.

Roe River, Montana 59405, USA
timevanson / Flickr
You'll find the river in Giant Springs State Park. It runs for about 200 feet between Giant Springs and the Missouri River. And, while it has some competition in Oregon, the Roe River is the only one entered officially into the Guinness Book of World Records.

7. The Crown Jewels of England features the Montana Yogo Sapphire.

PumpkinSky, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is the only gem from North America that's included. We always knew there was an extra sparkle to the state!

8. Every year, approximately 10,000 White Pelicans arrive in Montana.

Sheridan County, MT, USA
Simon Foot / Flickr
They make their way from the Gulf of Mexico to Medicine Lake each spring. If you're in Sheridan County, located in the northeastern part of the state, be sure to look out for that nine-foot wingspan!

How many of these did you already know about? Did we leave off a fact that you find particularly interesting? If so, let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to wear your state pride on your sleeve with this collection of apparel from Wear Your Roots.

Even better than these fun facts are the story behind how some of Montana’s towns got their names. If you want to be a true expert, you’ll want to make sure you know that Libby was named after an early settler’s daughter!

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