Stargazing is a favorite pastime of every Montanan, especially when the Milky Way and the Northern Lights are clearly visible. And while you'll be able to see the beautiful Northern Lights from plenty of places in the Treasure State, it should come as no surprise that the absolutely best views will be from Glacier National Park, Montana's crown jewel.
Montana is called "Big Sky Country" in part because of the wide open spaces at Glacier.
There's really nothing quite like it.
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"Big Sky" means plenty of room for stars to shine... and they do.
At times, the Montana night sky looks almost otherworldly.
Many people think the Northern Lights can only be seen from Canada and Alaska, but occasionally, Montanans get lucky.
These amazing Northern Lights photos were taken at Lake McDonald.
Wild Goose Island is also a beautiful place to view this natural phenomenon.
Try to time your next Glacier visit around the Northern Lights.
Just when you think Glacier National Park can't be any more amazing, it surprises you with a dazzling night sky.
Fall is certainly one of the most incredible seasons here in Montana, but there's something particularly special about winter. As we transition from vibrant fall foliage to bare trees, it's clear that Jack Frost is well on the way. For those who appreciate bundling up, this is always an exciting time of year. And, to those people, I give an enthusiastic "buckle up" because this year might just be one of the snowiest. For centuries there's been one go-to source that has been a trusted friend for those who like to think ahead. And, according to that source, the venerable Farmers' Almanac, it seems we're in for a winter that going to be both brisk and beautifully snowy. The 2023-2024 winter predictions are out and Montana should be ready.
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Montana is absolutely stunning in the winter. While many states see tourism numbers steeply decline during this season, Montana is one of those places that draws visitors who love cold and snow.
Both locals and visitors love getting outside in the winter to enjoy all of the fun activities that can only be enjoyed in a place that sees reliable snow and chilly temps.
And, of course, the cities look beautiful in the winter also. With all this beauty and fun, it should be good news that the Farmers' Almanac predicts cold temperatures and the snow we have come to know and love here. And, things will be similar for our neighbors to the east and south.
This year, snow should come early. The prediction is for below average temperatures to hit at the end of September and a snow storm with accumulation in early October.
Things will remain wet through October, leading to another snow system towards the end of the month.
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Despite some early snow storms, actual snowfall should be pretty average. But cold will certainly hit us throughout the season.
And snow and cold will likely last until early spring.
Overall, be sure to bundle up but don't worry too much about heavy snow. Just be sure to prepare for all the adventures you love having here in Montana throughout the winter season.
These 2023-2024 winter predictions for Montana have us preparing for a cold and snowy winter. From chilly slopes to frost-kissed valleys, this season of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures is going to be a fun one for everyone who loves Big Sky Country.
If these Farmers' Almanac predictions are correct, you'll want to be sure you're prepared with all the right gear. Especially all the best cold-weather essentials. And, if you love the snow and cold, be sure to start planning your adventures, including winter hikes, now!
There are certain things in life that can't be entirely explained by science, and although it is a blast to experience and not at all scary (unlike some unknown mysteries), the Montana Vortex is definitely one of them. If you've never heard of this eccentric attraction near Glacier National Park, we'll give you a few good reasons to check it out.
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The Montana Vortex & House of Mystery is located on the outskirts of Columbia Falls, so it's a perfect pit stop on the way to and from Glacier National Park.
The vortex is, by definition, a gravitational anomaly that bends the rules of gravity and human perspective. As soon as you approach this space, you'll start to feel the pull.
The best way to see the Montana Energy Vortex in action is to step inside the House of Mystery, a crooked shack that sits right in the center of the most dynamic vortex.
While Native Americans in the region were first to discover the vortex, the 1970 addition of the House of Mystery made it more accessible.
Believe it or not, there are actually three vortexes here that are tangled up with each other, making the area more dynamic than any of the others in the country.
It's pretty amazing to experience it for yourself, but be warned: some people report feeling a bit nauseated, almost car sick, from the energy.
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So what happens, exactly?
First, check out The Platform, a level cement area that sits on one of the demarcation lines of the vortex. When you stand on one end, you'll appear to shrink up to six inches.
The best way to do this is to stand on one end and have someone else stand on the other, then switch places.
Commission a third person to take your photo so you'll have evidence.
It's pretty fantastic to be inside the House of Mystery as well.
The slanted walls accentuate the power of the vortex phenomenon, and they make for some pretty interesting photos. The Hexagon is another unique area, which was discovered in 2005. The growth pattern of the trees are said to have created a hexagon of small energy nodes, which were marked with stones. Get a group to move from stone to stone and you'll watch them shrink and grow.
At best, this is an unexplained phenomenon... but if nothing else, it's a lot of fun for the whole family.
The portal is open seasonally, so it's best to work it into a spring or summer trip to Glacier.