Don’t Let Your Summer End Without Experiencing This Perfect Montana Day

We know our Montana summer days are numbered. And while it's never easy to say goodbye to those perfect sunny days or warm, starry nights under the big sky, you can maximize what's left of the season by having as many perfect Montana summer days as possible. If you can, start with this one.

Start your day with breakfast somewhere amazing, like Steve's Cafe in Helena.

Steve's Cafe was named one of the Best Diners in America by Business Insider, and the breakfasts are hearty and delicious.

Next, find a way to get on the water.

Whether it's cruising your own boat around your local lake or chartering a cruise, there's nothing like spending a summer day on the water. We highly recommend a Gates of the Mountains tour, a cruise through the beautiful canyon in the heart of Montana.

You can hike (or snowshoe) in Montana any time of year, but there's nothing like a beautiful nature walk on a summer afternoon.

This is a scene from the Trout Creek Canyon trail near Helena.

It wouldn't be a perfect Montana day if you didn't include a little ice cream.

Big Dipper, anyone?

End the day at a friendly place with outdoor seating, delicious food, cold drinks, and perhaps even live music.

Lakeside on Hauser is a perfect choice. It sits right on Hauser Lake just outside of Helena, and it's especially amazing in the summer.

Last but not least, end your evening by finding the perfect place to gaze at the stars.

The Montana night sky is amazing (we don't call it Big Sky Country for nothing), and it's a lot more pleasant to stay under it in the summertime.

We used the Helena area to create this itinerary, but you can recreate it in whatever part of Montana you call home. But however you spend what's left of the summer in the Treasure State, make sure you do a little outdoor dining while you still can.