10 Amazing Reasons Not To Leave Montana This Summer

Summer is vacation time for many, and you might be thinking about hopping a flight or going on a long road trip in the months to come. But Montana is finally showing hints of the upcoming warm, sunny season, reminding us that the Treasure State is a pretty fantastic place to be right now. We'll give you 10 good reasons to stick around this summer and enjoy long, lazy days in the Last Best Place.

1. First, the most obvious: the weather.

Some of us deal with snow well into June and will see it again before Halloween. Let's embrace this rare and beautiful t-shirt weather.

2. Glacier National Park’s most magical and perfect moments happen from mid-July to Labor Day weekend. Don’t let the out of state tourists enjoy them exclusively.

Going-to-the-Sun Road will be open. The lakes will shimmer. The sun will shine.

3. Our summer festivals are fantastic...

Sweet Pea. The Flathead Cherry Festival. The Montana Folk Festival. Red Ants Pants. That notorious event with Rocky Mountain oysters. Whatever you're into, you'll find it in the Treasure State this summer.

4. ...and so are the Farmers Markets.

Fresh produce, baked treats, crafts, live music... all outdoors.

5. You can enjoy free outdoor summer concert series like Music in the Mountains in Big Sky...

6. ...or Bozeman's Music on Main, which is both free and family-friendly.

You'll find live music all over the state, especially in the summer.

7. And can you imagine being anywhere but the Treasure State for the 4th of July?

Parades, fireworks, rodeos... we celebrate like no one else.

8. If you live in Eastern Montana, this is the perfect time to go to Scobey and see the Pioneer Town.

If you can make it for Pioneer Days on the weekend of June 23, you'll have a great time.

9. If you’re into whitewater rafting, huckleberry picking, paddle boarding or other water sports, this is your time to shine.

Montana is a dream for water sports enthusiasts.

10. Why would you leave the state during patio dining season?

It would be a shame.

Of course, there are a million reasons to spend your summer in Montana, so stick around and enjoy the fun and sun. And while you're at it, check out our tasty ice cream trail.