9 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Montana That Will Always Be Waiting For You

For Montanans, social distancing is a state of mind. While we're always kind and courteous to our fellow Montanans, there's nothing we love more than to escape to the middle of nowhere with only our families or closest friends. While exploring the Treasure State to the fullest hasn't been possible lately, it's only a matter of time before we'll be on the road again. And when that day comes, these beautiful places will be waiting.

1. Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Its massive size, clear, serene waters, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets remind us that better days are always ahead.

2. Kootenai Falls

Montana has about 120 named waterfalls, but there's truly something special about this one. Kootenai Falls is a must-see whenever you're in Northwest Montana.

3. Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park is so off the grid, there are a lot of Eastern Montanans who haven't even been here yet. It's rugged, beautiful, and often scarcely populated. Check it out this summer if you get a chance.

4. Gates of the Mountains

Located just outside of Helena, this is often referred to as Montana's Grand Canyon. And there's an extremely enjoyable, affordable boat tour you can take that will show it off from the best angles.

5. Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway, which borders Wyoming, is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. We're incredibly lucky to have it here in our own backyard.

6. Bannack State Park

Bannack, Montana's original territorial capital, has been perfectly preserved. And for that, we are thankful -- it means we can visit whenever we'd like.

7. Virginia City and Nevada City

If you visit Bannack, you may as well make the drive to Montana's liveliest ghost towns, Virginia City and Nevada City. They may have looked like true ghost towns lately, but as Montana businesses begin to open back up, they'll be as fun as ever.

8. Seeley Lake

Seeley Lake is not only the place to go for Winterfest, it's a wildly popular tourist destination. And we don't know about you, but we can't wait for laid back days by the lake followed by dinner at Lindey's Prime Steak House.

9. Glacier National Park

Of course, we had to include Glacier on this list. The Crown Jewel of the Continent has endured quite a bit, and it remains as strong and ruggedly beautiful as ever.

Where is the first place in Montana you plan to go when you're able?