Want to experience the best Montana has to offer? It will likely take an entire lifetime to do that. There's so much to do and see in the Treasure State, especially when you take different hobbies and tastes into consideration. But if you manage to do this wonderful list of things, you can feel pretty good about your Montana bucket list. So come along as we show you what we think is some of the best of the best!
It's hard to believe any Montanan could reach adulthood without visiting Glacier National Park, but it happens. This is one place you'll want to prioritize.
We may share most of Yellowstone National Park with Wyoming, but it's definitely part of a Montanan's rite of passage to see it. Besides, the entrance towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone are really fun.
It's a fairly easy path, and you won't find better views of the city anywhere.
Just trust us on this one.
Montana has hundreds of beautiful lakes, but there's really something special about Flathead Lake.
Bannack State Park is interesting, beautiful, and just plain cool.
Try to go during tje beautiful Montana summer, when costumed characters wander the streets and there are plenty of fun events.
If nothing else, at least make it a point to visit the Museum of the Rockies
Yum!
Almost every city and town in Montana celebrates the 4th in style, from parades (this one is from Livingston's) to fireworks displays. Montana has some totally cool small towns, afterall!
It is one of the most beautiful waterways in the Treasure State.
A lot of people visit Havre without ever knowing that an underground tour is available. But exploring Havre Beneath the Streets is a great way to learn about the area's history.
In Butte you can visit the World Museum of Mining, check out the Dumas Brothel Museum, and have a meal at the Pekin Noodle Parlor, Montana's oldest restaurant.
Bonus points if you have a huckleberry bear claw! Note: Polebridge Mercantile is only open seasonally, so be sure to check the website for seasonal days and hours.
It is possible to see the Northern Lights in other parts of the world, of course, but can you think of a better place to enjoy them than Big Sky Country?
One of our oldest general stores has become a charming antique shop with rooms and cabins available for rent.
This celebration is the oldest traditional pow‑wow in Montana. Even if you're not Native American, it's nice to learn more about (and respect) the culture.
Whether that means pitching a tent under the stars or hooking up your RV at a campground, finding your ideal way to be close to nature will help you enjoy Montana even more.
Once the home of Mr. Marcus Daly and his family, the Daly Mansion has been purchased and preserved by the state of Montana.
Located in Philipsburg, it is one of the coolest places in the state!
This is a bucket list item you'll want to complete many times.
Take a boat ride through the Gates of the Mountains , located about 20 miles north of Helena.
...like the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton... if you dare.
It is one of the best hot springs in Montana.
It's important to learn from our history.
Every September, the good people of Hobson and Utica gather for "What the Hay," the Montana Bale Trail. The creativity that goes into each display is so impressive.
It's an experience like no other.
If someone were to ask "What are the best things to put on a Montana bucket list," you'd know what to tell them! This list is a small fraction of all the beautiful experiences you can have in Montana, but it's definitely a great start. Here's some more information on Havre Beneath the Streets and Montana's oldest restaurant.
How many of these things have you done? What do you think are some of the best things to do in Montana? What are your favorite natural wonders in Montana? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these destinations you can find some great trails by going to the overall AllTrails website. Want to crank your hiking game up to 11? Check out AllTrails Plus.
If you’re still in the mood for more Montana adventures, take a look at this video:
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