20 Best Places to Visit in Montana-National Parks, Ski Resorts, and Charming Small Towns Included

""It seems to me that Montana is a great splash of grandeur. The scale is huge, but not overpowering. The land is rich with grass and color and the mountains are the kind I would create if mountains were put on my agenda. While some aspects of his travelogue have since been disputed, it's hard to argue with this description of the Treasure State.""

""Montana is a nature lover's paradise with a lot to offer," says Jason Pittman, ranch manager at Alpine Falls Ranch. "From epic hiking with breathtaking mountain views, fantastic skiing, and biking trails to legendary fly-fishing, river rafting, bird-watching, horseback riding, and more-there's something for everyone of all ages and energy levels." While places like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone tend to draw in travelers, they're far from the only worthwhile destinations."

Montana combines expansive, varied landscapes with accessible outdoor recreation across mountains, plains, and lakes. The state offers epic hiking, mountain views, skiing, biking, fly-fishing, river rafting, bird-watching, and horseback riding for all ages and abilities. Small towns serve as gateways to major attractions and provide local flavor like rodeos and regional treats. West Yellowstone functions as a longstanding entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is lively in summer with events and huckleberry ice cream. Flathead Lake spans about 200 square miles, features islands and mountain scenery, and supports numerous adventurous water activities.

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