Montana: Landscapes, History and Culture

Glacial valleys, alpine meadows and spectacular lakes define Glacier National Park, which also has more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Montana also offers historic sites, dinosaur discoveries and scenic routes. When planning a hotel stay, it’s worth first considering whether nature, cultural history or drives through distinctive landscapes will shape your itinerary.

Landscapes Between Glaciers and Water

Wild Horse Island brings together an old-growth ponderosa pine forest, hiking trails and wildlife-viewing opportunities with grassland-like landscapes such as the Palouse prairie. The island is accessible only by boat; the park does not provide transportation there. Keep this access requirement in mind when planning your visit.

You can explore Bighorn Lake by boat beneath canyon walls that rise up to 1,000 feet. Flathead Lake offers a different scale: it is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the contiguous 48 states. Its surface area covers more than 200 square miles, and its shoreline stretches for 185 miles.

Missouri Headwaters State Park also makes a striking impression at the water’s edge. There, the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers come together to form the 2,300-mile-long Missouri River. Activities in the park include river trips, fishing, biking, hiking and interpretive programs.

On the east shore of Flathead Lake, roadside stands sell locally grown cherries, apples, plums and other fruit in summer. This seasonal shopping adds a tangible taste of local produce to the area’s nature and water experiences.

Historic and Cultural Places

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument commemorates the battle of June 25–26, 1876, involving Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors and the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry. A 4.5-mile loop leads to the Reno-Benteen position, where 350 soldiers of the 7th Cavalry survived the battle. Here, history and a specific route go hand in hand.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves the former headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire and recalls the role of ranchers in American history. It is also a working ranch with cows, horses and chickens. Visitors can experience both the historic significance of the cattle industry and a ranch that is still in operation.

Nez Perce National Historical Park encompasses 38 sites significant to the history and culture of the Nimíipuu. At First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, the historical perspective reaches back at least 2,000 years: Indigenous peoples used the site for that long, and it is considered North America’s largest bison jump site. A walking trail and a protected colony of black-tailed prairie dogs add to the visit. The interpretive center features exhibits on buffalo culture, a storytelling circle, a classroom, a gallery and a bookstore.

Fossils, State Parks and Winter Activities

The statewide Montana Dinosaur Trail includes 14 stops where you can explore and learn about Montana’s prehistoric inhabitants. Makoshika State Park features badland formations dotted with pine and juniper trees, as well as dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. Activities offered there include scenic drives, nature trails, camping, biking, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Old Trail Museum showcases fossils, dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, grizzly bears and the region’s diverse local history. There is ample parking for RVs; check current parking conditions before your visit.

Montana’s state parks offer opportunities for camping, boating, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and cultural and historical activities. Montana also has more than 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The Old Faithful area offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Alongside warm-weather experiences, there are also plenty of specific winter activities to choose from.

Scenic Drives with Distinctive Character

The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile scenic drive through Montana and Wyoming. Highlights include alpine peaks, glacial lakes, mountains and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Kings Hill Scenic Byway winds through the Little Belt Mountains, past mountains, high-altitude lakes, campgrounds and old mines. If you’re interested in a different route, the Hi-Line along U.S. Highway 2 runs near the Canadian border and the Milk River. It passes through communities in northern Montana and sites associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. These three routes each have a distinct character—from alpine landscapes to mining history, communities and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Broadwater, Granite, Phillips County, Missoula County, Powell County, Valley County, Deer Lodge, Pondera County, Mineral County, Dawson County, Big Horn County, Treasure County, Wheatland County, Garfield County, Lincoln County, Beaverhead County, Musselshell County, Madison County, Carbon County, Hill County, Jefferson County, Ravalli County, Glacier, Custer County, Lake County, Stillwater County, Prairie County, Beaverhead, Sweet Grass, Gallatin, Chouteau County, Carter County, Sheridan County, Wibaux County, Richland County, Judith Basin County, Powder River County, Mccone County, Silver Bow, Lewis And Clark, Park, Flathead, Roosevelt County, Daniels County, Cascade, Yellowstone and Sanders.

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