Glacier National Park
Over a million acres of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and 700+ miles of hiking trails near the Canadian border.
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About Montana
Montana offers some of North America's most pristine wilderness alongside genuine Western heritage. Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Beartooth Highway, Flathead Lake, and the Missouri River Breaks draw adventurers, while Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls offer vibrant arts scenes, craft breweries, and outstanding dining. The state sees far fewer visitors than neighboring Wyoming, making its parks and public lands feel genuinely remote.
- Capital
- Helena
- Largest city
- Billings
- Population
- 1.1 million
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Mountain Time (UTC-7/UTC-6 DST)
Explore Montana by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Montana
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Legendary 50-mile alpine highway crossing the Continental Divide through the heart of Glacier National Park.
Beartooth Highway
America's most scenic drive: 68 miles of switchbacks climbing to 10,947 feet between Red Lodge and Yellowstone.
C.M. Russell Museum
World's largest collection of Charles M. Russell's cowboy and Native American art in Great Falls.
Flathead Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, surrounded by cherry orchards and mountain views.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Montana Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Montana, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Montana
- Days 1-2Montana city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Montana
- Days 1-3Montana comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Montana, departure
Where to stay in Montana
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $75
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $175
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $500
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Resort at Paws Up
Check rates on Booking.comWhitefish Lake Lodge
Check rates on Booking.comBig Sky Resort — Summit Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comAverill's Flathead Lake Lodge
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Montana
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Blackbird Kitchen
Pearl Cafe
Walkers American Grill and Tapas Bar
Plonk Wine Bar
Chico Hot Springs Dining Room
The Fieldhouse
Getting around Montana
Montana is a driving state — distances are vast and public transit is minimal outside city centers. Renting a car is essential for most itineraries. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), and Billings Logan International (BIL) are the main gateways. Amtrak's Empire Builder crosses northern Montana daily.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $120 | $350 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $35 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $30 | $60 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $75 |
| Daily total | $75 | $175 | $500 |
Best time to visit Montana
July–August for hiking and Glacier; September–October for fall colors and fewer crowds; December–March for skiing at Big Sky and Whitefish
Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully mid-June and closes in mid-October. Winter visitors should note that some services close seasonally.
Essential travel tips
- Book Glacier NP vehicle reservations and campsites 6+ months in advance for summer visits
- Gas stations are scarce between towns — fill up whenever possible
- Montana observes Mountain Time (UTC-7 summer, UTC-8 winter)
- Tipping 18–20% is standard at restaurants
- No state income tax; sales tax is 0% — prices shown include no sales tax
Safety information
Carry bear spray and know how to use it in all backcountry areas
Check weather forecasts before mountain drives — conditions change rapidly
Wildlife is wild — maintain 100-yard distance from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison
Cell service is absent across vast portions of the state; download offline maps
Drive carefully on mountain roads — wildlife crossings at dawn and dusk are common