17 Most Beautiful Places in Montana That Celebrate the Wild, Wild West

Montana might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about beautiful places in the United States, but this huge state captures my vision of what America must have looked like before it was “discovered.”

Home to endless horizons of rolling plains and grassy hillsides in the steppe, you can still find wild horses roaming free alongside bonafide cowboys.

But even within this already breathtaking state, certain places stand out above the rest. After spending two years living out of a van and road-tripping through this wonderful state, here are the most beautiful places in Montana that make you fall head over heels for the Big Sky State.

1. Glacier National Park

With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park boasts over a million acres of endless wilderness and ice-capped mountains. Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road and chill by some of the most pristine lakes you’ll ever see. Maybe even spot a grizzly bear (from a safe distance, of course).

The park’s glaciers are melting fast, so get here while they’re still around!

2. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, it might be most famous for “Old Faithful,” but that’s not the only geothermal formation that’s been blowing off steam for centuries.

Geysers? Check. Old Faithful erupts on schedule, delighting visitors every 90 minutes. Mud pots and hot springs? Check. The colorful Grand Prismatic Spring looks like an over-photoshopped photo. And wildlife? Bison, elk, and even wolves roam freely here, even causing traffic jams.

3. Kootenai Falls, Libby

Kootenai Falls welcomes you with the unstable Swinging Bridge over a powerful turquoise cascade roaring below. This spectacular waterfall drops about 90 feet in less than a mile. This spot was even featured in the movie “The Revenant,” so you know it’s cinematic gold.

4. Flathead Lake, Polson

Flathead Lake near Polson is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and it’s crystal clear. With 185 miles of shoreline, the lake is so clean you can see down to depths of 26 feet!

Visit Wild Horse Island, which has actual wild horses. In the summer, the cherry orchards around the lake are in full bloom. So don’t be afraid to sneak some snacks right from the sources or grab a piece of cherry pie before you leave!

5. Gates of the Mountains, Helena

Sailing through the Gates of the Mountains is like cruising through Lewis & Clark’s exploration trail. The boat tour takes you along the Missouri River, where you’ll see pictographs left by Native Americans and maybe even some bald eagles. The river canyon stretches for about five miles.

6. Makoshika State Park, Glendive

As Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika State Park is a vast badlands terrain filled with bizarre rock formations that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Dinosaur fossils, including the mighty T-Rex, have been found here. The visitor center even has a triceratops skull on display.

7. Great Falls

The Great Falls Riverfront Park system connects a series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River in a beautiful cascade walk. Aside from admiring the waterfall from the River’s Edge Trail, attractions like the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and C.M. Russell Museum are interesting spots to pop your head in and visit.

For more watery fun, check out Giant Springs State Park, which has one of the world’s largest freshwater springs.

8. Beartooth Pass Highway

One of the most scenic drives in America, the Beartooth Pass Highway is like taking a road trip through a National Geographic magazine. This 68-mile stretch of road winds through snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows, reaching elevations of nearly 11,000 feet.

Hairpin turns and switchbacks are frequent in this area. Because of the high elevation, the highway is only accessible during the warmer months, as snow patches can still be found even in July!

9. Garden of 1000 Buddhas

Get your zen on at the Garden of 1000 Buddhas, a spiritual oasis hidden away in Arlee, Montana. This serene garden features, you guessed it, 1000 Buddha statues arranged in a wheel of dharma. The garden spreads across 10 acres and includes a central statue of Yum Chenmo, the Great Mother.

This random roadside attraction is a place for meditation, reflection, and maybe snapping a few peaceful selfies. Take a peaceful stroll among the prayer flags and blooming flowers. It’s like a little slice of Tibet right in Montana.

10. Custer National Forest

In the land of pine-scented air and rustling leaves, Custer National Forest is another beautiful area with over 1.2 million acres across southern Montana and northwestern South Dakota. From the rolling prairies to the jagged peaks of the Beartooth Mountains, this forest takes you through diverse landscapes and countless recreational opportunities.

Hike the trails, fish the streams, or camp under a blanket of stars. Wildlife encounters are common, so don’t be surprised to see elk, moose, and maybe even a black bear.

11. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Red Lodge

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness near Red Lodge is a mountainous area covering nearly a million acres and more than 20 peaks above 12,000 feet. Hiking here is not a walk in the park; you’ll have to earn your views.

The wilderness is dotted with hundreds of alpine lakes, high alpine plateaus that seem to touch the clouds, and fish in crystal-clear mountain streams. Keep your wits about you in this wilderness as mountain goats, moose, and even the occasional grizzly bear may cross your path.

12. Lewis & Clark Caverns, Whitehall

Descend into the depths of the Lewis & Clark Caverns for a spelunking adventure in an underground labyrinth. These limestone caves are some of the best in the country and are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations.

The guided tours will have you twisting, turning, and ducking through narrow passages and grand chambers. Look out for the bats; they’re everywhere!

13. Montana Rockies

The Montana Rockies will have your heart racing. Activities range from skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The peaks rise dramatically, some exceeding 12,000 feet, and are just beautiful to look at. Scenic drives like the Beartooth Highway provide endless photo ops.

Be prepared for unpredictable weather; one minute, it’s sunshine, and the next, it’s a snowstorm.

14. Paradise Valley, Livingston

Paradise Valley, near Livingston, is exactly what it sounds like: paradise. Flanked by the Absaroka Range to the east and the Gallatin Range to the west, this valley is a photographer’s dream come true.

The Yellowstone River runs through it for excellent fly-fishing or soaking in the Chico Hot Springs. You can also hit up local favorites like Sage Lodge for gourmet dining. This valley is a hidden Hollywood favorite, so don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two.

15. Bighorn Canyon, Fort Smith

Bighorn Canyon has some of the most dramatic landscapes in Montana. The canyon stretches over 120,000 acres with the winding Bighorn River through its cliffs.

The Medicine Wheel is an ancient Native American site that adds mystique to your visit. You might even spot the majestic wild horses that roam the area.

16. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

If you have a faint memory of the phrase “Custer’s Last Stand” from your high school history textbook, it refers to the Battle of Little Bighorn, where the Sioux and Cheyenne triumphed over Custer and his troops in under an hour.

This national monument is located in southeastern Montana and honors those who lost their lives during the battle between the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment and the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

The visitor center offers a comprehensive history of the battle, including firsthand accounts from both sides. Walk the fields where history was made and visit the memorials that honor those who fought.

17. The Berkeley Pit, Butte

The Berkeley Pit in Butte might seem like an odd attraction, as it’s one of the few places where you can pay to see pollution. This former open-pit copper mine is now a lake filled with highly acidic water, so you definitely don’t want to swim here!

At nearly 1,800 feet deep, the pit is filled with acidic, heavy-metal-laden water that’s both eerie and oddly beautiful. Visitor platforms stand over safe viewing spots and informative displays of its industrial age.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.