20 Best Places to Visit in Montana, According to Local Experts

The scale is huge, but not overpowering.

Theres glory, beauty, and adventure across the mountains, the plains, and everywhere in between.

While places likeGlacier National ParkandYellowstonetend to draw in travelers, theyre far from the only worthwhile destinations.

Treelined lake with mountains in the background

Landscape of Seeley Lake in Montana.Credit:Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

Dont be afraid to get off the beaten path.

Every town in Montana has a great story, says Avery Patrick, the vice president ofShowdown Montana.

The warmer months are particularly nice, as theres hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and more.

This is a scenic landscape photograph of a lake in Lolo National Forest reflecting trees in Montana, USA on a spring day.

Landscape of Lolo National Forest in Montana.Boogich/Getty Images

Not only was it recently named the most charming small town, but its also a gateway to Yellowstone.

The route from Red Lodge to the national park whats known as theBeartooth Highway is just as noteworthy.

Whether you want to recreate on the river or take a historical tour, you wont be disappointed.

Buildings in downtown Red Lodge

Downtown Red Lodge, Montana.peeterv/Getty Images

Plus, theres even a brand-newOne&Only propertyset toopen in 2025.

It also has great architecture and plenty of historic sites for history buffs, says Pittman.

For a completely immersive experience, visitors can camp at one of the 12 campsites among the rocks.

Missouri River at Fort Benton

Bridge across Missouri River in Fort Benton, Montana.Courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

If you want to experience the latter, Patrick suggestsLewis & Clark Caverns, a state park near Whitehall.

The centrally located city is referred to as Montanas base camp and even has an international airport.

Whether youre at theC.

Situated in a remote valley located at the head of First Chance Creek, 6,000 feet up in the green pine forested mountains east of Missoula. Garnet has an isolated feel to it and is not heavily touristed or commercialized. As you might expect, Garnet has a reputation of being a haunted ghost town.

Buildings in Garnet, Montana.Montana Landscape Art/Getty Images

Additionally,Bozemanis known for its thriving arts and cultural scene.

Case in point: White Sulphur Springs, a city named for its mineralized hot springs.

Mountains along a lake

A lake in Big Sky, Montana.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

Missoula is a city in the U.S. state of Montana. It is located along the Clark Fork River near its confluence with the Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers in western Montana