In Glacier National Park, melting glaciers, alpine meadows, glacier-carved valleys, and spectacular lakes shape the landscape. With more than 700 miles of hiking trails, hiking is one of the defining ways to experience this natural area. But Montana also offers very different perspectives for those interested in landscapes: from a boat beneath towering canyon walls to rivers where a great river begins at their confluence.
Glaciers, Lakes, and Rivers
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the contiguous 48 states of the United States. Its surface area covers more than 200 square miles, and its shoreline measures 185 miles. In summer, roadside stands on the east shore offer locally grown cherries, apples, plums, and other fruit—a seasonal complement to the scenery around the lake.
At Bighorn Lake, you can take in the scale of the landscape from the water: explore the lake by boat beneath canyon walls up to 1,000 feet high. At Wild Horse Island, access is an important part of planning. The island is accessible only by boat; the park does not provide transportation there. Its features include an old-growth ponderosa pine forest, hiking trails, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and prairie-like grasslands similar to the Palouse Prairie.
At Missouri Headwaters State Park, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers join to form the 2,300-mile-long Missouri River. Activities there include river trips, fishing, biking, hiking, and interpretive programs. The confluence and range of activities give the park a different focus from the lakes and islands: here, rivers and their landscapes take center stage.
Places That Tell a Story
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument commemorates the battle of June 25–26, 1876. It involved Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors, as well as 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. The date, the groups involved, and this specific site give the visit a clear historical context.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site preserves the former headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire and recalls the role of cattle ranchers in American history. It is also a working ranch with cows, horses, and chickens. The Nez Perce National Historical Park highlights other historical and cultural contexts: it encompasses 38 sites significant to the history and culture of the NimĂipuu.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park also brings history and landscape together. It is considered likely the largest bison jump site in North America and was used by Indigenous peoples for at least 2,000 years. The park includes an interpretive trail and a protected colony of black-tailed prairie dogs. The education center offers exhibits on buffalo culture, a storytelling circle, a classroom, a gallery, and a bookstore.
Dinosaurs, Routes, and Outdoor Activities
At Makoshika State Park, badland formations dotted with pines and junipers meet dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. Park activities include scenic drives, nature trails, camping, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The statewide Montana Dinosaur Trail offers further opportunities at 14 locations to explore and learn about Montana’s prehistoric inhabitants. Old Trail Museum also features fossils and dinosaurs alongside artifacts of Native American peoples, grizzly bears, and the diverse local history.
The roads themselves can also be a focus of your trip. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile scenic drive through Montana and Wyoming; highlights include alpine peaks, glacial lakes, mountains, and opportunities to view wildlife. The Kings Hill Scenic Byway passes through the Little Belt Mountains, past mountains, high-elevation lakes, campgrounds, and old mines. The Hi-Line along U.S. Highway 2 runs through the Canadian border region and along the Milk River, through communities in northern Montana, and to sites associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Montana also has more than 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. State Parks offer activities including camping, boating, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, as well as cultural and historical activities. Alongside the individual landscapes, there are many different ways to spend time outdoors.
Discover more destinations: Sweet Grass, Gallatin, Beaverhead, Yellowstone, Flathead, Park, Silver Bow, Lewis And Clark, Cascade, Broadwater, Valley County, Missoula County, Powell County, Phillips County, Hill County, Jefferson County, Ravalli County, Glacier, Custer County, Lake County, Stillwater County, Carbon County, Sanders, Granite, Deer Lodge, Pondera County, Mineral County, Dawson County, Big Horn County, Chouteau County, Carter County, Roosevelt County, Daniels County, Wibaux County, Richland County, Judith Basin County, Powder River County, Mccone County, Prairie County, Sheridan County, Treasure County, Wheatland County, Garfield County, Lincoln County, Beaverhead County, Musselshell County, Madison County.
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