For an authentic Western holiday that combines unbridled outdoor adventure, small-town charm and big-city amenities, look no further than Montana. America’s fourth-largest state offers miles of sweeping plains, verdant forests and rushing rivers and streams. And with more wildlife than people, “Big Sky Country” is the perfect place to escape the everyday cares and congestion of modern urban life.
Montana’s scenic splendour is on full display in Glacier National Park. Established as a national park in 1910, Glacier is a wonderland of alpine meadows, lakes, forests, waterfalls and – as its name implies – 50 glaciers. And with relatively few miles of roads, the park offers some 1,600 square miles of picturesque, pristine landscape.
Grinnell Glacier Trail Glacier National Park (credit Montana Office of Tourism)
Admire the majestic scenery on a scenic boat tour of one of the park’s four lakes, then hop aboard a vintage Red “Jammer” Bus for a trip along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 52-mile road spans the width of the park, offering panoramic views as it crosses the Continental Divide at 6,646 feet at Logan Pass. Hike the Hidden Lake Nature Trail, admire the serene beauty of St. Mary Lake, then spend the night in one of the park’s historic Swiss Chalet-style guest lodges.
To experience Montana’s rich frontier history, visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – the site of Custer’s Last Stand. Relive life in the “Old West” in the historic Gold Rush towns of Virginia City and Nevada City. Delve deep into the prehistoric past along the Montana Dinosaur Trail. Or experience ancient tribal traditions at the Crow Fair and Rodeo – held annually in Crow Agency and believed to be the largest modern-day Indian encampment in the world – or North American Indian Days in Browning.
Montana also offers easy access to the unique landscape and abundant wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River flows across Montana, a state famous for its world-class fly fishing. Whitewater raft down the Gallatin River, kayak on the Clark Fork River or experience the life of a cowboy at one of the state’s ranches.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (credit Montana Office of Tourism)
MONTANA ROUNDUP
Glacier National Park
Hike amidst Glacier’s million-plus acres of mountains, waterfalls, forests and meadows, keeping a sharp eye out for the grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other wildlife that call the park home. Behold the spectacular vistas visible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road before spending the night in a Swiss Chalet-style lodge. Learn more at www.nps.gov/glac
Scenic Byways
Journey through some of the most majestic scenery in the West on Montana’s scenic byways. Enjoy panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks, glacial lakes and even a few ghost towns as you travel along such picturesque routes as Beartooth Highway, Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway.
Craft Brews & Distilleries
Fields of amber waves of grain, clear glacial water and a little ingenuity created Montana’s craft brewery and distillery scene. Sit down for a pint of Rough Rider light ale. Prefer a darker brew? Order up some Moose Drool! Or take a tasting tour of such Western craft distilleries as Headframe Spirits, Rattlesnake Creek Distillers and more. Learn more at www.montanabrewers.org
To learn more about Montana visit: www.VisitMT.com
