Located in the Seeley-Swan Valley, Holland Lake and Holland Falls make a beautiful day trip. Holland Falls is a popular, easy day hike located near Holland Lake. The trail starts at the end of the parking area to the right. Follow this trail for 500 feet to the trail junction, continue straight following signs for Trail #416. At 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 750 feet, the trail follows the shoreline of Holland Lake and gradually climbs to the base of the falls. The hike is beautiful and if you feel like turning your day trip into an overnight trip, the campground at Holland Lake is also spectacular.

For locals, Holland Lake and Falls is a popular destination. Its allure has made it an ideal setting for relaxation, adventures, and weddings. Day and overnight options are available from HWY 83 near Condon, Montana. After hiking, swimming, fishing, and paddling, spend the night at the cozy Holland Lake Lodge or Holland Lake Campground. The falls and lake are one of the state's lesser-known natural bodies of water and falls, but they are a popular destination for locals and anyone else who happens to come across them. Even better, the falls can be reached by taking Highway 83 between Seeley Lake and Swan Lake and following the Seely-Swan Scenic Drive.

Google rating: 4.9/5.0
Address: 6887 Hwy 83 USFS Condon Work Center, Condon, MT 59826
Phone: 406.754.3137
Website: N/a

Crystal Park ranks 2nd on the list of the best day trips from Montana. Crystal Park, located in the Pioneer Mountains, is a great place to spend the day. Crystal Park is a one-of-a-kind amusement park located in the Pioneer Mountains of southwestern Montana at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Crystal Park is only open for day use and charges per vehicle. There are three picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as information signs, restrooms, and a paved path with benches and views. Facilities are designed to be accessible to everyone.

Quartz crystals are abundant in the decomposed granite of the unique 220-acre site dedicated to the popular hobby of rock hunting by the Forest Service. Quartz crystals are hexagonal hexagonal prisms with a pointed "face" at each end. Crystal Park crystals can be clear, opaque, white, gray or purple due to the minerals within the quartz. They can be as small as your little finger or as large as several inches in diameter. Gray crystals are called "smoke", while purple crystals are called amethyst. At Crystal Park, single crystals are most common. Rockhounding is a fun family activity as little hands can get under and get dirty while searching for hidden treasure. Enjoy your day by bringing a picnic!

Google Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Address: 420 Barrett StreetDillon, MT 59725
Phone: 406-683-3900
Website: https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/national-recreation-area/crystal-park

Fort Benton was founded in 1846 as the premier Blackfoot fur post, but its existence has always been linked to the Missouri River. Fort Benton became the river's head of navigation just in time for the fold rush when the first steamboat arrived in 1860. Prospectors rush upriver. Along with some of the miners, the steamboat captain, merchants, saloon keepers, and teamsters struck it rich. When the placers ran their course, a new market opened in the Canadian North, establishing a permanent presence in the 1880s' new commercial center. There were brick buildings, families, schools, and churches. Until the railroad arrived, river trade and mercantile business thrived.

Cattle and sheep kept the town going until the turn of the century. The homestead boom of the 1920s brought a flood of people to claim the free land, and Fort Benton was the heart of Montana's richest wheat growing region for the next five decades. As the millennium begins, the vibrant community is confident that its rich history and beautiful treasure in the Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri will carry Fort Benton into the future as Montana's Birthplace.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: P.O. Box 262Fort Benton, Montana 59442 USA
Phone: 406-622-5316
Website: http://fortbentonmuseums.com/product/birthplace-of-montana-a-history-of-fort-benton/

Virginia City, Nevada is an old western town best known for the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver ore in 1859. Virginia City, with its Virginia City events, attractions, and wild culture honoring its deep roots, is a step back in time any day of the week. Virginia City remains one of Nevada's most popular and historic tourist attractions after all these years. Virginia City is a treasure trove of history just a short drive from Helena, Bozeman, Belgrade and Butte. "Where the Old West lives," as the tagline says, couldn't be more accurate. Virginia City is a great destination for families year-round, but they especially enjoy it in the spring and summer.

Watch the Virginia City Players perform plays and variety shows at the local Opera House for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. This type of performance pays homage to Virginia City's roots and is great fun for the whole family. Enjoy half an hour of unique and historic entertainment by taking a Fire Engine City Tour. Alternatively, take the train from Virginia City to Nevada City. Charlie Bovey built the Virginia City Short-Range Railroad in 1964 to connect Virginia City with Nevada City, a mile and a half away. Today, a 20-minute train ride on the Virginia City Shortcut is a great way to enjoy the scenery and learn about the surrounding area.

Google Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Address: 86 South “C” Street • PO Box 920 City of Virginia, NV 89440
Phone: 775-847-7500
Website: https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/

Martinsdale ranks 4th on the list of the best day trips from Montana. Martinsdale, a teeny town in Central Montana, is a quick trip for those who appreciate Montana traditions. The Bair Family Art Museum is a true Montana historical treasure. The estate, museum, and grounds are located along the Upper Mussellshell River between the Crazy Mountains and the Castle Mountains. The art museum houses an unrivaled collection of Native American artwork. You can also tour the Bair Family home and purchase a souvenir from the gift shop.

Martinsdale is easily accessible to travelers due to its location just two miles off US Highway 12 between White Sulphur Springs and Harlowton. Martinsdale, located at the base of the Crazy, Castle, and Little Belt Mountains, is an ideal starting point for Central Montana adventures. Martinsdale Reservoir and a number of smaller reservoirs to the west all provide excellent fishing, boating, waterskiing, and camping opportunities. The Musselshell River, which flows through Martinsdale, is known for its consistently good fishing. Hunters can benefit from the abundance of deer and elk in the Crazies, Castles, and Little Belts.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Central Montana, PO Box 3166, Great Falls, MT 59403-3166
Phone: (800) 847-4868
Website: https://www.visitmt.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/martinsdale

Gardiner ranks 5th on the list of the best day trips from Montana. Gardiner is a small town in southwest Montana, near the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park. Gardiner's northern boundary was established in the early 1880s by the cantankerous Yellowstone concessionaire James McCartney. Gardiner's small-town Montana charm, natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife truly make it a one-of-a-kind "home on the range" for their nearly 900 residents. Year-round access to Yellowstone's Northern Range—the "American Serengeti"—truly distinguishes Gardiner from other Yellowstone gateway communities. Gardiner is not only surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, but it also has a colorful history filled with trappers, miners, mountain men, and hunters, as well as well-known western characters such as Jim Bridger and Calamity Jane.

Bison, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves are among the many large wildlife species found in this area. The town also has the state's first access to the wild and scenic Yellowstone River, the lower 48 states' longest free-flowing river. Gardiner is a full-service community with no big-box stores. Their merchants take pride in offering everything you need for a pleasant stay, from groceries to shopping to auto repair.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 216 Park Street | PO Box 81 | Gardiner, MT 59030
Phone: 406.848.7971
Website: https://www.visitgardinermt.com/

Kootenai Falls is the state's largest undammed waterfall and a popular destination for visitors. The Kootenai River drops 300 feet in elevation as it travels a few hundred yards down river, providing an unforgettable and breathtaking view. A pleasant surprise for any photographer or lover of nature. A swinging bridge provides access to the opposite side of the Kootenai River, a prime Montana fishing destination. The falls are considered sacred by the Kootenai tribe. They regard it as the center of the universe, a location where tribal members can commune with the spiritual forces that guide the tribe and individual members.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Kootenai had Native American sweat lodges and encampments from Pipe Creek (where light clay was discovered for pipes) to the falls area. Management objective: To provide year-round habitat for bighorn sheep as well as seasonal habitat for whitetail deer, mule deer, and black bear. Bighorn sheep hunting is only permitted with a permit. Licensed hunters can participate in archery and rifle hunting seasons for mule deer, white-tailed deer, and black bear, as well as upland game bird and waterfowl hunting. Walk-in fishing opportunities are available along three miles of the Kootenai River at the Wildlife Management Area.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: PO Box 940, Libby, MT 59923
Phone: (800) 847-4868
Website: https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/landmark/kootenai-falls

The Makoshika badlands are now Montana's largest state park, where visitors can see and enjoy them. The park contains many fossil remains in addition to the pine and juniper studded badland formations. At the park's entrance, their visitor center (with a gift shop) houses a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, as well as other fossil remains and badland interpretive displays. More information about Montana paleontology exhibits and activities can be found at Montana Dinosaur Trail. Scenic drives, hiking trails, 28 camping sites, a group picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater are all part of the park.

Throughout the year, the park hosts special events such as Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Friday night campfire programs, and summer youth programs, as well as the famous Buzzard Day festival on the second Saturday in June, which includes 10k and 5k races, a fun run, a jumping house, food, a disc golf tournament, hikes, and more! Makoshika's scheduled program activities for 2022 can be found here. Visitors are not permitted to bring metal detectors, and there is no digging, collecting, or removal of fossils or artifacts.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Makoshika State ParkPO Box 1242Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: 406-377-6256
Website: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/makoshika

"P-Burg" may be Montana's cutest small town. Historic Phillipsburg has something for everyone, with stunning views and a charming main street. Philipsburg is a 19th-century mining town that was once named one of the prettiest painted places in America. Sapphire mining is one of the most exciting things to do in Philipsburg. Sapphire mining in the region dates back about 120 years. Although Montana has four major sapphire deposits, the Philipsburg Rock Creek deposit is by far the largest, producing four times the amount of sapphire produced by all other Montana deposits combined. Visit Gem Mountain Mine and see what treasures you can unearth!

Looking for something sweet to eat while you're here? The well-known Sweet Palace destination candy store has everything your sweet tooth could want. The aroma of freshly made candies will awaken your senses, and the Victorian décor will transport you to another century. Sweet Palace has something for everyone, and they do ship worldwide. Philipsburg Brewing is the final stop. They have a large selection of beers to suit any mood, but my personal favorite is the Haybag Hefe. This wheat beer is citrusy and dry, utilizing 40% malted white wheat from Washington to provide a mouthful of cereal flavor while remaining extremely drinkable and thirst-quenching. Hops from Cascade and Willamette provide grassy citrus flavors and aromas. For that signature cloudiness, the special yeast strain remains suspended.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Address: 204 W. Broadway, P.O. Box 825, Philipsburg, MT 59858

Phone: (406) 859-6726

Website: http://www.visitphilipsburg.com/

Anaconda, surrounded by towering Pintlers and nestled in a mile-high valley in the Deer Lodge National Forest, offers unrivaled recreational opportunities just outside town in any direction. The town sprang up when Butte's massive Anaconda Copper Mining Company required a smelter for its massive amounts of copper ore. Smelting operations were halted in 1980, but "The Stack" is still a significant landmark and state park.

Anaconda is a mile above sea level and located in the Deer Lodge National Forest. Anaconda is a great place for an adventure, with stunning views of the Pintler Mountain Range. Anaconda was a candidate for Montana's state capital before Helena won under suspicious circumstances. The Anaconda Copper Company's Smoke Stack is now a National Register of Historic Places State Park. However, you can only see this foreboding structure from afar.

Old Works Golf Course, located on the site of Anaconda's historic century-old copper smelter, is one of America's Top 100 Public Courses. Many historic relics were incorporated into Jack Nicklaus' signature design. Old Works has established a reputation as one of the premier daily fee golf experiences in the Northwest region due to its affordability, course condition, and friendly service.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 306 East Park Ave. Anaconda, MT 59711
Phone: (800) 847-4868
Website: https://www.visitmt.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/anaconda