Glacier National Park takes first place on the list of the best things to do in Montana. Glacier National Park, established in 1910, is known as the "Crown Jewel of the Continent." There are 26 glaciers, 762 lakes, 563 streams, hundreds of animal species, and thousands of plant species here. It also has approximately 746 miles of hiking trails, making it a hiker's paradise. The Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake, the Grinnell Glacier Trail, and the Highline Trail are among the more well-known routes. Just make sure to research trail conditions and difficulties before you go.

You should also plan a trip to Going to the Sun Road while you're there. The 50-mile road that crosses the Continental Divide is an engineering marvel, passing glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, wildflower-covered alpine meadows, and more. Keep in mind that the upper section of the road past Lake McDonald Lodge is closed during the winter.

Visitors praise the park as one of the most beautiful places they've ever visited, citing breathtaking views and almost surreal glacier water. Take a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, raft, or a half- or full-day whitewater rafting tour out on the water. Depending on your preferences, you can either camp at one of the park's many campgrounds or stay at a lodge, hotel, or bed-and-breakfast. If you want something a little more formal, the Lake McDonald Lodge and Belton Chalet should be on your list.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Location: Montana, USA

Phone: +1 406-888-7800

Website: glaciernationalparklodges.com

Yellowstone National Park ranks 2nd on the list of the best things to do in Montana. Although Montana only contains 3% of Yellowstone National Park, it is home to three of the park's five entrances. Mammoth Hot Springs is located near the park's northern entrance and is said to resemble a cave turned inside out. The large terraces are formed by limestone that has been dissolved by the hot, acidic water that rises from the chambers below and reforms once it reaches the surface. If you enter through the west entrance, which is located just across the Wyoming and Idaho borders in West Yellowstone, you'll be within a short drive of several geyser basins, which include both geysers and hot springs.

Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, and other popular attractions are located in this area. Finally, the northeast entrance, which is closed in the winter, provides the best access to the park's famous Lamar Valley, where you can see grizzly bears, black bears, bison, and wolves. Yellowstone National Park has been described by visitors as a piece of heaven on Earth, a breathtaking experience, and nature at its best.

There are plenty of lodging options for each entrance depending on where you're coming from. The ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone and the Alpine Motel are both highly rated in West Yellowstone. Yellowstone Village Inn and Yellowstone Riverside Cottages have excellent reviews if you enter from the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana. If you're coming from the northeast, the Elk Horn Lodge or Alpine Motel in Cooke City are good options. Consider a private Yellowstone tour if you want a guided experience. Get out on the water for a truly unique experience in Yellowstone National Park. On Yellowstone Lake, you can go fly-fishing, kayaking, and boating, or take a half or full day whitewater rafting tour.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Location: Montana, USA
Phone: +1 307-344-7381
Website: yellowstonenationalpark.com

The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate with an incredible collection of exhibits. To begin, it houses one of the world's largest collections of North American dinosaur fossils, including T-Rex, one of only a few mounted Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons on display in the United States. It also has exhibits about Yellowstone National Park's history and the American Indians who lived on the Northern Plains and near the Rocky Mountains, among other things.

There is also an exhibit for children aged 8 and under where they can explore and learn about Yellowstone's science. The museum also hosts three to five temporary exhibitions each year. There's also a planetarium with shows about the universe. One of the best things to do in Bozeman is to visit the museum. Previous visitors have cited the dinosaurs as a major draw. If you're looking for a place to stay in Bozeman, consider the RSVP Hotel or the SpringHill Suites Bozeman.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717
Phone: +1 406-994-2251
Website: museumoftherockies.org

World Museum of Mining in Butte ranks 4th on the list of the best things to do in Montana. The Orphan Girl Mine is one of the few mining museums in the world that is located on an actual mine yard. In the mine yard, there are 50 exhibit buildings and 66 primary exhibits. A visit here will teach you about the history of hard-rock mining in Butte, which once housed one of the most productive copper mines in the world. You'll also have the opportunity to take an Orphan Girl underground mine tour, which includes a 100-foot descent to the mine's original shaft station. You will be able to touch the rock and learn about the people who worked there.

Previous visitors highly recommend the mine tour and compliment the tour guides on their knowledge and presentation. According to reviews, you should bring a jacket because the museum is mostly outside and the mine is chilly all year. The Copper King Convention Center, Ascend Hotel Collection, and the Hampton Inn Butte are among the best-rated hotels in Butte.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

Address: 155 Museum Way, Butte, MT 59701

Phone: +1 406-723-7211

Website: miningmuseum.org

The C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls honors the life and work of famed US artist Charles M. Russell, also known as the Cowboy Artist. The museum houses numerous documents and artifacts from the artist's career, which spanned the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as an extensive collection of original paintings. A highlight is the opportunity to tour the original Russell House and Studio, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The award-winning C.M. Russell Museum contains more than 3,000 pieces of Western art in a complex that covers an entire city block and encompasses 16 exhibition galleries, educational programming spaces, a dedicated research center, and an impressive outdoor sculpture garden.

The museum's Russell Riders Sculpture Garden, which features statues of local wildlife, is also worth a visit. There are several other things to do in Great Falls to fill a long weekend. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is an excellent resource for learning about a different era in regional history. Natural areas abound throughout the city, many of which connect to the River's Edge Trail.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 400 13th Street N., Great Falls, Montana
Phone: 406-727-8787
Website: cmrussell.org

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center provides an overview of the famous 19th-century expedition, with a focus on the Corps of Discovery's time in Montana. The first thing you'll notice when you walk into the center is a two-story diorama depicting the portage of the Missouri River's five falls. The museum, which was created in collaboration with the US Forest Service, includes exhibits, hundreds of artifacts, and art collections that help tell the story of the Great Falls region's residents and visitors over hundreds of years.

Previous visitors say there's a lot more to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition, even if they already know the basics. Others emphasize that it is a fun activity for the whole family. If you're looking for a place to stay in Great Falls, consider the Historical Hotel Arvon and the Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel and Suites.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: +1 406-727-8733
Website: visitmt.com/listings/general/museum/lewis-and-clark-national-historic-trail-interpretive-center

Big Sky Resort, which boasts some of the "Biggest Skiing in America," is located about an hour south of Bozeman. The slopes are well-known for their abundance of snow, with an annual average of 400 inches. Thousands of skiers and snowboarders visit the resort during the winter. Nonetheless, with 5,750 skiable acres, there's plenty of room to turn.

Visiting Big Sky gives you the complete resort experience. Big Sky offers the crème de la crème of a Montana downhill experience, from the heated eight-person lifts to the energetic base of the mountain filled with events, restaurants, and après-ski entertainment. But Big Sky isn't the only ski destination worth visiting in Montana; several of the state's best ski resorts offer similar terrain for downhill adventures. Lost Trail Powder Mountain, near the Idaho border, is a local favorite. In the north, Whitefish Mountain Resort provides spectacular views of Glacier National Park. Other popular destinations, such as Montana Snowbowl and Bridger Bowl, are easily accessible from Montana's university towns.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, Montana
Phone: +1 800-548-4486
Website: whereyat.com/responsibly-hit-the-slopes-in-big-sky

Montana is home to seven national forests totaling nearly 20 million acres. This vast, open space has come to define the Montana experience, and no trip to the state is complete without exploring these public lands. Many of these national treasures can be found in the western half of the state, from the Kootenai to the Custer-Gallatin. At least five national forests are within a short drive of Missoula, where the University of Montana is located. The city is surrounded by the Lolo National Forest.

Residents and visitors can enjoy backyard access to adventure hotspots such as Rattlesnake and Blue Mountain National Recreation Areas because of their proximity to public lands. Bozeman, Montana's other state university, is also a great place to start exploring national forests. While several public lands are nearby, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest is the most popular. The Custer-Gallatin passes through the adventurous town of Big Sky and connects to Yellowstone National Park south of Bozeman.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405

Phone: +1 406-727-8733

Website: usfs.oncell.com/en/index.html

The Treasure State is home to a plethora of hot springs ideal for a relaxing soak. Quinn's Hot Springs Resort in Paradise, Montana, about 70 miles northeast of Missoula, is one of the best options. Five natural hot spring pools are available at the resort. You can also stay in a cabin or lodge at the resort. Previous guests described the resort as a relaxing experience, with some returning.

The Boiling River in Yellowstone near Mammoth Hot Springs offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It's one of the few places in the national park where you can legally soak, and it features a mix of hot spring water and cold Gardner River water. Check the park's website before you go, as the area does close due to varying water conditions. Visitors can reach the location after a short half-mile walk from the parking lot.

In nearby Gardiner, you can stay at the Yellowstone Village Inn or the Yellowstone Riverside Cottages. Some visitors have described the Boiling River as a highlight of the park, but they recommend wearing sandals and bringing a towel to dry off afterward. Chico Hot Springs, Bozeman Hot Springs, Norris Hot Springs, and Elkhorn Hot Springs are some of the state's other popular hot springs.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Montana, USA

Phone: n/a

Website: N/a

Montana became synonymous with fly fishing after the 1992 film A River Runs. Through It, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Robert Redford. Anglers, on the other hand, have been casting lines in the state for years, already aware of the abundance of mountain streams and rivers primed for a fly.

The film, based on Norman Maclean's iconic 1972 novella of the same name, is set primarily on the Blackfoot River. However, many of the most captivating river scenes were shot on the Gallatin River. Both rivers provide productive seasonal hatches as well as some of the best mountain scenery in the sport. In addition, world-class fly fishing is available throughout the state. Aside from the Madison, Missouri, and Yellowstone Rivers, the state has thousands of mountain streams and creeks with plenty of action. Connecting with a local guide shop is one of the best ways to enjoy Montana fly fishing.

Google rating: N/a

Address: 435 East Main StreetBozeman, MT 59715

Phone: 406-522-9854

Website: montanaangler.com/montana-fly-fishing-rivers