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Things to Do in Montana

Things to Do in Montana

Montana Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Montana offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all skill levels.

Hiking & Trekking

Glacier National Park

Trails from easy (Trail of the Cedars, Running Eagle Falls) to strenuous (Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail).

Yellowstone & Other Areas

Yellowstone NP (Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalks, Specimen Ridge Trail). Numerous trails in Montana's National Forests. Use AllTrails app for details.

Preparation & Safety

Always carry A hiking backpack, Reusable water bottle, snacks, and bear spray in bear country. Know how to use bear spray. Make noise on trails.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Whitewater Rafting: Popular on Flathead, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers. Guided trips for various skill levels.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing/SUP: Enjoy Flathead Lake, Lake McDonald, and calm river sections. Rentals are common. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is popular.
  • Fishing: World-renowned for fly fishing (Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Bitterroot, Missouri Rivers). Montana fishing license needed. Guided trips. A Fly fishing rod and reel combo is a good start.
  • Boating/Jet Skiing: Flathead Lake has extensive opportunities. Marinas offer rentals.

Adventure Sports

  • Mountain Biking: Whitefish, Big Sky, Missoula.
  • Rock Climbing: Gallatin Canyon, Kootenai Canyon.
  • Ice Climbing: Hyalite Canyon (world-class).
  • Ziplining: At some resorts (Whitefish Mountain Resort).

Wildlife Encounters

  • Lamar Valley (Yellowstone NP): Prime for large mammals.
  • Glacier NP: Grizzlies, black bears, mountain goats.
  • National Bison Range: Guaranteed bison views.
  • Guided Tours: Local operators offer safaris with Spotting scopes.

Cycling Routes

  • Going-to-the-Sun Road: Iconic route in spring before vehicle opening.
  • Trail Systems: Mountain biking around Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish.
  • Rails to Trails: Scenic cycling paths, like Route of the Hiawatha.

Bear Safety

Always carry bear spray and know how to use it when hiking in bear country. Make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife. This is very important for your safety.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Montana's diverse culture through various immersive experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art Workshops: Local galleries or community centers may offer classes in painting, pottery.
  • Fly Fishing Instruction: Fly shops and outfitters offer casting lessons and guided trips for all levels.
  • Sapphire Mining: In Philipsburg, screen for sapphires at local gem shops for a hands-on experience.
  • Guest Ranches: Many offer a glimpse into Montana's ranching lifestyle and interaction with the community.

Performances & Festivals

Cultural Performances

Native American Powwows (during summer) by various tribal nations. Rodeos (summer) showcase cowboy skills and traditions. Local venues may feature country or folk music.

Cultural Festivals

Montana Folk Festival (Butte) celebrates traditional music and arts. Glacier National Park's Native America Speaks Program shares stories and history.

State Fair

Montana State Fair (Great Falls) features rodeo, concerts, agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides.

Relaxation & Wellness

Montana offers natural settings for relaxation.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Mainly concentrated in larger towns and ski resorts.

Shopping & Markets

From traditional markets to unique artisan crafts.

Relaxation & Wellness

Montana offers natural settings for relaxation and wellness, from soothing hot springs to quiet retreats.

Spa & Wellness

  • Luxury Resorts: Offer full-service spas with various treatments (massages, body wraps).
  • Day Spas: Available in larger cities like Bozeman and Missoula for a few hours of relaxation.
  • Yoga/Meditation: Some studios in Bozeman and Missoula offer classes.
  • Beaches/Pools: Flathead Lake and Lake McDonald for swimming. Many hotels have pools.

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

Chico Hot Springs Resort

Historic hot springs near Gardiner with multiple outdoor mineral pools, lodging, and dining.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Large resort near Anaconda with extensive indoor and outdoor mineral pools and a waterslide.

Norris & Quinn's Hot Springs

Norris (rustic, live music). Quinn's (various natural mineral pools, lodging, dining).

Relaxation Tip

Soak in a Hot Spring

Soak in a natural hot spring after a day of hiking. It is a perfect way to relax and soothe tired muscles, a truly Montana experience.

Find a Quiet Retreat

Seek out secluded cabins or lodges for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, especially near National Forests.

Mindful Moments

Practice mindfulness amidst Montana's stunning scenery. Look for guided meditations or simply enjoy the quiet of nature.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Montana's entertainment and nightlife scene offers options from live music to quiet pubs, mainly concentrated in larger towns and ski resorts.

Live Music & Theater

  • The Wilma (Missoula): Historic theater hosting major touring acts.
  • The Elm (Bozeman): Dedicated live music venue attracting various performers.
  • Bars/Breweries: Many in Bozeman and Missoula feature local bands.
  • Theater: Alberta Bair Theater (Billings) for Broadway. Ellen Theatre (Bozeman) for films/live performances.

Nightlife & Socializing

Nightclubs & Dancing

Limited outside Bozeman and Missoula. These cities have dance clubs near university campuses. Whitefish also has lively bars with DJs.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Downtown Bozeman (Main Street) and Downtown Missoula (Higgins Avenue) offer concentrated areas of bars and breweries for an evening out.

Brewery Tours

Many cities offer self-guided or organized brewery tours to sample local craft beers at various taprooms.

Shopping & Markets

Montana offers shopping experiences from traditional markets to unique artisan crafts.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Farmers Markets: Local produce, artisan crafts, prepared foods (summer/fall).
  • Flea Markets: Seasonal events with antiques and handmade goods.
  • Artisan Workshops: Galleries and shops feature local artists, jewelers (Montana sapphires), potters.
  • Philipsburg: Known for sweet shops and sapphire mining.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Huckleberry Products: Jams, candies, lotions.
  • Montana Sapphires: Gems set in jewelry.
  • Local Craft Beer/Spirits: Bottles from breweries.
  • Wildlife-Themed Art/Decor: Items featuring local animals.

Shopping Guidelines

Ethical Shopping
  • Support Local: Prioritize buying from local businesses, artisans, farmers.
  • Sustainable Products: Look for items made from recycled materials or with low environmental impact.
  • Inquire: Ask about origin and craftsmanship.
Shipping & Customs
  • International Visitors: Be aware of home country's customs regulations for goods.
  • Shipping Services: UPS, FedEx, USPS available for sending larger items.
  • Inquire about costs and delivery times when shipping.

Explore Affiliates

Enhance your activities with bookings through GetYourGuide for tours and experiences.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations for Activities

  • Seasonal Availability: Many outdoor activities are seasonal (e.g., rafting in summer, skiing in winter).
  • Gear & Rentals: Consider renting specialized gear locally for activities like fly fishing or mountain biking.
  • Guided Experiences: For complex activities or wilderness areas, consider hiring a local guide.
  • Permits/Licenses: Check if permits (e.g., fishing licenses, backcountry permits) are needed for your planned activities.

Safety and Respectful Travel

  • Wildlife Awareness: Be bear aware and respect all wildlife. Do not approach animals.
  • Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve Montana's natural beauty. Pack out what you pack in.
  • Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly. Dress in layers and be ready for varying conditions.
  • Respect Local Culture: Show respect for Native American traditions and the ranching heritage of Montana.
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