4 Awesome Vacation Spots Selected as the Best in Montana

The Best Vacation Destinations in Montana: A Guide to the Treasure State

Montana is a premier summer destination, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its breathtaking landscapes. With two iconic national parks and a wealth of state parks, the Treasure State offers something for everyone.

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While Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks are undoubtedly the most visited spots in Montana, are they truly the best vacation destinations? Let's explore what experts have to say.

Montana's Best Vacation Spots, According to Travel Experts

The travel specialists at Fodor’s Travel have compiled a Montana Travel Guide featuring the state's must-visit locations. As the fourth-largest state in the U.S., Montana offers a vast array of experiences.

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If you’re wondering where to go, here are four of the best vacation destinations in Montana, according to travel experts.

4. Billings, Little Bighorn, and the Montana Plains

Eastern Montana is defined by vast open spaces and quiet beauty, stretching endlessly beneath the state’s legendary big sky. While it lacks the towering peaks of the Rockies, this region offers its own unique charm. Rolling prairies, historical sites like the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and a sense of solitude that few other places can match.

3. Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana

Southwest Montana is one of the state’s most scenic areas, home to towering mountains, abundant wildlife, and charming towns. In this region, animals outnumber people, with some counties having fewer than one resident per square mile. While sprawling ranches define much of the landscape, Bozeman and Red Lodge serve as lively hubs, offering access to world-class hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

2. Glacier National Park

A visit to Glacier National Park is a must for any Montana traveler. This pristine wilderness is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, home to shimmering lakes, rugged peaks, and the last remaining glaciers in the lower 48 states. Whether you're driving the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road or trekking through alpine meadows, Glacier is an unforgettable experience.

1. Missoula, Kalispell, and Northwest Montana

The northwestern region of Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Totalling over six million acres of public land, this area boasts stunning rivers, lakes, and mountains, making it one of the country’s premier outdoor destinations. Beyond the wilderness, visitors will find vibrant arts communities, craft breweries, and lively summer festivals in towns like Missoula and Kalispell.