“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
Ever summer, it seems the mountains tap me on my shoulder, asking me to play. So, I must go! Montana is a great place to explore the mountains, and let’s be honest, it’s a BIG state and that means: plenty of awesome things to do!
Here are my favorite things to see, eat, do in the land of big sky!
- Try anything huckleberry…what is a huckleberry anyway!? I had Wilcoxson’s huckleberry ice cream—sweet and a little bit tart!
- Run around Red Lodge, and stop for some vintage candy (do not pass up the Walnettos!) at Montana Candy Emporium
- Restore your faith as you drive through Beartooth Pass—DO NOT miss this drive! You will feel like you’re on top of the world!
- I cannot stress this enough: EAT AT BUCK’s T-4 in Big Sky! Nosh on fresh caught Gallatin River rainbow trout, bison meatloaf, a giant skillet chocolate chip cookie with ice cream, and don’t forget the Moscow mules! I can taste it all now!
- Visit Battle of Little Bighorn/Custer’s Last Stand—lightning struck and I was able to visit on the exact day of the battle, 150 years later…weird, huh?
- Leaf & Bean in Bozeman is the greatest coffee shop on Earth (or so they say)! My dear friend who grew up in this area recommended this cute coffee shop to me. It’s a perky pick-you-up before heading to the park!
- Yellowstone National Park…need I say more? I’ll let this picture do the talking:
- Buy anything that says ‘Big Sky’ in Big Sky! What’s a trip out west without a commemorative sweatshirt or tshirt?!
- Roadside espresso stands—like I said, Montana is a big state, and you’re going to need some big fuel to get you through. Why not support a small, local business by buying some of their delicious espresso drinks?
- Glacier National Park has now become, wait for it…my favorite National Park! You must hike the Hidden Lake trail, take a horseback ride, and dip your toes into Saint Mary’s Lake. Heaven. On. Earth.
- My all-time favorite thing to do while visiting the great state of Montana…just be present. Montana is the place you can actually “get away from it all.” Try this newfangled idea!
I am dying to hear YOUR favorite things about Montana! Please share so other happy Montana travelers can benefit!
I’d have to agree that Beartooth Pass was pretty amazing – definitely the best entrance into Yellowstone. The wild Bison were a huge highlight – such large yet gentle creatures. I loved seeing them roaming free throughout the park. Old Faithful geyser was pretty surreal and worth the visit alone to see something so unique.
Big Sky was a pretty cool find as well – just 45 outside Yellowstone. Lots of great shops, restaurants and those famous big sky views!
Glacier is an absolute must see. Next time however I plan to go on the shoulder season for a bit more solitude.
Probably my favorite stop was the Bitterroot Mountains. The BEST hikes I’ve done in a while – up mountains, through canyons…and quite possibly the best post-hike beer on the planet at the Bitterroot Brewery in Hamilton MT.
Happy Trails!
Thanks so much for your favorites, Lisa! Bison are the best – I love seeing them lounge around so nonchalantly in Yellowstone.
I’ll definitely have to get to the Bitterroot Mountains – I’ve heard too many wonderful things about them not to visit.
xo!