35 Best Things to do in Montana
Discover 35 top things to do in Montana, from Glacier and Yellowstone to Big Sky skiing, Whitefish, hot springs, lakes and scenic drives.
Discover the Best of Montana
Montana is made for outdoor adventure. Snow-covered mountains give way to wildflower-filled hiking trails, glacier-carved lakes and legendary trout rivers, while national parks, historic mining towns and wide-open roads provide countless reasons to explore beyond the main resort communities.
Winter brings world-class skiing, snowboarding, Nordic trails, snowmobiling and snowcoach trips into Yellowstone. In summer, you can hike through Glacier National Park, raft the Gallatin River, mountain bike at Big Sky or Whitefish, sail across Flathead Lake and drive some of America's most spectacular mountain roads.
Our award-winning Montana vacation rentals are concentrated around two of the state's most exciting year-round destinations: Big Sky and Whitefish. Choose from cozy cabins and stylish condos to spacious townhomes and luxury ski lodges, with selected retreats offering ski-in/ski-out locations, fireplaces, games' rooms, private hot tubs, mountain views and large outdoor areas perfect for year-round relaxation and kicking back with family and friends.
Things to Do in Big Sky & Yellowstone Country
1. Ski and snowboard at Big Sky Resort
Location: Big Sky.
Best For: Skiers, snowboarders, families, winter vacations.
Estimated Time Needed: Full day to several days.
Cost / Entry: $$$$; lift passes and equipment extra.
Take to the slopes beneath Lone Mountain at one of Montana's premier ski destinations. Big Sky Resort offers thousands of acres of skiable terrain ranging from confidence-building beginner runs to steep bowls and advanced mountain descents, making it suitable for mixed-ability groups as well as experienced skiers. Insider tip: stay in one of our Big Sky vacation rentals close to the mountain if maximizing ski time is the priority.
2. Ride to the summit of Lone Mountain
Location: Big Sky Resort.
Best For: Mountain views, couples, families, non-skiers.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$$; lift and tram access required.
Travel high above Big Sky using the mountain's gondola and Lone Peak Tram to reach the summit area of Lone Mountain. At 11,166 feet, the mountain provides remarkable views across Montana's surrounding ranges, with the glass-walled Kircliff observation experience creating an accessible way for non-skiers to enjoy the high-alpine scenery too. Insider tip: mountain weather can change quickly, so bring an extra layer even when conditions feel warm at village level.
3. Hike to Ousel Falls
Location: Big Sky.
Best For: Families, gentle hiking, waterfalls, photography.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Follow one of Big Sky's most popular family-friendly trails through forest beside the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. The approximately 1.6-mile round-trip route leads to Ousel Falls, with bridges, riverside viewpoints and shaded woodland making the walk enjoyable without requiring a full day on the trail. Insider tip: go early during busy summer periods and wear footwear with good grip, particularly after rain or when trails are icy.
4. Hike Beehive Basin
Location: Big Sky.
Best For: Hikers, alpine scenery, wildflowers, photography.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Head higher into Big Sky's mountain landscape on the Beehive Basin trail, where forests and meadows eventually give way to dramatic views beneath the surrounding peaks. Summer brings wildflowers and alpine scenery, while the route offers a more challenging alternative to easier walks around Town Center and Ousel Falls. Insider tip: carry bear spray, plenty of water and layers for changing weather whenever hiking around Big Sky's backcountry.
5. Go whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River
Location: Gallatin Canyon, near Big Sky.
Best For: Families with older children, groups, adventure.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day.
Cost / Entry: $$$.
Experience the Gallatin Canyon from the water on a guided rafting trip along one of southwest Montana's defining rivers. Trips range from gentler scenic floats to whitewater routes through rapids, allowing families and groups to choose an experience suited to their confidence and appetite for adventure. Insider tip: river conditions vary throughout the season, so choose your rafting trip according to current water levels and the ages of everyone in your group.
6. Fly-fish the Gallatin and Madison Rivers
Location: Big Sky and southwest Montana.
Best For: Anglers, couples, peaceful outdoor days.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: $; licenses, equipment and guiding extra.
Cast a line in two of Montana's best-known trout rivers. The Gallatin flows directly through the canyon below Big Sky, while the nearby Madison adds another celebrated stretch of fly-fishing water for both beginners and experienced anglers. Insider tip: first-time visitors can get much more from the experience with a local guide who can provide equipment, instruction and current knowledge of river conditions.
7. Go horseback riding in Big Sky
Location: Big Sky and Gallatin Canyon.
Best For: Families, couples, Western experiences.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$$.
Experience Montana's mountain scenery at a slower pace on a guided horseback ride through forest, meadow and ranch landscapes around Big Sky. Trail rides provide an accessible introduction to Western riding while giving visitors a perspective on the mountains that feels very different from hiking or driving. Insider tip: choose a ride suited to your group's experience level and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
8. Mountain bike Big Sky
Location: Big Sky Resort and surrounding trails.
Best For: Mountain bikers, teenagers, active families.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: $; lift tickets and rentals may apply.
When the snow disappears, Big Sky's mountain terrain becomes a major biking destination. Lift-accessed downhill routes provide fast descents for experienced riders, while local trail networks offer cross-country riding through forest and mountain landscapes. Insider tip: beginners should start with a lesson or easier progression terrain before attempting the resort's more technical downhill routes.
9. Explore Yellowstone National Park
Location: South of Big Sky.
Best For: Families, wildlife, geothermal scenery, road trips.
Estimated Time Needed: Full day to several days.
Cost / Entry: $$; national park entrance fee applies.
Use Big Sky as a base for a day trip into Yellowstone, where geysers, hot springs, wildlife and vast mountain landscapes make the park one of America's defining natural attractions. West Yellowstone provides one of the most convenient approaches from Big Sky, while longer itineraries can include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring and wildlife-rich valleys. Insider tip: Yellowstone is enormous, so choose one section for a day trip rather than attempting to see every headline attraction at once.
10. Experience Yellowstone in winter
Location: Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone.
Best For: Wildlife, snow scenery, winter adventure.
Estimated Time Needed: Full day.
Cost / Entry: $$$; guided winter transport required for many routes.
See a dramatically quieter side of Yellowstone when snow covers much of the park. Guided snowcoach and approved snowmobile trips provide access to frozen landscapes, steaming geothermal areas and winter wildlife that most summer visitors never experience. Insider tip: winter access is highly controlled and weather dependent, so reserve an authorized tour well ahead rather than planning to drive normal summer routes yourself.
Things to Do in Whitefish & Glacier Country
11. Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Location: Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Best For: Families, skiers, snowboarders, winter groups.
Estimated Time Needed: Full day to several days.
Cost / Entry: $$$; lift passes and rentals extra.
Spend a winter day skiing Big Mountain above Whitefish, with terrain ranging from groomed beginner and intermediate runs to glades and steeper areas for advanced riders. Views towards Glacier National Park add to the appeal on clear days. Insider tip: selected Whitefish vacation rentals offer ski-in/ski-out access, making them particularly convenient for groups planning several days on the mountain.
12. Take a scenic lift ride at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Location: Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Best For: Families, couples, mountain views, non-skiers.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; seasonal lift ticket required.
Ride to the summit of Big Mountain during the summer season for panoramic views across Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley and the mountains of Glacier National Park. At the top, visitors can enjoy walking trails, mountain dining and the Summit Nature Center before returning by lift. Insider tip: combine a scenic lift ride with lunch or a short summit walk rather than riding straight back down.
13. Mountain bike Whitefish Mountain Resort
Location: Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Best For: Mountain bikers, teenagers, active groups.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: $; bike-park ticket and rentals extra.
Ride lift-accessed mountain-bike terrain across Big Mountain, with trails designed for different experience levels and more than 20 miles of downhill and cross-country riding. Beginners can start on smoother flow trails while experienced riders tackle faster berms, jumps and technical sections. Insider tip: check current trail closures before setting out, particularly during maintenance or wildfire-risk reduction work.
14. Spend the day at Whitefish Lake
Location: Whitefish.
Best For: Families, swimming, boating, paddle sports.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Free–$$ depending on rentals and activities.
Slow the pace with a summer day beside Whitefish Lake, the seven-mile-long glacial lake immediately beside town. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and lakeside picnics provide an easy contrast to hiking and mountain biking. Insider tip: Whitefish City Beach is one of the easiest places to enjoy the water without committing to a full boating day.
15. Hike or bike the Whitefish Trail
Location: Whitefish.
Best For: Hiking, mountain biking, families, nature.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: Free.
Explore Whitefish's extensive community trail system, which links forest, lakes and scenic viewpoints around the town. Routes vary in distance and difficulty, allowing you to choose anything from a gentle woodland walk to a longer mountain-bike outing. Insider tip: download your route before setting out and check seasonal trail conditions, particularly during muddy spring periods.
16. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
Location: Glacier National Park.
Best For: Scenic drives, families, photographers.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Included with applicable park admission; seasonal access applies.
Travel roughly 50 miles across Glacier National Park on its famous mountain highway, passing forests, lakes, waterfalls and high-alpine scenery before crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The alpine portion opens seasonally after snow clearing and can close again because of weather, so the complete drive is primarily a summer experience. Insider tip: always check the National Park Service road status before setting out and start early because parking around popular stops can fill quickly.
17. Explore Glacier National Park
Location: Northern Montana, near Whitefish.
Best For: Hiking, wildlife, families, mountain scenery.
Estimated Time Needed: Full day to several days.
Cost / Entry: $$; national park entrance fee applies.
Discover glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls and hundreds of lakes in one of America's most spectacular national parks. Glacier has more than 700 miles of trails, making it equally rewarding for scenic drivers, casual walkers and serious hikers. Insider tip: a Whitefish vacation makes Glacier easy to combine with restaurants, lake activities and mountain adventures outside the park.
18. Hike to Avalanche Lake
Location: Glacier National Park.
Best For: Families, hikers, waterfalls, forest scenery.
Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours.
Cost / Entry: Included with park admission.
Walk through ancient cedar forest before continuing toward Avalanche Lake, where steep mountain walls and waterfalls surround a beautiful glacial basin. The route can be paired with the shorter Trail of the Cedars, making this a good option for groups with different hiking ambitions. Insider tip: start early during peak summer months, as the Avalanche area is one of Glacier's most popular trailheads.
19. Explore Lake McDonald
Location: Glacier National Park.
Best For: Families, photography, kayaking, scenic stops.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: Included with park admission; rentals extra.
Spend time beside Glacier's largest lake, known for mountain reflections, clear water and colorful shoreline stones. Scenic pullouts, Lake McDonald Lodge and opportunities for paddling make the area easy to enjoy even if your group does not want a demanding hike. Insider tip: early mornings and evenings often provide calmer water and better reflections for photography.
20. Explore Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island
Location: Flathead Valley.
Best For: Boating, families, wildlife, swimming.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Free–$$$ depending on transport and activities.
Spend a summer day on expansive Flathead Lake, where boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking are backed by mountain views. Wild Horse Island is one of the lake's most distinctive destinations, with hiking and opportunities to see wildlife including bighorn sheep and mule deer. Insider tip: Wild Horse Island is accessible only by boat, so arrange transportation before setting out.
History, Culture & Hot Springs in Southwest Montana
21. Visit the Museum of the Rockies
Location: Bozeman.
Best For: Families, dinosaurs, museums, rainy days.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$.
See one of Montana's outstanding dinosaur collections at this Smithsonian Affiliate on the Montana State University campus. Exhibits include extensive fossil collections, regional history and a mounted Tyrannosaurus rex, while changing exhibitions and planetarium programs add extra reasons to visit. Insider tip: this is an excellent indoor activity to keep in reserve for a rainy or smoky-weather day around Bozeman or Big Sky.
22. Soak at Bozeman Hot Springs
Location: Near Bozeman.
Best For: Couples, families, post-ski relaxation.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$.
Relax in naturally heated mineral water after hiking, skiing or travelling through the Gallatin Valley. Bozeman Hot Springs combines indoor and outdoor pools at a range of temperatures, making it particularly convenient when travelling between Bozeman, Big Sky and West Yellowstone. Insider tip: a hot-springs visit works especially well at the end of an active mountain day rather than as the first stop in your itinerary.
23. Tour Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Location: Near Whitehall.
Best For: Families, geology, caves, road trips.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day.
Cost / Entry: $$; cave-tour fees apply.
Go underground in one of Montana's best-known state parks to see limestone chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other formations on a guided cavern tour. Above ground, the park also has hiking trails and views across southwest Montana. Insider tip: cave tours involve stairs and confined sections, so check the different tour options and physical requirements before booking.
24. Step back in time in Virginia City and Nevada City
Location: Southwest Montana.
Best For: Families, history, Old West experiences.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: –$.
Explore two neighboring communities that preserve the atmosphere of Montana's gold-rush era. Virginia City retains historic buildings and wooden boardwalks, while Nevada City operates as a living-history museum filled with restored structures and collections from the 19th-century West. Insider tip: summer provides the fullest experience, with more attractions, performances and historic interpretation available.
25. Explore Bannack State Park
Location: Near Dillon.
Best For: History, photography, families, ghost towns.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; state park fees apply.
Walk through one of Montana's best-preserved ghost towns at the location of the state's first major gold discovery. More than 50 historic structures help tell the story of Bannack's boom years and its brief role as Montana's territorial capital. Insider tip: check the events calendar for Bannack Days, seasonal tours and winter activities if you want more than a self-guided walk.
26. Cruise through Gates of the Mountains
Location: Near Helena.
Best For: Families, scenery, history, wildlife.
Estimated Time Needed: Around 2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$.
Follow part of the route taken by Lewis and Clark on a boat journey through towering limestone cliffs along the Missouri River. The canyon earned its name when Meriwether Lewis described the cliffs appearing to open like gates as the expedition travelled through. Insider tip: bring binoculars for wildlife watching and a light layer, as temperatures on the water can feel cooler than in Helena.
27. Soak at Chico Hot Springs
Location: Paradise Valley, near Yellowstone.
Best For: Couples, families, relaxation, road trips.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$.
Take a break between Yellowstone and Bozeman in the natural mineral pools at historic Chico Hot Springs. The Paradise Valley setting beneath the Absaroka Mountains makes the soak particularly rewarding after hiking, skiing or a long day on the road. Insider tip: combine the hot springs with a drive through Paradise Valley for one of southwest Montana's most scenic relaxed days.
28. Drive the Beartooth Highway
Location: Red Lodge to Cooke City.
Best For: Scenic drives, photography, road trips.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Free; seasonal road access.
Climb from forest to alpine tundra on one of America's great mountain roads. The 68-mile route rises to almost 11,000 feet, with switchbacks and viewpoints overlooking lakes, glaciers and the rugged Beartooth Mountains before reaching the Yellowstone gateway around Cooke City. Insider tip: the road is seasonal and mountain weather can close it unexpectedly, so check conditions before leaving Red Lodge.
History, Badlands & Wide-Open Montana
29. Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Location: Crow Agency.
Best For: History, cultural learning, road trips.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours.
Cost / Entry: $$; national monument admission applies.
Learn about the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the people involved through the battlefield landscape, museum and interpretive sites. The monument commemorates both the Native American warriors and the U.S. 7th Cavalry who fought here in June 1876. Insider tip: consider an Indigenous-guided interpretation to gain additional context on the history and landscape from an Apsáalooke perspective.
30. Explore Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Location: Southern Montana.
Best For: Boating, kayaking, scenery, families.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: $$; park access and boat rentals may apply.
See another side of Montana among the steep canyon walls and blue water of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Boating, fishing, kayaking and scenic viewpoints provide several ways to explore the landscape, with water-based trips offering some of the most dramatic perspectives. Insider tip: boating distances can be substantial, so plan fuel, water and weather protection carefully before a full day on the reservoir.
31. Hike through Makoshika State Park
Location: Glendive.
Best For: Families, geology, dinosaurs, hiking.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: $; non-resident vehicle fees apply.
Explore Montana's largest state park, where eroded badlands hide a landscape rich in prehistoric fossils. Remains of dinosaurs including Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus have been found here, while hiking trails, scenic drives and the visitor center introduce the geology and paleontology of eastern Montana. Insider tip: summer afternoons can be hot and exposed, so hike earlier and carry more water than you expect to need.
32. See ancient rock art at Pictograph Cave State Park
Location: Near Billings.
Best For: History, families, archaeology, short hikes.
Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; state park fees may apply.
Walk a short trail beneath sandstone cliffs to see archaeological sites containing pictographs and evidence of people who used this landscape long before modern Montana existed. Interpretive displays help explain the site's archaeology and the significance of the caves. Insider tip: bring binoculars or use the park's interpretive material, as some of the pictographs can be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
33. Learn at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Location: Near Great Falls.
Best For: Indigenous history, families, cultural learning.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $; state park fees may apply.
Explore one of North America's significant buffalo-jump landscapes and learn how Indigenous peoples used the site over many generations. The visitor center and interpretive trails explain buffalo culture, archaeological evidence and the relationship between people, animals and the surrounding plains. Insider tip: allow time for both the visitor center and outdoor trail so the landscape itself becomes part of the story.
34. Explore Missoula and the Clark Fork River
Location: Missoula.
Best For: Couples, families, markets, easy outdoor days.
Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day.
Cost / Entry: Free–$.
Spend a day combining Missoula's lively downtown with the Clark Fork River and surrounding trails. During the warmer months, several farmers and makers markets operate within walking distance of one another, making it easy to pair local food and crafts with riverside walks and cafés. Insider tip: Saturday mornings from late spring into fall are particularly good for exploring several downtown markets in one trip.
35. Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Location: Great Falls.
Best For: Families, history, educational visits.
Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Cost / Entry: $.
Learn about the Corps of Discovery and the Indigenous nations encountered during the expedition at this Missouri River museum in Great Falls. Exhibits explore the expedition's difficult portage around the area's waterfalls alongside the wider history and landscapes of the journey. Insider tip: combine the museum with nearby Giant Springs State Park and the Missouri River for a fuller Great Falls day.
Seasonal Events in Montana
Music in the Mountains, Big Sky
One of Big Sky's signature summer traditions, Music in the Mountains brings free outdoor concerts to Len Hill Park in Town Center. The 2026 series ran on Thursday evenings from June 25 through September 3, with a changing lineup of national and regional performers. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and combine the concert with dinner or drinks in Town Center. Future seasonal dates should be checked before travel.
Big Sky Farmers Market
The Big Sky Farmers Market transforms Town Center on Wednesday evenings during summer, with regional produce, prepared food, crafts, gifts and live music. It is particularly useful for guests staying in a self-catering Montana vacation rental: browse the stalls for local ingredients before cooking dinner back at your cabin or simply pick up something ready to eat while exploring Town Center.
Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, Whitefish
Held at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, Huckleberry Days Arts Festival combines fine art, crafts, food and family-friendly entertainment. The 2026 festival took place from August 7–9 and offered free admission. It makes a particularly easy addition to a summer Whitefish vacation because restaurants, shops and other downtown attractions are within walking distance.
Whitefish Winter Carnival
Whitefish Winter Carnival celebrates Montana's snowy season with a grand parade, snow sculptures, children's activities, the Penguin Plunge and community events around town. Most activities are free, and the next carnival is scheduled for February 5–7, 2027. It is an excellent complement to a Whitefish ski vacation when you want to experience the town beyond the slopes.
