Executive summary by darmansjah
The beauty of Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks hardly stops at the park boundaries, instead spilling over into 30 million acres of wilderness areas, gateway towns and historic byways.
Glacier National Park
Glacier’s 54-miles Going to the Sun road climbs 3,000 feet into jagged glacial terrain-offering unbelievable windshield previews. Hike through wildflowers to glaciers, iceberg strewn lakes and sweeping outlooks.
Yellowstone National Park
With three of Yellowstone’s five entrances, Montana provides year-round access to the Park. Follow Yellowstone’s meandering boardwalks past bubbling mud pots, spewing geysers and Technicolor hot pools. Then, drive the Lamar Valley, where elk herds, wolves, grizzly bears, bison, antelope and bighorn sheep congregate.
Glacier Country
Western Montana’s Glacier Country summons visitors with alluring mountains, awesome natural landscape, Wild West experiences and Big Sky Country adventures that frame unforgettable memories.
Anchored by the majestic beauty of Glacier national park, it’s a special part of the world where the streams swell with blue-ribbon trout and pristine trails beckon. Epicures will delight in abundant farmers markets and the flourishing wine, distillery and microbrew scenes. Catch live theater, kick up your heels to local music or enjoy one of the many festivals that bring Montana culture to life.
Whitefish, Montana
Millions of acres of unspoiled nature welcome you to this easily accessible, vibrant town nested in the Northern Rockies near Glacier National Park. Explore the 22-mile Whitefish Trail or choose your adventure at Whitefish Mountain Resort, including zip lines, the Walk in the Treetrops and the Aerial Adventure Park. After breathtaking natural experience by day, enjoy downtown’s award-winning cuisine and lively nightlife.
Whitefish Montana, a vibrant mountain town nestled at the edge of Glacier National Park (877-862-3548; explore whitefish.com).
Billings, Montana
In the heart of Southeast Montana, Billings is Montana’s Trailhead, where exceptional air service, big-city amenities and small-town affordability make it the perfect place to begin your western journey.
Billings offers modern art and culture alongside authentic western experience-including on mouth-watering dishes and shopping for Montana-style attire that will bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
Outside Billings, explore Little Bighorn Battlefield where Lt.Col.George Amstrong Custer fought the Sioux and Cheyene. Walk the path of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Pompeys Pillar. And a 60-mile drive along the legendary Beartooth All-American Road transport you to Yellowstone National Park’s northwest and most scenic entrance. VisitBillings.com
Central Montana
Spectacular, wide-open spaces and gracious people are the cornerstone of Central Montana. Discover elk, bighorn sheep and antelope among dramatic landscapes at the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Museum. Fly fish, canoe or float down the wild and scenic Missouri River. Or, hike the picturesque trails of the Rocky Mountain Front and explore its dazzling rock formations. CentralMontana.com
Helena, Montana
At the foot of the Rockies, surrounded by untouched natural beauty and steeped in history, sits Montana’s capital, Helena. Fly fish on the Missouri River or catch glimpses of wildlife and Native American art on a Gates of the Mountain boat tour. Back in town, take in a concert, shop to your heart’s content and marvel at the architectural splendor of the Cathedral of St.Helena.
