Montanans and visitors alike have a deep love for Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the other more prominent attractions in the Treasure State. But truth be told, there are a whole lot of underrated spots that don't seem to get the attention they deserve. If you haven't seen any of these for awhile, it may be time for a visit.
1. National Bison Range
This national wildlife refuge is located in the beautiful Mission Valley in Northwest Montana. In addition to the beautiful scenery (prepare to sing "Home on the Range" repeatedly), you'll be able to have an "up close and personal" experience with wildlife (but please, tourists, don't take selfies with them).
2. Ringing Rocks
Montana's infamous Ringing Rocks are located near Butte, but sometimes subpar road conditions or lack of a proper vehicle can keep people away. But there's something unique and fun about a group of rocks that "sings" when you hit them with a hammer.
3. Havre Beneath the Streets
It's amazing how many Montanans don't know that there are remnants of an entire city underneath Havre. even though the Beneath The Streets Tour has attracted visitors from all over the world, it's a highly underrated attraction here in the Treasure State.
4. Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town, Scobey
Want to walk through a pioneer town? 35 historic buildings have been restored to depict a town from the early 1900s near Scobey. Summer is the best time to go since they host so many events, like Pioneer Days in June, but they're open all year (with limited hours).
5. The Smith Mine
The town of Bear Creek, near Red Lodge, was once the site of the worst mining disaster in Montana's history. In 1943, 73 miners lost their lives hen the mine they were working in exploded due to a build-up of methane gas. Despite its tragic history, visiting the site, where some buildings still stand, can be an interesting history lesson.
6. Ninepipes Museum, Charlo
This underrated museum has a well-curated collection of hundreds of Western Plains Indian artifacts as well as exhibits of early settlers, the fur trade and the cowboy way of life. Any Montanan interested in local history should check it out.
7. Conrad Mansion, Kalispell
The Conrad Mansion was constructed from 1892-1895 for the prominent Conrad family. It's now a beautiful museum thanks to the family's youngest daughter, Alicia Conrad Campbell, who was determined to establish the Mansion as a museum to her parents.
8. Medicine Rocks State Park
Unless you live in Ekalaka, it's not exactly easy to access this park. But if you're willing to make the drive, you'll see sights that impressed Teddy Roosevelt himself.
9. Blackfoot Pathways:Sculpture in the Wild
Located in Lincoln, this park celebrates the rich environmental, industrial and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot Valley. Also... it's pretty awesome.
Love going off the beaten path? Take your out-of-town guests to see these Montana attractions.
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