Maybe you spend a week at Flathead Lake every summer, or perhaps you know the Museum of the Rockies inside and out. Every Montanan has their traditions and favorite spots -- but sometimes it's fun to brach out and explore some places that often get overlooked. These are 10 of them.
1. Tippet Rise Art Center, Fishtail
The Tippet Rise Art Center opened in 2016, and it was created to celebrate the concept that art, music, architecture, and nature make each other more powerful. The center is about to reopen for its third season, and it's a must-see for local art lovers.
2. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Great Falls
If you grew up in Montana, you've almost certainly heard of this place -- but it seems like we let out of state tourists enjoy it more than we do. The 25,000 square foot exhibit space features a theater and a museum with interactive displays that are worth checking out.
3. The Conrad Mansion, Kalispell
In the 1890s, when Kalispell was a frontier town, the Conrad family's dream home was constructed. The family played a big role in the settlement of the area, and the mansion is now a museum meant to honor them.
4. The Terry Badlands
Unless you live in Eastern Montana, you probably never visit this highly underrated Wilderness Study Area -- but it has a truly unique beauty that's even more impressive in person than it is in photos.
5. Garden of 1,000 Buddhas, Arlee
Designed to be a peaceful place for people of all faiths, Arlee's Garden of 1,000 Buddhas is an impressive sight. Guided tours are available on Saturdays at 1 p.m., but you can visit anytime from morning until dusk.
6. National Bison Range, Molese
Have you ever seen our beautiful bison preserve? Not only does it include a plethora of these massive mammals, but the views are incredible.
7. DanWalt Gardens, Billings
This tranquil and colorful place is one of Billings' best kept secrets. It's often used for events like weddings, but you can visit any day between 9 and 6.
8. Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town, Scobey
Other than old-fashioned small town charm, there's not much to the town of Scobey. But they do happen to have a replica of an old pioneer town that's a blast to visit, especially during Pioneer Days in June.
9. Grant-Kohrs Ranch, Deer Lodge
This huge historic site was designed to preserve our American cowboy history, and it's fun to wander around the property and explore. You can visit on any weekend between 9 and 5:30.
10. Thompson Falls State Park
Located on the banks of the scenic Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls State Park is one of the Treasure State's most beautiful hidden gems. There are 17 campsites here, but it's also perfect for spending an afternoon taking nature walks and enjoying some peace and quiet.
How many of these spots have you seen? Here's another great list of underrated Montana attractions.
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