Montana became a state on November 8, 1889, but of course, our history goes back centuries before that, and we like to honor that history, too. These 10 historical landmarks in Montana tell some of our state’s story and are must-sees for anyone who calls Montana home.

1. Pictograph Cave State Park, Billings

Pictograph Cave State Park consists of three caves that were the site of some of Montana’s first professional archaeological studies. The pictographs in the cave here are over 2,100 years old.

2. Bannack State Park, Dillon

Bannack State Park is a historic ghost town that dates back to 1862, when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek. Over 60 structures remain standing, most of which can be explored, making it one of the most historical sites in Montana.

3. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Ulm

What was once one of the largest bison jumps in North America is now First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park with scenic views of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Missouri River Valley.

4. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Deer Lodge

Definitely one of the best historical landmarks in Montana, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site was created in 1972 and commemorates the Western cattle industry from the 1850s through recent times. The working ranch was one of the first cattle operations in Montana.

5. Pompey’s Pillar National Monument, Billings

This pillar is a little piece of our earliest history. It's full of Native American petroglyphs as well as the signature of William Clark who traversed through what is now known as the state of Montana during the now historic Lewis and Clark Expedition.

6. Virginia City Historic District, Virginia City

Virginia City is a charming place, and it also proudly boasts its renown as the home of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark District. As the former state capital for 10 years, it should be a requirement for every Montanan to visit.

7. Chief Plenty Coups State Park, Pryor

Chief Plenty Coups State Park was once the home of Chief Plenty Coups, the last chief of the Crow Native American tribe. The park is now a quiet place on the Crow Indian Reservation to enjoy a walk or a picnic and is open year-round.

8. Fort Benton Historic District, Fort Benton

The Fort Benton is so full of history that it's called the Birthplace of Montana. It was established in 1846, a full generation before the bloody Civil War began.

9. Great Northern Railway Buildings, Glacier National Park

The Great Northern Railway building in Glacier National Park that were built by the so named Great Northern Railway have been national historic landmarks since 1987. You can still stay in the Belton Chalet, a historic hotel that was built in 1910. They are definitely among the best historic Montana landmarks.

10. Butte-Anaconda Historic District, Anaconda

Pay homage to our mining history by exploring the Butte-Anaconda Historic District in Anaconda, which by the way is considered to have one of the best downtown areas in the state. And be sure to take your time because the district has the most resources of any U.S. National Historic Landmark District.

Do you consider yourself a local history buff? Here are a few fascinating facts about Montana’s past.