There are so many stunning places in Montana. Because of its size, sometimes even its residents don’t get the chance to visit every magical place. But even if you prefer to stay in your own little part of the state, you’ll want to go exploring every now and then—Big Sky Country is just too beautiful not to see.
These 14 spots span most of the state, so if you see them all at least once, you’re doing pretty well.
1. Makoshika State Park
This park is one of Southeast Montana's most beautiful spots, and it's worth a visit no matter what part of the state you live in.
2. West Yellowstone
While much of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, Montana claims a small beautiful sliver of it. The city of West Yellowstone is one of the gateways to the park, and it's got plenty to see, like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
3. Lewis & Clark Caverns
Touring this cave is an otherworldly experience every Montanan should try.
4. Bob Marshall Wilderness
If you've never experienced "The Bob" in Western Montana, put it on your must-do list. It's 1,063,503 acres of sheer beauty.
5. Flathead Lake
How you experience Flathead Lake- boating in it, fishing, hiking around it, sunbathing on its shores- doesn't matter so much as the fact that you are seeing it. It's one of Montana's most gorgeous bodies of water, and that's saying a lot.
6. Great Falls (or Grand Falls or Big Falls)
Don't pass up a chance to see the waterfall that the town of Great Falls was named after.
7. Big Sky
Big Sky is so breathtaking that some people come to the area for a vacation and decide to stay. You may want to visit when you're ready for a life change.
8. Kootenai Falls
Every Montanan deserves to see this beautiful area at least once.
9. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Located just a few miles north of Missoula, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is an amazing place to hike, bike, or just enjoy the fresh air and incredible views.
10. Bighorn Canyon
Montana has a "grand canyon" of its own, and it's awesome.
11. Hell Creek State Park
Don't let the name fool you. This state park near Jordan is heavenly.
12. Thompson Falls
The waterfall itself is stunning, but the surrounding area and quaint little town of 1,300 are equally as charming.
13. Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is beautiful in every season. Even if you don't ski or snowboard, there's plenty to do there. If nothing else, relaxing in one of their many rentals and enjoying the scenery is worth it.
14. Glacier National Park
It goes without saying, but if you live in Montana, you should go to Glacier National Park many, many times if you can. From the iconic Lake McDonald to the gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Crown Jewel of the Continent never gets old.
These 14 spots will give you an idea of the diverse beauty of our state, but they're just a few of many options. In your opinion, what are the most stunning places in Montana?
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