There's no denying that Montana is a treasure trove of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. Where do we even start? From the state's renowned open skies that stretch out like an endless canvas to the majestic mountain ranges that beckon daring backpackers, Montana offers a unique blend of both tranquility and adventure, no matter the season. Things to do in Montana in summer are equally endless, and travelers can expect to be greeted by a landscape that is as diverse as it is breathtaking. Whether it’s the serene lakes, the lush forests, or the charming small towns, every corner of Montana has its own distinct charm. Embarking on a summer vacation here promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning scenery the United States has to offer! Let's dive right in:
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Montana
Montana offers a wide range of summer activities and destinations, from serene lakes and scenic valleys to vibrant cities and historic towns, each showcasing a unique flavor of what makes Montana an incredible place to explore. There's no wrong place to visit in Montana in summer (it's all pretty great!), but here are just a few epic places to start:
1. Bozeman
Location: Bozeman, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; busiest in summer, particularly during festivals and weekends
Need To Know: No entry fees for most attractions
Bozeman is a lively town that combines the charm of a college town with a gateway to outdoor adventures. Visit the Museum of the Rockies, enjoy the downtown shops and restaurants, and explore nearby trails. Hyalite Canyon is perfect for hiking and water activities, Bridger Bowl for summer alpine slides and adrenaline sports, and don't forget the local breweries! Bozeman is also home to the Big Sky Country State Fair, held in late July or early August.
2. Great Falls
Location: Great Falls, MT
Popularity: Popular; especially during summer weekends
Need To Know: No entry fees for most outdoor attractions
A city rich in history, particularly associated with Lewis and Clark, Great Falls is truly a city of waterfalls right here in Montana! While you're here, visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, enjoy the River’s Edge Trail, and explore the C.M. Russell Museum for some fantastic cowboy art exhibits. In summer, Giant Springs State Park (home of the largest freshwater spring in the state) and the Great Falls of the Missouri River are particularly magical. But that's not all this city has to offer! Come late July and early August, the Montana State Fair is an absolute must-do. This classic state fair features carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, rodeo events, and a wide variety of food vendors. It's a celebration of Montana’s rich agricultural heritage and all things Mountain West!
3. Paradise Valley
Location: South of Livingston, MT
Popularity: Popular; especially during summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for most outdoor attractions
Paradise Valley is a picturesque slice of Big Sky Country nestled between Livingston and Yellowstone that offers stunning scenery and outdoor opportunities. Soak in Chico Hot Springs, enjoy river rafting and wildlife watching all along the Yellowstone River, and dive into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness for some incredible hiking. You'll make some incredible memories here and discover plenty more spots to add to your list of future adventures!
4. Whitefish
Location: Whitefish, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; especially in summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for most outdoor attractions
Come for the lake views, stay for...everything else! Just part of what makes Whitefish so special is its namesake lake's history and ecological significance. The lake was formed from an Ice Age glacier and is home to a variety of unique fish species, including the mountain whitefish, after which the lake is named. The lake is also part of the Whitefish hiking and biking trail system, the small but mighty Whitefish Lake State Park, and is just a short drive from the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort where there are oodles of summer activities to enjoy! Enjoy ziplining, the aerial adventure park, scenic lift rides, and much more. Plus, the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival is THE place to grab some huckleberry treats and stock up goodies from the state's best artisans.
Best Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Montana This Summer
Montana’s diverse bodies of water offer something for every outdoor enthusiast, from peaceful lakes perfect for a retreat on a hot day to adventurous rivers ideal for rafting and fishing. What's more, these gorgeous spots aren't just for recreation - they're pretty easy on the eyes too! From well-loved icons to hidden gems, here are some of the prettiest lakes and rivers to explore in Montana during the summer:
6. Flathead Lake
Location: Northwest Montana
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: No entry fees for public access points; fee required for state park access without a park pass
As the largest lake in the state and Montana's very own "ocean," Flathead Lake is a massive, crystal-clear freshwater lake that nearly tops the charts in the lower 48 in terms of size. With over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline, boaters, beach-loungers, and campers alike will find plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sparkling water. Flathead Lake State Park envelops the lake like a glove with its multiple park arms, offering numerous campgrounds for both tent campers and RVers to enjoy. The huge footprint of the lake also makes Flathead a prime spot for birds of prey to catch a meal or two - so keep an eye out!
6. Lake McDonald
Location: Glacier National Park, MT
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: National park entrance fees apply
Some of the most spectacular sunsets you've ever seen can be found at Lake McDonald. It's also - dare we say - one of the most romantic places to spend a summer evening in Montana! You'll find this stunning lake tucked away in Glacier National Park, just one of the park's many spectacular bodies of water. Craving a dreamy getaway to go with your even dreamier views? You'll also find the Lake McDonald lodge nearby - a lovely Swiss-style lodge beautifully nestled in the trees at the west entrance to the park.
7. Tally Lake
Location: Near Whitefish, MT
Popularity: Popular; especially in summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for public access points
After you've paid a visit to the largest natural lake in Montana (Flathead), check out the deepest natural lake too! Tally Lake is nearly 500 feet deep (likely deeper in some parts) and is found just west of Whitefish. While the sparkling water is lure enough, its fantastic setting within the Flathead National Forest is all the more reason to visit. Plan to take a horseback trail ride while you're here!
Parks To Visit In Montana This Summer
Montana's state parks are diverse and stunning, each offering a range of activities that are perfect for summer visits. Whether you're looking for a quiet, waterfront experience or a parked packed with endless recreation opportunities, checking our state's most unique parks off your list is one of the most fun things to do in Montana in summer! Of course, you already know to explore Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park to their fullest, but there's plenty of beauty found in Montana's state parks as well.
8. Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Location: Near Three Forks, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; busiest during summer months
Need To Know: Fee required for state park access without a parks pass
What better way to cool off in summer than with a visit to a (literally) super-cool underground cave? While Montana may be known for its above-ground natural wonders, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is one natural attraction that is well worth the trip below the surface. The 3,000-acre park has lots to offer in terms of trails too if you don't feel like sticking to the chilly cave system.
9. Makoshika State Park
Location: Near Glendive, MT
Need To Know: Fee required for state park access without a parks pass
As Montana's largest state park, there's no shortage of things to discover and explore at Makoshika State Park. While the masses may flock to Montana's western half, eastern Montana is a rich, multicolored landscape packed with incredible rock formations and quiet expanses of geologic wonders. Makoshika is an incredible example of this unique badland scenery, and is uniquely full of prehistoric remains as well. Hike, bike, and photograph the spectacular, towering rock formations here, but keep an eye out for even more surprises, like hidden ponds, pine groves, and even wild horses! Be sure to extend your stay with a few nights of camping for an incredible morning view.
10. Missouri Headwaters State Park
Location: Three Forks, MT
Popularity: Hidden Gem; busiest during mid-summer and weekends
Need To Know: Fee required for state park access without a parks pass
Tucked away in the scenic plains of Three Forks, Missouri Headwaters State Park offers a serene escape where three iconic rivers - the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison - converge to form the mighty Missouri River. This historical site, a cornerstone of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Here, you can walk the same grounds where explorers once mapped their route westward, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by Montana's rich past. The park is a patchwork of picturesque trails, ideal for leisurely hikes or invigorating runs. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the overlook points where you can gaze across the plains and imagine the land as it appeared to early pioneers!
Beyond the trails, this seriously underrated park offers ample spots for fishing and paddling. Proximity to the town of Three Forks means you can easily head into town for a bite or a brew after a day at the park. Or, pump a raft and go for a float down the Jefferson or Madison!
Best Free Summer Activities In Montana
While many awesome activities around the state require a nominal fee to enjoy (national park entrance fees for example), Montana also offers a wealth of free activities in the summer, ranging from exploring its stunning natural landscapes to enjoying cultural and community events.
11. Explore a historic ghost town
Location: Virginia City, MT
Popularity: Popular; especially in summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for most attractions, some museums may have admission fees
Zipline, explore local museums, and immerse yourself in history in Virginia City or check out one of Montana's many other ghost towns, like Garnet or Castle City. Bannack State Park is another fantastic spot to explore historic remnants of early Montana. The Treasure State has some of the best-preserved ghost towns in the entire country, which means even those who aren't too keen on history will find plenty to ogle!
12. Take a dam tour
Location: Near Libby, MT
Popularity: Popular; especially in summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for most viewing areas
If heights don't phase you, Libby Dam, Hungry Horse, and numerous other man-made feats of engineering in Montana offer summer tours. Or, you can always admire the sky-high views from a distance at one of Montana's other dams - personally, we love the panoramic views of Mystic Lake Dam!
13. Road trip down a scenic byway
Location: Southern Montana, connecting Red Lodge to Cooke City
Popularity: Very Popular; busiest in summer for scenic drives
Need To Know: No entry fees; take caution in larger vehicles
If you haven't yet traveled the Going-To-The-Sun Road in your lifetime yet, what are you waiting for?? But rest assured that this much-loved scenic byway is just one of Montana's MANY scenic roads, byways, and backways. Montana has eight official scenic byways to choose from, as well as one scenic byway/All-American Road: the Beartooth Scenic Byway (pictured above). That said, getting off the beaten path in ANY direction will be well worth the journey, and you're sure to find even more places to add to your travel bucket list!
14. Go waterfall hopping
Location: Northwestern Montana, along the Canadian border
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: National park and state park fees may apply
Whether you're a trail-blazing novice or a seasoned backpacker, Montana is a hiker's paradise, each path leading to new and spectacular overlooks, panoramic vistas, and sweet-smelling meadows. While hiking in any season in Montana offers plenty of beautiful rewards, summer is extra special because you're less likely to be hoofing it through late-season snow...no guarantees though! You're also likely to encounter a few waterfalls along the way, no matter which top-rated hiking trail you choose. While many of Montana's tallest and most jaw-dropping waterfalls can be found in Glacier National Park, feel free to skip the park crowds and lace up those boots and head to our state's quiet corners to find even more gorgeous cascades! We have no shortage of them here.
15. Explore Montana's portion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Location:Montana
Popularity: Popular; especially in summer
Need To Know: No entry fees for most trail sections; some museum admission fees
Meandering nearly 5,000 miles from Pennsylvania to Oregon, this historic trail takes visitors to many of the sites visited by the Corps of Discovery in the late 18th Century. The journey is an arduous one, to say the least, but one full of history and rugged beauty! Montana is home to over 70 points of interest along the trail, including rock formations, parks, interpretive centers, museums, monuments, and more. For an unforgettable summer adventure, traveling the entire Montana route will show off our state in the most unique way imaginable.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Montana
Montana hosts dozens of summer festivals that are nationally recognized and attract visitors from all over the country, often showcasing the state’s unique culture, history, and natural bounties while offering everything from music and art to rodeos and Native American celebrations. We've already mentioned a few above, but let's dive into even more!
16. Flathead Cherry Festival
Location: Polson, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; held mid-July
Need To Know: Free entry
Each summer, Polson transforms into a cherry lover's paradise during the Flathead Lake Cherry Festival in this two-day extravaganza that celebrates the region's staple fruit. Strolling through the festival, you'll be greeted by a vibrant array of vendors offering everything cherry: from freshly picked fruits to decadent cherry pies and even cherry-infused beverages. Don’t miss the cherry pit spitting contest - a quirky and competitive highlight that's always a crowd favorite.
The cherry festival’s atmosphere is enhanced by live music, with local bands playing folk, country, and rock tunes that create a lively backdrop for the festivities. Kids can dive into a world of fun too with activities like face painting, cherry-themed games, and a petting zoo.
17. Crow Fair
Location: Crow Agency, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; held mid-August
Need To Know: Free entry
Held each August, Crow Fair in Crow Agency transforms into the "Teepee Capital of the World," with over 1,500 teepees adorning the landscape. This major Native American gathering is a spectacle of vibrant dance competitions, powerful drum circles, and a grand parade of regalia. Highlights include the heart-pounding Indian relay races and a lively rodeo. The fairgrounds also feature artisan booths with traditional crafts and food stalls offering fry bread and bison burgers. The highlight for many visitors is the rodeo, where skilled cowboys and cowgirls compete in events such as bronc riding and steer wrestling. The Indian relay races are especially thrilling, showcasing the horsemanship and athleticism that are integral to Crow culture.
Crow Fair also offers a chance to engage with the Crow community through cultural workshops and storytelling sessions. Located near the historic Little Bighorn Battlefield, Crow Fair is a truly unique cultural celebration you won’t want to miss!
18. Sweet Pea Festival
Location: Bozeman, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; typically the first weekend in August
Need To Know: ~$25 entry for a weekend pass
The Sweet Pea Festival transforms downtown Bozeman into a hub of art and culture every August. This three-day event features live music, theater performances, and an impressive art show set against the backdrop of the Bridger Mountains. Wander through Lindley Park, where you’ll find vibrant vendor booths offering local crafts, delicious food, and sweet pea-themed merchandise. Kids can enjoy the children’s parade and craft activities, while adults can sip craft brews and watch dance performances. The festival’s lively atmosphere, unique theatrical performances, and stunning mountain views make it a summer highlight in Montana, perfect for families.
19. Red Ants Pants Music Festival
Location: White Sulphur Springs, MT
Popularity: Very Popular; typically held late July
Need To Know: ~$70 for a day pass
Nestled in the scenic meadows near White Sulphur Springs, the Red Ants Pants Music Festival is a summer celebration of country and Americana music. This grassroots event not only features renowned musicians but also emphasizes community spirit and rural culture. The festival grounds, with the breathtaking Big Belt Mountains as a backdrop, are perfect for setting up camp and enjoying live performances from dozens of top-notch artists. In addition to music, the festival offers local food vendors, craft booths, and activities like hayrides and epic log-splitting competitions. It's a true Montana experience that combines great tunes with an authentic, down-home atmosphere!
Let's be honest - Montana is a HUGE state, and our bucket lists are so long that it's tough to know where to start! These destinations and activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Montana's best summer activities. Drop your favorites in the comments or nominate your best side trips, restaurants, and must-sees along the way.
Craving more Treasure State goodness? How about literally? Check out our Montana dining bucket list to get your fill of the state's best local eats.
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