It’s always fun to get away and go exploring. But sometimes you don’t have an entire weekend or a ton of cash to spend on a vacation. That’s where a day trip comes in handy—you can leave in the morning and be home by bedtime. If ever you've wondered, "What are some day trips near me in Montana?" then this list may just have the perfect solution. Depending on which part of the state you call home, you could easily make one of these day trips in Montana happen. Let's get exploring!
1. Drive down Beartooth Highway.
Start in Red Lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Regis. Then cruise south down the highway, dipping into Wyoming before ending up in Cooke City. The Beartooth Highway is just 68.7 miles long, so you can go to and from Red Lodge in one day easily. It's no mystery by Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Montana.
2. Ghosts and grub: Drive I-90 West to Garnet Ghost Town and 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar.
This is a great day trip for anyone living in the Lolo, Stevensville, or Missoula area. Head to Garnet Ghost Town, Montana’s best preserved ghost town and spend a few hours exploring and learning some state history. Then, head west about 120 miles to the 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan for a good meal and some excellent shopping at the quirky gift shop.
3. Have a wild day at ZooMontana.
Live within driving distance of Billings and wondering, "what are some day trips near me in Montana?" Take a trip to ZooMontana and check out some exotic wildlife. No matter your age, ZooMontana is sure to impress.
4. Explore the Eastern part of the Dinosaur Trail.
Montana’s Dinosaur Trail spans the entire state, but the Eastern part can easily be done in one day. Start at the Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive, stretch your legs and have a picnic at Makoshika State Park, then head south to the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka.
5. Make your way through Madison Valley.
Start with a classic Bozeman breakfast at the Western Cafe early in the morning. Head west down Highway 84 to Norris, a gold mining town with some relaxing hot springs. Turn south on Highway 287 and stop at Quake Lake for lunch, which was formed by an earthquake in 1959. You can spend your day there or drive on to West Yellowstone, travel north to Big Sky and then take a scenic drive through the Gallatin Canyon to end up back in Bozeman. The full route is about 240 miles.
6. Dig for crystals at Crystal Park.
You’ll find Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains in Southwest Montana. Here you’re allowed to dig for quartz crystals (using hand tools only), but even if you’re not interested, it’s still a beautiful place to spend your day. Learn more about how you can dig for all kinds of treasures at Crystal Park in Montana.
7. Go to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.
Take a drive through one of the most beautiful parts of Montana, learn about these amazing animals and enjoy plenty of photo ops. Without a doubt, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the most unique day trips in Montana.
8. Go to the sun.
Going-to-the-Sun-Road spans about 50 miles, and it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
9. Head to Fort Benton and the Virgelle Mercantile.
Explore Fort Benton, the Birthplace of Montana, before making the 33-mile drive to the Virgelle Mercantile in Loma. You never know what you’ll find at the antiques store.
10. Have a retro day in Polson.
Drive to Polson and enjoy a meal at Betty’s Diner on Polson Bay, a 1950s-style restaurant with delicious food made from scratch. Once you’re full, head to the Miracle of America Museum and check out their amazing collection of American memorabilia. The town of Polson really is a memorable Montana day trip.
We hope we've helped provide some answers to the question, "What are some day trips near me in Montana?"
Have you ever embarked upon a journey to any of these places? If so, which ones were your favorites? If there are any that missed the list, be sure to share them with us in the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you!
Are you a die-hard equestrian or would like to be one? Then, take a look at this horseback-guided day trip that will delight and inspire!
If you’re still in the mood for more Big Sky adventures, take a look at this video:
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