There are many beautiful places in Montana you won’t see anywhere else, and that’s part of what makes our state so incredible. The next time you have a day free for exploring, make it a unique Montana experience. This day trip allows you to see two of our one-of-a-kind attractions, driving through some beautiful country in between.
Head down to West Yellowstone, where you’ll find the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is located at 201 South Canyon. It’s the only place in the state that allows you to see two of our most common wild animals up close. It’s open 365 days a year, and the bears there do not hibernate.
This is a not-for-profit wildlife facility.
The animals here are rescued… for one reason or another, they were unable to survive in the wild or were labeled "nuisance bears" because they were becoming dangerously comfortable around humans. The Center gives them a second chance. Just look at this gorgeous wolf pack!
The main purpose of the center is to help visitors gain knowledge about grizzlies and wolves.
Unlike Yellowstone National Park, you’re guaranteed to see wildlife here.
But don’t let your unique Montana day trip end there.
Drive up US-287 N for about 30 minutes and you’ll reach the beautiful Quake Lake.
That’s right… Montana has a lake that was formed by an earthquake.
On August 17, 1959, an earthquake struck southwestern Montana and sadly killed 28 people. The quake caused a landslide dam on the Madison River, traveling down the south flank of Sheep Mountain at 100 miles per hour. The faulting caused by the earthquake forced the waters of Hebgen Lake to shift violently. The landslide blocked the flow of the Madison River, which began to fill in the void upstream from the slide and create Quake Lake.
Despite its tragic beginnings, Quake Lake (officially Earthquake Lake) is beautiful.
There are several great campgrounds located near the lake in case you want to turn your day trip into an overnight excursion.
After all, you can camp in any state, but there’s nothing quite like camping under the Montana stars.
For more ideas of unique experiences you can only have in Montana, check out this list.
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