New year, new travel goals? If you live in Montana, the best gift you can give yourself is exploring as much of our beautiful state as you possibly can. And while there truly is no “bad” place to visit, we’re recommending these 12 because they’re especially amazing — and since there are 12 months in a year, the number seemed fitting.
From road trips to charming tourist towns, this list will give you a great start on seeing some of the Treasure State’s finest gems. Enjoy!
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
Trevor Bexon / Flickr Take a road trip down one of Glacier National Park’s most famous roads. The sights are so spectacular, you’ll want to stop as often as possible.
- Beartooth Highway
Gerard Stolk / Flickr Speaking of road trips, the drive down the Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. If you’ve never seen it for yourself, make this the year you go.
- Philipsburg
USDARD LAPAS / Flickr Philipsburg has become one of Montana’s top tourist towns, but why let tourists have all the fun? Go mine for sapphires and enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream soda.
- The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Paladin27 / Flickr This beautiful trail takes to to not one, but two breathtaking waterfalls. No wonder it’s one of the most popular places in the park.
- Lewistown
Enjoy Lewistown, Montana Facebook Take a ride on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, or just explore this city that was recently ranked one of the happiest places in America.
- Fort Benton
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Often fondly called the Birthplace of Montana, Fort Benton is one of the Treasure State’s most underrated gems. There’s plenty to do, see and eat in this historic town.
- Makoshika State Park
Robert Ashworth / Flickr Located near Glendive, Makoshika State Park is a historic treasure full of dinosaur bones and prehistoric finds.
- West Yellowstone
Michael Femia / Flickr It may be a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but the town itself is worth exploring – especially since you can visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
- Bozeman
Tim Evanson / Flickr It may have undergone some major changes in recent year, but there’s still something for everyone in Bozeman. From nature trails to city amenities, it’s really no wonder that The New York Post called it one of the best places in America to live.
- The Avalanche Lake Trail
Brian Newman / alltrails.com Located in Glacier National Park near Essex, this is definitely one of Montana’s most beautiful hikes.
- Flathead Lake
Always Shooting / Flickr We’re very lucky to have Flathead Lake right here in our state. Take advantage of it.
- Bigfork
Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook While there’s never a bad time to visit Bigfork, we highly recommend going during the holiday season, when it becomes our beautiful Christmas village.
Trevor Bexon / Flickr
Take a road trip down one of Glacier National Park’s most famous roads. The sights are so spectacular, you’ll want to stop as often as possible.
Gerard Stolk / Flickr
Speaking of road trips, the drive down the Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. If you’ve never seen it for yourself, make this the year you go.
USDARD LAPAS / Flickr
Philipsburg has become one of Montana’s top tourist towns, but why let tourists have all the fun? Go mine for sapphires and enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream soda.
Paladin27 / Flickr
This beautiful trail takes to to not one, but two breathtaking waterfalls. No wonder it’s one of the most popular places in the park.
Enjoy Lewistown, Montana Facebook
Take a ride on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, or just explore this city that was recently ranked one of the happiest places in America.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Often fondly called the Birthplace of Montana, Fort Benton is one of the Treasure State’s most underrated gems. There’s plenty to do, see and eat in this historic town.
Robert Ashworth / Flickr
Located near Glendive, Makoshika State Park is a historic treasure full of dinosaur bones and prehistoric finds.
Michael Femia / Flickr
It may be a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but the town itself is worth exploring – especially since you can visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
It may have undergone some major changes in recent year, but there’s still something for everyone in Bozeman. From nature trails to city amenities, it’s really no wonder that The New York Post called it one of the best places in America to live.
Brian Newman / alltrails.com
Located in Glacier National Park near Essex, this is definitely one of Montana’s most beautiful hikes.
Always Shooting / Flickr
We’re very lucky to have Flathead Lake right here in our state. Take advantage of it.
Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
While there’s never a bad time to visit Bigfork, we highly recommend going during the holiday season, when it becomes our beautiful Christmas village.
It’s going to be a beautiful year here in the Treasure State. Make sure you take as many road trips as possible.
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