Montana vacations truly have something for everyone, whether you like the outdoors, cultural attractions, historic sites, and just about anything else. On a family vacation to Montana, you can bond by going camping, enjoying a white water rafting trip, visiting a wildlife preserve, or touring about Yellowstone National Park. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Most of the top Montana vacation spots can be found in the central and western parts of the state. In the west, the Montana mountains invite plenty of outdoor recreational enthusiasts to enjoy themselves any number of ways, and the mountain lakes and streams encourage hours of boating and fishing. Speaking of fishing, if you enjoy it, you'll enjoy Montana vacations. Some of the best fly fishing in the world is to be had here, especially on waterways like the Yellowstone River.

It's the natural sights and the outdoor recreation that attract most Montana visitors. Even if you're just planning short Montana getaways, enjoying some time outdoors is likely to reward you with lifelong memories. Driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park during the summertime is a joy that is hard to describe. Ditch the car and go hiking, and you'll enjoy the park on a much more natural level. Hiking is without question one of the top outdoor pursuits in Montana, and you can find trails of varying degrees all over the state. Perhaps while you're planning your hiking adventures, you might decide to go camping along the way. Montana campsites are as plentiful as you could want them to be, and if you really want to get away from it all, you can apply for a backcountry camping permit in places like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park is among the top Montana attractions. Though only 3% of Yellowstone National Park is found in Montana, there's plenty to see and do within that area. Seeing the Mammoth Hot Springs is usually high on most people's lists. Left in their natural state, the Mammoth Hot Springs are a captivating natural phenomenon, and while you can't bask in the warm spring waters, there are a good amount of Montana hot springs sites that are more developed and have pools. On a family vacation to Montana, you might stay at the Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa so that you can enjoy the warm and relaxing hot pools as much as you want. This resort is found in the Paradise Valley, which is a part of the state that truly earns its name. The outdoor recreational opportunities in the Paradise Valley are abundant, which is why it's a top destination.

Montana Map

While summertime Montana vacations can see you hiking, white water rafting, and fishing, you can also often enjoy these pursuits in the fall and spring as well. During wintertime, however, many of the outdoor activities go into hibernation, while skiing emerges to fill the gap. Wintertime Montana getaways can see you hitting the slopes at Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, Whitefish Mountain, and a number of other places. If you prefer cross-country skiing, you can enjoy plenty of that as well. Fishing doesn't have to be put on hold on winter Montana vacations. Ice fishing is quite popular here, much as it is in states like Michigan and Wisconsin. Montana borders Canada to the north, so it gets pretty cold here in the winter months. Plenty of snow falls too, which makes for some great skiing and snowboarding.

When you're not enjoying outdoor recreation during Montana vacations, you can take in a myriad of historical sites, stop by an art gallery, visit a museum, or simply explore one of the larger city's dining scenes. Plenty of wild game appears on the menus of many a Montana restaurant, and you're also bound to come across plenty of dishes that employ huckleberries. As for the art scene in Montana, it is strong. Larger cities like Billings and Missoula boast numerous art galleries that you can wander into, and it's hardly different in smaller towns like Whitefish and Bigfork. As for some top historical sites, the Montana monuments are good places to start. The Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument surely sees its fair share of visitors, as do Lewis and Clark Trail landmarks like Pompey's Pillar. Both of these intriguing Montana monuments can be found near Billings.

Whether you schedule Montana getaways that last just a few days or you choose to spend a few weeks here, you will have no problem finding things to do. Treating yourself to a walking tour through a city's historical district is always a pleasant way to spend a few hours, and if you decide to book a stay at a dude ranch, horseback riding is bound to enter the picture. Golf, kayaking, and snowmobiling are just a few more ideas for things to do in Montana, so you can consider those activities as well. While enjoying a family vacation to Montana, the kids will have a blast viewing animals like wolves, bears, bighorn sheep, and elk. Start looking for your Montana vacation spots today, and plan your own unforgettable trip to Big Sky Country.