Montana

Understand

Montana is the 4th largest state by land mass in the United States at 145,552 square miles, however the state ranks 44th in population with just under a million residents, most of whom are clustered around cities and towns. The state features wide open spaces, lonesome highways and dramatic scenery, both to the east and west of the continental divide. Residents of Montana often classify themselves as either easterners or westerners, depending upon their geographic home. The west is often considered more picturesque, but is also more populated and heavily touristed. The eastern half of the state is more sparsely populated, with low lying plains, bluffs and cliffs. Attitude-wise, the west is generally considered more liberal, while the east, with its large ranching and agricultural operations, is considered more conservative. The state economy is primarily based on agriculture, ranching, logging and mining as well as tourism. Montana observes all the federal holidays, and adds Election Day (always on a Tuesday, from November 2nd to 8th). However, there may not be an election in an odd-numbered year, and local and preliminary ("primary") elections throughout the year are not holidays.

Tourist information Visit Montana website

Getting there

Most visitors to Montana will drive; however, the state is easily accessible by air. Some major points of entry are Billings (BIL IATA), Missoula (MSO IATA), Helena (HLN IATA), Great Falls (GTF IATA), Bozeman (BZN IATA) and Kalispell (FCA IATA). A pretty popular and creative way is Amtrak's legendary Empire Builder. The train has 12 stops in Montana (from east to west: Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning/Oct-1 through May 1, East Glacier/May 1 through Oct 1, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish, Libby), and takes passengers to Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago from Montana's Hi-Line and Glacier National Park. Tickets should be purchased in advance, and it is generally cheaper to do so. Staffed Amtrak stations in Montana are Wolf Point, Havre, Shelby, East Glacier (when open), and Whitefish. Major airports serve the seven largest communities, which in addition to the three cities listed in include Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman and Kalispell. Regional carriers serve some smaller communities.

Getting around

Montana is a large state - a trip via interstate from the far eastern town of Wibaux to the western border town of Mullan, ID is over 700 miles (1120 km), an estimated 12-hour trip. Because residents must often drive long distances to get from one place to another, they generally love their cars - especially their SUVs and other 4-wheel drive vehicles that do well in the often hazardous winter weather. Therefore, it is necessary for visitors to consider renting a car to get around Montana as public transportation between cities & towns is limited at great distances. If a visitor cannot or will not rent a car, the following options are available:

By train

Amtrak's Empire Builder goes across Northern Montana stopping at Libby, Whitefish, West Glacier, Essex, East Glacier (seasonally), Browning (seasonally), Cut Bank, Shelby, Havre, Malta, Glasgow, and Wolf Point. The train continues west to Spokane and Seattle/Portland and east to St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

By plane

Daily regional flights to various locations throughout the state are provided by Great Lakes Airlines. Service from major hubs (such as Seattle, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Denver) continues from airports at Billings, Belgrade(Bozeman), Butte, Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, and Kalispell.

By bus

Information on transit can be found from APTA.

Airport Shuttle Express, ☏ +1 403 509-1570. Offers shared ride van shuttles to East/West Glacier, Whitefish, Kalispell, Glacier National Park, and most towns in northern Montana on request from the Calgary Airport. (updated Jul 2015) Arrows (Express) Stage Lines (Black Hills Stage Lines), ☏ +1 402 371-3850, toll-free: +1-877-779-2999. Goes south from Billings to Lovell, Wyoming, via Laurel and Edgar (Montana) along I-90/US-310 on one route and to Denver via Hardin, Montana; Sheridan, Montana; Buffalo, Wyoming; Casper, Wyoming; etc., along the I-90/I-25 on another. (updated Jul 2015) Jefferson Lines, toll-free: +1-800-451-5333. Tra

See

Wildlife include deer, elk, moose, bison, big horn sheep, mountain goats, bears (black and grizzly), coyotes, wolves (mostly in Yellowstone), mountain lions, and bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Do

Montana has a recreational opportunity for every adventure seeker, every season, and every mode of transit -- by land, by boat, by bike or all terrain vehicle, there's something to keep you occupied in Montana.

Watersports

Whitewater Rafting - many Montana rivers, especially in the western part of the state, offer world class rapids. Many companies offer float trips of varying degrees of difficulty and length. Rafting on your own is greatly discouraged due to the extreme danger often found in mountain rivers. Boating - bring your powerboat, canoe, kayak or schooner and find a lake, river or stream to wile away the day. Kayak and canoe rentals are widely available. Floating - a unique Montana experience. Rent inner tubes, take a cooler of beer and float a river with a few, or a bunch, of your closest friends on a hot day. Pick a river that's wide and slow, or fast with rapids, and enjoy the view from a cool Montana waterway. Fly fishing - iconically Montana due to the movie A River Runs Through It, which was filmed along parts of the Blackfoot river in Western Montana, anglers flock to rivers in the late spring and summer months to catch the "big one". Outfitters available for guided trips, or to rent you the gear you'll need. Ask a local for a good spot.

Mountain pursuits Hiking/Backpacking Mountain biking Climbing Off road vehicles Horseback riding Wagon Train Adventures Happy Pappy's Holdup Whoopah Ride

Winter sports

Skiing/snowboarding. Montana has two large resort ski areas, Big Sky and Big Mountain, as well as smaller local hills. Check individual websites for current conditions and pricing. The mountains usually open around mid-late December and remain open into April, sometimes May. There are also options for backcountry and heli-skiing. (updated Jun 2023)

Bear Paw Big Mountain Big Sky - This is a large resort area located 45 minutes south of Bozeman. This has two mountains, lots of lifts, including "The Tram," a gondola to the top of Lone Peak.

Eat

For a state generally associated with cattle chomping green grass underneath big blue skies, Montana has quite a bit to offer outside of meat and potatoes. Within cities and settled areas you should find a good variety of the ubiquitous fast food drive-thrus, homey cafes and diners, delis, steakhouses, Mexican cantinas, noodle and Asian grills and the odd Indian or Sushi restaurant. In rural areas, however, your selection may be much more limited. Every small town will have at least one eatery, even if it's a cafe stuffed i