Summertime is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get a head start on vacation planning. Whether you take an annual trip to Montana or you're visiting for the first time, there’s truly something for everyone here. From vast mountainscapes to beautiful alpine lakes, and lively cities to historic ghost towns, you’re in for a real treat!
If you're planning a road trip through Big Sky Country but aren’t sure where to begin, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of must-see spots that belong on your Montana summer bucket list!
Yellowstone National Park
If you have an adventurous spirit and are looking for ways to flex it this summer, then you cannot miss Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was established in 1872, making it the world's first national park. With over 2.2 million acres of beautiful scenery, wildlife, and mind-blowing geothermal features, people travel from all over the world to check it out!
Yellowstone is shared between three states; Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. While the majority of the park is located in Wyoming, we're lucky enough here in Montana to have three of the five entrances! If you're heading off on your Big Sky State adventure and want to enter the park, head out to the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT), West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT), or Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). Once you make it in, here are the areas and landmarks that you shouldn't miss:
Old Faithful Geyser
If you're running on a jam-packed sight-seeing schedule, and thrive on predictability, you'll love visiting Old Faithful Geyser. Erupting approximately every 90 minutes and shoots water up to 180 feet in the air. It’s one of the most iconic natural geothermal features in the U.S. Click here for Old Faithful eruption predictions!
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in the United States and is well-known for its rainbow-colored rings. The beautiful colorway of this hot spring is caused by heat-loving bacteria that thrive in the various temperature zones of the spring. How neat is that? If you're looking for a stunning, panoramic view of this attraction, head to the overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail!
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If you love all the beautiful scenery that will truly make you say "wow", then make sure to stop by the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This natural canyon, carved out by the Yellowstone River, shows off steep cliffside and two waterfalls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls! For a one-of-a-kind view and excellent photo ops stop by Artist Point. It's a showstopper!
Mammoth Hot Springs
For those of you who love seeing the type of attraction that you won't find anywhere else in the world, Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-see! You'll be awestruck at the otherworldly, terraced limestone formations created by the hot spring. This area is also very easily accessible with boardwalk trails to explore!
Lamar Valley
If you're heading to Yellowstone National Park with wildlife-watching in mind, you'll want to drive through Lamar Valley. This beautiful area has been coined as "America's Serengeti", and for good reason! This valley is one of the best places in the park to see wildlife like wolves, elk, bears, and of course, the famous American Bison! The best time to see wildlife is from dusk to dawn, and always remember to respect the wildlife and keep your distance. This isn't a petting zoo!
Lone bull bison walking in the road in Lamar Valley
Looking for a fun way to keep those Yellowstone road trip memories alive for a lifetime? Shop our collection of Yellowstone National Park Souvenirs!
Downtown Bozeman
On your Montana road trip, be sure to stop in Bozeman for a dose of small-town charm, delicious food, and even better shopping! We might be a little biased, but we truly believe downtown Bozeman is one of the best in the country, with bustling nightlife, cozy cafés, incredible restaurants, and shops galore!
You really can't go wrong anywhere downtown, but here are a few of our favorite stops:
Montana Gift Corral
Shameless plug here! If you're exploring downtown Bozeman, make sure to swing by our flagship location at 237 E. Main Street. Housed in a beautiful historic brick building, you'll have the opportunity to shop fun made-in-Montana and Montana-inspired gifts. This year, we’ve made a big push to grow our collection of Montana gifts and souvenirs, featuring makers from every corner of the state. Home decor, food, jewelry, apparel, and so much more, we're your one-stop shop in downtown Bozeman!
Main Street Overeasy
If you're hoping to start your adventure in downtown Bozeman off with a bang, you're going to love Main Street Overeasy. This stop is a local favorite for an incredible breakfast and brunch. Known for its hearty portions, friendly staff, and classic comfort food with a Montana twist, it's the kind of place that hits the spot whether you're craving pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or a strong cup of coffee. There’s also a little coffee bar right next door called Cool Beans Espresso, and the best part? You can order from it right at your table while enjoying your breakfast. Pro tip: get there early, this place fills up fast, especially on weekends, and for good reason!
Zocalo Coffee House
For all of those coffee lovers, Bozeman is absolutely the place to be. We have several local cafes dotted around town, but if you want to stick downtown, try out Zocalo Coffee House. This gem has a super cozy, quirky atmosphere, and some of the best coffee around. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends, get some work done upstairs, or just relax with a chai and people-watch!
Country Bookshelf
If you are a bookworm and love shopping at small-town indie shops, you'll want to make a stop at Country Bookshelf. This woman-owned store has been around since 1957 and has been a focus point of our community for decades! Not only are they packed top to bottom with hand-picked books, cards, journals, and cozy reading nooks, but they even host author events, poetry nights, and book clubs.
Blackbird Bozeman
After a day full of adventure in downtown Bozeman, there's nothing better than settling in for some delicious food and a glass of great wine. At Blackbird, you get just that! With an open kitchen and wood-fired oven in full view, this cozy spot serves up house‑made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal small plates, and more. It’s perfect for date night or dinner with friends, and their wine list hits just right!
Glacier National Park
For those summer adventurers who adore hiking to stunning, scenic spots, be sure to visit Glacier National Park in northwest Montana! Established in 1910, Glacier is, in our not-so-humble opinion, one of the most beautiful areas in the world. The park features over 700 miles of hiking trails, pristine mountain lakes, and wildlife in every direction!
Here are our top five areas that you should check out in Glacier National Park:
Going-to-the-Sun Road
If Going-to-the-Sun Road isn't on your GNP to-dos, it absolutely should be! This scenic, 50-mile drive winds through the heart of the park. Along the way, you'll find jaw-dropping views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. It's a bucket list experience in itself!
Pro Tip: Between late May and mid-September, Going-to-the-Sun Road requires a timed entry reservation between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., book early on Recreation.gov, as passes sell out fast!
Lake McDonald
If you're on the hunt for a well-deserved lake day, head over to Lake McDonald! It's the largest lake in the park, known for its crystal-clear waters and colorful rocks. Great for kayaking, photography, and sunset views! Our recommendation? Pack a picnic with your favorite Montana foods and treats, find a cozy spot, and enjoy watching the beautiful mountain sunset over the water.
Logan Pass
Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road and a popular trailhead for iconic hikes like Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail. Roaming around this area, you can expect beautiful Montana wildflowers and maybe even mountain goat sightings!
Many Glacier
Many Glacier is often considered the "heart of Glacier National Park." It boasts stunning peaks, lakes, and some of the park’s best hikes like Grinnell Glacier. It’s also great for wildlife spotting, with a great chance of seeing moose, mountain goats, and bears. By staying at or near the historic Many Glacier Hotel, you'll also have some of the best sunrise views in the park, overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake!
Two Medicine
Two Medicine is located in the southeast corner of GNP and is well-loved for its direct access to forested trails with gorgeous mountain views! The name “Two Medicine” comes from the Blackfeet tribe, who considered the area sacred and used it for spiritual ceremonies. If you're looking for a fun, yet relaxing activity, you can take boat tours on Two Medicine Lake, and enjoy fewer crowds than other parts of the park!
Shop our selection of Glacier National Park gifts and souvenirs here!
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure. Famous for its unique limestone caves, set with stalactites and stalagmites, this park offers stunning underground tours alongside beautiful hiking trails and scenic views. Plus, you can grab a tasty snack nearby and find the perfect Montana gift to remember your trip!
Guided Tours
At Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, you can pick between two great guided tours. The Classic Tour is a longer, more active walk through the main cavern with amazing rock formations. The Paradise Tour is shorter and easier, perfect if you want a more relaxed pace. Either way, make sure to book your tour ahead, spots fill up quickly, especially in summer!
The Limespur Cafe
The Limespur Café has that classic diner vibe you’ll love, cozy, welcoming, and full of Montana charm. The name "Limespur" is inspired by the nearby Limespur Cave, which was named by Dan Morrison, a local miner and investor, who first developed the cave for public tours around 1900! Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a creamy ice cream cone, or a cold soda to cool off, this spot serves up all the comfort food classics that hit the spot after a day of adventure.
Montana Gift Corral
Another shameless plug, because why not? Before heading out, make a quick stop at our Montana Gift Corral (hi, that’s us!) location at the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park for Montana-made gifts, unique souvenirs, and the perfect way to remember your visit to this one-of-a-kind spot.
Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212)
The Beartooth Highway is a must for any Montana summer bucket list or road trip, it’s one of the most scenic drives in the country, and it totally lives up to the hype. With crazy mountain views, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and plenty of spots to stop and explore, it’s the kind of drive that turns into an adventure all on its own. Whether you're just passing through or making a full day of it, the Beartooth is pure Montana magic! Here are a couple of spots you definitely need to schedule into your Beartooth Highway itinerary:
Beartooth Lake
Tucked along the Beartooth Pass and not too far from Cooke City (about 23 miles), Beartooth Lake is crystal clear, surrounded by wildflowers in the summer, and backed by dramatic peaks. That's what we call postcard material! Whether you stop for a picnic, a quick walk along the shoreline, or just to sit and take it all in, Beartooth Lake is the kind of place that makes the Beartooth Highway drive totally worth it.
Rock Creek Vista Point
Rock Creek Vista Point is hands-down one of our favorite stops along the Beartooth Highway. Perched high above the canyon, this overlook gives you sweeping views of the Beartooth Mountains! There’s a big viewing platform, plenty of parking, and it’s an easy spot to stretch your legs and soak in the views. It's definitely a must-see on your Montana summer bucket list!
These stunning spots are the building blocks to an unforgettable summer adventure in Montana, now all that’s missing is you!
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