Montana located in the western United States, is one of the largest states in the country. Montana derives its name from the Spanish word for mountain because it includes part of the Rocky Mountain Range, and also shares a northern border with Canada. Although Montana is sparsely populated, it has a strong economy based on farming and ranching, mining, and tourism. Millions of visitors come to traverse the mountains and vast wilderness areas. Montana also has three entrances to the famous Yellowstone National Park.
Beginning in western Montanta and travelling along Interstate 90, the first stop will be the city of Missoula. Missoula is the second-largest city in Montana, with nearly one hundred thousand people in its metropolitan area. Missoula is located in a deep valley where the Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River and Blackfoot River meet. Recreation can be found in the nearby Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreational Area. Missoula is also the home of the University of Montana, the Adventure Cycling Association, and the Missoula Art Museum.
Travelling north from Missoula on Route 93, you will encounter the city of Kalispell. Kalispell is an important city for business in northwestern Montana, as well as a tourist city that is just thirty minutes from Big Mountain Ski Resort, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.
South on Route 93 is the small town of Corvallis. With less than five hundred residents, Corvallis is a great place to soak up the uninhabited wilderness, mountain views with skiing, hiking and biking, and fishing in nearby lakes and river.
Hamilton, with a population of four thousand, is the largest town in the Bitterroot River Valley. Mountain biking and skiing are popular recreational activities, and Hamilton is known for its excellent hunting and fishing. Additional outdoor scenery can be found in the nearby Bitterroot National Forest, and Hamilton is just one stop along the Bitterroot Valley Scenic Highway.
At the intersection of Interstate 15 and Interstate 90 lies the city of Butte. Butte is an interesting place to visit with a long history as a mining town, dating back to the late 1800s. Historic venues such as the Berkley Pit copper mine, Mai Wah Asian History Museum, and the Copper King Mansion are a must-see. Trolley Tours through the town showcase various landmarks and are a great way to explore the city of Butte.
Slightly north of Butte, on Interstate 15 is the city of Helena, the capital of Montana. The Great Divide Ski Area is local destination located just north of Helena. Mount Helena and Helena Lake are also located within the city, along with the Canyon Ferry and Hauser Lake Reservoir, Spring Meadow Lake, and the Park Lake Campground.
Great Falls is located along a large chain of waterfalls on the Missouri River. The waterfalls are the source of power for five nearby hydroelectric dams, giving Great Falls the nickname of the "Electric City". With a population of about fifty thousand, Great Falls is the third-largest city in Montana. Explore the area on the Great Falls Historic Trolley and visit the nearby Ulm Pishkun State Park and the Giant Springs Heritage State Park. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, the Cascade County Historical Society Museum, and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center are a few more interesting places to visit.
The furthest northern point you will reach on Interstate 15 is the town of Shelby. At the Marias Museum of History and Art you can learn about the city of Shelby and the surrounding area.
Travelling south from Butte on Interstate 15, you will reach the city of Dillon. A few of the places to see in Dillon include the historic Main Street, Beaverhead County Museum, and Siedensticker Wildlife Collection. The Bannack State Park, home of the first gold discovery in Montana, is located nearby.
Driving back along Interstate 90, you will come to the city of Bozeman. Bozeman is named for the Bozeman Trail, which connected the Montana to the Oregon Trail. Surrounded by four mountain ranges, wilderness areas, and rivers, Bozeman is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montana. Interesting attractions in Bozeman include the Museum of the Rockies, Pioneer Museum, and the nearby Bridger Bowl Ski Area. Shopping and dining along with historic remnants can be found along Main Street Bozeman.
Livingston is located on the Yellowstone River, between the Gallatin Mountains and the Crazy Mountains. Livingston is known local artist's community. Live theatre, art galleries, and museums are numerous in Livingston.
Just south of Bozeman and Livingston along US Route 191 is the city of Big Sky . Big Sky is about halfway between the cities of Bozeman and West Yellowstone. Big Sky is a major skiing destination, near the Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Lone Mountain. Resorts in Big Sky are year-round places, offering golf, horseback riding, and hiking and biking during the summer.
One of the southernmost places in Montana is the town of West Yellowstone. West Yellowstone is the gateway to the famous Yellowstone National Park. West Yellowstone is the trout fishing capital of the world and contains two lakes and the Madison River. Downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular pastimes in this area of high elevation, which receives a large amount of snowfall in the winter. To learn more about the area, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and the Museum of the Yellowstone.
Farther east on Interstate 90 lies the city of Laurel. Laurel is a small German-influenced city with about five thousand residents. In Laurel you can visit the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range, Laurel Golf Club, and Caboose Salon and Casino, and still be near to Yellowstone National Park and the cities of Billings and Red Lodge.
Billings is the largest city in Montana with over one hundred thousand residents. As a large city, Billings features many interesting places to see like the Zoo Montana, Yellowstone Art Museum, and the Alberta Bair Theatre. Nearby attractions include Yellowstone National Park, the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn, and Pompey's Pillars.
Travel slightly south from Billings along Route 212 to find the city of Red Lodge. Red Lodge is a small farming and resort community at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains.
As Interstate 90 winds farther east it turns into Interstate 94. Here you will find Miles City. Miles City is a unique Western-influenced town with ten thousand residents. Popular attractions include the Range Riders Museum and Custer County Art Museum.
For those that love outdoor adventures, and even those who like to sightsee and take photographs, there could not be more perfect a destination than Montana. Travel National Scenic Byways by car or motorcycle to capture all the beauty of Montana, and go for a hike or bike ride to take in the scenery up close. The Big Sky Country of Montana is an untouched paradise.
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