Why go
In addition to the famous highlights such as Glacier National Park, Missoula or Flathead Lake, Montana offers countless other attractions that enrich a journey. Historical western cities, spectacular panoramic streets, impressive state parks and impressive natural areas invite you to leave the planned route again and again for a worthwhile stopover.
These less well-known, yet easily accessible places make up the special charm of Montana and show why "Big Sky Country" has much more to offer than its famous national parks.
At a glance
Category | Information
Ideal for | Road trips, nature, history and panoramic roads
Duration of stay | A few hours to 2 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Visitors | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Nature experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Montana's oldest state park is a delight with one of the largest limestone cave systems in the north-west of the USA. Guided tours lead through impressive dripping information and huge cave spaces.
Giant Springs State Park
Great Falls is home to some of the largest natural freshwater springs in North America. The well-kept walks along the Missouri River are perfect for a relaxing stopover.
Makoshika State Park
The largest State Park Montanas surprises with bizarre Badlands, colored rock formations and numerous dinosaur finds. The landscape is sometimes reminiscent of the Badlands National Park, but is much less visited.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
On the border with Wyoming, a spectacular canyon with steep rock walls and deep blue water stretches. Boat trips, hiking tours and numerous viewpoints make the area a real secret tip for nature lovers.
Gates of the Mountains
To the north of Helena steep limestone rocks rise directly from the Missouri River. The impressive gorge is best explored on a boat trip.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
This historic cattle farm impressively conveys the life of the big ranches in the American West and offers exciting insights into Montana's history.
Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway
This varied panoramic road connects Anaconda with Georgetown Lake and leads through beautiful mountain landscapes with numerous viewpoints.
Missouri River Scenic Byway
The route follows the historic course of the Missouri River and combines spectacular landscapes with historical sites along the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Flathead Lake Scenic Drive
The complete circumnavigation of Flathead Lake is one of the most beautiful panoramic tours in Montana. Small villages, orchards and magnificent views of the lake await you on the way.
Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
This little-known mountain road leads through the Pioneer Mountains and offers impressive views, lakes and historic mine areas.
RV tip
Many of these sights can be easily integrated into an existing route and are ideal for a half-day or full day trip.
Insider tip
Plan enough time for spontaneous stops. Just along the Scenic Drives there are always small viewpoints, historical places or picnic spots.
Photo Tip
The most beautiful light conditions prevail in the early morning and in the last hour before sunset, when the wide landscapes are immersed in warm light.
Avoid frequent errors
Do not underestimate the great distances between individual attractions.
Tanks in rural areas early.
Check the weather conditions and possible closures in front of mountain roads.
Our recommendation
The great highlights of Montana are undoubtedly impressive. However, those who also integrate these additional attractions into their journey discover the enormous diversity of the state. Often it is the smaller State Parks, historic places or little-known panoramic roads that make a round trip particularly varied and unforgettable.